One hundred years ago today, the U.S. First Division in France went on offense for the first time, facing the best military, maybe in the world.
Among Germany's enemies, Russia had quit the war and endured revolution. Britain, France and Italy were about spent after 3-1/2 years of battle.
President Wilson had promised not to get involved, until it appeared that world democracy was at stake.
It had been 53 years since Americans saw combat, in 1865. The implements of war were much advanced over the days of Lee and Grant.
Historians still debate the origins of World War I. Hundreds of thousands of Americans joined an army that scarcely existed.
Citizens planted victory gardens, bought war bonds and endured rations, for a cause of no material benefit to the nation. They rallied for an idea: democracy; and for a right: freedom.
German commanders were skeptical of American power and resolve. During the spring offensive of 1918, they pounded Yankee defensive positions for effect, including use of gas.
In its first independent action, the First Division under Lt. Col. George Marshall took a town in one day, and never stopped advancing. We celebrate the victory on November 11, and remember the cost on Memorial Day.
Individuals such as Eddie Rickenbacker and Sgt. Alvin York became heroes. U.S. Marines and other forces earned high praise.
African-Americans - second-class citizens - had to fight under the French flag. Their heroism earned high praise from the enemy, which called them the (Harlem) Hell Fighters.
Several months of combat and disease took 117,465 lives. Others came home wounded or disabled by exposure to gas.
Source: Scott Arceneaux, president of a political consulting firm.
Today, we have complicated diplomatic/military issues in the Middle East and Asia, economic and cyber issues with other nations, and 100 years of further weapons development.
Will it ever end? Not until Jesus returns to break the nations and dispatch evil spirits, says the Bible.
Jimmy
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