The United States of America declared war on Germany, April 6th, 1917. Two weeks later Nathaniel "Nat" Rouse enlisted.

After basic training at Camp Mills, Long Island, Private Rouse shipped-out for Europe to fight in the Great War. Serving in the 42nd Division / Fighting 69th, he was 24 years old. This is his diary. It begins with an entry dated December 31st, 1917 in a camp in Northern France...