Introduction

"The purpose of this work is to present a record, complete and accurate, of the American soldiers who lost their lives in Europe in the World War.

"Before the Armistice was signed, which ended hostilities, the writer, then in training camp, was impressed with the importance and value of such a record as would permanently embody the sacrifices of the me who gave all for the cause of freedom on the battlefields of France and other fronts of the great conflict. The plan of the work was outlined and details for assembling the photographs and collecting other data for these volumes were worked out. The plan was made known to Mr. F. G. Howe, then engaged in war work in Washington, and to Mr. A. C. Doyle, who was in training camp. An Association was formed to assemble the data, compile and publish the work. Mr. Howe immediately began the collecting of materials and was later joined by Mr. Doyle. To them is due in large measure the success of launching the undertaking.

"We soon learned it would be impossible to obtain the photographs of all the soldiers who died in the great war. Many left no photographs, the relatives of many others were reluctant to part with the picture they had, and in some cases conditions were met most unfavorable to the enterprise, but with an abiding faith in the value of this record to the relatives and friends of the departed soldiers, and to the public as a historical record, the association continued its labors with an increasing degree of success. The collection of materials continued for the period of over one year, during which time they were made ready for publication.

"In all cases the best photograph available, in many instances

the only one in existence, was procured. Some were not clear, while others were printed on photographic paper badly suited to reproduction, but despite these difficulties the record is measurably complete, and the results beyond expectations. A few photographs of wounded men are included, where convenient in assembling the pages.

"As a supplement to the photographic record the official list of the men who lost their lives in the war is included. it has been accurately compiled from the Official Bulletin and its successor. While the list of names is based wholly upon the official records of the Government as shown in the official bulletin, the information accompanying the photographs is that given by the relatives of the soldiers. A strict alphabetical arrangement has been followed in the list of names, but owing to the manner in which the photographs had to be placed, an alphabetical arrangement was not practicable. It was also found necessary to place a supplement at the end of Vol. III, containing a few photographs from the different states, following which will appear an index giving the page on which all photographs not alphabetically arranged will be found.

"We are much indebted to the relatives and friends of the soldiers, to individual members of the American Red Cross and to numerous educational institutions of the country for cooperation in collecting photographs. Acknowledgement is also made of services and advice given by the officers of the Standard Engraving Company, and the Andrew B. Graham Company, both of Washington, engraver and printer, respectively, of this work, in planning and outlining the contents of the volumes and the quality of workmanship and materials composing their mechanical make up.

"Throughout our labors in the preparation of these volumes it has seemed especially proper that a record such as this be made of the Nation's soldier dead. By their acts their names are indelibly inscribed upon the annals of American history; their glory is immortal -- part and parcel of the glorious history of America

and of the world. We cannot add luster to their memory. We have only sought to keep bright in permanent form the memory of their noble sacrifice. It is our earnest desire that these columns shall be a constant reminder of the precious price paid by brave men in a national crisis for liberty. May the citizenship of the Republic be inspired with as lofty ideals in the perpetuation of American institutions as were these men defending them!

- W. M. Haulsee