BOOK REVIEW:
AN AMERICAN SOLDIER IN WORLD WAR I

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History xxx xxxx
November x, xxxx

An American Soldier in World War I

Any individual in one way or another is part of History just by living during a certain time period. This setting takes place during World War I. Through a soldier and his fiancée their constant letters written back and forth to each other also serve as an avenue for the reader to understand in more detail what transpired during this horrific war. Amazingly, by using these letters a new historical book was born, “An American Soldier in World War I.” George Browne, Brownie, chooses to enlist in the Army when the United States declares war with Germany on April 6, 1917. In early, July Browine was processed into the army and was assigned to the 117th Engineers Regiment, 42nd Division. Preparation and training became of utmost importance. This account took place around September 29, 1917. The preparation for the men was unfortunately limited. The shortage of equipment was one major issue. With the means being unavailable, only certain drills like elementary, close order, and those of the brigades existed. The training of the officers and soldiers alike was a very aggressive lifestyle. On the other hand, they participated in wholesome games while making many lasting friendships. On September 2, 1917 they finally arrived in France. The trip over to France from the United States was not positive. It took forever across the Atlantic Ocean and many guys got seasick. Our lack of having inadequate ships caused us to find or build some. The soldiers could not stand the unsanitary conditions that they were experiencing in France. Our General Pershing was chosen by President Woodrow Wilson to head the American troops in France. The French agreed on a specific area where their French forces will ultimately train the American soldiers in trench warfare in an area of less danger. New American troops were needed and they arrived on March 24. The first American Division who assumed to have independent control on the front lines actually occurred on April 1. The knowledge of gas warfare by the Americans was extremely poor. Those forms of attacks were used by our enemies in the war. They contained chlorine, chloropicrin, phosgene, tear, and mustard. Maps were made for targeted areas. Engineers assumed the responsibility to build practice trenches for training. The soldiers who survived combat in late July and early August were very fortunate. Their division suffered more than eight thousand casualties from July 5 to August 6 out of twenty-seven thousand. Brownie in writing to Marty sums it up like this, “this makes a guy feel the uselessness of war when he sees men being shot up and killed!” Leaving Baccarat proved to be memorable in a positive way since his division was on the front lines more than any other American group. Their next orders were to go to Champagne and the Battle of Ourcq River. General Gourand was one of the best French Generals. General Douglas MacArthur is the chief of staff of the Rainbow Division that proceeds to acknowledge that General Gourand had one arm missing along with half a leg, but still was known as one of the best Generals. His perseverance was exemplified regardless of his disabilities. The entire war experience of the wounded became horrifying. The 42nd Division shared in the grief by observing approximately six hundred wounded or dead men. A corporal acknowledged to his dismay that the odor of dead things permeates the atmosphere everywhere. Brownies’ engineers still had to maintain existing bridges and buildings to enable the infantry to receive the supplies needed. Close hand-to-hand combat and numerous casualties marked July 28. Bayonets were the only attack order used here. Three key villages attacked were Villers – Sur – Fere, Sergy, and Seringes – et – Nesles and the surrounding forum. Americans First Army plan of attack was at Saint – Mikiel on September 12, 1918. The German resistance became very light as the American’s skills became strong. Even though the AEF emerged from the Meuse – Argonne triumphant it was a “bloody” battle. Brownie’s dream comes true and the war ends on November 11, 1918. Marty and Brownie are finally reunited after this grueling war. Brownie’s discharge was officially on February 18, 1919. Their new city they resided in after their marriage was in Waterbury where Brownie worked as a civil engineer. Marty stayed home and was able to collect antiques and also enjoyed gardening. Children were wanted, but God had his own reasons not to have them conceive. Retirement for them was to Morris where Brownie died on September 12, 1971 and Marty died on October 16, 1987. What strength their relationship had because of God being in both their lives. The letters from day one never ceased. This is truly a Christian relationship that endured through tough times. I pray that when God helps me to find a Christian wife our relationship would continue to also be very concrete. The assistance of first the Lord and then other fellow believers has proved to be portrayed in this phenomenal historical book by George E. Browne and David L. Snead. This is the most intriguing style of writing I have seen. It requires immense knowledge and historical background to use these letters to portray a large amount of information regarding World War I. Three major topics are included in this book. Training and preparation are addressed first. Combat is the second topic covered. Last, but not least, Brownie and Marty’s relationship which is indicated within their letters followed by their infamous wedding. What a well written book! I would not hesitate to pass this book to any of my friends, God uses various avenues to reach individuals in whatever way he sees fit.
N:
George Browne, and David L. Snead, An American Soldier in World War I, (Lavergne, TN: University of Nebraska Press, 2014).

B:
Browne, George and Snead L. David. An American Soldier in World War I. Lavergne, TN: University of Nebraska Press, 2014.

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[ 1 ]. 1. George Browne, and David L. Snead, An American Soldier in World War I, (Lavergne, TN: University of Nebraska Press, 2014), 26.
[ 2 ]. . George Browne, and David L. Snead, An American Soldier in World War I, (Lavergne, TN: University of Nebraska Press, 2014), 87.
[ 3 ]. . Ibid., 104.
[ 4 ]. . George Browne, and David L. Snead, An American Soldier in World War I, (Lavergne, TN: University of Nebraska Press, 2014),140.
[ 5 ]. . Ibid., 150.
[ 6 ]. . Ibid., 151.