Books: Cadillac Participation in the World War (1919)

I found this treasure while searching through Google’s digitized archives of public domain works: Cadillac Participation in the World War.

It is a book produced by Cadillac in 1919, at the end of the first World War.  The book addresses the role of Cadillacs in the war zone, members of the Cadillac factory and sales staff who were called to service, and honors those who died in service to their country. It contains period photos of Cadillacs in Europe during the war.

Particularly of interest is letters from those serving in Europe which mention their experience with Cadillac motor cars on numbered page 25 and following. Here is one example:

“…It was my privilege to have for my service a Cadillac for one particular twelve thousand mile trip and during this time there was never a single interruption from anything except tire trouble…”
Hugh L. Cooper, (Courtesy Keokuk Cadillac Company, Keokuk Iowa)

The dedication from the book:

TO CADILLAC MEN
It is a lamentable fact that a war book had to be written — that there were in this world ideas so opposed and motives so conflicted that only a war could decide.
But it makes the American heart beat stronger to know that there were enough broad shoulders, well-set jaws, and hearts of strong and simple faith to take up arms for the principles of humanity and justice.
The Cadillac organization is glad that it was able to contribute something to the strength of the nation and its allies; proud if that contribution was even a step toward victory. It is an honor that Cadillac was called upon to manufacture machines of war, that there were in its employ so many competent, red-blooded, loyal men and women able to contribute to industrial requirements of war.
These veterans of the shops were allotted the industrial chores of the war. They remained at home, faithfully performing the various tasks to which they were assigned. There were no fond good-byes, no mothers’ blessing nor tears to soften their departure form their every-day pursuits. When the war was won, they wore no croix de guerre or other distinguished insignia of valor. They remained clad in the simple uniforms of their craft, content that they had done what they had been required to do.
In recognition of the patriotic efforts of these men, the Cadillac Motor Car Company dedicates this book. May it serve in a small way to pay a debt of gratitude.
R. H. Collins

PDF file of the book with Google digitization introduction: Read online or Download PDF
Buy the book on Amazon: Here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.