Community: Experiencing War: Veterans History Project (Library of Congress)

Experiencing War: Stories from the Veterans History Project

What is community? In the context of war, having a sense of community can mean identifying with a specific military division, or bringing honor to one's home town, or sharing recreation and special treats with fellow soldiers. Our veterans' collections fill us with reminders of all the shades and colors of community. Whether in the all-out effort of battle or in the small helpful gestures of everyday life, those who EXPERIENCED war also experienced the many nuances and rewards of cooperation with other human beings.

"...function of the Special Service is to relieve the soldiers' mind of stress..."

John Walter Earle regales us with accounts of his four years as Special Services Officer in the 14th Infantry, 71st Division of the Army. Whether stationed in California, Panama, or Europe, it was his responsibility to provide entertainment for the troops. He went to great lengths to make every soldier’s life better -- sometimes by delivering a single cigarette to the foxhole, sometimes by orchestrating a memorable night of dancing in the mess hall. His love for the soldiers and his tireless efforts to please them come roaring through in his letters, charts, financial accounts, and Army news bulletins.