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| William J. Phelan Diary, S0837 |
This pocketbook sized diary from the State Historical Society of Missouri covers William J. Phelan's military service during World War I. Phelan, a St. Louis native, served as Regimental Sergeant Major, 314th Engineer Regiment, 89th Division of the U.S. Army. Scattered throughout the diary’s pages are mementos, photographs, and insignia. The diary begins September 22nd, 1917 as Phelan departs Union Station for basic training in Camp Funston, Kanas. Phelan then describes his shipment to France aboard the USS Carpathia and the travels of the 314th Engineer Regiment throughout Europe. The most engaging section of the diary describes living near the front in November of 1918 and anxiously awaiting the Armistice. After Armistice, Phelan and the 314th were part of the post war occupation of Germany. The diary ends May 25th, 1919 when his regiment returned to the United States for demobilization.
Collection Contributed by the State Historical Society of Missouri
