World War I American Expeditionary Forces France 1918 to 1919 Archive of 69 photographs of Combat Zones and Signal Corps Activity

W W. I American Expeditionary Forces

Photograph

American Expeditionary Forces photographs, circa 1918 to 1919, document the presence and operations of U.S. soldiers in France during the final phase of World War I and provide direct visual evidence of frontline environments, military infrastructure, and communication units in active and recently contested zones. Several images include handwritten captions. Created during and immediately after major offensives, including operations in the St Michel sector, these images record both the physical destruction of war and the daily routines of American troops deployed overseas. The archive supports research into U.S. military history, battlefield conditions, and the role of specialized units such as signal and radio corps within modern warfare.

Archive of 69 silver gelatin black and white photographs, each approximately 3 x 2 inches, depicting American soldiers in uniform, encampments, ruined structures, and military installations across multiple locations in France. Handwritten captions identify sites including “Ruins of French Barracks – St Mihiel, France,” “Nouart, France,” and “La Ferte sous Lot,” as well as references to “Pill Box” positions, indicating proximity to fortified combat zones. Several images reference communication infrastructure, including “Corps Radio Rec. – Nouart, France” and a press radio station, suggesting association with signal or radio units. Soldiers are shown wearing standard issue uniforms, including M1917 helmets and wool service dress, while one image depicts a soldier holding a German Luger pistol and wearing a captured Stahlhelm, indicating interaction with enemy equipment. Additional photographs show troops posed “In Battle Array” with full gear, as well as informal groupings and field activity.

Produced during the closing stages of World War I, when American forces played a decisive role in Allied offensives, these photographs document the expansion of U.S. military involvement in European combat and the increasing importance of coordinated communication systems in modern warfare. The presence of radio and signal references reflects the technological shifts that characterized the conflict, while the repeated depiction of damaged infrastructure and fortified positions illustrates the scale of destruction across contested regions. As a cohesive visual record, the archive preserves both operational and experiential aspects of the American Expeditionary Forces in France, offering detailed insight into the material realities of war and the environments in which U.S. soldiers operated. Light wear and minor handling marks, with clear images and legible captions; overall condition very good.

Item #21424

Price: $880.00