The 88th Division (Infantry)
Embedded Files
The 88th Division, a National Army Division, was organized September 4, 1917, at Camp Dodge, Iowa, from men drafted from the states of Minnesota, Iowa, the Dakotas and Illinois. Numerous drafts were initially trained for three months at Camp Dodge then transferred to other divisions and organizations. Later when these first drafts had been transferred in large measure to Camps Cody, Bowie, Doniphan, Pike, Travis and Gordon, newly drafted men from the original states, together with men from Missouri and Nebraska, constituted the bulk of the Division. The Division was officered largely by reserve officers from the First Training Camp at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, and from the Second Training Camps at Forts Sheridan, Snelling and Benjamin Harrison.
July 25, 1918, the Division began moving from Camp Dodge overseas, and was assembled in the 21st Training Area with headquarters at Semur, Cote d’Or, France. less the 163d Artillery Brigade, which was sent to the artillery training school at Clermont Ferrand in the south of France and never rejoined the Division.
On September 5, 1918, Major-General William Weigel, who had just been promoted from Brigadier General in command of the 56th Infantry Brigade of the 28th Division, U. S. A., which had taken part in the Second Marne offensive, was assigned as Commander of the 88th Division. The Division was assigned to the VI American Corps, First Army, for training in open warfare.
World War One Shoulder Sleeve insignia of the 88th Division. The red color is normally attributed to Engineer, or train units within the division.
World War On e 88th Division Shoulder Sleeve insignia. The dark blue color is normally attributed to Infantry or Headquarters unit within the Division.
World War One Liberty Loan 88th Division Insignia. These were sold to citizens to raise funds to finance the war effort.
A very unusual hand painted 88th Division shoulder sleeve insignia. It has been applied directly to the coat material and show obvious signs of fading. An abnormal feature is the 88 painted on the Cloverleaf.
Primary Units of the 88th Division
World War One Officer's Unit Insignia
World War One Officer's Unit Insignia
88th Division
88th Division
The Infantry Regiments of the 88th Division, 349th, 350th, 351st and 352nd. The Artillery Regiments, 337th, 338th and 339th
World War One Enlisted Unit Insignia
World War One Enlisted Unit Insignia
88th Division
88th Division
The Infantry Regiments of the 88th Division, 349th, 350th, 351st and 352nd. The Artillery Regiments, 337th, 338th and 339th. all Company and Battery "D".
Training Men for other Divisions
The achievements of the 88th Division have been measured only by its opportunities.
MEN TRAINED FOR THREE MONTHS OR MORE IN THE 88th DIVISION AND THEN
TRANSFERRED TO OTHER DIVISIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONS
# of Men Transferred to Approximate Time
1,500 30th Division March 28, 1918
2,300 33d Division March 26, 1918
3,000 34th Division October 22, 1917
3,780 35th Division April 1-20, 1918
8,300 82d Division April 1, 1918
8,000 87th Division November 17, 1917
7,500 90th Division May 16, 1918
14,110 Miscellaneous Sept., 1917, to Aug., 1918
48,490 Total of transferred men.
The 88th Division In The World War of 1914-1918
Personally Autographed
88th U.S. Division In the World War of 1914 - 1918
88th U.S. Division In the World War of 1914 - 1918
A standard publication copy by Wynkoop Hallenbeck Crawford Company, printers and binder New York.
Autograph of Major General William Weigel
Autograph of Major General William Weigel
Very unusual to find any autographs of Major General Weigel. He personally signed this copy of the Division Unit History when he was serving as Chief of Staff for the Eastern Department of the U.S. Army. Weigel returned to his Regular Army rank of Colonel on June 15, 1919, commanding the Seventeenth Infantry at Camp Meade, Maryland to August 22 when he began serving as Chief of Staff for the Second Corps Area at Governor's Island. On March 5, 1921 he was promoted to Brigadier General and given command of the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Division at Camp Dix, which he held until February 1922 when he became the Deputy Commander of XII Corps, based in New York City. He was promoted to Major General on November 20, 1924 and sent to Fort William McKinley in the Philippines to command the Philippine Division. In March 1927 he returned to the United States and served as head of Public Relations for the Army in the Headquarters of the Second Corps Area until his retirement on August 25, 1927
The Commanding Officer, Major General William Weigel
The Commanding Officer, Major General William Weigel
The Commanding Officer of the 88th Division during its time in France
Presentation Leather Bound Division History
The 88th Division In The World War of 1914 to 1918
Presentation Grade 88th Division Unit History
Presentation Grade 88th Division Unit History
Incredibly rare leather bound, gold leaf embossed presentation grade issue of the 1919 published unit history of the 88th Division
Presentation Grade 88th Division Unit History
Presentation Grade 88th Division Unit History
This special one of a kind book was presented to Theodore Roosevelt. It should be noted that is it unlikely this book was given to the Former President of the United States Mr. Theodore Roosevelt as he had passed away in 1918. His son, Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. was a U.S Army officer who in late 1918 was one of the original founders of the American Legion, initially started in Paris France. Two of the Officers of the 88th Division, Major Eric Fisher Wood and Lt. Col. Bennett C. Clark worked with Lt. Col. Roosevelt to start the Legion with Major Wood serving as temporary Secretary and Roosevelt as Chairman. After Roosevelt was sent home from France Lt. Col. Clark was appointed Chairman. At the first annual convention of the American Legion in Minneapolis Minnesota, November 11, 1919, Major Wood was officially appointed Secretary. It my belief that this Special Presentation book was intended for Theodore Roosevelt Jr. in honor of his tireless work for veterans of the American Expeditionary Force.
Private Julius Pagel, Company G, 352nd Infantry Regiment
The uniform is part a massive group acquired that included large amount of documents, photographs and Pagel's son's Korean Service Uniforms. Private Julius Pagel was from Dover, Minnesota
Private Julius Pagel, Company G, 352nd Infantry Regiment
Close-up of Pagel's Uniform illustrating the Unit specific collar insignia and the "Welcome Home, 88th Division" Button
Private Frederick Welker, 338th Machine Gun Battalion Company C
Private Frederick Welker, 338th Machine Gun Battalion Company C
The uniform includes Private Welker's dog tags, and overseas cap with the Infantry Machine Gun Company C collar and Cap discs. Private Welker was from Bowman South Dakota.
Private Frederick Welker, 338th Machine Gun Battalion Company C
Private Frederick Welker, 338th Machine Gun Battalion Company C
Close-up of Private Welker's Coat illustrating the collar discs and dog tags.
PFC George C. Hife, MG Co. 351st Infantry
PFC George C. Hife, MG Co. 351st Infantry
PFC George C, Hife was a member of the Machine Gun Company, 351st Infantry Regiment.
PFC George C. Hife, MG Co. 351st Infantry
PFC George C. Hife, MG Co. 351st Infantry
Interesting combination of the French Croix de Guerre and the 88th Division World War One service medal brooch.
PFC George C. Hife, MG Co. 351st Infantry
PFC George C. Hife, MG Co. 351st Infantry
PFC George C, Hife's uniform is fitted with a very unique style of Division shoulder sleeve insignia. As well as the red Discharge stripe and Infantry MG collar disc.
Private Bernard Thompson, 350th Infantry Regiment, Headquarters Company
Private Bernard Thompson, 350th Infantry Regiment, Headquarters Company
The M1910 Cotton Coat issued to Private Bernard Thompson of the Headquarters Company, 350th Infantry Regiment, 88th Division. Private Thompson was from Cape Girardeau Missouri.
Private Bernard Thompson, 350th Infantry Regiment, Headquarters Company
Private Bernard Thompson, 350th Infantry Regiment, Headquarters Company
The stunning blue Cloverleaf shoulder sleeve insignia of he 88th Division is clearly seen here
Private Bernard Thompson, 350th Infantry Regiment, Headquarters Company
Private Bernard Thompson, 350th Infantry Regiment, Headquarters Company
Close-up of the US and 350 Infantry HQ collar discs on Private Thompson's coat
Sergeant William Hawe, Co. G, 350th Infantry
Sergeant William Hawe, Co. G, 350th Infantry
William Hawe was from Dows, Franklin County, Iowa and was one of the 1st to enlist on September 5, 1917 from that town
Sergeant William Hawe, Co. G, 350th Infantry
Sergeant William Hawe, Co. G, 350th Infantry
An interesting article about Country men who enlisted. Other information was provided by his wife
Sergeant William Hawe, Co. G, 350th Infantry
Sergeant William Hawe, Co. G, 350th Infantry
William Hawe was made Corporal on Oct. 14, 1917 and Sergeant June 7, 1918. He saw service in the Alsace-Lorraine sector.
Corporal George G. Peterschmidt, 337th Field Artillery, Battery C
Corporal George G. Peterschmidt, 337th Field Artillery, Battery C
Corporal George Peterschmidt from West Point, Iowa was a member of Battery C, 337th Field Artillery
Corporal George G. Peterschmidt, 337th Field Artillery, Battery C
Corporal George G. Peterschmidt, 337th Field Artillery, Battery C
Close-up of Corporal Peterschmidt's Cats illustrating the simple Division Unit should sleeve insignia and the Artillery Battery C collar disc
Corporal George G. Peterschmidt, 337th Field Artillery, Battery C
Corporal George G. Peterschmidt, 337th Field Artillery, Battery C
An amazing banner which came with this group. Also included are the medals received by Corporal Peterschmidt for his participation as a delegate to the Annual Conventions of the American Legion. He attended the 8th Annual Convention held at Fort Scott, Kansas, the 9th at Fort Riley, Kansas, the 10th at Pittsburg Kansas and finally the 11th Annual Convention as an alternate delegate held at Salina Kansas.
PFC, Dallas Hebert, HQ co. 351st Infantry
PFC, Dallas Hebert, HQ co. 351st Infantry
PFC Dallas N. Hebert was from Newton Kansas. He is listed in the unit roster as being assigned to the Headquarters Company of the 351st Infantry Regiment
PFC, Dallas Hebert, HQ co. 351st Infantry
PFC, Dallas Hebert, HQ co. 351st Infantry
PFC Dallas Newman Hebert's identification tags indicate U.S. National Army. The 88th Division was a National Army Unit comprised of draftees.
PFC, Dallas Hebert, HQ co. 351st Infantry
PFC, Dallas Hebert, HQ co. 351st Infantry
PFC Dallas N. Hebert's uniform carries the common red Discharge stripe as well as the World War One service ribbon with two stars.
Troop Ships that brought the Boys Home from France after World War One
U.S.S. Henry R. Mallory
U.S.S. Henry R. Mallory
The U.S.S. Mallory Set sail for the United States on May 18th, 1919. It had on board the 349th Infantry; Regimental. HQ, 1st Batt. HQ, HQ Coy, Supply Coy.MG Coy. and A, B,C. Coy.
U.S.S. Aeolus
U.S.S. Aeolus
The U.S.S. Aeolus Set sail for the united States on May 19, 1919. It had on board the entire 351st Infantry Regiment.
U.S.S. Rijiindam
U.S.S. Rijiindam
The U.S.S. Rijiindam set sail for the United States on May 19th, 1919. It had on board the 175th Infantry Brigade HQ, HQ, Coy. C 313th Field Signal Batt., Coy. D 2nd Batt. 349th Infantry and 3rd Batt. 349th Infantry
U.S.S. Mercury
U.S.S. Mercury
The U.S.S. Mercury set sail for the United States on May 20th, 1919. It had on board the 176th Infantry Brigade , HQ 351st infantry Regiment
U.S.S. Pastores
U.S.S. Pastores
From May 18th through the 24th a total of nine ships were assigned to move the Division. Among them was the U.S.S. Pastores. The U.S.S. Pastores was built by Workman Clark, Ltd. Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1913 and acquired by the U.S. Navy from the United Fruit Company on May 1, 1918. It was commissioned on May 6, 1918 though was chartered by the U.S. Navy in the closing months of 1917 to transport troops prior to being commissioned. It travelled through submarine infested waters and sighted several during her convoy duties. After the war, the Pastores transported troops home then was decommissioned and returned to the United Fruit Company in October of 1919. On December 20, 1941 it was acquired by the War Shipping Administration from whom the Navy once again chartered her. She was awarded one battle star during World War Two.
U.S.S. Pastores, Farewell Dinner Menu
U.S.S. Pastores, Farewell Dinner Menu
On May 28, 1919 while at sea, the ships Commanding Officer, Lt. Commander A.O. Lustie, U.S.N.R.F. and the Ship’s Company gave the 88th Division troops a farewell dinner. The units on board the Pastores were the 337th & 339th M.G. Bn. (Machine Gun Battalion), 313th Am. Tn. (Ammunition Train), 313th F.S. Bn. (Field Signal Battalion) and the 301st Commissary Unit.
U.S.S. Canonicus
U.S.S. Canonicus
The U.S.S. Canonicus set sail for the United States on May 21st, 1919. It had on board the 1st Batt. & M.G. Coy. 352nd Inf., 313th Supply Train
U.S.S. Pocahontas
U.S.S. Pocahontas
The U.S.S. Pocahontas set sail for the United States on May 21st, 1919. It had on board the Division HQ, HQ Troop, 313th Train HQ, 313th Motor Ordnance Repair Shop, 352nd Infantry (less 1st Batt. M.G. Coy.)
U.S.S. Koningen der Nederlanden
U.S.S. Koningen der Nederlanden
The U.S.S. Koningen der Nederlanden set sail for the United States on May 21st, 1919. It had on board the 338th Machine Gun Batt., 88th and 257th Provost Marshall Coy., 313th Sanitation Train
U.S.S. Madawaska
U.S.S. Madawaska
The U.S.S. Pocahontas set sail for the United States on May 24th, 1919. It had on board the 313th Engineers
WHO CAN TELL
The last and biggest show produced within the Division was the Division Show, a Song and Dance Revue, entitled “Who Can Tell.” It had the purpose not only to entertain but to present a genuine “Doughboy show,” a show that would fairly represent what the doughboys could do. “Who Can Tell” was staged under the direction of Dinnie MacDonald. Captain Arthur B Hachel, the Division Entertainment Officer, was general manager. The music of the show was composed by 2nd Lt. Edward J. Collins. The book and lyrics were written by Elbert Moore, Dinnie MacDonald, 1st Lt. Wm. D. Darrow and Musician H.L. Gear. The Jewish Welfare Board contributed 75,000 francs for the costumes which were made by Landholff, Paris. The Salvation Army, the Y.M.C.A. and the Knights of Columbus assisted in furnishing property. The men of the Division contributed 15,000 francs for the general expenses of the show.
After six weeks preparation, the show was produced. During this time, the music was composed and orchestrated; lyrics were written; an orchestra of 35 men was selected and trained. A cast and chorus of 125 men were picked and drilled. Doughboy amateurs were trained until they performed like professional actors and actresses. A theatre consisting of two aviation hangars has to be constructed to house the show. A stage had to be built and scenery painted.
On April 21st, 1919, the Division show was presented in the double hangar theatre at Gondrecourt. “Who Can Tell” was presented eleven successive nights at Gondrecourt. Twenty five Hundred men of the Division were brought in by trucks each night and many troops of nearby units had seen it. From Gondrecourt, the Division show went to Coblenz, where it showed two nights. From Coblenz, the show went to Paris. In Paris the show was presented for the first time in a real theatre—the Champs Elysees Theatre. For six nights, commencing May 12th, the show played to a packed house. After the first night, several thousand persons were turned away nightly. President Wilson and party attended the last performance of the show, which was huge honor for all who contributed.
In its edition of May 14th, the dramatic critic of the Chicago Tribune in a letter addressed to the editor made the following comment:
“There have only been two things of real importance in Paris since you went away---the threat of the Germans to leave the Peace Conference, and the opening Monday night at the Champs Elysees Theatre of the 88th Division Show, ‘Who Can Tell.’ Some show, Boy, some show! It’s the best amateur show I have seen on either side of the water. There are a lot of Broadway shows getting three dollars that ought to be sent to warehouse to let this one in for a run.”
“It isn’t a show---it’s a production. In costumes, it makes the ‘Garden of Allah’ look like a rookie. I think Major General William Weigel must have assigned the whole regiment to the castle, for when they came out over the footlights on those run-around boards in the orchestra, they filled the duckboards and the whole stage.”
“And a pony ballet! With the cutest little fat legs you ever saw. They got a hand every time they came on. You would never know they were doughboys until they began to sing. ‘Who Can Tell’ is a kind of musical burlesque with enough of a plot to keep the show in military channels for three hours.”
The 88th Division had printed colorful show programs given out at each performance. Additionally they also had printed a “Souvenir Program” with the musical numbers performed as well as photos of members of the cast. Very few of these “Souvenir Programs” survived and are only seen in advanced private collections.
Who Can Tell Show Program
Who Can Tell Show Program
A commonly seen show program handed out to attendees
Who Can Tell Show Program
Who Can Tell Show Program
The Song and Dance Revue, Who Can Tell
Who Can Tell Souvenir Program
Who Can Tell Souvenir Program
Incredibly rare souvenir program from the Division Show "Who can Tell?" The Ghost Squadron collection has four original issues of this program.
Who Can Tell Souvenir Program
Who Can Tell Souvenir Program
The souvenir program had photos of he cast as well as the sheet music to the tunes performed.
Who Can Tell Souvenir Program
Who Can Tell Souvenir Program
The souvenir program was a very well produced and printed program which contained photos of the player, 88th Division men, in all their elaborate costumes.
Trench Art, Home Front Art World War One and World War Two
Trench Art refers to artwork made by a soldier to either send home to family of to keep and remembrance of his time in the service. The intricacy of the is dependent on the soldier ability and creativity. Some units had artisans who woudl produces works for their fellow soldiers, usually at a minor cost. Commonly seen artwork is made from spent artillery shell casings of a variety of sizes which were plentiful on the battlefields.
During World War Two is was promoted by unit commanders to send letters home to let family know how their soldiers is doing. Locally made examples of intricate artwork were common, though the use of artillery shells was discouraged. However, there are examples of WW2 era brass "Trench Art" with beautifully done scenes and subject matter. The pillow case became a very popular "Home Front" item to send home and many were adorned with loving messages or poems to "Mom".
In this section are 88th Division specific examples of Trench Art and Home Front artwork
88th Division, A.E.F.
88th Division, A.E.F.
A very simple fluted case design
339th M.G. Bn., A.E.F.
339th M.G. Bn., A.E.F.
339th M.G. Bn., A.E.F.
339th M.G. Bn., A.E.F.
313th Motor Ordnance Repair Shop, A.E.F.
Only 55 Soldiers were in this unit of the 88th Division.
313th Motor Ordnance Repair Shop, A.E.F.
Only 55 Soldiers were in this unit of the 88th Division.
313th Motor Ordnance Repair Shop, A.E.F.
Only 55 Soldiers were in this unit of the 88th Division.
313th Motor Ordnance Repair Shop, A.E.F.
Only 55 Soldiers were in this unit of the 88th Division.
313th Ammunition Train, Coy. E, Toul, A.E.F.
313th Ammunition Train, Coy. E, Toul, A.E.F.
313th Ammunition Train, Coy. E, Toul, A.E.F.
313th Ammunition Train, Coy. E, Toul, A.E.F.
My Sweetheart, Camp Dodge
My Sweetheart, Camp Dodge
This beautiful pillow case came with the Private Julius Pagel, Coy. G, 352nd Infantry Regiment Group, whose uniform is included on this page.
Welcome Home!!!
88th Division Homecoming, 1919, IM-76/PCA-255
On June 4th to the 12th of 1919, there was an ongoing Welcome Home Celebration for the men of the 88th U.S. Infantry Division who were returning from World War One Service overseas. The pin back badge is an Official Souvenir of that momentous occasion. These badges are not seen very often on the open market and would; be considered quite scarce. The postcard was provided to the men with information about various Clubs and Bureaus for the enlisted men. The postcard is actually more difficult to locate than the badge. From the Unit History; “On arrival at Des Moines, Iowa, each troop train was met by a reception committee composed of leading business men. The troops were…paraded from the railroad yards to Walnut Street…then north to Grand Avenue where they found a big meal provided for them by the women of the various welfare societies of Des Moines.” Within 48 hours of arrival the men were demobilized at Camp Dodge and returned to Des Moines as civilians.
Welcome Home Postcard
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