This vintage real photo postcard features a young uniformed soldier. He is holding his rifle in front of him and he appears to be ready for action. Note his multi faceted utility belt and his boots. The young man wrote a message to his mother on the reverse of the postcard. He proudly presents himself as his mom’s “soldier son”. His message also reveals that the soldier’s name is “Herbert”. The “AZO” stamp box indicates that this photo postcard was published sometime between 1918 and 1930. Interestingly, World War I ended in 1918. Perhaps Herbert was a soldier in the “War to end all Wars”. This postcard is in excellent condition (see scans). SOLD
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
On the contrary, “Herbert”, God bless him, looks terrified. He may have sensed that he was (statistically speaking, although it is highly unlikely he knew the statistics) on his journey to death, and if so, he would have pitched that gun and run. He was told, over and over again, as all American soldiers were, that he would be fighting “For Freedom and Democracy in the world.” (Looking back, a bitter and sadly accurate notion, beautifully voiced by two young “soldier boys” in the great forgotten novel about “The War to End All Wars, WWI: “One of Ours”, by Willa Cather.)
I practice hand-writing analysis, but even a layman can detect from his handwriting, that again, this “soldier boy” is possessed by a great state of fright. Rightfully so. – God bless his mother also.
An unforgettable memento for those that collect such images from that time and that event. Well worth the price. Thank you CC.
I think you are correct. After looking at the image again, he certainly does look more terrified than proud. I noticed that his handwriting is quite large. What is the interpretation of such large handwriting?
That expression is quite apprehensive. Still, it could be the first time he ever had his picture taken. (Scary enough). A local photographer could arrange to come on base for that purpose. Reasonable charge, nothing fancy … line ’em up The lack of any insignia on the uniform indicates he was in basic training. If the piping on the hat brim was light blue it was infantry (also scary, looking ahead). The unfinished wood on the barracks suggest a rush job. … and, allowing that, the weeds size are consistent with later 1917 and 1918 or so. Could indeed be a draftee (or volunteer) for WW1. Hope he survived it OK.