With Their Bare Hands

When America joined the Allies in fighting Germany in 1917, it came as a great relief to all concerned, not least the commanders in the field, who welcomed the great weight of fresh manpower.

Despite many provocations, America had resisted becoming involved in a European war but was the infamous ‘Zimmermann telegram’, which went too far and finally pushed America into the war. The author explains all this, along with the preparations made to send troops overseas. This is the history of only one division, the 79th ‘Cross of Lorraine’ and its fighting around Montfaucon during the Meuse- Argonne offensive. Everything is covered here, from its formation and preparation, training and deployment and finally its ‘blooding’ in battle. A perfect book to mark the centenary of America’s entry into the Great War.