Date with History: Author Patrick K. O'Donnell

O’Donnell will discuss his 2018 book, “The Unknowns: The Untold Story of America’s Unknown Soldier and WWI’s Most Decorated Heroes Who Brought Him Home.”

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is sacred ground at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC. Originally constructed in 1921 to hold one of the thousands of unidentified American soldiers lost in World War I, it now also contains unknowns from World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and receives millions of visitors each year who pay silent tribute.

When the Unknown Soldier was laid to rest in Arlington, General John Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in WWI, selected eight of America’s most decorated, battle-hardened veterans to serve as Body Bearers. He chose them for their bravery and to tell the larger story of America’s role in World War I.

In his book, O’Donnell shares the remarkable heroics of the Body Bearers more than 100 years ago. Their stories fit into the larger narrative of America’s involvement in the conflict, transporting readers into the midst of dramatic battles during 1917-18 that ultimately decided the Great War.

O’Donnell has written 12 critically acclaimed books that recount the epic stories of America’s wars, from the Revolution to Iraq. A Fellow at Mount Vernon, he is the recipient of numerous national book awards, and an expert on elite and special operations units and irregular warfare.

The First Division Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm (4 pm close in November and December). Entry is included with Cantigny’s parking fee. Face coverings are currently required inside the museum, regardless of Covid-vaccination status. More information is online FDMuseum.org.