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

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: 17 Sep 1939 Soviet troops invade Poland from the east. More ↓

17 Sep 1944 Thousands of Allied planes begin airborne assault on Holland, Operation Market Garden.
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