Artillery Scout

"e;Moves quickly; it entertains and provides a decent overview of the life of an American Doughboy"e; on the Western Front during the Great War (San Francisco Book Review).The American Doughboys of World War I are often referred to as the "e;Lost Generation"e;; however, in this book, we are able to gain an intimate look at their experiences after being thrust into the center of Europe's "e;Great War"e; and enduring some of the most grueling battles in US history.Len Fairfield, the author's grandfather, was an Artillery Scout, or Forward Observer, for the US Army and was a firsthand witness to the war's carnage as he endured its countless hardships, all of which are revealed here in vivid detail. His story takes the reader from a hard life in Chicago, through conscription, rigorous training in America and France, and finally to the battles which have become synonymous with the US effort in France-St. Mihiel and the Argonne Forest, the latter claiming 26,000 American lives, more than any other US battle.The American Expeditionary Forces endured a rare close-quarters visit to hell until it was sensed that the Germans were finally giving way, though fighting tooth-and-nail up to the very minute of the Armistice. This action-filled work brings the reader straight to the center of America's costly battles in World War I, reminding us once again how great-power status often has to be earned with blood on battlefields."e;All in all, this book is a bit of a gem. It is a well paced easy read and you will find yourself rooting for our hero."e; -War in History

"e;Moves quickly; it entertains and provides a decent overview of the life of an American Doughboy"e; on the Western Front during the Great War (San Francisco Book Review).The American Doughboys of World War I are often referred to as the "e;Lost Generation"e;; however, in this book, we are able to gain an intimate look at their experiences after being thrust into the center of Europe's "e;Great War"e; and enduring some of the most grueling battles in US history.Len Fairfield, the author's grandfather, was an Artillery Scout, or Forward Observer, for the US Army and was a firsthand witness to the war's carnage as he endured its countless hardships, all of which are revealed here in vivid detail. His story takes the reader from a hard life in Chicago, through conscription, rigorous training in America and France, and finally to the battles which have become synonymous with the US effort in France-St. Mihiel and the Argonne Forest, the latter claiming 26,000 American lives, more than any other US battle.The American Expeditionary Forces endured a rare close-quarters visit to hell until it was sensed that the Germans were finally giving way, though fighting tooth-and-nail up to the very minute of the Armistice. This action-filled work brings the reader straight to the center of America's costly battles in World War I, reminding us once again how great-power status often has to be earned with blood on battlefields."e;All in all, this book is a bit of a gem. It is a well paced easy read and you will find yourself rooting for our hero."e; -War in History