January, 1918: Neufchateau Training Area In January, 1918 the
26th “Yankee” Division concluded its preliminary training for
the Western Front in the area of Neufchateau in the Vosges
region of northeastern France. On January 23, word was suddenly
received that the 26th Division had been assigned to reinforce
the depleted XI Corps of the French 6th Army on the Chemin des
Dames front, north of Soissons and the Aisne River. Hasty
preparations were then made to complete the insurance forms,
write home to loved ones and make ready for the move to the
Front. Read about the Neufchateau Training Area here. See
original film of the 26th Division at Neufchateau here,
including Sam himself standing Color Guard following Evening
Parade [far right edge of frame at 06:19]. Also, read Sam’s
January correspondence from Liffol-le-Grand as the winter
continues, the men look forward to packages from home and Sam
suddenly hears word that he and the boys are finally heading for
the Front. January, 1919: After the Armistice On Jan