Author: Falkenstein, Alexander M. [Scrapbook / WWI]
Title: [Scrapbook DOCUMENTING a STATESIDE WORLD WAR I OFFICER'S TRAINING & SERVICE]
Description: Camp Meade, Maryland; Camp lee, Virginia; Camp Sheridan, Alabama; Taylor Field; Alabama: , 1919. Decorative blue cloth portfolio with black cloth ties. 78 disbound black album leaves. Over 200 photographs and ephemeral pieces: forms, certificates, letters, notes, invitations, notices, memorandums, ms annotations &c.&c. 13" x 9-3/4". Some chipping to album leaves, minor age toning to cloth, otherwise a VG album, except for a few places wear photos might have fallen out, it appears complete. This scrapbook documents Lieutenant Alexander M. Falkenstein's WW1 service from his initial attempt to enlist as an aviator in 1917 until his release from active duty in 1919. Falkenstein appeared to has strong designs to be an aviator, but was denied upon his initial application and was appointed as a Sergeant in the 316th Infantry Regiment, 79th Division, at Camp Meade Maryland where he applied for a commission in the Army Signal Corps' Aviation Section, unfortunately he was sent to Officer's Training School instead in 1918. After graduation he was reassigned to the 45th Infantry Regiment at Camp Sheridan, Alabama, where he was finally permitted to begin training as an aerial Infantry Observer, it was unfortunately short lived, the program being canceled with the Armistice, and Falkenstein accepted reassignment in the division's military police until he was discharged in April of 1919. The scrapbook tells an intimate tale of his experiences during this time with a wide assortment of carefully collected ephemeral material.

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