World War I soldier's material (1918-1919), including a pay record book, French coupon book, military maps of France, certificates, a printed report by general John J. Pershing, and regulations.
Charles Miller Jameson was born in Coleman County, Texas, February 10, 1895. He enlisted in the United States Army on July 5, 1918, and sailed to France on August 23, 1918. Jameson served as Sergeant of Headquarters Troops, Motor Division, 1st Army in the offensive at Meuse-Argonne, France. After returning to the United States on May 27, 1919, he was honorably discharged on June 11, 1919. He died on March 2, 1965.
In the collection is a brief biographical sketch containing the preceding information. Other items directly relating to Jameson include a notice containing guidelines for reporting to the Local Board for military service, his war risk insurance certificate for $10,000, a certificate regarding the commutation of pay in lieu of rations, Jameson's individual pay record book, and an enlisted soldier's coupon book providing limited exemption from the French Luxury Tax. There is also a published memorandum stating the regulations concerning saluting, military courtesies, and uniforms for AEF troops at the headquarters in Paris.
Additionally, there is a twenty-five-page report from General John J. Pershing, U.S. Army, Commander-in-Chief, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF). Originally cabled as a letter to the Secretary of War, dated November 20, 1918, it summarizes the organization and operations of the AEF from May 26, 1917, until November 11, 1918. The report was prepared into a booklet format, January 16, 1919, in a corrected version. A variety of topics are discussed in the report: the General Staff; the American zone; supplies; artillery; airplanes; tanks; troop welfare; combat operations including battles and offensives; and figures for combatant troops, casualties, prisoners, etc. Overall, thisbooklet provides an excellent review of American participation in World War I from the contemporary perspective of 1919.
Other items consist of three maps: "Map to Illustrate the Offensive of the St. Mihiel Salient: To Accompany the Report of the Commander in Chief, November 20, 1918," "Map to Illustrate the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, First, Second and Last Phases: To Accompany the Report of the Commander in Chief, November 20, 1918," and "Carte Routire pour Automobilistes & Cylistes - Nord-Est de la France (Roadmap for Motorists & Cylistes - the North-East of France)." The two military maps show American, French, and enemy lines of advance, sector limits, and fortified areas; each is drawn to 1:100,000 scale. The roadmap details natural terrain features, cities, and roads, and is drawn to 1:250,000 scale. The three maps are located in the oversize folder.
Gift of Ms. Marie A. Hyde
Encoded by Apex Data Services
Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.