American doughboys, local connection continues WWI series

CROMWELL >> The historical society continues its focus on America’s entry into World War I with a program Monday on the doughboys — soldiers who fought in the war.

The society is presenting “American Doughboy: Uniform & Equipment of World War I” at the society’s Stevens-Frisbie House at 395 Main St. The program begins at 7 p.m.

It is the latest in a series of programs the organization is presenting this year to mark the centennial of America’s entry into WWI. April 6 marks the 100th anniversary of America’s declaration of war on Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Over the next 20 months, 4.7 million American men would be sent to France to bolster the Allies — England and France — whose armies were faltering after years of unparalleled carnage. By the time the Armistice was signed on Nov. 11, 1918, a total of 53,402 American soldiers would die in combat.

Another 204,000 men were wounded, according to statistics compiled by the Veterans Administration and listed on the VA website.

Monday night, Paul Martinello, the grandson of one of those doughboys will “present an overview of the war ... and discuss his uniform and equipment, Historical Society President Richard F. Donohue said.

The source of the nickname doughboy — which only applied to American soldiers of WWI — remains something of a mystery, according to a posting on the history.com website.

In announcing Monday’s program, Donohue said, “Prior to the Great War, the term ‘doughboy’ was used to refer to American infantry men. When the United States joined the war in 1917, ‘doughboy’ would be used to describe any and all U.S. servicemen.”

Not only will Martinello explain the equipment a typical doughboy would carry or wear, he will also recount his grandfather’s involvement in the war in which he was drafted to serve.

The program is free and open to the public. Donohue said donations would be gladly accepted and refreshments will be served.

Information can be found at cromwellhistory. org or on the society’s Facebook page.

FILE PHOTO Uniform pieces of men who fought in World War I.