Salem's First Thirteen Draftees
On August 9th, 1917, Francis J. Morin (pictured left) officially became the first Salem man to pass physical examinations and be drafted for service in the A.E.F.. He made his home at 60 Dow Street and was one of 15 other children in his family. In an interview with the Salem Evening News, he expressed that he “wants to get in” and showed hope that he would pass the examinations. On September 5th, 1917, he along with Raymond F. Fuller (22 Andrew Street) left for Camp Devens, Massachusetts to begin their training. Upon their departure, both men were given a sweater of olive drab hue, a helmet, and a “housewife” kit containing needles, threads, combs, and pencils. President Broadhead of the Salem City Council was given the honor to escort the men to Camp Devens. Their departure was devoid of ceremony, but the Mayor, members of the Exemption Board, family, and other draftees gave the men a sendoff.
The following eleven draftees would soon follow them to Camp Devens in the proceeding weeks:
| Name | Address |
John J. Danaher | 61 Prospect Street |
John D. Daley | 22 Andrew Street |
Robert V. Griffin | 6 Tremont Street |
Ernest Guerretti | 2 North Court Stree |
Fred J. Long | 83 Proctor Street |
Jesse A. Morrow | 9 Boston Street |
Antonio Ruscio | 7 High Street |
John St. Laurent | 20 Clifton Avenue |
Louis St. Pierre | 36 Salem Street |
Hector Thibodeau | 59 Harbor Street |
Walter V. Tivnan | 32 Japonica Street |