Military Review at Camp Upton: 308th Infantry, 1918

This photograph, taken on February 4, 1918, captures a military review at Camp Upton, a key training facility for soldiers during World War I. The 308th Infantry is prominently featured in a training exercise, showcasing the military preparations underway as the United States became more deeply involved in the conflict that had engulfed Europe since 1914. The event was important enough to attract the attention of local leaders, including the Governor and the Mayor, who were present to review the troops.

Camp Upton, located in Yaphank, New York, served as a mobilization and training center for thousands of soldiers during the war. The site was established in 1917 and played a crucial role in preparing troops for service overseas. As the war progressed, millions of American servicemen were trained at various camps like Upton before being deployed to the front lines. This photograph serves as a record of both the soldiers readiness and the broader military efforts of the United States during this significant time in history.

Captured by the Bain News Service, the image was later featured in the New York Times, underlining the public interest in military activities and the lives of soldiers. Such photographs help us understand the scale of wartime mobilization and the experience of American troops as they faced the challenges of a global conflict.