MY DIARY OF THE GREAT WAR 1917-1919

About the Book

“This was taken on the shuttle train on our way to Macon the day we left Camp Wheeler, Mary 8, 1918.  It was taken on the back end of the train.  We had 18 train cars stay there about an hour.  Sgt. Lynn had gathered some berries, and he was eating them out of his hat.  He is reordering for me.  Ha! Ha!  The wind was blowing my hair and tie.  We were waiting on our Bakery outfit.  We had a great day.”

“Someday, Sweetheart, we may make a trip to Macon, Ga.  I can show you then where I was at Camp Wheeler.”

About the Author

Michael T. McBride is a 1985 graduate from Jay County High School in Portland, Indiana, his hometown.  His interest in military history was sparked at an early age.  Michael is a Civil War enthusiast and an avid collector.   Today, his extensive collection consists of Civil War memorabilia, U.S. Cavalry equipment from the Civil War to World War II, and his grandfather’s WWI uniforms and artifacts. 

Additionally, Michael’s hobbies include Civil War and WWI reenacting, and conducting research on past soldiers.  His latest discovery included the unknown burial location of the last Civil War soldier to perish during the Civil War, John Jefferson Williams of Jay County.  Since there were no special markers indicating the importance of this soldier to our Nation’s military history, Michael started the process to insure that this soldier will be honored by his community and never forgotten.

Michael is one of the founders of the Museum of the Soldier (www.museumofthesoldier.com) located in his hometown, and currently serves on their Board of Directors.  His collection and knowledge of the Civil War and WWI are utilized for museum exhibits and educational demonstrations at local schools and community functions.

Michael is also a member of the National Rifle Association, Masonic Lodge 87, Sons of the American Legion Post 211, Boy Scouts of America Troop 206 as Assistant Scoutmaster, Local 4 Indiana/Kentucky Bricklayers Union and Trinity United Methodist Church.  He is a 4^th generation bricklayer and specializes in masonry and refractory work.  Michael currently resides in his hometown with his wife, Demetria, and two children, Nathan and Carmelia.