The Stars and Stripes, Vol. 1—No. 1
VOL. 1—NO. 1. FRANCE, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1918. PRICE: 50 CENTIMES.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHIEF
In this initial number of THE STARS AND STRIPES, published by the men of the Overseas Command, the Commander-in-Chief of the American Expeditionary Forces extends his greetings through the editing staff to the readers from the first line trenches to the base ports.
These readers are mainly the men who have been honored by being the first contingent of Americans to fight on European soil for the honor of their country. It is an honor and privilege which makes them fortunate above the millions of their fellow citizens at home. Commensurate with their privilege in being here, is the duty which is laid before them, and this duty will be performed by them as by Americans of the past, eager, determined, and unyielding to the last.
The paper, written by the men in the service, should speak the thoughts of the new American Army and the American people from whom the Army has been drawn. It is your paper. Good luck to it.
(Signed) JOHN J. PERSHING,
Commander-in-Chief, A. E. F.