The Stars and Stripes, Vol. 1, No. 1, February 8, 1918 / The American Soldiers' Newspaper of World War I, 1918-1919

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25085

Title

The Stars and Stripes, Vol. 1, No. 1, February 8, 1918 / The American Soldiers' Newspaper of World War I, 1918-1919

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

The Stars and Stripes, Vol. 1, No. 1, published February 8, 1918, serves as the official newspaper for the American Expeditionary Forces in France. Written by soldiers for soldiers, this inaugural issue offers Commander-in-Chief John J. Pershing's welcome, detailed regulations on leave and conduct, and vivid frontline accounts. It balances official directives with gritty humor, soldier poetry, and reports on the harsh realities of trench life, prisoner treatment, and the unique logistical challenges of the American army in Europe.

Summary up to 500 words

Published on February 8, 1918, in France, the first issue of *The Stars and Stripes* establishes itself as the official voice of the American Expeditionary Forces (A.E.F.). Commander-in-Chief John J. Pershing opens with a message of pride and duty, addressing the first contingent of Americans to fight on European soil. He emphasizes that while these soldiers are fortunate to be there, they bear a commensurate duty to perform with the same eagerness and determination as Americans of the past. The paper, written by the men in service, aims to speak the thoughts of the new American Army and the people who recruited it. The issue immediately addresses logistical realities, clarifying misconceptions about leave policies. Soldiers are granted seven-day leaves every four months to designated zones like Savoy, with special 'pink tickets' allowing limited access to Paris to prevent overcrowding. Strict rules govern travel, requiring neat appearance, proper identification, and adherence to schedules. The paper features a diverse mix of content reflecting the soldier experience. A poem titled 'Off for the Trenches' captures the grim determination of troops marching into Lorraine. Humorous yet dark articles describe a Red Cross 'Tooth Yanking Car,' a 'motorized torture chamber' that chases soldiers rather than waiting for them. The paper also addresses the severe mistreatment of American prisoners by German forces, detailing forced labor cleaning latrines, ridicule involving tall-hatted negroes, and starvation rations, while noting clandestine aid from the French population. Significant space is dedicated to refuting rumors of moral decay among American troops. The paper cites statistics showing low arrest rates for drunkenness and discipline infractions compared to claims by critics, and includes endorsements from Protestant and Catholic chaplains attesting to the army's high moral standards. Practical updates include the adoption of the new 'Oversea Cap,' regulations on ambulance ventilation to prevent gas poisoning, increased rations for hard laborers, and bans on purchasing hard liquor from French civilians. The issue concludes with advertisements from various American businesses operating in Paris, offering uniforms, banking services, and optical goods to the troops, reinforcing the connection between the home front and the overseas command.

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Categories

• History
• Periodicals