Page:The history and achievements of the Fort Sheridan officers' training camps.djvu/13

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THIS BOOK, dedicated as a Memorial Volume to the men of the First and Second Fort Sheridan Training Camps, who gave their lives to the cause of Liberty and Justice, is issued with the fervent hope that it may, in a small measure, convey tribute to those gallant sons of the Middle West whom we knew and loved.

Many willing hands have had to do with the compiling and gathering of material and data herewith presented, and the work, which has been over a year in prepration, is one in which no effort has been spared.

Thanks are first due to the officers and directors of the Fort Sheridan Association, that organization born of necessity during the Second Camp, for the broad and liberal aid which made this book possible. To the mothers and fathers of the lads who "Went West", the Fort Sheridan Association presents a copy; and to every member of the Association a volume will be donated. The cost of which comes out of the Association treasury.

Mrs. Chester M. MacChesney, director of the Home Service Department of the Fort Sheridan Association, has patiently and faithfully gathered photographs and data covering the records of the Roll of Honor.

Colonel Halsted Dorey, who commanded the Fourth Infantry overseas, and who, under the direction of Major-General Leonard Wood, was one of the most indefatigable workers for training camps throughout the United States, has aided the work with a short synopsis of the Training Camp Movement.

To Myron E. Adams, who, more than any other man, has made the Fort Sheridan Association what it is today, and who, as Director of Morale during the Second Training Camp, did so much to keep up the spirit of clean sports and healthy recreation and, as executive secretary of the Fort Sheridan Association, carried on the great work of the organization while the members were in service, the compiler is greatly indebted for the cheerful co-operation given.

To Waldo M. Allen, a member of the First Battery of the First Camp, for his descriptive word picture of the First Training Camp.

To the International Film Company and the Chicago Daily News for their hearty co-operation in. securing the photographs of the training camp days.

And last, but not least, to the many individuals who furnished information when all other sources seemed futile.

If this Memorial Book, in its way, conveys a bit of human companionship and carries with it a breath of friendship from those who served to those whose loved ones sleep o'erseas and at home, its labor shall not have been in vain.

FRED GIRTON.

Chicago, June 1, 1920.