WW I Poster: AEF Soldier Sends Generous Letter to President, 1918

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This poster was created in 1918 as part of the drive to raise money to finance the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) sent to France to fight with U.S. allies in World War I. The "4th Liberty Loan" was a big success, oversubscribed by the country that was solidly behind the war. The John Philip Sousa march "Flags of Freedom" was composed for the 4th Liberty Loan drive.

This poster uses the actual text of a letter received by President Woodrow Wilson from an AEF soldier offering his meager pay if the civilians were not able to reach the goal. The text of the handwritten letter reads: "If the folks back home fall short on the billions you need Mr. President, call on us for the balance. We like our pay -- but if we have to we can go without it. Yours for Victory, A.E.F." The letter was dated "France, Sept. 7, 1918".

Today in WW II: 8 Feb 1940 Germans establish the first large Jewish ghetto in Poland in the city of Lodz. More ↓

8 Feb 1941 US House of Representatives passes the Lend-Lease Act [265 to 165].
8 Feb 1942 Battle of Sarimbun Beach begins, the first stage of the Japanese assault on Singapore.
8 Feb 1942 Japanese Offensive in Burma begins [8 Feb-2 May].
8 Feb 1945 Battle of the Reichswald: British and Canadian forces under Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery begin Operation Veritable [8 Feb-11 Mar].
Visit the Olive-Drab.com World War II Timeline for day-by-day events 1939-1945! See also WW2 Books.