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LT. COLONEL GEORGE A. WIECZOREK : 1921 ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT DIARY AND JOURNAL OF THE 'SCHOOL OF THE LINE' HANDWRITTEN BY A DISTINGUISHED WORLD WAR I SOLDIER AND AUTHOR

Folio - over 12" - 15" tall. On offer is a very unique, original manuscript journal and relic of the storied "School of the Line" handwritten by Lt. Colonel George A. Wieczorek while attending the "School of the Line" at Ft. Leavenworth Kansas from September of 1921 to June of 1922. Historians, collectors and researchers will note that the 137 page journal was written by a distinguished soldier who was awarded the decoration of The Purple Heart for his meritorious service in France where he was wounded during the Meuse-Argonne offensive on September 26, 1918. He is even mentioned in an article on the Meuse-Argonne offensive. There are in fact quite a few military articles written by Colonel Wieczorek including one called "Technical Training for Line Officers in the Use and Construction of Military Lines of Information." Casual research finds he also served in Cuba. Here are some snippets: "Log Book - School of the Line, Ft. Leavenworth Kas. 1921 12, Sept. Raining. School opened at 10:45 A.M. by addresses by Brig Gen. H. E. Ely and Colonel Hugh Drum. Addresses made by Colonel Brees, Director of School of Line and lecture by Col. Taylor on organization….." "December 2nd, 1921 8:30 A.M. Conference, Col. Van Horn. T.P. March toward the most dangerous point to protect a flank. If you expect to fight quietly, march in two columns. Do not figure on occupying a position at a long distance. Normal with adv. Guard of Div. March in two columns, divide them between the 2 columns. 10:00 A.M. Conference. March, Change of direction. Major Catron……." "December 15th, 1921 10:00 A.M. Lecture-Reconnaissance-Air ____ Major Naiden T.P. Army observation, Corps observation and division. Each use different type of airplane. Army planes are the only ones used for night observations. Div. Sq. drops message to forward command posts. Notify Air service when dropping grounds on so panels can be sighted. 2 flights. 6 planes each in air infantry division….." "March 22nd, 1922 8:30 A.M. Conference. Col. Van Horn. River Crossings. T.P. Make special provision in order to get the troops across……Position some distance back from river. Position on a flank behind river. Crossing by turning movement. Point of crossing. Shelter on our side. Small creek for hiding boats. Bridgehead goes over first, absolutely. Use as small as bridgehead form as possible. When platoon boats are used they should be allotted in the order……" There are also a few drawings inside. The diary was written in a ledger style journal that measures about 8" x 12 ½". The cover is very, very worn, in fact the outside spine is all torn and falling apart but the pages and binding are fine. Overall G. HISTORICAL NOTES: School of the Line: "The experience of World War I greatly influenced the Officer education system established in the United States in the postwar period. The school system was re-established in 1919 to address many of the specific problems, which emerged during the war. Foremost among these problems were handling large armies in the field and preparing the nation for war. The School of the Line and the General Staff School at Ft. Leavenworth prepared officers to staff and command large units. The Army War College re-emerged in 1919 as the General Staff College in Washington, D.C. This institution was to prepare officers for duty with the General Staff of the Army. At the core of this program was the single problem of preparing the army for war. In 1919 this meant mobilization and war plans. At Ft. Leavenworth officers of appropriate rank attended the School of the Line. This course devoted one year to the study of brigade and division operations. Selected officers then went on to the General Staff School, also of one-year duration. In the second year, students focused on corps and armies. Beginning in 1922 the General Staff School added the study of army groups to its program of instruction. The scope of these studies was impressive. In 1922 a course in strategy was included, but by far the bulk of program was devoted to the operations of large units.". Book Condition: Good

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