World War I poster asking the American public to give to the Red Cross during the "War Fund Week," in which they endeavored to raise one hundred million dollars for forces in Europe. The poster shows three American members of the army who were believed to be the first killed in action during the war. These three, Merle Hey, James Gresham, and Thomas Enright were killed in action in November 1917 during a raid by the German army, near Artois in northern France. They were used frequently in propaganda efforts for the rest of the war.
World War I changed the face of the Red Cross drastically. Prior to American intervention in the war, the group was relatively insignificant, but they grew rapidly as a way for civilians to contribute to the war in Europe. Once the U.S. entered the war, many more volunteers joined and the organization received government funding. It would form one of the most important rescue organizations during the latter part of the war.