The 102nd Ammunition train was mustered into service on June 18, 1916, to secure the United States border during a Mexican rebellion; it served in the 27th Division, composed of units from the New York National Guard.

Following the entry of the United States into World War I, the 102nd Ammunition Train was again assigned to the 27th Division, and underwent training at Camp Wadsworth. Its soldiers studied in “Transportation School,” learning how to move material over sea and rail, and how to maintain motorcars and wagons.

When the majority of the 27th Division departed for France, the 102nd Ammunition Train along with the rest of the 52nd Artillery Brigade was delayed at Newport News, Virginia. Upon arrival in Europe, the Brigade trained for another six weeks at Camp Bar-le-Duc near Bordeaux, and was then attached to the 33rd Division, which was serving under the French XVII corps.

In early September, 1918, the 52nd Field Artillery Brigade joined the 33rd Division and took up positions on the west bank of the river Meuse near Verdun. Artillery headquarters was established at Fromville. The 52nd Artillery Brigade provided fire support when the 33rd Division attacked German positions during the St. Mihiel Offensive, beginning on September 12.

On September 14, the 33rd Division, including the 52nd Field Artillery Brigade, joined the American III corps. On September 26, the 52nd Field Artillery with the 33rd Division participated in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, which lasted until the signing of the armistice. The 33rd Division, stationed at Passerelle du Don attacked northwest of Verdun towards Bethincourt to the Meuse River. The 102nd Ammunition Train replenished the 52nd Brigade’s supplies along the length of its front.