World War I

Salvaged equipment traveled through the AEF salvage depots, including the one Franklin D'Olier supervised.

When the United States entered World War I in April 1917, D’Olier offered his services to the Quartermaster Corps, believing his experience in the textile industry would prove useful in the war effort.

He was commissioned as a captain and served at the Boston Quartermaster Corps Depot until receiving orders to go to France in August of 1917.

D'Olier was assigned to command the first salvage depot of the American army in France with 12 personnel.

(Textile World Photo)

Troops sent damaged uniform clothing to the salvage depot for repair or to be reused for patching.

Salvaged buttons used to replace broken or lost buttons.

Within six months, his salvage staff grew to 6,000 and served about 750,000 men, making it the largest salvage depot in France

The salvage service saved the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) millions of dollars and provided work for the war-torn French people.

His work earned D’Olier a promotion to lieutenant colonel, a Distinguished Service Medal and a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor from France.

World War I uniform shirt with signs of wear.

World War I winter service coat in need of repair and cleaning.

World War I era Army Distinguished Service medal similar to the one awarded to Franklin D'Olier.

Oak leaf insignia worn by a World War I lieutenant colonel.