Post War Military Service

Post-war Military Service After the cessation of hostilities on November 11, 1918, John reenlisted in the service and, subsequently, became part of the occupation forces. Since the signing of the armistice occurred before the German retreat reached their home territory, the occupation forces had to travel to Germany from their positions on the front. The American unit, to which John had been assigned, loaded the gear that they couldn’t carry in horse drawn wagons and walked into Germany. During the trek, while ascending a particularly long uphill grade, the horses pulling the wagons became fatigued and desperately required a prolonged rest. However, if they relaxed, the heavily laden wagons would drag them back down the incline. Consequently, …show more content…
After the raid, the United State Army concentrated forces along the Mexican border to prevent a subsequent raid. This vigilance continued throughout the Great War and even after the conclusion of the war in Europe. As late as June 1919, armed conflict occurred between Pancho Villa’s forces and the U.S. Army in the Battle of Juarez. After Villa’s troops drove Mexican Federalist forces from Juarez, Mexico; the revolutionists, firing from positions on rooftops, shot several soldiers and civilians across the border in El Paso, Texas. The United States Army responded with both sharpshooters and an artillery barrage, which sent Villa’s troops into disarray. Following up on their advantage, an overwhelming force of approximately 3,600 U.S. infantry and cavalry crossed into Mexico and dispersed the Villistas. Although the attack caused an international incident with Mexico outraged by an “invasion” of their soil, the incident resulted in Villa permanently withdrawing from the …show more content…
From its home base, believed to be somewhere in Texas, the band traveled to various locations for performances and on at least one occasion performed in St. Louis.46 A photograph of the band existed among John’s mementos of his military service that he kept throughout his life. General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing profiled in the foreground sitting astride a horse added an imposing aspect to the picture.47 Pershing served as the Commander in Chief of the American Expeditionary Force in World War I, and following the war the United States Congress promoted him to the rank of General of the Armies of the United States.48

John liked military life. In particular, his post-war military service years bestowed upon him a pleasurable existence. Although he considered making a career out of the military, his mother wanted him to return home. John acquiesced to Hanna’s wishes and returned to his parent’s farm. During the years ahead, which included struggles during the Great Depression, another world war, and declining health in old age, John sought solace in the wealth of memories garnered while living with the Johan Kranz family in Germany and playing in an Army band along the Mexican