The examination of soldiers under arrest at the office of the provost marshal of Paris has revealed a number of individuals feigning loss of memory for the purpose of escaping punishment. This form of malingering was employed as a last resort when the culprits were without other excuse. The charge under which they were held was in every instance that of being absent from their unit without permission, and in no case was amnesia alleged to escape duty at the front.
It was interesting to note that all of these men were native Americans. None presented any evidence of mental deficiency, the majority being somewhat above the average of intelligence. One was a captain, two were first lieutenants, and the others were privates. Such civil occupations were represented as machinist, newspaper reporter, court stenographer, telegrapher and student.
The condition observed was characterized by an alleged absolute blank in the continuity