Alaska Teen Enlists Underage, Survives Brutal World War I Battles
Richard "Dick" Evans Lander, a teenager from Alaska, enlisted in the U.S. Army underage during World War I and served in France. He participated in brutal battles with the 5th Field Artillery Regiment, and against significant odds and high unit…
Anchorage, AK, November 8, 2026 — A remarkable story of youthful enlistment and survival has emerged from the annals of World War I, centering on Richard “Dick” Evans Lander, a teenager from Alaska. Lander enlisted in the U.S. Army prior to reaching the official age of enlistment and was subsequently deployed to France during the conflict.
His service placed him within the ranks of the 5th Field Artillery Regiment. During his deployment, Lander experienced firsthand the “brutal battles” of the war. Despite facing “significant odds and high unit casualties,” he managed to survive the harrowing experiences of the Western Front. The summary does not provide specific details regarding the duration of his service, the exact battles he participated in, or the circumstances surrounding his underage enlistment, such as the date of enlistment or his specific age at the time.
Following the cessation of hostilities, Richard “Dick” Evans Lander returned to his home state of Alaska. The narrative highlights his improbable survival through a conflict marked by immense loss and danger, underscoring the experiences of young soldiers who served under extraordinary circumstances. Further details concerning his post-war life or the specific actions that led to his enlistment as a minor were not provided in the summary.
Story summarized from the original created by David Reamer on www.adn.com, see more information here.
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