"Hezzie" Goes to War: World War I through the Eyes of a Mid-Missourian

Medical Corps

Mapping and Aerial Reconnaissance

Western Front Experience

After Armistice: AEF University

Hezzie's locations in France
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"I have recently had one of these changes of station and in the words of a 'Tommy' who didn't wish to break any rules of censorship, I might say:

'I am not now where I was, but have just come from the place I last went to.'"

Hezzie entered World War I as part of the civilian force supporting the war effort. He served first on the voyage to France as a "confidential secretary" for Colonel Ireland of the Medical Corps, then in France as a civilian clerk in the Medical Corps of the Quartermaster Department at the Headquarters of the Surgeon General. In March 1918, he received his second lieutenant's commission in the 29th Engineers, going on active duty in April 1918. In the Engineers he worked in G-2, military intelligence, on mapping and aerial reconnaissance. In September 1918 Hezzie was detailed to the Commandant of the Army Schools as Instructor of Aerial Photography. Immediately following the Armistice, he examined some of the German front lines. While waiting to be shipped home, he taught commercial law in the AEF University.

Within a few months of arriving in France, Hezzie sought a commission in the Aviation Section. He was rejected due to his eyesight. See Colonel Ireland's recommendation (left, top).

A Joint Exhibit
of the
University of Missouri
Western Historical Manuscript Collection-Columbia
and the University of Missouri-Columbia
Museum of Anthropology

Acknowledgments and World War I Links

Museum of Anthropology, 100 Swallow Hall, Columbia, MO 65211-1440

Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm