Phelan, William J. Collection
William J. Phelan, a St. Louis native, served as a Regimental Sergeant Major in the 314th Engineer Regiment, 89th Infantry Division during World War I. Phelan trained in Camp Funston, Kansas before being sent overseas on the USS Carpathia. Following the Armistice, Phelan and the 314th were part of the post war occupation of Germany.
Beginning in September 1917, Phelan kept a detailed diary about his experiences from basic training through occupation duty in Germany. Scattered throughout the diary’s pages are mementos, photographs, and insignia related to Phelan’s service in Europe.
