World War, 1914-1918 -- Personal narratives, American

Scope and Contents The diary, kept by Sergeant Jay H. Crawford, details a World War I soldier’s experience in 1918. It starts in Houston in May 1918, describing Crawford’s journey to the east coast, and later to France. The diary discusses his experiences in France, including describing airplanes and dogfights in May and June, and describing the aftermath of the Battle of Verdun. The diary consists of multiple longer passages, with dates referenced in narrative form. The last events discussed appear to date to...

Scope and Contents The collection contains a two-page letter typed by a World War I soldier returning by ship to the United States from Europe. The letter describes the conditions and activities aboard the transport ship U.S.S. Aeolus, on which he is travelling, as well as the writer’s duties while he is aboard. The author writes about the people he would like to see once he reaches the United States. He also offers insight into race relations in a segregated army. Additionally, the collection contains a...