Major Willard D. Straight: A WWI Leadership Legacy

The photograph features Major Willard D. Straight, an important yet often overlooked figure from World War I, taken around 1917 or 1918. As a prominent officer, Straight played a significant role during a pivotal time in American military history. His leadership and service contributed to the U.S. efforts during the conflict that involved nations worldwide and drastically changed the geopolitical landscape of the 20th century.

Captured by the Bain News Service, this image is a glass negative—an early photographic technique that provided detailed visual records. The photo stands as historical evidence of the military personnel who shaped Americas involvement in World War I. Such records help us understand the individual contributions of officers like Major Straight and their roles during a war that saw unprecedented changes in warfare and tactics. This straightforward documentation from a century ago remains relevant in teaching us about leadership, service, and the worldwide impact of the war.