Remembering Grandpa Orville James

I never knew my maternal grandfather; he died before I was born. Even so, I feel a connection to the man because of his military service.

Orville Douglas James served in WWI as an officer. I need to write to the National Archives and obtain his official records, but from what I can tell it was his education that allowed him to obtain a commission. He never went overseas--"Over There"--as the old song says. Instead he trained the soldiers before they boarded the troop ships for France. He was in the 10th Infantry Regiment and primarily was stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind. (near Indianapolis). I'm sure he was frustrated at being left behind, but the work that trainers have done in all wars is so valuable. I'm sure there were many soldiers who thanked their lucky stars the Lieutenant James made sure they were well trained once they hit the ground in France.

Here's a picture of Orville in his khakis, puttees, and campaign hat. More to follow on Orville and his brother, Paul.