JOHN "BULLDOG" STRIKER

JOHN "BULLDOG" STRIKER

World War I was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918.

It involved most of the world's major powers, including the United States, and resulted in the deaths of millions of people.

The United States entered the war in 1917 because of:

• The sinking of the Lusitania by a German U-boat

• The Zimmerman Telegram which was a secret message sent from Germany to Mexico proposing an alliance against the US.

John "The Bulldog" Striker's unit, the 77th Infantry Division, was part of the American Expeditionary Forces sent to Europe to aid the Allied Powers.

The Meuse-Argonne Offensive, in which John fought, was one of the final and largest battles of the war.

It lasted from September 26 to November 11, 1918, and involved over a million American soldiers.

The Kriemhilde Stellung was a fortified German defensive line that ran along the western front.

It was a series of trenches, bunkers, and barbed wire obstacles designed to stop the Allied advance.

The Meuse-Argonne Offensive was launched to break through this line and push the Germans back.

John's actions in taking out the German machine gun nests were critical to the success of the offensive.

Machine guns were a devastating weapon on the battlefield, and their fire could mow down entire units of soldiers.

By taking out several of these nests, John opened up a path for his comrades to advance and secure the German position.

Distinguish Service Medal (Army)

The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to soldiers who demonstrate extraordinary heroism or bravery in combat

It is the second highest military honour awarded by the United States, after the Medal of Honor.

John's actions in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive were clearly deserving of this award, and it was a testament to his courage and selflessness on the battlefield.

After the war, John returned to a country that was grappling with the aftermath of the conflict.

The war had brought tremendous changes to American society:

• the rise of the women's suffrage movement

• the establishment of the League of Nations

• the beginning of the Roaring Twenties.

John settled down and started a family, but the legacy of his service in World War I continued to shape his life and the lives of his descendants.