Harry Crawford

Harry Crawford, of Pontiac, Michigan, trained at Fort Sheridan before being commissioned as a second lieutenant in World War I. While not directly related to UM, his letters are representative of many Michigan soldiers who served in France during the war. From August of 1917 to December 1918, Mr. Crawford served in the war, spending most of his time camped behind the front lines and sight-seeing much of France in the course of his duties. Positive and supportive of the war effort, throughout his service, Harry forms close bonds with the men in his company and at one point reflects that “Everything is going all right here. There is a war going on. I know that now, because I have had the privilege of seeing some of it. It is quite as bad as General Sherman said. Outside of some wire scratches, which were very slight, I came out fine. Instead of being a nervous wreck, I came out more calm, than I was going in. Actually, my nerves were in better condition.” This quote is representative of Harry’s attitude throughout the war. By reacting in a productive way to the violence of the war Harry acts as a strong leader for his men. While, there is little information on the effects of the war on his psyche after the war, his letters make clear that during the war, camaraderie, pride, and belief in what the Americans were fighting for was essential to their survival.