World War I: Turning the Tide Stamp

— July 27 | Kansas City, MO | PSA pane of 20

This 2018 issuance honors the millions of Americans, both at home and abroad, who participated in World War I, the seminal conflict of the twentieth century. The United States, despite remaining neutral until 1917 and not engaging in major combat until 1918, helped end the four-year global conflict (1914-1918) and emerged from it as a major world power.

The stamp art features a close-up of a member of the American Expeditionary Force holding the U.S. flag. Barbed wire can be seen in the background, as well as an airplane in flight and smoke rising up from the battlefield.

The American Expeditionary Force, which ultimately grew to nearly five million troops, did not see major action until the spring of 1918. Then in six months of intense combat, some 53,000 Americans died on the battlefield, and American troops played an indispensable role in turning the tide of war in favor of the Allies.

Mark Stutzman painted the artwork in airbrush on illustration board, a technique that evokes the propaganda posters used during World War I. Art director Greg Breeding designed the issuance.

08/11/18 firstdaycoversonline.com

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