American GI’sThe boys who devoted their lives to

protect this great nation

by Wade, Ethan, Amber, Rhiannon, Lexi

Key Content Terms● GIs- food and supplies were provided by the government

to the soldiers and the items were labeled “government issue” or GI. The soldiers began referring to themselves as GI soldiers based on this reason.

● Fort Dix and Fort Bragg- army reception centers● Drill Instructors- trainers that had eight weeks to train

the soldiers for combat● Trainees- soldiers being trained for combat

1. GI Bill of Rights (Servicemen's Readjustment Act) which included:

● Education and training opportunities● Loan guarantees for a home, farm, or

business● Job-finding assistance● Unemployment pay of $20 per week for up to

52 weeks if the veteran cannot find a job● Priority for building materials for Veteran’s

Administration Hospitals

Opportunities

Hardships1. GI’s possessed many internal hardships:● soldiers knew that they could die any moment.● soldiers feared their sudden death, especially during intense

warfare.● Experienced soldiers grew numb to the fear, while new soldiers

feared fighting.● Soldiers faced extreme boredom in between battles. ● Even after War, soldiers lives were changed through memories,

and horrors of the War.

Hardships (continued)● No matter what the weather, dehydration

was always a concern. Marching made them sweat, and combat left them cotton-mouthed and croaking. Water was often what they could dip out of a shell-hole. They were also treated with iodine or halazone tablets to kill the bugs.

● Few were ever truly ready for the intensity of the battlefield. The deafening blasts for artillery or grenades. the sequel and clatter of tanks on the move, and the billowing clouds of smoke all combined to create a surreal atmosphere

● Many men wrote letters. At night, they would try to put their thoughts and experiences down on paper for girlfriends, wives, or parents.

● Under the hard stress of the war, soldiers developed strong bonds of friendship

Slides

● Intro Slide- Wade● Key Content Terms- Rhiannon● Opportunities- Ethan● Hardships 1- Lexi● Hardships 2- Amber