Service With Fighting Men

"Service With Fighting Men" offers a definitive and detailed historical record of the extensive humanitarian and social efforts undertaken by the American Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) during the First World War. This first volume meticulously documents the organization's massive mobilization to provide comfort, recreation, and spiritual support to millions of soldiers both at home and on the front lines in Europe.

The work explores the diverse range of services provided by the YMCA, from operating canteens and entertainment centers to facilitating educational programs and religious services for the American Expeditionary Forces. It highlights the complex logistics involved in coordinating thousands of volunteers and managing significant resources in a theater of war. Beyond simple service provision, the narrative delves into the organization's philosophy of maintaining morale and supporting the "whole man"-spirit, mind, and body-under the extraordinary pressures of global conflict.

Rich with institutional detail and historical perspective, this account serves as a vital resource for readers interested in military history, the development of humanitarian aid, and the social history of the United States during the early 20th century. It captures the spirit of wartime service and the profound impact of non-combatant organizations on the lives of those in uniform.

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