| Americans keep watch with rifles at the ready and gas masks handy after moving into trench positions that had been occupied for years by the French. In one position, Germans in the opposite trench put up a mock sign saying "Welcome Yankees," which the Americans quickly shot to bits. The troops are wearing the British style metal helmet which was selected for use by the U.S. Army. Americans arriving in the trenches were eager for action--after years spent reading and hearing about the war, initial stateside training and then additional training in France. Below: An American First Aid station in the trenches seen after a light snowfall. The snow covered ground was deadly to foot soldiers in the open, making them easy targets against the white background. |
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