Today marks over a century since the American Expeditionary Forces, or AEF, suffered their first fatalities during World War I on September 4, 1917. The AEF played a crucial role in the Allied efforts against the Central Powers, and today, we’ll explore its formation, its contributions on the Western Front, and the challenges it faced during this pivotal time in history.
The American Expeditionary Forces were officially established on July 5, 1917, following the United States' entry into World War I in April of that same year. Commanded by Major General John J. Pershing, the AEF was tasked with joining the Allies—primarily France and Britain—in their fight against the German Empire on the Western Front. At its inception, the AEF faced a daunting task: integrating into a war that had already been raging for three years, on foreign soil, with soldiers who had little to no experience in modern warfare.
Initially, the American presence in France was modest. By June 1917, only about 14,000 American soldiers had arrived on European soil. It would take several months for the AEF to grow into a formidable force. During the summer of 1918, the AEF’s numbers swelled to over one million troops. This was no small feat considering the logistical challenges of transporting a massive army across the Atlantic Ocean. The United States, which had a limited number of transport ships, had to commandeer passenger liners, seize German ships, and borrow vessels from its Allies to facilitate the movement of troops. These efforts required an unprecedented mobilization of resources and a rapid expansion of military infrastructure.
The first American troops, affectionately called “Doughboys,” landed in Europe in June 1917. Their presence bolstered the morale of the beleaguered Allies. However, the AEF's initial role was limited to training and preparation. It wasn’t until October 21, 1917, that the 1st Division fired the first American artillery shell of the war towards German lines. By this time, a contingent of regular soldiers had entered the trenches near Nancy, in Lorraine, France. It was in these early days of October that the AEF began to experience the brutal reality of trench warfare, and soon, on September 4, 1917, they suffered their first combat fatalities—a somber reminder of the sacrifices that lay ahead.
The AEF’s involvement on the Western Front evolved significantly as the war progressed. In the summer of 1918, they played a critical role in the Aisne Offensive, a counter-offensive operation against the German forces. This was just a prelude to their major engagements later that year, including the Battle of Saint-Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. These battles were among the largest and most significant American-led operations of the war, demonstrating the growing effectiveness and impact of American forces on the battlefield.
However, the road to these victories was not easy. The American military had to overcome numerous logistical and organizational challenges. Upon arrival in France, the AEF had to navigate a complex network of European railways to move troops and supplies to the front. The French ports of Bordeaux, Saint Nazaire, La Pallice, and Brest became key entry points. From these ports, American engineers constructed nearly 1,000 miles of new railway tracks, 82 new ship berths, and laid over 100,000 miles of telephone and telegraph lines to support the war effort. These infrastructural feats were critical to maintaining the flow of men and materials necessary for sustained combat operations.
Despite the hardships, the AEF's efforts were instrumental in the final year of World War I. The influx of fresh American troops provided a much-needed boost to the weary Allied forces, contributing significantly to the eventual defeat of the Central Powers. The presence of American forces on the front lines symbolized not only a new phase in the war but also a shift in global power dynamics, with the United States emerging as a significant player on the world stage.
As we remember the sacrifices of those who served in the AEF, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice on this day over a century ago, we honor their courage and commitment. Their contributions were pivotal in shaping the course of World War I and, ultimately, the history of the 20th century.
September 4, 1917 - America's First Fatalities in WW1