1st Base Post Office

• Origins in World War I: The 1st Base Post Office was originally established during World War I to handle the huge volume of mail sent to and from American Expeditionary Forces in Europe. • Morale Booster: Reliable mail delivery was considered essential for soldier morale, and the 1st Base Post Office played a key role in keeping troops connected with loved ones back home. • Massive Volume: By the end of World War II, the 1st Base Post Office had sorted and distributed millions of letters and parcels each month, sometimes working around the clock. • Mobile Operations: The unit often set up mobile field post offices, rapidly establishing mail service as soon as new bases were secured or liberated. • Women’s Army Corps: The 1st Base Post Office was among the first units to integrate members of the Women’s Army Corps, who played a vital role in sorting and delivering mail. • Mail Censorship: During both world wars, postal clerks in the unit were responsible for screening mail for sensitive information, helping to maintain operational security. • Innovative Transport: To speed delivery, the unit used everything from trains and trucks to aircraft and even carrier pigeons in emergencies. • Combat Zone Service: Members of the 1st Base Post Office often served close to the front lines, facing many of the same dangers as combat troops. • Famous Recipients: The unit handled mail for many famous military leaders, including General Dwight D. Eisenhower and General George S. Patton. • Legacy of Service: The traditions of the 1st Base Post Office continue today in modern military postal operations, ensuring that deployed service members stay connected with home.