Author: portraitsofwar
WWI The University of Vermont at War – Williams Hall Army Training Detachment – August 1918
Authors Collection
My recent trip to the local Burlington antique shop yielded some WWI gold; yet another WWI UVM panoramic photo to add to my extensive collection of war photography. This one was taken in August of 1918 in front of Williams Hall at the University of Vermont. I spent countless hours studying anthropology and archaeology in the hallowed halls of Williams, and I know the front facade well. From the looks of it, not much has changed! This photo shows Company C of the US Army Training Detachment which was housed at UVM in the months preceding the end of the war.
Looking at some of the details of the photo actually helped elucidate a bit of Louis McAllister’s business. Check out the writing on each of the benches – it appears that McAllister wrote his name on each bench in his typical flowery style. Very interesting!
Korean War “Kilroy Was Here” Graffiti – 987th Armored Field Artillery Photo
How many times have you heard the term “Kilroy Was Here”? I’ve personally never seen a WWII or Korean War photo depicting the infamous graffiti, but now have a copy in my own collection. The recent acquisition of a 987th Armored Field Artillery negative grouping uncovered this little gem. I also like the grammatically incorrect North Korean proclamation slathered across the wall. Enjoy!
42nd Rainbow Division Rolls Through Bavaria – 222nd Infantry Regiment Photo Post
222nd Anti-Tank Company
A member of the 222nd Anti-Tank Company of the 42nd Division snaps a photo while a convoy of trucks rolls through a small Bavarian town. One of a series of nearly 800 negatives from the 222nd that I acquired last year; this photo encompasses the fast moving blitz through Germany and Bavaria that the 42nd took on during the last parts of the war.
The WWII Nose Art of Hal Olsen – U.S. Navy Mechanic on Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateers
I recently had the esteemed pleasure of acquiring two nose art photos of PB4Y-2 airplanes. Using the power of the internet, I was able to look up the two planes, the Green Cherries, and the Lady Luck II. With a bit of luck I tracked down the name of the original artist. Hal Olsen painted over 100 nose art pin-up ladies on various planes in the PTO. He charged $50 per painting and eventually used the money to enter formal art school and travel with his wife. Having tracked him down, I wrote him a nice letter asking for his autograph and promising that I would send along some copies of my photos. They go out in the mail tomorrow! For now, check out the shots and the nice card he sent me.
Thanks Hal!
Lady Luck II
Green Cherries
Hal's Autograph
Korean War Color Kodachrome Slides – 1953
Although the photographer didn’t quite have a concept of sharpening his focus, I’m still happy to have acquired these Korean War colored slides from an unnamed Maine veteran. Some interesting content of an 8th Army bridge in Korea!
WWI 89th Division Patch Variant RPPC Doughboy Photo
Great shot of a pair of 89th Division soldiers posing in a German studio. Note the 89th Division patch variant with the cornflower center.
WWI Panoramic Photo Yardlong – 36th Division, 131st Machine Gun Battalion in French Street – Check the Detail!
Click for Larger View
The large format of WWI panoramic photos is not an easy scan, but after scanning this yardlong photo in seven sections, I was able to seamlessly splice the photo together using Photoshop. The results are an eye pleasing display of WWI doughboys sitting in a French street. One could spent hours looking at each battle wizened face, or the citizens and scenery in the background.
131st Machine Gun Battalion – 36th Division
Using the magical power of GoogleEarth, I was able to track down the exact street corner in this photo. Not much has changed in 100 years!
Saint Aubin Des Coudrais, Sarthe France
WWI 28th Division Mascot Dog Photo – Jack Russell Terrier Wearing a Vest and OS Chevrons!
A recent eBay purchase will add yet another mascot dog photo to my collection. The 28th Division keystone is clearly visible on the mascot’s vest, as well as two overseas chevrons. Very cool.
WWI University of Vermont Alumni 1917 – Missing in Action – USS Cyclops, Carroll Goddard Page
Page in Washington, D.C – Courtesy of The University of Vermont Special Collections
One of the biggest naval mysteries of WWI is the inexplicable loss of the USS Cyclops while transporting 300+ passengers and a load of manganese from Brazil to Baltimore. Carroll Goddard Page, UVM Class of 1917, was aboard as paymaster when the ship disappeared without a trace on March 4th, 1918. Although a structural failure in the engine is likely the cause, we may never know the true reasons behind the disappearance.
Carroll was a member of the Class of 1917, originally from Hyde Park, he studied business and banking at UVM. His nickname was “flunko”, and his ambitions at UVM included “raising a mustache that resembles a cross between the Kaiser’s and a hair-lip.”
1917 Yearbook Entry
Carroll’s Alumni Database Entry
Special thanks to the University of Vermont Special Collections!
Portraits of War 
