-
Domino Effect
The Domino Effect, is when one large event sets of a chain of larger events. The assassination of Arch Duke Of Austria-Hungary Francis Ferdinand set off a large chain of events that eventually led to WW1. The original Central Powers were Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy (who later switched sides in both wars). The Triple Entente was UK, France, Russia, (and later in 1917 the US). We were a key factor in both world wars. -
Mania
Mania; is the acronym for Militarism, Alliances, Nationalism, Imperialism, & Assassination. M: The process of putting all available resources (money, people, etc) into increasing military power. A: When countries work together toward a common goal. N: Having an extremely large amount of pride in your country. I: When a country "takes over" another country for economic, social, military, or religious reasons. A: The assassination of Arch Duke of Austria-Hungary Francis Ferdinand led to WW1. -
Trench Warfare
Trench Warfare was the practice of digging large holes and coming out only to shoot the enemy. This method was very time consuming and pointless, because you would fight so hard to gain a trench just to be pushed back or shot down instantly. Soldiers protected the tops of trenches with grenades and barbed wire in case of an ambush. Soldiers experienced Trench Foot; where your feet would be covered in water eventually leading to infection. -
Biography of William F. Nice
William F. Nice was born on November 18th, 1882 in New Jersey. He worked for the federal reserve bank before joining the army. He joined the army in 1905, he actually did "see the world" due to being stationed in several parts of the world during his time. He can trace his family back to 1673 when they first arrived in America. He has stated that they have "been fighting since they arrived". -
Christmas Truce
On December 7th 1914, the Pope suggested stopping the war for a short time so both sides could celebrate Christmas. Both sides involved declined, but troops in the trenches came up with their own agreement. Soldiers from both trenches came out with their hands up eventually leading to a full celebration. Troops exchanged cigarettes, chocolate, and candy; there were even reports of soccer being played. This just goes to show even in war humanity is not lost. -
Weapons Used
At the dawn of of WW1, new weapons were created that forever changed the way we fight wars. The Germans started the use of submarines which sunk the Lusitania, forcing the US into the war. The use of poison gas was very common, which led to it being banned in war. Grenades, Machine Guns, Tanks, Submarines, Barbed Wire, & Airplanes were all used for the first time in WW1. Tanks allowed men to travel into "no man's land" which they could not do before. -
Unit History Of 49th Company
While Nice was marching through the forest, his squad fought with people who were trying to defend their homes. After marching through the forest, they reached their destination where they stayed till July 25th.On August 17th 1918. The company set out on a two day march to Govillers. Nice was in charge of keeping track of all the members in his company. Finally the unit disbanded after a very short time after the war ended. -
Other Accomplishments
His section of the AEF captured about 12,000 prisoners during its existence, this was over 1/4 of the total taken by the entire AEF. They also took close to 345 cannons from enemy units. This was about a quarter of the entire amount taken by the Americans. They were known for their bravery and willingness to fight till they could not possibly continue. Nice was the most famous member of the "Saviors Of Paris". -
Recommendation For Promotion To Gunner
He was involved in the Battle Of Belleau Woods in which he showed off his excellent marksmanship. He once fought for 11 days, trying to stop German troops from advancing.His squad was known as the "Saviors Of Paris" which they gained fame from. He was extremely brave and selfless during the war. He showed tremendous bravery during his time in WW1. -
Gunner Nice of the Devil Dogs.
Nice received two separate citations for his bravery in WW1. His Warrant Officer status is the equivalent of a Second Lieutenant. He served over 20 months in the army, he was also stationed in different parts of the world during this time. He was promoted to the status of Gunner after showing bravery on the battlefield. He was known as a very giving and kind person. -
Book & Film about Nice's experiences during the war.
Captain John W. Thomason Jr who was the commander of Nice's company. The book was called "Fixed Bayonets", and it detailed the struggles of life in the trenches and the conditions the men in his company experienced. There were talks of turning the novel published by Thomason into a feature film, but the plan never came to fruition. The film was supposed to show what the 49th Company experienced during the height of WW1. -
Family Lineage
According to Frederick Nice his family has been apart of every war since they arrived in 1673. His family obtained land from William Penn. Which went from the Schuy-Kill to the Delaware Rivers. In modern times the land goes from Wayne Junction to Allegheny Avenue in Philadelphia. His family's land is known as Nice Town in certain areas. -
Involvement In Key Battles
Nice's squadron played key roles in more than five battles. They were victorious in battles at Chateau Thierry, Soissons, St. Mihiel, Salient, Blanc Mont, and Argonne-Meuse. The toll of war is evident in the number of casualties during these battles. In all 732 officers and 23,653 men or 24,385 died all together. That was about 10% of the deaths in the entire American Expeditionary Force. -
Acknowledgement Of Service Rendered
He was sent a letter of thanks for his bravery and service during WW1. He participated in the Aisne-Marne Offensive against the Germans. He was apart of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. He was also awarded several medals during his time in the war. He was awarded the Croix De Guerre with a gold star indicating bravery. -
Awards Received for service
William F. Nice was awarded the silver star of the order of the purple heart for his time in the army. Nice received the Croix De Guerre for his service as well. A short time after being awarded his first Croix De Guerre, he received another but this time with palms on it. A certain unit, usually a regiment or a battalion, is always mentioned. The Croix is then a Croix De Guerre with palm.
