Plate 79, from an untitled album of World War I photographs, 1918/19

Plate 79, from an untitled album of World War I photographs, 1918/19 (detail)

Gelatin silver print
Gift of William Kistler, 1977.755

In a letter dated May 10, 1919, General John J. Pershing, commander of the AEF, commended Steichen on his leadership:

I wish to express my appreciation of the services which you rendered the American Expeditionary Forces. You built up the Photographic Section of the Air Service, bringing it to a degree of efficiency that compared very favorably with that of any other section of that service. Its development and splendid achievements are due in a large measure to your personal efforts and to your genius for organization and administration. At all times you worked devotedly for the best interests of this service. I regret that I was unable to thank you personally before you returned to the United States.

Printed recto, on album page, lower right, in black ink: “Photographic Section. / Air Service. American Expeditionary Forces.”; inscribed recto, on album page, lower right, in blue ink: “79”; unmarked verso