This is a great, personal connection to World War I! Here's a breakdown of the information and some potential avenues for further research

Key Information:
Date of Entry

December 1917 (US involvement in WWI began in April 1917, so he was drafted relatively late in the war).

Location of Initial Training

Fort Custer, Michigan. (Still exists and is now a National Guard training facility. Has historical exhibits.)

Branch of Service

US Army, Corp of Engineers. (Engineers played a crucial role in building roads, bridges, and fortifications, as well as operating railroads and other infrastructure.)

Commanding Officer

Alfred Lovell, an electrical engineer from the University of Michigan. (Significant lead. Lovell's career and military service should be easily researchable.)

Deployment to Europe

Late Spring 1918 (Places him in the thick of some of the major American offensives.)

Service in the AEF

American Expeditionary Forces, the US Army in Europe under General John J. Pershing.

Army of Occupation

Served into 1919 after the Armistice. (The US, along with other Allied forces, occupied parts of Germany after the war to enforce the terms of the Treaty of Versailles.)

Potential Research Avenues


Alfred Lovell

University of Michigan Archives: Check for records of his time as a professor and any information about his WWI service. University of Michigan alumni records may also contain information. Military Records: Try to find his officer records. These would detail his rank, units served in, and any decorations. Genealogy Websites: Family trees may contain details about his life and military service. Obituaries: Often contain a wealth of information.2.

Your Father's Military Records

National Archives: Request his military service record (Form SF-180). This will provide a detailed history of his time in the Army, including units he served with, battles he participated in, and any awards he received. Pension Records: If he received a pension, these records can contain biographical information.3.

Fort Custer History

Fort Custer Training Center: They may have historical information about the fort's role in WWI. Local Historical Societies: The Battle Creek, Michigan area may have records related to Fort Custer during WWI.4.

Corp of Engineers in WWI

US Army Corps of Engineers History: The Corps has a rich history, and there are numerous resources documenting their contributions to WWI. Unit Histories: If you can determine which unit your father was in, you can research the unit's history.5.

AEF and Army of Occupation

General Histories of the AEF: Numerous books and articles detail the activities of the American Expeditionary Forces. The National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City: Excellent resource for information about WWI.

Additional Considerations



"Ram rod straight in his saddle"

This detail is evocative. It suggests that Lovell was a strict and disciplined leader. It's a vivid anecdote that could be valuable if you are writing a family history or biography.*

Locations

Once you have a unit, maps of their positions can be found in libraries and some are online.

Why this information is important:

This brief account provides a valuable personal perspective on WWI. It connects a specific individual to a larger historical event, humanizing the war and offering a glimpse into the experiences of an American soldier. By researching the details further, you can uncover a richer story and gain a deeper understanding of your family history and the sacrifices made by those who served in WWI. Flag for review