"August 4, 1918: Boy, these cooties are great; I don't think that they ever sleep, or if they do, they sure do leave a large detail awake to keep us busy." (Memoir, page 69)

John Joseph Brennan

Studio photo of John Joseph Brennan [undated] War: World War I, 1914-1920 Branch: Army Unit: 102nd Engineer Train Service Location: France; Belgium Rank: Saddler Place of Birth: Albany, NY

An enlistee, John J. Brennan joined the Army anticipating a grand adventure. Instead, during his time in combat in France and Belgium, he endured endless mud and rain, shellings, and mustard gas attacks, as well as the inescapable body lice known as "cooties." His memoir reflects the stoicism and dry wit that he maintained throughout his time on the battlefield. As well, he discusses his work as a saddler; unlike most World War I soldiers, he experienced the war from atop a horse.