In 1917, U.S. military forces began to deploy to France and contributed significantly to the Allied defeat of Imperial Germany along the Western Front in 1918. "The War to End All Wars"--World War I--was the larges, most destructive war in human history up to that point. More than a century later, as the country looks back, it is important to develop a deeper connection to the hearts and minds of the two million American soldiers sent overseas to fight in this major conflict. Private First Class Elmer O. Smith of Michigan was one of those brave soldiers. This book places Private Smith's war diary and letters into historical context, describing how a typical American soldier underwent rigorous training and then fought bravely with his unit against a determined German army foe in the brutal conditions and carnage of the Western Front. Seriously wounded in an artillery attack on his third day at the front, Private Smith recovered from the injuries and returned to carry out his combat duties during the last crucial ninety days of the war. -- Back cover.

Introduction: pre-war life in Michigan -- Enlistment in Lansing, Michigan -- Mobilization at Camp Grayling, Michigan -- Training at Camp MacArthur, Texas -- Day by day, the 1918 diary -- Movement to France -- Coetquidan, artillery training in France -- Wounded in action -- Back in the fight at the front, the Aisne-Marne Offensive -- Fierce combat in the Oise-Aisne Offensive -- The final push, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive -- The armistice and duty afterwards -- Summary of combat service -- Furlough and final months in France -- The return home to Michigan -- Epilogue: a lifetime of service.