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With the conclusion of the official WWI Centennial period, the National World War I Roll of Honor provides a way to carry the remembrance of WWI Texans forward for future generations. Established in collaboration with U.S. WWI Centennial Commission and…
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The origin of Veterans Day is tied closely to World War I. Prior to the Great War, Americans typically remembered our war dead on Decoration Day (now Memorial Day). The end of the fighting in WWI, negotiated by the warring…
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From August through November of 1918, Texans were fully engaged in the Great War. Nearly 200, 000 were in uniform, many of them fighting in France. Over 5,100 would not return. They came from every community; from big cities and…
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As the Great War claimed millions in the fighting between 1914 and 1918, all sides were stretched to the breaking point in terms of manpower and materials. America was seen as a critical resource, and both the enemy and our…
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The Navy Cross is the United States military’s second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat. For actions in WWI, 19 U.S. Marines from Texas (place of birth and/or listed hometown) received the Navy Cross for their heroic actions. Percy Duryea Cornell was twice awarded the medal for separate…
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The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is awarded to members of the United States Army for extreme gallantry in combat. The DSC is the second highest military award for valor, ranking only below the Medal of Honor. The award was established by President Woodrow Wilson on January 2, 1918…
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Originally from Laredo, David Barkley was one of four native Texans to be awarded the Medal of Honor – and the first Hispanic in the regular Army. San Antonian Clyde Balsley flew with the Lafayette Escadrille and was the first…
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At 11:00am on November 11, 1918, the fighting ended. Bells tolled around the world to mark the end of the Great War. The Texas WWI Centennial Commemoration is asking municipalities, religious congregations, and organizations around to participate in BELLS OF PEACE:…
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Whether it involves planting poppies, honoring Texas WWI Medal of Honor recipients, or commemorations ceremonies around the state (and the globe), Texas Chapters of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) chapter have been front and center. Texas…
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Texas supported a significant number of U.S. Army organizations in the Great War, and many of these units still call Texas home. 2018 will mark their participation in key battles in 1918, from the Meuse-Argonne to St. Mihiel. Today these units are represented by U.S. Army, Army Reserve, and…
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