From the Annals of Bravery in the Face of Incompetence –  World War I ended today in 1918 at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.  More than 198,000 Texans fought in the war.  On Armistice Day two Texas divisions – the 90th and the 36th – were still actively involved in combat.  The 90th was fighting in Meuse-Argonne, while the 36th was resting after suffering heavy casualties in the same campaign.  All told, 5171 Texans died in service during the war including one nurse.  Almost one-third of the casualties were in the U.S. largely due to the influenza epidemic of 1918.  My Grandfather fought with the 36th who went “over the top” on October 24 just a few weeks before the end of the war.  He commanded Company K which was held in reserve that fateful day when most of the infantry was killed within a 1-2 hour time span in a pointless battle at the end of an insane war caused by foolish leaders and led by incompetent military commanders.  Which might be the only reason I am here today.

Photo of Choctaw Indian Codetalkers from http://www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org.