Our Army at the Front

A vivid, first‑hand portrait unfolds as the American Expeditionary Force steps ashore in 1917, led by General John J. Pershing. The author, a former war correspondent, captures the bustling docks, the colorful mix of soldiers, officials, and curious onlookers, and the ceremonial welcome that blends military precision with human moments—like a private clutching a mischievous goat mascot. Illustrated with period sketches of battles, band performances, and bustling train yards, the narrative brings the atmosphere of the landing to life, letting listeners hear the brass bands and feel the excitement rippling through the crowd.

Beyond the ceremony, the book follows the troops as they move from the ship’s gangplank into the French theater, detailing the daily rhythms of camp life, the camaraderie among soldiers, and the early challenges of adapting to a foreign front. Through clear, engaging prose, listeners gain a sense of the scale of the American effort and the optimism that accompanied the first steps toward a larger, uncertain war.