Joseph A. McNamara participant of World War I
Military service
McNamara joined the United States Army in May 1918.  After his initial training at the University of Vermont he was assigned to Company D, 312th Supply Train, a unit of the 87th Division.McNamara completed his organization and training in the summer of 1918 and sailed for France, arriving on September 11.  The 87th Division had not completed its final pre-combat training before the war ended in November, so its members were used as replacements for soldiers in other units who had been killed or wounded, and to construct roads, bases and other facilities.  McNamara attained the rank of sergeant, and was discharged from the military in June 1919.