By September 1917, for many Americans the idea that the United States was at war was finally becoming a reality. Since the declaration of war in April, life for most had changed, and the conflict was still just a distant topic of debate. But now actions would replace words.

Many men, like Kingdom Gould, the 29-year-old wealthy son of a millionaire Lakewood family, had to make a decision. In June Gould, a railroad president, had registered for the draft.