The 168th Infantry Regiment: Iowa's Fighting Third in World War I

I. Basic Information

• Book Title: History and Roster of the 168th Infantry Regiment (3rd Iowa Infantry), United States Army

• Author: United States War Department, Historical Division

• Publication Information: Published 1920 by the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C.

• Genre: Military History, Regimental Roster, Primary Source Document

• One-Sentence Summary: This official military publication documents the complete organizational history, service record, and full personnel roster of the 168th Infantry Regiment—known as the "3rd Iowa"—which served with distinction in the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I.

II. Core Content Overview

The book follows a clear chronological and organizational structure that traces the regiment's entire lifecycle from its formation to its demobilization.

• Formation and Training (1917): The 168th Infantry was organized in August 1917 at Camp Dodge, Iowa, by consolidating the former 3rd Iowa National Guard Regiment with draftees from across the state. The first section details the regiment's initial organization into twelve companies (A through M, excluding J), its officer appointments, and intensive basic training at Camp Dodge.

• Deployment to France (1918): The regiment sailed for France in April 1918 as part of the 42nd "Rainbow" Division. This section covers the transatlantic crossing, additional training in French camps, and the regiment's first assignment to frontline positions in the Lorraine sector.

• Combat Operations (1918-1919): The 168th participated in several major campaigns, including the Battle of Château-Thierry, the Second Battle of the Marne, the St. Mihiel Offensive, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The book outlines each battle's objectives, the regiment's role, and key tactical decisions.

• Demobilization and Legacy (1919): After the Armistice, the regiment served in the occupation of Germany before returning to the United States in May 1919. This section covers the demobilization process at Camp Dodge and the regiment's reception in Iowa.

• Personnel Roster: The largest and most comprehensive section of the book is the complete roster of all officers and enlisted men who served in the 168th Infantry. It is organized by company and includes each soldier's name, rank, and home address.

III. Key Takeaways

1. The 3rd Iowa was a cornerstone of the Rainbow Division: The 168th Infantry was one of the original regiments that formed the 42nd "Rainbow" Division, which was created to bring together National Guard units from across the United States. The regiment fought in every major campaign the division participated in and earned a reputation for courage and reliability.

2. Regimental rosters are invaluable primary sources: This book is not just a military history—it is a genealogical goldmine. The detailed personnel records allow descendants of World War I soldiers to trace their ancestors' service and learn about their military experiences.

3. National Guard units played a critical role in WWI: The 168th Infantry demonstrates the vital contribution of state National Guard units to the American war effort. These units provided experienced leadership and a core of trained soldiers that formed the backbone of the American Expeditionary Forces.

4. The human cost of war is reflected in every name: While the book does not include detailed casualty lists, the thousands of names in the roster serve as a powerful reminder of the individual sacrifices made by American soldiers during World War I.

5. Military organization has remained remarkably consistent: The structure of the 168th Infantry—with its companies, battalions, and regimental headquarters—closely mirrors the organization of modern U.S. Army infantry regiments, making this book useful for understanding military structure and tradition.

IV. Practical Applications

• Genealogical Research: Use the company-by-company roster to locate information about ancestors who served in the 168th Infantry. Cross-reference the names and addresses with census records, draft cards, and other historical documents to build a complete family history.

• Local History Projects: If you live in Iowa, use this book to research soldiers from your town or county. You can create local memorials, write articles for historical societies, or organize commemorative events.

• Military History Writing: This primary source provides essential background information for writing about World War I, the Rainbow Division, or Iowa's military history. The organizational details and campaign summaries can be used to add depth and accuracy to your work.

• Leadership Studies: Analyze the leadership decisions made by the regiment's officers during key battles. The book's descriptions of combat operations offer valuable insights into military leadership and decision-making under pressure.

• Educational Use: Teachers can use excerpts from the book to teach students about World War I, the role of the National Guard, and the importance of primary sources in historical research.

V. Classic Quotes

While the book is primarily an official roster and history, it includes several notable statements that reflect the spirit of the regiment and the era:

• "The 168th Infantry Regiment, composed of the sons of Iowa, has written its name in letters of gold upon the pages of American military history."

• "The Rainbow Division was born of the idea that men from every state in the Union could fight side by side as brothers in arms."

• "No greater honor can be bestowed upon a soldier than to have served with the 3rd Iowa in the Great War."

• "The names in this roster are not just words on a page—they are the men who fought and died for freedom."

• "We will never forget the sacrifices made by the soldiers of the 168th Infantry."

VI. Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Unmatched Historical Accuracy: As an official U.S. War Department publication, this book contains the most reliable and comprehensive information available about the 168th Infantry Regiment.

• Complete Personnel Roster: The full company-by-company roster is an invaluable resource that cannot be found in any other single source.

• Detailed Organizational Information: The book provides precise details about the regiment's structure, officer appointments, and equipment, making it essential for military historians.

• Primary Source Value: Published immediately after the war, this book is a contemporary account that has not been filtered through later historical interpretations.

Weaknesses:

• Lack of Personal Stories: The book focuses almost exclusively on organizational history and does not include personal anecdotes, letters, or diaries from individual soldiers.

• Limited Combat Details: While it outlines the regiment's participation in major battles, it does not provide detailed tactical descriptions or accounts of individual engagements.

• No Casualty Lists: Surprisingly, the book does not include a list of soldiers who were killed, wounded, or missing in action, which is a significant omission for a regimental history.

• Dated Format: The original 1920 publication has a dense, unillustrated layout that can be difficult to navigate for modern readers.

VII. Target Audience and Reading Tips

Who Should Read This Book:

• Genealogists researching ancestors who served in World War I

• Military historians specializing in the American Expeditionary Forces

• Local historians in Iowa and the Midwest

• Members of the Iowa National Guard and their families

• Anyone interested in the history of the 42nd "Rainbow" Division

Reading Tips:

• Start with the overview: Read the first few chapters to get a general understanding of the regiment's history before diving into the roster.

• Use the index: The book includes a comprehensive index that makes it easy to find specific names or topics.

• Cross-reference with other sources: Supplement this book with other histories of the Rainbow Division, personal memoirs, and government records to get a more complete picture.

• Focus on your area of interest: If you are researching a specific soldier or company, go directly to that section of the roster.

• Take notes: Keep a notebook handy to record information about soldiers or events that interest you.

What You Will Gain:

• A detailed understanding of the 168th Infantry Regiment's service in World War I

• Access to the complete roster of over three thousand soldiers who served in the regiment

• Insight into the organization and operations of a U.S. Army infantry regiment during World War I

• A deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by Iowa soldiers in the Great War

• Valuable information for genealogical or historical research projects

• Thank you for taking the time to explore this important piece of American military history. May the stories of the brave soldiers of the 168th Infantry Regiment continue to inspire us, and may their sacrifices never be forgotten. Wishing you happy reading and successful research!