About 43,000 Coloradans served in the U.S. military during World War I. Of these, about 4,500 were National Guardsmen, 1,500 volunteers of other types, and the remainder selected servicemen (draftees). Over 1,000 died in service. The 157^th Infantry and 115^th Engineer Regiments of the 40^th Division were Coloradan, as was the 341^st Artillery Regiment of the 89^th Division. Coloradans were heavily represented in the rest of the 40^th and 89^th Divisions, and in the 41^st Division. Coloradans served at sea and in the air as well. Captain Jerry C. Vasconcells, for example, was a pursuit pilot who shot down eight enemy aircraft to become an “ace”, and rose to the command of the U.S. 185^th Aero Squadron.

Fort Logan, near Denver, served as a recruiting depot, but Colorado’s climate was deemed too harsh for the establishment of a major training camp. Famous for mining, Colorado found its mineral wealth in considerable demand to support the war effort. Silver, molybdenum and tungsten proved particularly important. Coloradans engaged in volunteer work, conducted war bond drives, economized on meat and other foodstuffs, and planted additional gardens to support the war. Training facilities for military men and military auxiliary women were established.

Editor’s Note: This ongoing series will feature information and statistics about World War I service members from every state. You can also find this information in our new Chateau-Thierry Visitor Center that will be opening later this year.