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Military life Photo Galleries World War I

Private Ralph Schenken’s World War I Adventure

Millions of men served in the United States military during World War 1. None of them are living but some have left evidence of their World War 1 adventures. Private Ralph Schenken of the U.S. Army’s 27th Division was one of those.

Ralph Schenken and family. Ralph is at the far left.
Pvt. Ralph Schenken with his parents and brother.
World War 1 Notice to appear for examination
Ralph Schenken’s notice to appear for physical examination.
World War 1 Draft classification card
Draft classification card. A “1” means you’re very likely on your way to being a soldier. I’m not sure why the Notice to Appear for Examination is dated after the Notice of Classification.
No AWOL for me!
When you go to war you get plenty of fliers, information cardsĀ  and booklets. This one urges soldiers to not be Absent Without Leave.
The Army Song Book from World War 1
This Army Song Booklet from World War 1 is another item that was provided to some soldiers including Ralph Schenken.
The Army Song musical notes and words.
Here’s a look inside the Army Song booklet with musical notes and lyrics. The Army song was adopted from the Artillery Song or Caisson Song.
World War 1 U.S. Soldiers
Training at Camp Gordon, Georgia.
Lewis Light Machine Gun
Lewis Machine gun. A 7.62 mm gas-operated light machine gun that could fire 550 rounds per minute with an effective range of 850 meters (880 yards). It weighed 26 pounds.
World 1 Soldiers in training
Three soldiers pose at Fort Gordon.
World War 1 soldier's pass
A pass that was issued to Ralph Schenken of Company E, 32nd Infantry Regiment (training) while at Camp Gordon allowed him to visit Atlanta, Ga.
World War Abandon Ship tag
After training at For Gordon it was off to Europe for Ralph Schenken and his buddies. Here’s Schenken’s Abandon Ship tag for the S.S. Czar.
S.S. Czar
The Czar, first launched in 1912, was employed as a troopship carrying United States troops to France as part of the United States Navy’s Cruiser and Transport Force.

The troops at sea

World War 1 American Soldiers
Ralph Schenken (left) was assigned to the Company C, 102nd Ammunition Transportation Battalion of the 27 Infantry Division.
World War 1 Ammunition truck
Here’s a look at one of the 102nd Ammunition Battalion’s trucks. Very primitive compared to what we have today. No protection from rain or extreme temperatures. Of course, horse-drawn wagon drivers had endured these conditions for centuries.
World War 1 Ammunition Truck
Here’s a better look at the type of truck that Schenken’s unit used to transport ammunition. (Source: National Archives of the United States)
World War 1 rail gun
Soldiers sit on the barrel of a huge rail artillery gun. These weapons could inflict enormous casualties on their targets. This is possibly a 320 mm French-made rail gun.
French woman sweeps stairs
This likely French woman blushes as Ralph Schenken passes her. The French greatly appreciated the American presence in France.
France our Ally booklet from World War 1
Here’s another booklet given to Schenken. A France our Ally booklet published by the YMCA.
Two tickets to Laval Montsurs.
Two tickets from Laval to Montsurs, France.
Christmas for soldiers in World War 1
Soldiers celebrate Christmas in Montsurs.
James W. Sutton
Pvt. James W. Sutton
French money from World War 1
French money from World War 1.
Letter to home by World War 1 soldier
Schenken kept in touch with his friends and family during his deployment. Notice the Censored stamp at the bottom. Any mail home had to be cleared by a censor, in this case Schenken’s Company Commander Captain Alson Shantz.
German money from World War 1
Following the armistice that ceased hostilities, American and other allied forces moved into Germany. This photo shows a German 1,000 mark bill that would be worthless within a few years due to unfair surrender terms placed on Germany that caused the German economy to collapse.
World War 11 soldiers on the way home!
On the way home!
St. Louis Red Cross building and volunteers during World War 1
Ralph Schenken visited the Red Cross during a train stop on the way home in St. Louis.
Family Photo from World War 1
A family photo after Ralph Schenken returned home.

Ralph Schenken veterans of World War 1 card
Following his leaving the Army, Ralph Schenken stayed active in veterans organizations. Above is his veterans of World War 1 card.
Ralph Schenken Obituary
On April 7, 1977, Ralph Schenken died in an automobile accident. Ralph Schenken’s Obituary is above.