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Archduke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated
The Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand lit the fuse to the bomb that was WWI and set the wheels rolling of the war to end all wars. -
Austria Hungry declares war
The Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand caused Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia. -
Russia Mobilizes in favor of Serbia
Russia mobilizes it's army against Austria Hungary, in favor of it ally, serbia. This sparks a chain of events that leads to the rest of the powers joining the war. -
Elton wants to get involved
Elton was only sixteen when WWI started in 1914. At this time the United States was not involved in the war, but that couldn't keep Elton from joining the war, or trying, he joined the Third Canadian Contingent with several of his friends. He went through enlistment, and was taken out of school to work full time. -
"Little Willie"
The "Little Willie" was the first prototype tank of WWI. It was built in 1915, carried a crew of three men, and had a top speed of just over 3 Mph. -
Flammenwerfer
Flammenwerfer as it was called by the German army, the first modern "Flamethrower" was invented by Richard Fiedler, who submited it to the German army in 1901. It was not put to use on the battle feild until February 26, 1915, when it was briefly used against the French outside Verdun. -
British Mark I
The British Mark I was the first tank used on the battle feild durring World War One. Its intentions were to break through enemy lines, and although not very often, it worked, -
Germany allows unrestricted sub warfare
Germany had restricted sub use after the sinking of the Lituania, in effort to keep the United States out of the war, but then .over to unrestricted sub warfare in European waterways. Ultimatly bringing the U.S. into the war, leading to the surrender of Germany. -
United States Enters War
The United States declares war on Germany, fighting alongside France and Brittian. -
Elton E. Mackin prepares to go to war
In April of 1917 Elton decided that it was time for him to take part in the war to end all wars. At just 19, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and completed basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina. -
Elton becomes a runner
After enlisting and completing his training, Elton was sent over to Europe and eventually became a battalion runner for the 67th Co. 1st Battalion 5th Marine Regiment. -
Red Baron
The German flying ace Baron Manfred von Richthofen (more commonly known as the Red Baron), is shot down. -
Elton and the Battle of Belleau Wood
Still as a runner, Elton served in many battles, the Battle of Belleau Wood being one, lasting nearly a month -
The end of Eltons military career
After his service, Elton was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps. -
Treaty of Versailles
On this day, the Treaty of Versailes was signed to officially end World War One, the war to end all wars. -
Eltons journey comes to an end
After serving his country, Elton came home and led a long peacfull life, later dying in Norwalk, Ohio.