American Expeditionary Force facts for kids

AEF roundel (aircraft emblem) used only in Europe

The American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) were the United States Armed Forces sent to Europe under the command of General John J. Pershing in 1917 to help fight World War I. At first, the AEF fought in France alongside French and British allied forces. The war started in August 1914 and the AEF arrived in April 1917, the last year of the war. They were fighting against the German Empire. In September 1918 the AEF launched its first major offensive as an independent army.

Images for kids

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  American Expeditionary Forces Commander in Chief, General John J. Pershing in 1917.

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  Map, Port of Embarkation Hoboken (1917–18).

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  Column of American troops passing Buckingham Palace, London, 1917.

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  With America's first convoy. The troop ships are Henderson, Antilles, Momus, and Lenape.

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  Men of the 18th Machine Gun Battalion passing through St. Baussant in advance upon St. Mihiel, September 13, 1918.

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  A. E. F. officer's identity card belonging to Edwin Hubble, 1918

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  Allies gain overwhelming superiority in front-line rifle strength as American soldiers arrive in the summer

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  Army field hospital in France, 1918

See also

In Spanish: Fuerza Expedicionaria Estadounidense para niños