Collection Title: Jackson Purchase Oral History Project - World War I
Series Number: OH021
Interviewee: Metzger, Fritz
Interviewer: Mark Fuller
Date interviewed: December 3, 1982
Processed by: Sheree Wise
Date processed: February 2, 2010
Description: 1 sound disc (40 minutes)
Abstract: Fritz Metzger discusses his World War I experiences. He was twenty one years old when he was drafted into an infantry unit of the 2nd Division of the United States Army. He trained at Camp Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky and later at Camp Pike in Little Rock, Arkansas. Metzger recollects the living conditions and moral of American troops on the Western Front and describes his combat experiences. He mentions contact with German troops and serving in the occupational forces in Germany when the war concluded. He offers details on the reaction of people of the signing of the Armistice. Metzger also explains why he thought the war was just, some of the benefits he received from the war and key incidents which stood out most in his mind during the war, including the battle at Belleau Wood.
Biographical / Historical note: Fritz Metzger was a resident of Paducah, Kentucky before he was drafted into the war. He trained first at Camp Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky then on to Camp Pike in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was ordered overseas and landed in Brest, France. He was sent to the front lines at Vallendar, Germany. He saw combat at the Battle at Belleau Wood. Metzger returned to Paducah after he received his discharge and worked for his father in the meat business.
General information: No user access to original recordings. Use audio user copies, digital derivatives, transcripts, and/or tape indexes. This collection may be protected from unauthorized copying by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code). Permission for reproduction must be requested from Murray State University.
Subject Headings / Descriptors:
Paducah, Kentucky
Camp Taylor, Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky
Camp Pike, Arkansas
Little Rock, Arkansas
Brest, France
Vallendar, Germany>
Battle at Belleau Wood
Research Notes: Complete transcription included with oral history.
