Existing comment:
The 40th Division remained at Camp Kearny until 26 July 1918, when they were moved to Camp Mills, Long Island, New York to prepare for transfer to serve in Europe. The "Sunshiners" were with the 26th Division in Toul, France and with the 77th Division through the Argonne Forest. Armistice was declared on 11 November 1918 with demobilization bringing the 40th Division back to Camp Kearny in March 1919.
Camp Kearny remained busy during World War I with various construction projects. These projects also included functional complexes developed by the YMCA, the Red Cross, and the Jewish Welfare Board each of which worked to maintain the fitness and morale of the service personnel within Camp Kearny. Activities ranging from baseball and other sports, educational classes and lectures by prominent educators, religious services, and various musical events and vaudeville acts were incorporated to maintain a balance of mental and physical health.
Following the announcement of armistice, all construction ceased. The Camp was designated as a demobilization point for the region. Upon returning to the states, men were distributed to demobilization camps nearest to their homes for recuperation and final examinations. |