According to a Richland County paper the personal wages of military personnel was increased just prior to the end of the war. In World War I the enlisted men of Richland County received $33 per month. The Army and Marine Corps were to receive a 20 cent raise as their ranks increased. Additionally, all commissioned officers of the Army of the grade of Color Sergeant or above should receive one ration or commutation. The President each year is to fix the rations. By May of 1920 it was 55 cents. Personal wages per month in WWI were as follows: the Privates got paid $30. Private first class got paid $39.60, a Corporal gets $43.20. A Sergeant gets $45.60, Battalion Sergeants Majors get $74.12. A first Sergeants and Regimental Sergeant Majors got $77.70, Hospital Sergeants $101.70, Sergeants first Class Medical Department $83.70, Sergeants Senior Grade Q.M.C. Master Hospital Sergeant $113.70, Master Signal Electrician Signal Corps $113.70, M.E.A.M (Air Service) $162.30. In addition to that they got clothing, food, quarters, medical and dental treatment, but they did not get the re-enlistment pay raise. The average for workers in all industries income in 1920 was $1,407 per year. Military personnel that served during the war received only ⅓ of what most Americans were making during WWI.
BY: PARKER TOFTE