U.S. Enters the War
General John J. Pershing
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The U.S. officially joined the Great War on April 6, 1917. Under the command of General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing, the American Army was called the American Expeditionary Force (AEF).
When Congress declared war, the Army numbered just over 200,000 men, much too small a number to enter into war. Recruitment, followed by a draft, was crucial in bringing the American military to full strength to fight in the war. With all the new volunteers and conscripted recruits joining, it took time to train the troops for battle. In June 1917, the first AEF troops arrived in France, but the majority of troops arrived in 1918. |
Captain Roy Perkins
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Growing the Ranks
Recruitment began nationwide to fill troop ranks. National Guard companies were instructed to fill ranks to capacity, 100-150 men.
At the start of recruitment, Salina’s Company M had 51 men. By mid-May, they needed only 11 more men to reach 150. It was advertised that once they reached the limit, other men would fall subject to the impending draft.
In all, more than 80,000 Kansans joined the military during World War I. Besides the 35th Division, the 42nd, 89th and 92nd infantry divisions had heavy Kansas populations.
At the start of recruitment, Salina’s Company M had 51 men. By mid-May, they needed only 11 more men to reach 150. It was advertised that once they reached the limit, other men would fall subject to the impending draft.
In all, more than 80,000 Kansans joined the military during World War I. Besides the 35th Division, the 42nd, 89th and 92nd infantry divisions had heavy Kansas populations.
Saline's Sixteen
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On May 18, 1917, the Selective Service Act was passed which authorized the draft. All men between the ages of 21 and 31 were required to fill out a registration card. In Saline County, a total of 2,111 men registered. From that, only 46 went before the review board for examination.
Sixteen men were officially drafted in Saline County. They were known locally as “Saline’s Sixteen.” An additional three men served as alternates. On September 20, 1917, they departed for training at Camp Funston. There was no special sendoff ceremony. The sixteen men included: Ralph Pruitt, Ernest Fred Frost, Albert E. Melius, Lucien Baker Matthews, Elmer Carl Lindholm, Hjalmer Emil Nyberg, Albert E. Hutchinson, Harry Asa Muir, Delmar Leland Young, Perry Carr King, Clarence B. Nelson, Robert L. Cunningham, Oliver C. Henry, Jr. Charles Cecil Faulconer, LeRoy Allen and Walter Herman. |
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Saline's Sixteen