A Photo History of The United States Army Field Band: The First Seventy-Five Years

A Photo History of The United States Army Field Band: The First Seventy-Five YearsThe year was 1946. General Jacob Devers, commander of the Army Ground Forces in the United States, was commanded to do what he least wanted to do demobilize thousands of soldiers who had served across Europe. Having commanded the Sixth Army Group in Europe, Devers had tremendous allegiance to these soldiers. In addition, he was concerned a mass reduction in Army forces could destabilize the United States ability to defend itself in the immediate

The year was 1946. General Jacob Devers, commander of the Army Ground Forces in the United States, was commanded to do what he least wanted to do Ð demobilize thousands of soldiers who had served across Europe. Having commanded the Sixth Army Group in Europe, Devers had tremendous allegiance to these soldiers. In addition, he was concerned a mass reduction in Army forces could destabilize the United StatesÕ ability to defend itself in the immediate future. Amidst this massive demobilization effort, Devers also sought to sustain the outpouring of emotion and support the American people had for their Army. He summoned Chester Whiting, an infantry warrant officer, to Washington, D.C. Whiting had organized a band made up entirely of combat infantry veterans that was successfully touring the country. Devers commissioned Whiting to organize a similar band to continue the mission of traveling the country. However, this time the band would represent the entire Army Ground Forces. On March 21, 1946 the Army Ground Forces Band was created to, Òcarry into the Grass Roots of our country the story of our magnificent ArmyÉ .Ó For seventy-five years the Army Ground Forces Band, now the US Army Field Band, has traveled far and wide to bring its unique musical message to thousands of audiences. This book documents and shares the experiences of this famous military musical organization from the perspective of current and former members as they have brought DeversÕ idea to life.