Pershing's Crusaders: The American Soldier in World War I

Richard S. Faulkner's Pershing's Crusaders examines the experiences of American soldiers who served in World War I through extensive research of primary sources, including letters, diaries, and military records. The book tracks these soldiers from their civilian lives through training, deployment, combat, and return home. The narrative focuses on the personal transformations of Americans who entered military service, documenting their reactions to military discipline, living conditions, and the realities of modern warfare. Faulkner reconstructs daily life in the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) through accounts of training, camp life, relationships between officers and enlisted men, and encounters with European allies. The text analyzes the military effectiveness and combat performance of American troops, addressing questions about training, leadership, tactics, and morale. Faulkner examines both successes and failures of the AEF, incorporating perspectives from multiple ranks and units. Through its focus on individual experiences, the book presents the human dimension of America's participation in World War I, revealing how the conflict shaped both military institutions and American society. This social history approach provides insights into the broader impact of military service on American culture and values during this pivotal period.

Readers note this book provides granular details about American soldiers' daily experiences in WWI, from training through combat. Many appreciate the depth of research using soldiers' letters, diaries, and military records. Likes: - Coverage of often-overlooked aspects like training camps, morale, and soldiers' relationships with French civilians - Clear writing style that balances academic rigor with accessibility - Extensive use of first-hand accounts and personal stories - Focus on ordinary soldiers rather than generals Dislikes: - Length (728 pages) can be overwhelming for casual readers - Some sections on training/preparation seen as too detailed - Price point ($45+) noted as barrier by several readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (28 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (31 reviews) Notable review quote: "Most comprehensive account of the American soldier's WWI experience I've read. The details about camp life and training were fascinating." - Amazon reviewer

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🎖️ Before training millions of men for WWI, the U.S. Army in 1917 had only 5,791 regular officers and 2,573 National Guard officers to serve as instructors. 🗣️ Due to language barriers, many immigrant soldiers struggled with basic training, leading some camps to create "Development Battalions" where non-English speakers could learn the language while training. ⚕️ The 1918 influenza pandemic hit American training camps particularly hard, with some facilities losing up to 10% of their personnel to the disease. 🎯 American soldiers received significantly less rifle training than their European counterparts, with many getting only a few weeks of marksmanship practice before deployment. 🏅 Author Richard S. Faulkner is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who teaches at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, bringing both academic expertise and military experience to his analysis.