The Great War Through a Doughboy’s Eyes

Corporal Howard P. Claypoole kept two diaries and sent many letters and postcards home throughout his WWI service in the U.S. Army from 8 October, 1917 through 29 August, 1919 during the war and the period of occupation. These, along with his paybook, paint a vivid picture of the life and hardships of an American enlisted man’s trials and tribulations while fighting the Germans, and provide a keen insight to the times. This fascinating book by Corporal Claypoole’s grandson contains transcriptions and analysis of these, as well as his paybook, his wound order, newspaper clippings of his wounding, his discharge papers, and other miscellaneous papers, along with photos of his playing cards, pictures, dice, dog tags, medals, bayonets, coins, and his rifle sling with many unit crests from other units he encountered. The book also includes photos and information about his posthumous Purple Heart, along with his WWI Victory Medal and campaign clasps. History buffs, WWI scholars, and historians are sure to devour this unique account of one soldier’s journey through the Great War.