Cyrus Griffin Martin served in the United States Military in the first World War. Griffin was a part of the 304th Ammunition Train in the 79th division as well as 320th Artillery Unit in the 82nd division. Griffin began his military career in November, 1917 in Camp Gordon, Georgia after being denied admission to Charleston, South Carolina's training camp in August of the same year. While at Camp Gordon, Griffin studied Field Artillery as well as military tactics. Griffin's diaries contain document military life and include detailed diagrams of complex military movements.

On January 1st, 1918 Griffin was still stationed on the homefront studying field artillery in Camp Gordon. One year later, he was driving a truck in Europe as a part of the convoy in the 304 Ammunition Train. In a small notebook, Griffin tracked cargo shipments of ammunition, clothing, and food. In March 1919, the United States Army reassigned Griffin the 320 Field Artillery Unit. A month later, Griffin was given a three day to leave to Paris, France. He spent the night at Hotel de Crillon during his leave. On April 21, 1919 Martin reentered a camp in France. Four days later he was relieved of duty and began the long journey across the Atlantic aboard the S.S. Huron. On May 9, 1919, Martin was officially honorably discharged from the United States Army.