Whittlesey Artifacts, 1917 - 1919

The bulk of the Charles White Whittlesey collection pertains to Whittlesey's military career: his training at Plattsburgh and Camp Upton, his term of service with the American Expeditionary Forces (A.E.F.), the near loss of his battalion in the Argonne Forest (the event which gave the name of the 'Lost Battalion' to his troops), and his receipt of commendations and medals from various governments and organizations. The few pieces which do not fall within the domain of his military involvement include the diploma he received from Williams College in 1905, and the letter he wrote to his friend, J. Bayard Pruyn, shortly before he committed suicide in 1921. The collection includes newspapers, correspondence, military orders and documents, diplomas, certificates, commendations, photographs. The collection also has various artifacts including clothing and military uniforms, military equipment, medals, and personal items.