Company L was a historic East Tennessee National Guard unit

Here we see the soldies of 1st Regt., Camp of Instruction, Camp John Sevier, May 12–25, 1914, June 10, 1914, (photo by A. L. Butcher, Maryville, Tenn), who are ready for instruction. This image highlights the crucial early training that shaped these men. Captain Joseph Phillips is 4th man from the left, bottom row.This newspaper clipping from January 1916 shows Capt. Joe Phillips from Tazewell, Tennessee, and the election of new officers, highlighting the local impact of military readiness. Company L was a historic East Tennessee National Guard unit assigned to the 30th Infantry Division (the "Old Hickory" Division) during World War I. Originally serving on the Mexican border, the unit was federalized on April 12, 1917, and reorganized as Company L of the 117th Infantry Regiment.In June 1916, this article details East Tennessee troops moving to Nashville. It captures Captain Joseph Phillips' foundational role in the 117th Infantry Regiment before World War I. Captain Joseph Phillips was a foundational officer in the East Tennessee National Guard, serving as the original commander of Company L (the "Claiborne County Company") when it was mobilized for World War I in 1917.Here, a newspaper from 1917 shows 'Col. Gleason is Optimistic' about recruitment, emphasizing the local support for military efforts and the role of manufacturers. The Third Tennessee Infantry, as the 117th Infantry was known in state service, was a veteran organization when President Wilson called the national guard into federal service as a part of the great army that was to fight Germany. The regiment had spent nine months on the Mexican border, patrolling our southern boundary to prevent trouble with our neighbors. The regiment left Knoxville June 16, 1916, and did not return home until March 20, 1917, to be mustered out. A few weeks later, following the declaration of war, the Third Tennessee was again sworn into state service and ten days later into the service of the federal government.This image, along with our archival records, traces the 117th Infantry's movements through crucial operations in France during WWI, detailing their strategic shifts.Here, we confirm Captain Joseph Tucker Phillips' burial in the historic Irish Cemetery in Tazewell, marking a significant end to a distinguished military career. He passed away on February 4, 1959, at the age of 81 while at his home in Oneida, Scott County, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bertie Mae (Stone) Phillips.We delve into the operational history of Company L, revealing key engagements like the Canal Sector and Ypres, showcasing the rigorous training and leadership of Captain Phillips. Long before World War I, he registered for military service around 1900 and served during the Spanish-American War. As a Captain in the 3rd Tennessee Infantry, he organized and led the Claiborne County men of Company L through active mobilization in April 1917.This photo again as the cover photo, captures Captain Joseph Phillips with his men at Camp John Sevier in May 1914. It underscores the foundational training that prepared them for future conflicts.We analyze the 1914 training cycles at Fountain City, focusing on essential skills like marksmanship, tactical drills, and officer instruction that prepared soldiers for WWI.This text highlights the core training Captain Phillips received, from Spanish-American War readiness to advanced live-fire and skirmish formations, crucial for battlefield success.