Eric Fisher Wood

[5][6] Wood subsequently returned to the United States, where he became Vice-President of the National Security League, an organization dedicated to fostering so-called "military preparedness" in the face of the vast and spreading European War.

[4] In 1917, as an officer at Camp Sherman, Ohio, he was sent out to raise building funds by Major General Edwin Forbes Glenn, who was responsible for organizing the 83rd Infantry Division.

[7] Following American entry into the war in 1917, Wood was commissioned as a major in the U.S. Army on August 14, 1917 and served as assistant chief of staff for the 88th Infantry Division.

[8] On February 15, 1919, Wood was ordered by Gen. John J. Pershing to join with 19 of his fellows in a special committee headed by Theodore Roosevelt Jr. given the task of providing a set of recommendations aimed at curbing the serious problem of declining morale.

[9] A series of proposals resulted from the day-long session, including elimination of restrictive regulations, organization of additional athletic events and recreational opportunities, and the expansion of leave time and entertainment programs.

[12] The pair were to establish a central office and to maintain contact by mail and telegram with the various combat divisions and headquarters staffs, as well as to publicize activities to the press.

[3] During the course of his military career Wood would earn the Legion of Merit, the Purple Heart with oak leaf, and the Croix de Guerre, in addition to 20 ribbons and 10 battle stars.