A Private's Diary: The World War I Diary of Robert W. Safstrom

A Private's Diary is the personal story of Robert W. Safstrom during the Great War. His adventure starts on the train from his home in North Dakota, details his travels through Camp Dodge in Iowa, the voyage overseas to France, fighting on the front lines in the Vosges Mountains and at Meuse-Argonne, and his return to the United States. Wounded in action during the Argonne Offensive, he makes his way on foot past the surging tide of men and mat riel headed into the fight to find an ambulance far behind the front. He spends 67 days at bed rest followed by months of recovery in several military hospitals. Private Safstrom describes in detail his experiences on the front lines, his travels through the United States, England, and France, and the hospitals at Issoudun and Bordeaux. Included are several photographs of Safstrom and his family before, during, and after the war, a short biography, notes to accompany the diary text, and a map showing his journey through France.