Online database honors World War I veterans

Information about more than 145,000 Missourians who served the nation during World War I is now listed in a new database created by the office of Missouri Secretary of State Matt Blunt. According to an announcement from Blunt's office, the World War I Service Record Data-base provides essential information to scholars and family historians about military personnel. The database, found online at www.sos.state.mo.us/archives, also serves as an online "honor roll" of solders' distinguished patriotic service to the state and nation during the "Great War."

The United States entered World War I in April 1917. Nearly 750,000 Missouri men registered for the draft, and more than 156,000 served in all branches of the service. More than 10,000 Missouri soldiers were wounded or killed in action during WWI.

"Each of us owes a tremendous debt to the men and women who served our nation in wartime. The World War I Service Record Database pays tribute to their courage and sacrifice in defending America," Blunt said.

Among the entries in the database are former president Harry S. Truman, who fought with the 35th Division, and Gen. John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force.

According to Connie Reichart, who works in the Missouri State Archives' Local Records Program, and who assumed primary responsibility for entering records into the database, many Missouri soldiers died of influenza.

"Also, the potential of aviation was just beginning to be explored as a military attack strategy. There are references to deaths in aeroplane' accidents throughout the service records," she added.