I thought AEF was from WWI.
World War I was about as long ago to someone in 1941 as 9/11 is to us. Everyone likely knew someone who suffered or at least fought, meaning there was a personal emotional connection to a lot of people who would see this as another European problem. So referring to it as an American Expeditionary Force was an effective way to frame it from the Tribune’s perspective.
Also, nice nickname. I’d love to see the 17th Amendment repealed and have written articles to that point.