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The division leadership did not write extensively on their actions of the division

in France. However, the memoirs of General Pershing provided some insight into

impressions of the 91st Division, and subsequent correspondence between him and MG

Johnston was useful. One regimental commander, Colonel John “Gatling Gun” Parker

had previously written extensively on machine gun tactics during a previous conflict in

Santiago, Cuba. This work showed his thoughts and feelings towards combined arms

tactics and the use of the machine gun that would ultimately aid him in his success

commanding a regiment in the Great War. Therefore, much of this research relies on

personal accounts of Soldiers who fought in the 91st, which in many cases, gives unique

insights that include both narrative and critique.

Scope

This paper will examine the training and combat operations of the 91st Infantry

Division from its inception at Camp Lewis, Washington through its final operation under

the French VII Corps in Belgium. Conceptually, AEF divisions should have been fairly

equal since they were composed of an equal number of men and allocated (not

necessarily issued) the same amount of equipment. In World War I, all divisions looked

similar on paper–there were not different unit specialties that are commonly seen in

today’s air assault, airborne, or armored divisions. Instead, the only distinctions were

made between Regular Army, National Army and National Guard Divisions, with the

former including regular, more experienced career Soldiers. However, even these

differences became blurred as the Army spread out its experienced leadership across all

units and filled them with inexperienced American draftees. The distinguishing factors in

an AEF division became the states or cities that the men came from as well as the quality
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