Oral Histories

WWI Soldiers, in Their Own Words
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Black and white photograph of three soldiers gathered around a large field radio.

These interviews, recorded between 1978 and 1980, allowed surviving veterans of the First World War to share their experiences, in their own words. The recordings have been digitized and are now available for listening on YouTube. If available, transcripts are also linked below.

 

 

92nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces

William Knox, 366th Ambulance Company, 92nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces

William T. Knox, an African American soldier who served with the 366th Ambulance Company, 92nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces during World War I, was interviewed by Mark Beveridge on May 23, 1980 in Kansas City, Missouri. View the catalog record and full transcription of this recording.

Clay Ryan, 92nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces

Clay Ryan, an African American soldier who served with the 92nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces during World War I, was interviewed by William E. Rich on August 17, 1980 in Groveton, Texas. View the catalog record of this recording.

Robert Sweeney, 317th Sanitary Train, 92nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces

Robert L. Sweeney, an African American soldier who served with the 317th Sanitary Train, 92nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces during World War I, was interviewed by Mark Beveridge on May 23, 1980 in Kansas City, Missouri. View the catalog record and full transcription of this recording.

 

 


 

 

Labor Battalions, American Expeditionary Forces

Columbus Morris, Pioneer Labor Battalion, American Expeditionary Forces

Columbus Morris, an African American soldier who served with a Pioneer Labor Battalion, American Expeditionary Forces during World War I, was interviewed by William E. Rich on August 17, 1980 in Groveton, Texas. View the catalog record of this recording.

Harry Thomas, Labor Battalion, American Expeditionary Forces

Harry Thomas, an African American soldier who served with a Labor Battalion, American Expeditionary Forces during World War I, was interviewed by William E. Rich on August 18, 1980 in Trinity, Texas. View the catalog record of this recording.

 

 


 

 

Royal Highlanders of Canada, Canadian Expeditionary Force

Alfred Ireland, Royal Highlanders of Canada, Canadian Expeditionary Force

Alfred Ireland served with the 13th Battalion, Royal Highlanders of Canada, Canadian Expeditionary Force during World War I. He was interviewed by George Bush, Jr. on August 9, 1978 in Perry County, Missouri. View the catalog record of this recording.