Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
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2 THE WORLD WAR TO MAY 28, 1918
the Allies, consisting of France, Russia, mainly centered in her navy which at
Great Britain, Serbia and Belgium, which that time was the strongest in the world.
were joined by Montenegro a few days B e l i e v i n g t h a t i n t h e ev e n t o f wa r
later. Four of these nations, France and Russia would mobilize her forces much
Russia of the Allies, and Germany and more slowly than France, Germany, prior
Austria of the Central Powers, were able to the opening of hostilities, had made
to place large, well trained armies in the plans to crush the latter by a sudden and
f ield at once. Serbia, Belgium and powerful offensive. According to these
Montenegro had relatively small armies plans Austria and comparatively small
and Great Britain’s organized power was German forces were to engage Russia on
4 THE WORLD WAR TO MAY 28, 1918
the east until France could be defeated, to future military operations of the ports
after which the combined strength of the of northwestern France, ordered certain
Central Powers was to be sent against of their units to secure possession of these
Russia to impose the same fate on her. ports with all haste. If they had fallen
Immediately after the declaration of to the Germans, not only would British
war the German Army began the invasion m i l i t a r y o p e r a t i o n s h ave b e e n b a d ly
of France, using all natural avenues of h a m p e r e d, b u t G e r m a ny wo u l d h av e
approach, including that through neutral secured excellent bases for naval activi-
Belgium. In spite of heroic resistance ties. In this famous “race to the sea”
by the Belgians, and the vital aid rendered the Allies succeeded in retaining all
the French by Great Britain’s compara- ports southwest of Ostend.
tively small expeditionary force, the Allies At the end of these operations neither of
were forced back rapidly to the general the contending forces on the Wester n
l i n e o f t h e M a r n e R iv e r. M a k i n g a Front had suff icient superiority to under-
d e t e r mined stand in early September, take a major offensive, and each began
they withstood fur ther attacks and so to stabilize its position by the use of
threatened the enemy’s right that his every artif icial means available. Elabo-
armies were compelled to retire to a posi- rate trench systems, defended by unprec-
tion behind the Aisne River. edented numbers of machine guns and
Following this battle both sides realized other quick-f iring weapons, were built
that the war would not end quickly and along the front and broad belts of barbed
each, knowing the supreme impor tance wire were constructed. These continuous
THE WORLD WAR TO MAY 28, 1918 5
defenses, with the hostile lines separated however, the Russians succeeded in driving
in many places by only a nar row strip of the Austrian troops west of the passes
ground, resulted in the type of f ighting through the Carpathian Mountains.
known as “trench warfare”.
During the advance of her armies to-
wa r d Pa r i s , G e r m a ny b e c a m e g r e a t ly
alarmed at the speed of the Russian mo-
bilization and the progress of that coun-
t r y ’s o ff e n s ive a g a i n s t E a s t P r u s s i a .
This situation caused the German High
Command, even before the Battle of the
M a r n e , t o we a ke n t h e f o r c e i nva d i n g
France by withdrawing approximately
90,000 men from its right wing—where
they were so badly needed later—and
starting them eastward to meet the Rus-
s i a n t h r e a t . T h e wa s w i t h d r aw n a l -
most equaled in numbers the strength of
the British Army in France at that time.
G e n e r a l s vo n H i n d e n b u rg a n d v o n
L u d e n d o r ff c a m e i n t o p r o m i n e n c e i n
August when they were ordered to the
Ger man Eastern Ar my as Commander
and Chief of Staff, respectively. The suc-
ceeding operations under their direction
were characterized by rapid movements
and crushing attacks, in which the losses
inflicted on Russia were stupendous. The
Russian Armies were hurled out of East
Prussia by the decisive German victories at
Tannenberg and the Mazurian Lakes, and
farther south were soon, thereafter pushed
back toward Warsaw. Still farther south,
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6 THE WORLD WAR TO MAY 28, 1918
Turkey entered the war on the side of During the year the French and British
the Central Powers in November 1914, launched several offensives against the
thus threatening Great Britain’s commu- Germans, the most important being the
nications with the East by way of the attacks begun in September by the French
Suez Canal. As a result, many thousands and British Armies north of Arms and by
of Allied soldiers, always badly needed on t h e Fr e n c h A r my i n t h e C h a m p a g n e .
the French front, were employed through- These operations however did not produce
out the war in operations near the eastern any material change in the military situ-
end of the Mediterranean Sea. ation on the Western Front.
Germany was in a very strong position On April 22, 1915, poison gas was used
at the close of the year. She had inflicted for the f irst time during the war when
staggering losses on the Russians; was in the Germans employed it against French
possession of practically all of Belgium troops serving in the line near Ypres.
and of industrial areas in France which Germany was again victorious against
contained about three fourths of the Russia in a series of desperate battles.
French coal and iron deposits; and al- Bulgaria, which entered the war on the
though the German colonies were virtual- side of the Central Powers in October,
ly lost, her home resources had not been joined in the offensive that overran Serbia
damaged by invasion and were still intact. and Montenegro, while the Allied expedi-
tion to the Dardanelles was shattered and
EVENTS OF 1915
withdrawn immediately after the close of
Italy entered the war in May 1915 on the year. The British Fleet held the mas-
the side of the Allies. This caused a large tery of the seas, but the submarine block-
propor tion of Austria’s strength to be ade which Germany had established in
withdrawn from the eastern and south- February was becoming a serious menace
eastern theaters of operations and be sent to Allied supply, both civil and military.
from there for service on the Italian front.
EVENTS OF 1916
T h e C e n t r a l Powe r s , b e l i ev i n g t h ey
had nothing to fear from Russia, planned
a v i g o r o u s c a m p a i g n i n t h e we s t f o r
1 9 1 6 . I n Fe b r u a r y t h e y b e g a n i n t e n -
s ive assaults against Verdun, which con-
tinued for mouths, only to dash them-
selves to pieces against French heroism.
The German pressure at Verdun was re-
lieved as a result of the British and French
offensive on the Somme which began on
July 1 and resulted in enor mous losses
to all armies engaged. It was during this
battle that tanks were used for the f irst
time, being employed by the British in
an attack on September 15.
The German Fleet made a sortie in May and
met the British on the North Sea in the Battle
of Jutland, the principal na- val engagement
of the war. This battle resulted in the loss of
several vessels on each side, but was not de-
cisive. It ter- minated when the German Fleet
withdrew to its fortif ied harbors, which it did
not leave again in force during the war.
Russia astonished the world by her g reatly disr upted the Allied plans by
p owe r s o f r e c u p e r a t i o n , a n d i n J u n e devastating a large area in the vicinity of
practically destroyed the Austrian Army Péronne and by withdrawing from that
of Galicia. When the Austrian Army in area to a previously-prepared defensive
Italy was defeated in August, and Ru- position of great strength.
mania entered the war against the Central G e r m a ny r e n ewe d u n r e s t r i c t e d s u b -
Powers in the same month, it became m a r i n e wa r f a r e i n Fe b r u a r y a n d h e r
necessary that Austria be rescued without U-boats were making alarming inroads
delay. Germany, quickly passing to the o n A l l i e d s h i p p i n g wh e n t h e U n i t e d
defensive in the west, started the eastern States entered the war.
offensives which not only marked the Meanwhile the Allies had decided to
beginning of the end for Russia but re- undertake offensives on a large scale. In
sulted in the elimination of Rumania April, a few days after the United States
before the close of the year. declared war, the British began the Battle
I n A u g u s t G e n e r a l von H i n d e n b u rg of Arras, and the French the Second Battle
was appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Aisne. These attacks gained some
of the Ger man Field Ar my. Offers of g round but the losses suffered by the
peace made by the Central Powers in attacking troops were very great, espe-
the month of December were spur ned by cially in the battle on the Aisne. The
the Allied Governments as insincere. results created a serious situation in the
Fr e n c h A r my a n d b r o u g h t g r ave d i s -
EVENTS OF 1917 TO APRIL 6
couragement to the Allies. With Russia’s
The German High Command decided strength waning fast, this was almost f i-
to remain on the defensive in the west nal proof that without additional help the
during 1917. To fur ther this pur pose, it Allies would be unable to defeat Germany.
Sinking by the Germans of the American Bark Kirby
British Hospital Ship Gloucester Castle—Torpedoed in the Mediterranean, April 15, 1917
REASONS FOR THE ENTRY OF THE UNITED STATES
INTO THE WORLD WAR
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10 THE WORLD WAR TO MAY 28, 1918
not, however, then recommend a declara- and that Mexico endeavor to persuade
tion of war, stating to Congress that he Japan to desert the Allies and align her-
c o u l d n o t t a ke s u c h a n ex t r e m e s t e p self with the Central Powers. Mexico was
unless the German Government should t o b e a l l owe d “ t o r e c o n q u e r h e r l o s t
actually car ry out its threat of sinking t e r r i t o r y i n Tex a s , N ew M e x i c o a n d
ships under the conditions to which the Arizona”. The effect of the publication
United States expressly objected. of this telegram upon the American people
Events which drove the United States was instantaneous and widespread. It
i n t o wa r n ow d eve l o p e d r a p i d ly. O n seemed to crystallize public opinion into
Fe b r u a r y 2 6 , 1 9 1 7 , t h e P r e s i d e n t r e - a s t r o n g f u r l i n g o f h o s t i l i t y t owa r d
quested Congress to give him authority Germany. The House of Representatives
to equip American merchant ships with promptly passed the bill to authorize the
defensive arms should that become neces- arming of merchant ships and, although
sary. Two days later the President gave due to a f ilibuster the measure failed to
to the press the contents of a telegram pass the Senate before its adjournment on
which had been intercepted by the British March 4, it was clear that the overwhelm-
Government late in January. This tele- ing sentiment of Congress was in favor
g r a m h a d b e e n s e n t by t h e G e r m a n of the passage of the bill.
S e c r e t a r y o f Fo r e i g n A ff a i r s , A r t h u r After the sinking of American ships by
Zimmermann, through the German Em- G e r m a n s u b m a r i n e s h a d a c t u a l ly o c -
b a s s y i n Wa s h i n g t o n t o t h e G e r m a n curred, the President addressed a special
Minister in Mexico City. It proposed session of Congress on April 2, 1917,
that, in the event of war between the saying that under Germany’s new policy
United States and Germany, an alliance “Vessels of every kind, whatever their
be formed between Mexico and Germany flag, their character, their cargo, their
The First American Troops Arriving at St. Nazaire, June 26, 1917
THE WORLD WAR TO MAY 28, 1918 13
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14 THE WORLD WAR TO MAY 28, 1918
American Plant and Storage Yard at La Rochelle, Illuminated for Night Work
THE WORLD WAR TO MAY 28, 1918 15
ORGANIZATION
OF THE AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES AND FORMATION OF ITS
COMBAT ARMY
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16 THE WORLD WAR TO MAY 28, 1918
had been collected; intensive training sidered that, except for four 14-inch naval
schemes had been put into effect; and guns on railway mounts, the American
plans for the future military operations First Army throughout its entire service
of the American Army on the Western on the front did not f ire an American-
Front had been studied and perfected. made cannon or shell, and that no Amer-
The Commander-in-Chief, having fore- ican-made tank was ever available in
seen that a considerable part of the artil- Europe for use in battle.
lery, air planes and tanks necessary for a Finally, after months of patient and un-
large force could not be obtained from remitting labor, during which obstacles of
American sources for some time to come, every nature had been met and overcome,
had made arrangements to purchase large the American Ar my was ready on the
quantities of them from the Allies. The morning of September 12, 1918, for its
wisdom of this is evident when it is con- f irst great attack as an independent army.
20 THE WORLD WAR TO MAY 28, 1918
great success. Her battle lines, save for a armies had suffered in April on the Aisne,
small section in Alsace, were on foreign which had resulted in a veritable wave of
ter ritor y, her own resources were un- defeatism sweeping over the country and
touched by hostile occupation and wher- over the French military forces.
ever attacked by the Allies her armies Great Britain, except for morale, was
had inflicted tremendous losses upon them. scarcely better off than France. Much of
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22 THE WORLD WAR TO MAY 28, 1918
American Troops Marching Through Neufchâteau on Their Way to the Battle Line
her best blood had been poured out on the Armies, and the Chiefs of Staff of the
battlef ields; and like her allies, she had French and British Armies at a conference
expended vast sums in the conflict. She held in Paris during the latter par t of
retained command of the sea, but the J u ly. A n e x t r a c t f r o m t h e i r r e p o r t
German submarine campaign was reduc- is given in the following paragraph:
ing food and other supplies to the point “General conclusions reached were:
where her very existence was threatened. Necessity for adoption of purely defensive
Italy was having g reat diff iculty in attitude on all secondary fronts and with-
f inancing the war, and grave def iciencies drawing surplus troops for duty on West-
existed in her armies, as the events of the ern Front. By thus strengthening West-
autumn of 1917 were to show. ern Front believed Allies could hold until
The revolution in Russia, which had American forces arrive in numbers suff i-
occur red in March, made it practically cient to gain ascendency.”
certain that the Allies could not count on As far as their strength would permit
effective help from that country. the Allies sought, however, to maintain
The Germans were frankly scornful of the offensive on the Western Front during
America’s ability to exercise any real the latter part of 1917 in order to hinder
military influence in the war and evi- the conquest of Russia by Germany and,
dently believed it impossible for any con- if possible, to prevent an attack on the
siderable American force to be organized Italian front with German troops.
and transpor ted to France before the Accordingly, the British attacked in
defeat of the Allies could be accomplished. June capturing Messines Ridge, and near
Germany, therefore, looked forward with Ypres undertook a series of operations,
great conf idence to her armies gaining which began an July 31 and lasted until
a decisive victory in 1918. November 10. Later in November they
General Pershing’s ar rival in France, launched an offensive near Cambrai, in
followed in two weeks by the landing of which many tanks were used, and made
the American 1st Division, greatly im- important initial gains which were largely
proved the French morale. lost in a German counteroffensive ten
The Allied conception of the critical days later. These British attacks though
nature of the military situation in the very costly in men and matériel had no
summer of 1917, and of the actions to be decisive effect on the military situation.
taken to meet it, are indicated in the con- The Cambrai operation was the f irst
clusions reached by the Commanders-in- major offensive in which American troops
Chief of the American, French and Italian participated. Three American engineer
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THE WORLD WAR TO MAY 28, 1918 23
regiments were serving with the British which the 1st Division alone had served
at the time and one of these was actually a t t h e f r o n t . T h e B r i t i s h a n d Fr e n c h
engaged in the front-line f ighting. desired to hasten the appearance of
The French conducted carefully-pre- American troops in the line if only for the
pared limited attacks near Verdun in Au- effect on the morale of their troops, and
gust and near the Chemin des Dames in u rg e d t h a t t h e A m e r i c a n t r a i n i n g b e
October, both of which though compara- limited to the minimum necessar y for
tively small were successful. t r e n c h f i g h t i n g . T h ey a l s o r e q u e s t e d
Russia f inally collapsed in early Sep- that American troops, in company and
tember, and the Italians suffered a dis- battalion units, be assigned to their or-
astrous defeat near Caporetto in October, ganizations, pointing out the shortage of
making it necessary to send French and man power in their armies as suff icient
British divisions to their assistance. reason for this request. They contended
A n a n a ly s i s o f t h e s e eve n t s l e f t n o that the elimination of Russia as a factor
doubt in the minds of Allied commanders in the war, together with the Italian de-
that Germany would soon resume the of- feat, had so altered conditions fur the
fensive an the Western Front, with her worse that to withstand the expected
armies there augmented by large num- German attacks every American soldier
bers of divisions drawn from the Russian in France should at once be made avail-
theater of operations. This transfer of able for service at the front.
troops from Russia actually started in T h e A m e r i c a n C o m m a n d e r- i n - C h i e f
the month of November 1917. agreed that every combat unit in France
Notwithstanding Germany’s favorable should be made available for front-line
military position at the close of 1917, service, but remained f ixed in his deter-
conditions within the Fatherland and the mination to assemble all Americans into
rapidly growing American Expeditionary a n i n d e p e n d e n t a r my. A n y s o r t o f
Forces made it imperative for her to try prolonged amalgamation with the Allied
to bring the war to a prompt conclusion. Armies would have committed the for-
We know now that to accomplish this her tunes of the American forces to alien
plans contemplated the destruction of the hands, with no responsibility to the
British Army in the early spring of 1918, American Government for their proper
after which a crushing blow was to be care, training and employment. Such a
directed against the French Army. step would have met with the decided
O n D e c e m b e r 3 1 , 1 9 1 7 , t h e r e we r e opposition of the American off icers and
174,884 American soldiers in Europe, of soldiers and would have been destructive
t o t h e i r m o r a l e . I t w o u l d h a v e b e e n e a s t o f S o i s s o n s i n Fe b r u a r y ; t h e
s t r o n g ly d i s a p p r ov e d by t h e A m e r i c a n 42d went in east of Lunéville during the
p e o p l e . T h e r e wa s , o n t h e o t h e r h a n d, same month; and about the middle of
n o d o u b t t h a t t h e e ff e c t o f a g g r e s s iv e March, the 2d entered the line with the
A m e r i c a n u n i t s i n t h e b a t t l e li n e u n d e r French southeast of Verdun.
t h e i r ow n c o m m a n d e r s wo u l d p r o d u c e O n M a r c h 2 1 , wh e n t h e f i r s t g r e a t
far greater military results and be far German offensive of 1918 started, there
m o r e d e p r e s s i n g t o t h e m o r a l e o f t h e were approximately 300,000 American
Ger man Ar mies and civil population than troops in France. Of these the 1st, 2d
t h e p r e s e n c e o f s m a l l A m e r i c a n u n i t s and 42d Divisions were in the trenches
under foreign off icers and the 26th was
in Allied regiments. ready for service.
The policy of em- The 32d and 41st Di-
ploying the American visions had arrived in
units as a single force, France but had been
steadfastly main- designated as re-
tained by General placement units, al-
Pershing in the face t h o u g h l a t e r, i n
of tremendous oppo- April, the 32d was
sition from the Allies, redesignated as a
unquestionably pro- combat division.
duced decisive results The German on-
that could not have slaught of March 21
been obtained other- struck the British in
wise. 1 Because of this Picardy between the
policy, the American Oise and the Scar pe
A r my, we I d e d i n t o Rivers along a front
o n e p owe r f u l b o d y, of about 50 miles,
inspired by the tra- p a r t o f wh i c h h a d
d i t i o n s o f i t s ow n been recently taken
country, conf ident in over from the French.
its leaders, and sure Within eight days the
of its ability in the attacking troops,
offensive, was f inally sweeping all before
enabled to deliver them, practically de-
the ter rif ic blows at stroyed the British
St. Mihiel, in the Fifth Army and pen-
A rg o n n e a n d a l o n g etrated to a maximum
the Meuse which depth of about 37
made possible the miles. The situation
defeat of Germany. was serious and
The Commander- many French Divi-
in-Chief speeded up Marshal Ferdinand Foch sions were rushed to
Allied Commander-in-Chief
to the utmost the aid the British.
use of American units in the front During this period the Allies were still
line. As a consequence, the 1st Division fur ther annoyed and troubled when on
relieved a French division in a sector March 23 the shelling of Paris by a large
n o r t h o f To u l i n J a n u a r y ; t h e 2 6 t h German gun from a distance of 75 miles
entered the line with the French north- was begun.
General Pershing, knowing the gravity
1
Marshal Pétain declared in a public address de- of the Allied position, deferred the execu-
livered in Versailles, France, in October 1937 that
General Pershing was right in opposing the amal- tion of his plan to form an American army
gamation of American troops with the Allied forces. a n d we n t t o G e n e r a l Fo c h a n d s a i d :
26 THE WORLD WAR TO MAY 28, 1918
“I have come to tell you that the upon French morale. Its conf ident opti-
American people would consider it a mism is an indication of the splendid
great honor for our troops to be engaged spirit of cooperation which characterized
in the present battle. I ask you for this the personnel of the entire American
in their name and my own. Army in France throughout the war.
“At this moment there are no other On March 26 General Foch was charged
questions but of f ighting. with coordinating the actions of the
“Infantr y, ar tiller y, aviation, all that French and British Ar mies, and soon
we have are yours: use them as you wish. afterwards on April 3 was given strategic
More will come, in numbers equal to d i r e c t i o n o f t h e Fr e n c h , B r i t i s h a n d
requirements. American Armies on the Western Front.
“I have come especially to tell you that Fortunately the Germans were stopped
the American people will be proud to take before capturing Amiens, the loss of
part in the greatest battle of history.” which would have separated the French
This message had a stimulating effect a n d B r i t i s h A r m i e s a n d e n a bl e d t h e
Germans to operate against each of them
Cantigny After Its Capture, May 28, 1918 s e p a r a t e ly. I n t h i s eve n t t h e B r i t i s h
Army would probably have had to hurry
out of northern France or else run the
risk of almost certain destruction.
The Germans succeeded in cutting one
railroad into Amiens from the south and
in seriously impeding traff ic on the others,
they increased the frontage which the
Allies were forced to hold with diminished
numbers, they proved that their forces
could break through the highly organized
d e f e n s e s o f t h e We s t e r n Fr o n t , t h ey
enormously increased the morale of their
own troops and very seriously lowered
that of the British and French units.
The f ighting near Amiens had scarcely
died down when, on April 9, the Germans
broke through the British lines in Flan-
ders on a 12-mile front along the Lys
THE WORLD WAR TO MAY 28, 1918 27
River south of Ypres. Their initial ad- prevent their being sent later to aid the
va n t a g e wa s n o t we l l ex p l o i t e d b u t British, the Germans decided to make an
operations were continued there until attack against the French Ar my f irst.
April 25 when the German troops suc- Immediately following the battle in
ceeded in capturing Mont Kemmel, which Flanders the American 1st Division, which
at the time was defended by French units had been in sector near Seicheprey, in
serving with the British Army. the St. Mihiel region, took over an ex-
A number of American medical, engi- ceedingly active portion of the line west
neer and air service units with the of Montdidier. It captured Cantigny on
British Army-took part in the operations May 28 in a well-planned operation and
near Amiens and along the Lys River. held that place in spite of violent and
T
HE German strategical plan for 1918 many French troops had been shifted
involved the destr uction of the from there to the British area. Conse-
British Army in the early spring, quently, when a German assault str uck
to be followed immediately by a crushing the Aisne front between Ber r y-au-Bac
bl ow a t t h e Fr e n c h . I n p u r s u a n c e o f and Anizy-le-Château early on the morn-
this plan, German offensive operations ing of May 27 it came as a surprise.
were launched in Picardy and Flanders The Germans carried the Chemin des
in March and April. Although gaining Dames positions in the f irst dash and
considerable ground and inflicting heavy crossed the Aisne River about noon on
losses, these operations failed in their bridges which the French had failed to
primary purpose of destroying the British. d e s t r oy. T h e i r p r og r e s s ex c e e d e d a l l
Meanwhile preparations for a powerful expectation. By evening they were south
drive against the French along the line of the Vesle, and early on the 29th had
of the Aisne River had been progressing. captured Soissons. Advancing rapidly
The Allied Commanders, after the toward the Marne River and meeting very
Ger man April attack in Flanders had little resistance, they started to exploit
been checked, felt sure that a new Ger- their success toward Paris. The French
man offensive was about to take place p e o p l e t h r o u g h o u t t h e c o u n t r y we r e
but were uncertain where it would fall. thrown into consternation, and the Govern-
It was considered improbable, however, ment made preparations to flee from Paris
that it would fall on the Aisne front, and to Bordeaux, a city much farther south.
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Airplane View of Vaux Shortly After Its Capture by the 2d Division on July 1, 1918
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 31
German Reserves
Advancing Close
Behind the Assault
Line at Chavignon,
May 1918 © G
German Troops
Just Before an
Assault Near Fismes,
on Terrain Untouched
by the War,
May 1918. © G
troops in the salient, and promptly un- the exact day and hour the offensive was
dertook operations to relieve the situa- scheduled to commence.
t i o n . C o n s e q u e n t l y, o n J u n e 9 t wo There were 26 American divisions in
German armies started an attack toward France on July 15 and the American and
Compiègne, for which careful prepara- Allied strength was then superior to that
tions had previously been made, in an of the Germans. The combat training of
attempt to widen the the American divisions
salient and to secure wa s p r og r e s s i n g we l l
the use of the railroad a n d s eve n w i r e r e a d y
between that place and for battle operations,
Soissons. They met, while f ive others were
h oweve r, d e t e r m i n e d holding quiet sectors
resistance from the of the line. Thus 12
Fr e n c h a n d f a i l e d t o American divisions, the
reach their objective. equivalent in numbers
The next move of the of 24 French, British or
Germans was to begin German divisions, were
preparations for a great available for service in
offensive on both sides the front line.
of Reims, in the general With this increase in
d i r e c t i o n o f E p e r n ay strength and with
and Châlons-sur-Marne. many more Americans
This attack was to o n t h e way, G e n e r a l
capture Reims and the Foch def initely decided
high ground to the t o a t t a c k t h e we s t e r n
south of it, and by so face of the Marne sali-
doing secure the use of ent, as had been previ-
another great trunk ously proposed by Gen-
line railroad. The sep- eral Pershing. In view
aration of the French of the enemy’s known
forces defending Paris i n t e n t i o n t o a d va n c e
from those in the vicin- on both sides of Reims,
ity of Verdun was con- t h i s A l l i e d o ff e n s ive
sidered a possibility. wa s o f t h e g r e a t e s t
A formidable ar ray of importance as it was to
three armies, totaling be launched against
4 7 d iv i s i o n s , a n d a n t h e m a s t v u l n e r a bl e
enormous amount of part of the hostile line.
ar tillery were ass e m - The task of drawing
bled, and nothing was up the necessary plans
left undone to provide for meeting the German
both the troops and assault and for the
matériel considered Marshal Pétain, counterattack to be
necessary to break the Commander-in-Chief French Armies, launched later, fell to
French battle lines. Picture taken at Chaumont, General Pétain, the
Meanwhile, the January 1919 French Commander-in-
A l l i e s we r e exe r t i n g Chief. He later stated
ev e r y e ff o r t t o p r e p a r e f o r t h e n ex t that it would not nave been possible to
German attack, and to discover where it carry out the counterattack, which suc-
would fall. In this last they were singu- ceeded far beyond expectations, without
larly successful, for not only did they the aid of the American troops.
learn the front to be attacked but they To meet the German attack, General
were also fortunate enough to determine P é t a i n o r d e r e d t h a t t h e f r o n t l i n e b e
34 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION
(35)
3d Division Troops Entrucking Near Moulins
s i d e o f t h e 3 d, a n d s o m e o f i t s u n i t s T h e Fr e n c h Fi f t h , N i n t h , S i x t h a n d
e n countered extremely heavy f ighting. Tenth Armies, in line from right to left
Northwest of Château-Thierry, the front on the front from Reims to Compiègne,
o f t h e A m e r i c a n I C o r p s , h e l d by a we r e e n g a g e d . T h e Te n t h A r my, n e a r
French division and the American 26th Soissons, was designated to deliver the
D iv i s i o n , wh i c h h a d r e l i eve d t h e 2 d main attack. The spearhead of that
i n t h e sector between Vaux and Torcy, Army was the French XX Cor ps, which
was subjected to a heavy bombardment. was to capture the high ground south of
The 2d, which had suffered over 8,100 Soissons. It consisted of the American
casualties in the f ighting near Belleau 1st and 2d Divisions and the French 1st
Wo o d, a n d t h e 4 t h D iv i s i o n we r e i n M o r o c c a n D iv i s i o n . I t s d i r e c t i o n o f
reserve to the west of the salient. The attack was eastward over the plateau
1st Division was northeast of Paris. just south of Soissons and across the
On July 17 the German High Command main railroad and road leading south
ordered the offensive stopped. The from that place. The composition of the
assaulting troops had suffered tremendous cor ps was such that four f ifths of its
losses and none of the important results numerical strength was American.
expected had been obtained. The concentration of troops was car-
Regardless of their terrif ic defeat, the ried out with the utmost secrecy, the 1st
German leaders were still determined to and 2d Divisions going into line only at
maintain the offensive, realizing that the the last minute. Some units of the 2d
American forces were rapidly increasing D iv i s i o n m a r c h e d a l l n i g h t a n d t h e n
and that victory must be won quickly or double-timed over muddy roads in the
not at all. The troops recently repulsed dark in order to jump off with the bar-
were directed to prepare to resume the rage. The assault was launched in the
a t t a c k a s q u i c k ly a s p r a c t i c a bl e , a n d early morning of July 18 and took the
plans for another offensive against the German troops by surprise.
British Army were pushed. The units of the 1st and 2d Divisions,
The Allies, however, took immediate with those of the 1st Moroccan Division
a d va n t a g e o f t h e G e r m a n d e f e a t a n d between them, advanced with character-
launched the previously prepared counter- istic dash and vigor. They quickly pierced
offensive against the Aisne-Marne salient. the hostile front lines, overran the for-
(36)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 37
ward artillery positions, and took many French advance at that point could not
prisoners. By 8:00 a.m. they had ad- be promptly and def initely checked.
vanced more than 3 miles and were in The Ger man retirement began on the
possession of ground which practically as- night of July 19–20 with the evacuation
sured the success of the whole battle. of all ground south of the Marne. From
To the south, elements of the 4th Di- then on, their withdrawal was conducted
vision attacking as a part of two French in successive stages, the Germans attempt-
divisions in the Sixth Ar my, had pro- ing to save what they could of the enor-
gressed about 2 miles by nightfall. Still mous quantities of supplies, ammunition
farther south the 26th Division captured and equipment in the salient. Inter me-
the villages of Belleau and Torcy. In diate positions were prepared and each
the Ninth Army, the 3d Division, which one defended desperately until the pres-
was in line on the south bank of the sure of the continued attacks against it
M a r n e , d i d n o t a t t a c k t h a t d ay. T h e forced a further withdrawal.
2 8 t h Division was near the 3d in reserve. The 1st and 2d Divisions encountered
As a result of the deep advance of the fresh German troops on the 19th, but in
XX Corps on July 18, the situation of the spite of bitter opposition throughout the
Ger man troops in the salient became day both made important gains. The 2d
most precarious and orders for a gradual Division surged forward about 2 miles to
withdrawal were issued by the German the Soissons-Château-Thier ry highway
H i g h C o m m a n d t h a t n i g h t . R e s e r ve s but after severe f ighting was forced back
were sent to the south of Soissons with and established itself just west of Tigny,
the utmost speed and orders were given with the road about 1 / 2 mile away under
to hold the ground there at all costs until t h e c o n t r o l o f i t s g u n s . T h e d iv i s i o n
the withdrawal from the salient could be was relieved from the line that night by
accomplished. In fact, a disastrous de- a Fr e n c h d iv i s i o n . I t h a d d r iv e n t h e
feat was cer tain if the American and e n e my b a c k 6 m i l e s , c a p t u r e d 3 , 0 0 0
2d Division Moving Up for the Attack on July 18, 1918
Artillery Horses Assembled Near the Front Line Ready to Move Battery Forward, July 20, 1918
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 39
prisoners and 75 guns, and in turn had and suffered a loss of about 6,900 off icers
suffered casualties of about 4,300 men. and men. The 1st and 2d Divisions on
On the following day, the attention of the this battlef ield wrote a most brilliant page
1st Division was directed particularly to- in American military history.
ward Berzy-le-Sec. That town had origi- While the struggle near Soissons was
nally been in the zone of action of the ad- going on, the American troops with the
jacent French division which, after several French Sixth Army continued to advance.
attempts, had failed to capture it. The The units of the 4th Division, whose
task was then turned over to the Ameri- total losses were 2,100, gained an ad-
cans. The f ighting near the town was ditional 2 miles before the last of its
waged with the g reatest fur y, the 1st troops were relieved on the morning of
Division capturing it on the 21st. On July 21; and the 26th Division drove the
that same day the division crossed the Germans through the Bois de Bouresches
Soissons-Château-Thierry highway which and beyond, after hard f ighting. Assisted
was one of the objectives of the Tenth par t of the time by the 56th Inf antr y
Army attack. The division was relieved Brigade of the 28th Division, it con-
on the night of July 22, after f ive days tinued the pursuit until the 24th of July,
in the line. It had advanced almost 7 when it was stopped near La Croix
miles, captured 3,500 prisoners and 68 Rouge Far m, having made an advance
guns from 7 different German divisions of 10 miles and having suffered more
40 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION
than 5,000 casualties during its service which had relieved a French division two
on the front line in this region. days before. These two divisions deliv-
On July 21 the 3d Division crossed the ered a combined attack on July 30 in which
Mar ne River and joined the advance, the 28th Division captured the Bois des
capturing Mont St. Pére that day and Grimpettes, after which it passed into
Jaulgonne on the following day. Steadily reserve, while the 32d continued in the
pressing on, it took Le Charmel during offensive covering both divisional fronts.
the 25th, after a bitter contest, and on the O n t h e f o l l ow i n g d ay t h e 3 2 d t o o k
28th crossed the Ourcq River and seized Cierges, and on August 1, after deter-
R o n c h è r e s . W h e n i t wa s w i t h d r aw n mined attacks, captured the important
from the line on the 30th it had taken p o s i t i o n o f L e s J o m bl e t s , h o l d i n g i t
part in three major engagements and had against sustained and vicious counter-
advanced about 10 miles, Its losses, in- attacks. On August 2 it took up the
cluding those in the defensive operations pursuit of the Germans, who had been
along the Mar ne River, were, all told, forced to fall back to their next prepared
nearly 6,600 off icers and men. line north of the Vesle River.
The 42d Division, which relieved the The 4th Division, which had relieved
26th near La Croix Rouge Far m, suc- the 42d on August 3, and the 32d were now
ceeded in crossing the Ourcq on July 28. the only American divisions in line and
Just nor th of that river it engaged in they pushed forward side by side. On
stubborn f ighting, some points changing August 4 the 32d captured Fismes, on
hands as many as four times. It cap- the south bank of the Vesle. During the
tured Sergy and Seringes-et-Nesles and next few days the 4th and 32d Divisions
persistently fought its way forward until and the 6th Infantry Brigade of the 3d,
relieved on August 3 during the pursuit which had entered the line to the right
o f t h e e n e my t owa r d t h e Ve s l e . T h e of the 32d, made deter mined attempts
division was assisted part of this time by to establish bridgeheads nor th of the
the 47th Infantr y Regiment of the 4th r ive r. O n A u g u s t 7 t h e 3 2 d D iv i s i o n
Division. When taken out of the battle wa s r e l i eve d by t h e 2 8 t h . I t h a d a d -
the 42d had advanced 7 miles and had vanced 11 miles and lost almost 3,800
suffered almost 6,500 casualties. men. The 6th Inf antr y Brigade of the
The 32d Division entered the line on 3d Division was relieved on August 11,
July 30 on the right of the 28th Division, its losses having been approximately 600.
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 41
Main Bridge Between Fismes and Fismette Destroyed by the Retreating Germans
42 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION
on the Vesle, while the 32d was left in the and Vesle having been over 6,700 off icers
area as a reserve under French orders. and men. The 17th was relieved later, on
With a view to continuing the pressure S e p t e m b e r 1 6 , i t s c a s u a l t i e s h av i n g
and giving the Germans no time to rest or totaled nearly 4,300, and both divisions
reorganize, Allied operations were imme- moved eastward to tale part in the Meuse-
diately planned against other portions of Argonne operations of the American First
the front. The f irst of these, the Somme Army which occurred shortly afterward.
offensive, was begun by the British on During the latter part of September the
August 3 against the salient immediately 370th Infantry of the 93d Division served
east of Amiens and was highly successful. in the line north of Vauxaillon, as a part
Then followed on August IX the French of the French 59th Division, and made a
Oise-Aisne offensive in the vicinity of substantial advance. It remained in line
Noyon for the pur pose of flanking the until about the middle of October, when
German positions on the Vesle and Aisne it was relieved. It reentered the battle on
Rivers and forcing them to be abandoned. November 5 and participated in the pursuit
This offensive succeeded in its purpose, of the German Ar my. The activities of
aided to a large extent by the American this regiment concluded the American
32d Division which attacked from August f ighting in the Aisne-Marne region.
23 to September 1, capturing the town of During the severe battles in this area,
Juvigny in a brilliant assault and pene- a total American force of about 310,000
trating the hostile positions to a depth of men, which comprised two corps head-
2 1 /2 miles. The division was taken out of quarters, nine divisions, air units, heavy
the line during September 2 after having artillery, medical troops and transporta-
suffered more than 2,600 casualties. tion units, served with the Allies and
The progress of the Oise-Aisne offen- suffered losses of more than 67,000.
sive forced the Germans to retire from the While some American units attracted
Vesle on the night of September 3–4. The special attention due to their g reater
American 28th and 77th Divisions, which experience and the importance of their ob-
we r e s t i l l i n l i n e t h e r e , a d va n c e d i n jectives, yet the reputations of all Ameri-
pursuit and attacked the new German line can divisions which served in this region
near the Aisne River. After a number of were enhanced by their gallant conduct
local successes the 28th was relieved on in battle, and they received unstinted
September 3, its total losses on the Ourcq praise from all, especially the French.
American Unit Entraining at Château-Thierry
A TOUR OF THE AMERICAN BATTLEFIELDS
IN THE AISNE-MARNE REGION
Assault Unit of 26th Division in Attack on Torcy at 4:35 a. m., July 18, 1918
(44)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 45
on, turn to the left toward Belleau Wood. If view to the right front is obstructed
(51.8 m 83.3 km) In the valley just for any reason climb bank at left of road.
before reaching the next village, Lucy- B e l l e a u Wo o d i s t h e n e a r e s t wo o d
le-Bocage, a culvert is crossed near which s e e n to the right front and right. The
medical off icers of the United States obser ver is standing on the line from
Navy, attached to the Marine Brigade wh i c h t h e f i r s t a t t a c k a g a i n s t i t wa s
of the 2d Division, maintained a dressing launched by the 2d Division.
station. Many of the division wounded During the last days of May 1918 a
were treated here and sent to the rear powerful German offensive had broken
along the small valley to the left. through the Chemin des Dames front and
(52.1 m 83.8 km) Lucy-le-Bocage was German troops were advancing rapidly
completely destroyed by German shell- t owa r d t h e M a r n e R iv e r. T h e A l l i e d
f ire during the f ighting near by. situation was critical and reserves from
The boulder marker, seen at the left side a l l p a r t s o f t h e We s t e r n F r o n t we r e
of the road just before reaching the promptly rushed to this region.
church, is one of many such markers A m o n g t h e t r o o p s h u r r i e d ly m ove d
e r e c t e d by t h e 2 d D iv i s i o n a f t e r t h e here was the American 2d Division, which
Armistice, on or near its battlef ields. included one brigade of marines. Arriv-
(52.4 m 84.3 km) At the crest of the ing on June 1, it was assigned a battle
first hill beyond the village, STOP. position with its center near this point.
Face down the road, which direction is All available men immediately began
approximately north. (See sketch above.) digging trenches and otherwise preparing
46 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION
French Refugees Fleeing From the Germans During the Advance of May 1918
for defense, the Ger mans at the time directed that they be denied any success
being delayed by French detachments in whatsoever and that as much damage as
positions on the near slopes of the line of possible be inflicted upon them. Conse-
hills seen in the distance approximately quently, as the Americans were deter-
2 miles away to the right front. mined to regain certain strong points
The front line organized by the division which the Ger mans had captured, the
ran around the wood seen on top of the f ighting near here was wry bitter and the
hill about 600 yards to the left front, in- casualties on both sides were out of all
cluded this point, and continued on to the proportion to the amount of ground
right rear passing around the buildings of which f inally changed hands.
Triangle, seen on the hillside a mile away During the morning of June 6, the f irst
in that direction. It then crossed the of the many 2d Division attacks in this
main highway which the tour has been vicinity was launched from its line on the
following from Paris, thus blocking the far side of the wood to the left front.
direct road to that important place. This attack, made in conjunction with the
Small advance g roups of the enemy Fr e n c h , r e s u l t e d i n a g a i n o f a b o u t
came in contact with that section of the 1 / 2 mile. That afternoon a powerful as-
American line near Triangle on June 2 sault against Belleau Wood was made
and during the next day a deter mined from here and succeeded in obtaining a
assault against the left of the 2d Division foothold in that part of the wood seen to
position was repulsed with heavy losses. the right. While advancing across the
On June 4 the entire front line of the divi- open f ields to the right front, heavy casu-
sion was engaged and on that day the alties were suffered. During the course of
advance of the Ger man forces in this the attack the village of Bouresches to the
region was def initely stopped. right at the foot of this hill, but not visible,
T h e G e r m a n H i g h C o m m a n d, u p o n was captured and held in spite of f ive de-
hearing of the presence of American termined attempts made by the Germans
troops on this impor tant battle front, during the next few days to recapture it.
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 47
right rear from here beyond the large this front, in spite of a casualty list of ap-
wood in the distance, was captured by the proximately 8,100 off icers and men, was
infantry and engineers of the 2d Divi- widely and enthusiastically proclaimed by
sion in a perfectly executed attack, with the French Army and the people of France.
but few losses to themselves.
During the f ighting on June 6 to the left EN ROUTE NORTH OF LUCY-LE-BOCAGE
front, Gunnery Sergeant Charles F. Hoff- TO BELLEAU WOOD
man, Marine Corps, 2d Division, performed
the feat for which he was awarded the (52.6 m 84.6 km) At the road junction
Congressional Medal of Honor, the high- 200 yards ahead, turn to the right.
est award for bravery given by the Ameri- (53.5 m 86.1 km) At the flagpole in the
can Government. Immediately after his center of Belleau Wood, STOP.
company had reached its objective, sev- T h i s wo o d, o ff i c i a l ly c a l l e d by t h e
eral hostile counterattacks were launched French the Bois de la Brigade de Marine
against it. Sergeant Hoffman was at- in honor of the unit mainly responsible
tempting to organize the new position for its capture, is now owned by the
when he saw 12 of the enemy, armed with United States Government. It is being
f ive light machine guns, crawling toward maintained as a memorial to all American
his group. Giving the alarm, he rushed troops who fought in Europe during the
the hostile detachment, bayoneted the World War. It is the only place on this
two leaders, and forced the others to flee, tour where evidences of the f ighting still
abandoning their guns. His quick action, exist to any extent, as the other battlefields
initiative and courage drove the enemy of this section of France again have been
from a place where they could have swept placed under intensive cultivation.
the hill with machine-gun f ire and forced The remains of trenches and various
the withdrawal of his company. relies of the war may be seen by walking
The splendid conduct of the 2d Division through the wood, and a visit to the small
in f ighting the enemy to a standstill on museum will disclose many interesting
Belleau Wood
Note the field crossed by the 2d Division in its first attack against the wood
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 49
weapons and articles of equipment a large aganda that the American Army is equal
number of which were found near by. to or even superior to the German, will
The large cleared space near the mu- be successful.”
seum and that part of the wood beyond
EN ROUTE BELLEAU WOOD TO AISNE-
the clearing were captured on June 25 in
MARNE AMERICAN CEMETERY
an assault launched at 5 o’clock in the
afternoon. An artillery bombardment of (53.6 m 86.2 km) While proceeding
14 hours preceded this attack, during through Belleau Wood, note the uneven
which many thousands of shells of all cal- character of the terrain and the tangled
ibers were poured into this small area. undergrowth which greatly hindered the
The f ighting lasted well into the night advance of the American troops.
before this part of Belleau Wood, the last (54.0 m 86.9 km) Soon after leaving the
section of the wood to be captured, was wood another 2d Division boulder marker
f inally in the hands of the 2d Division. is passed and shor tly thereafter to the
The importance of the American success left is seen the Aisne-Mane American
in this region is indicated by the following Cemetery. The church passed near the
extract from a statement which a German corner of the cemetery is one restored by
division commander published to his an association of veterans of the 26th
troops who were engaged in the f ighting: Division as a memorial to that division.
“Should the Americans on our front even (54.5 m 87.7 km) Beyond the church,
t e m p o r a r i ly g a i n t h e u p p e r h a n d, i t turn to the left into the cemetery.
would have a most unfavorable effect for The building on the right of the drive-
us as regards the morale of the Allies and way contains a reception room for the
the duration of the war. In the f ighting convenience of visitors and the off ice of
that now confronts us, we are not con- the superintendent in charge of the cem-
cerned about the occupation or non- etery. Inquiries concerning the location
occupation of this or that unimportant of a particular grave should be made at this
wood or village, but rather with the ques- off ice. The building on the left is the
tion as to whether Anglo-American prop- residence of the cemetery superintendent.
General View of Aisne-Marne American Cemetery Near Belleau
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 51
the solemn beauty of which is heightened tured by troops of the American 26th
by t h e e ff e c t o f t h e t h r e e b e a u t i f u l Division during July in severe f ighting.
stained-glass windows above it. These T h e 2 6 t h D iv i s i o n r e l i eve d t h e 2 d
represent St. Michael triumphing over Division on a line passing through this
the powers of evil, St. Louis the great point on July 10. Its front line was then
crusader, and St. Denis the patron saint about 5 miles long. On this part of the
o f Fr a n c e . T h e t r a n s e p t w i n d ow s a r e front it faced in the direction the observer
decorated with coats of arms of the United is now faring but to the right of here it
States and Allied nations and the insignia f o l l owe d a r o u n d t h e e d g e o f B e l l e a u
of American divisions and higher units Wood, as the crosses do now, and thus
that fought in the Aisne-Mane region. changed direction so as to face approxi-
The walls are inscribed with the names of mately east. The division while serving
American soldiers and marines who are here was with the American I Corps.
car ried on the rolls as missing in the When the great French-American
operations of the vicinity. c o u n t e r o ff e n s i v e a g a i n s t t h e M a r n e
A door in the chapel gives access to a salient started on July 13, the 26th was
circular stairway leading to the tower
from which an excellent view of the sur-
Hunting Lodge in Belleau Wood
rounding country may be obtained.
Climb the chapel stairs and go to the
front window at the upper landing, which
faces approximately north.
The general view of the cemetery ob-
tained from this point is superb.
The direction arrows on the window
ledges should be used to locate the places
mentioned below. The map at the end of
the chapter should also be consulted.
The chapel stands directly over front-
line trenches dug by the 2d Division as
part of the defenses of Belleau Wood after
it was captured on June 25.
The ground in front of here to the foot
of the high ridge, Hill 193, and to the
right as far as the eye can see was cap-
(52)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 53
miles beyond Courchamps, the attack been in possession of all of Belleau Wood.
being made across the observer’s line of (54.7 m 88.0 km) Turn right at ceme-
vision in the direction from left to right. tery gate and continue straight ahead.
Belleau Wood is the wood close to the (55.1 m 88.7 km) Bouresches, cap-
chapel in rear and on both sides of it. tured by the 2d Division on June 6, is
soon visible to the right front.
EN ROUTE AISNE-MARNE AMERICAN
(55.4 m 89.1 km) When road starts to
CEMETERY TO MONUMENT
ON HILL 204 dip into deep valley, to the left across the
valley is seen a closer view of the Les
Opposite the cemetery gate is seen a Brusses Farm–La Gonétrie Farm ridge
form of marker which has been placed m e n t i o n e d a t t h e l a s t s t o p . T h e G e r-
o n m o s t o f t h e r o a d s o f Fr a n c e a n d mans on part of this ridge held out for
Belgium to indicate the farthest advance three days in spite of the deter mined
of the German Armies in 1918. This one assaults of the 26th Division.
is incorrectly placed, the Germans having (55.8 m 89.8 km) On far side of valley,
Band, 5th Marines, 2d Division the road climbs up a slope stormed by
troops of the 26th Division on July 20.
(57.0 m 91.7 km) After ascending hill,
the f irst buildings seen to the right are
those of La Gonétrie Farm, captured by
the 26th Division as the result of hard
f ighting during July 20.
(57.4 m 92.4 km) Beyond the farm, the
advance of the 26th Division on July 21
was generally from right to left across
this road. Its zone of action extended as
far as the next main road crossing, now
marked by the entrance pylons to the
American monument on Hill 204.
(59.3 m 95.4 km) Cross main highway
and proceed to the site of the monument
Airplane View of East Face of Aisne-Marne American Memorial Near Château-Thierry
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 57
American Troops in Public Square of Château-Thierry After Its Capture, July 1918
(60)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 61
In this vicinity the 3d Division held the were captured east of Reims from whom
line of the river from Moulins Ridge to it was lear ned that the long-expected
Château-Thierry, 5 miles away to the left. Ger man offensive would begin shortly
On the evening of July 14, prisoners after midnight. Taking full advantage
62 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION
of this information, at 11:45 p. m. every on the hillside to the left of Mézy, about
gun on this side of the river blazed forth 8:45 a. m. and in spite of heavy casualties
i n a n i n t e n s iv e b o m b a r d m e n t w h i c h a considerable part of it reached the rail-
caused great havoc in front of here in the road and the f ield in front of here, in both
German masses forming up for the attack. of which places large numbers of German
The suppor t trenches and other points soldiers later surrendered.
where Ger man troops would naturally Early in the morning, the Germans suc-
assemble for an assault were so heavily ceeded in advancing over ground held by
shelled that some of their units had to be the French on the far side of Moulins Ridge.
replaced before the attack began. This exposed the right of the American
At 12:10 a. m. on July 15 the German line, and detachments on the ridge had to
artillery opened up, and about 2:00 a. m. withstand several attacks against their
there was a sudden increase of machine- f r o n t a n d f l a n k d u r i n g t h e d ay. T h e
g u n a n d r i f l e f i r e a l o n g t h e r ive r a s f ighting there and near this point was of
the enemy started his attempts to cross the greatest severity, involving repeated
by means of ferries and ponton bridges. attacks and counterattacks until the
One of the six German regiments which units concerned were almost destroyed.
attacked the 3d Division crossed in front On the entire front of attack this side of
of here. It was badly cut up by American Reims, the Germans succeeded in ad-
artillery f ire, and the troops who reached vancing about 4 miles on July 15 at all
the railroad near Mézy, the village seen places except near here where they were
ahead, were counterattacked and forced opposed by American troops. At mid-
back over the river, the remnants reach- night of that day the Ger mans to the
ing the far bank about 5:00 a. m. An- f r o n t a n d l e f t f r o n t we r e r e t r e a t i n g
other regiment which crossed to the left across the Mane while the front line of
of here suffered heavily from ar tillery the 3d Division was about 600 yards
and machine-gun f ire. However, it wiped behind this point in the woods.
out the American troops on the riverbank On the 16th the detachments of the
and advanced about 5:00 a. m. in the face 3d Division still on Moulins Ridge, being
of rifle and machine-gun f ire from Amer- almost cut off from neighboring units,
i c a n s i n t h e wo o d s a b ove t h e m . T h e were withdrawn to a line about 1 mile to
attack was stopped near the edges of the the rear. On that same day the 111th In-
woods to the left rear of here. A third f a n t r y o f t h e 2 8 t h D iv i s i o n r e l i eve d
regiment, after several disastrous at- that part of the 3d Division in rear of
tempts, crossed near Mont St. Pére, seen here and on July 17 that regiment rees-
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 63
tablished its part of the front line along On July 21 a regiment of the 3d Divi-
the riverbank to the left of Mézy. s i o n c r o s s e d t h e r ive r n e a r C h â t e a u -
The Germans made no organized Thierry and occupied Mont St. Pére from
attacks in this vicinity on the 16th, but which place it protected the crossing of
farther to the right their advance con- the remainder of the division.
tinued although slowed up to a large From here to Fismes, about 19 miles
extent by a French counterattack. away, the American divisions advanced
Of the two regiments of the 3d Division along the axis of the Marne salient. The
which were caught by the full force of the ground passed over on the tour is part of
initial German attack, the 38th Infantry that which they restored to France during
on the right was eventually forced to the period July 20 to August 6.
meet assaults from the front and from
EN ROUTE NEAR MÉZY TO NEAR COURMONT
both flanks. In this precarious position
it gallantly fought the storm troops of (70.0 m 112.6 km) To the right of the
t h e e n e my t o a s t a n d s t i l l . T h e 3 0 t h bridge an which this road passes over
Infantry on the left, in a different but no the railway in Mézy, an American de-
less diff icult situation, performed its task tachment held out until late in the after-
with equal determination and bravery, noon of July 15 in spite of all efforts of
and consequently on the front of these the Germans to capture them.
units the Germans gained nothing to com- (70.1 m 112.8 km) Beyond bridge, at
pensate them for their careful prepara- curve in road, in the excavations seen to
tions and heavy losses. The conduct of the left, a small group of Americans held
the American troops in this action gave their position on the f irst day of the offen-
further impetus to the rapidly increasing sive long after the German lines had swept
reputation of the American divisions. beyond them on both their flanks.
By July 17 the German offensive had (70.4 m 113.3 km) Upon approaching
been definitely stopped on the whole front, the river note the open f ields on this side
and the next day the French and Ameri- of it. Reports of German off icers state
cans began their great counteroffensive that their troops suffered heavy losses
south of Soissons. As a result of the on those flats from the accurate rifle f ire
Allied counteroffensive, the German High of the American soldiers.
Command promptly ordered a withdrawal During the night of July 21 and the
from this part of the Aisne-Mane salient, next morning a large part of the 3d Divi-
which began during the night of July 19. sion crossed the river on a temporary
German Anti-Balloon Gun in Action. © G
64 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION
(64)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 65
3d Division during daylight hours on The panoramic sketch on these pages will
July 25 after an extremely hard f ight. be of great help in case difficulty occurs in
For the next few miles the American locating the places mentioned below.
advance encountered only slight resist- The Ourcq River lies in the valley to
ance as the main Ger man forces had the right and right front. The far slopes
b e e n w i t h d r aw n t o t h e O u r cq R i v e r of it had been organized by the Germans
during the night of July 26–27. into a formidable position by the time
The operations, described later, of the the American and French troops ar rived
28th and 32d Divisions on the Ourcq here on the evening of July 27 and began
were directed from their division head- the series of attacks which f inally drove
quarters located in Le Charmel. the German troops from it.
(78.1 m 125.7 km) About 3 miles be- This f ighting was of the most severe
yond the town of Le Charmel, Courmont character and although most of the
is seen to the right of the road. American divisions were participating in
(78.5 m 126.3 km) After passing the an offensive for the f irst time the natural
village of Courmont, a few yards before courage and f ighting spirit of the Ameri-
reaching the next main crossroad, STOP. can soldiers car ried them forward to
accomplishments which could not have The nearest village to the front in the
been excelled by veteran assault divisions. O u r c q R ive r va l l e y i s S e rg y. To t h e
From this point many of the attacks right front a road is seen, in the distance,
made against the German defenses were entering a large wooded area.
visible. Long thin lines of khaki-clad Face that point, which direction is
American soldiers could be seen ad- approximately northeast.
vancing up the slopes across the valley, Cour mont, the nearest town seen to
preceded by bursts of smoke as the artil- t h e r i g h t , wa s c a p t u r e d by a Fr e n c h
lery barrage moved forward to prepare d iv i s i o n o n J u ly 2 7 . T h a t n i g h t t h e
t h e way f o r t h e m . H o s t i l e f i r e t o o k 28th Division relieved the French, taking
heavy toll from the attacking units, and over a line the center of which was near
counterattacks launched from the wooded this point and which changed direction
heights often forced the Americans back. so as to run along the far side of Cour-
Such setbacks, however, were but signals mont. The 3d Division had the zone of
for new assaults, which were bravely and action to the right of Courmont.
p e r s i s t e n t ly r e p e a t e d u n t i l a l l o f t h e On July 28 Ronchères, seen on the hill
heights were f inally in American hands. beyond Courmont, was captured by the
3d Division, and the 28th Division ad- stand on the opposite side of this valley.
vanced its lines to the other side of the About a mile from here, on the nearest
Ourcq River all along its front. During hill seen tot he left of and beyond Cour-
the f ighting that day the German resis- mont, is the Bois des Grimpettes, a key
tance was such that it became evident point of the German position. Although
t h ey i n t e n d e d t o m a k e a d e t e r m i n e d in the zone of action of the 3d and later
of the 32d Division, it commanded the
28th Division front to such an extent that
it had to be captured before any appre-
ciable advance could be made. On both
July 28 and 29 it was attacked, but not
captured, by the 3d Division from near
Ronchères and by the 28th Division from
its position in front of here.
On the night of July 29 the 3d Division
was relieved by the 32d, after having
been in line since early June and having
made an outstanding record in combat.
Its casualties were nearly 6,600.
On July 30, as the result of two attacks
supported by brief but intense artillery
preparations, the 28th Division succeeded
in taking the Bois des Grimpettes in the
afternoon, after a savage hand-to-hand 42d Division Artillery Passing Through Sergy,
f ight in which it was assisted by the 32d August 3, 1918
Division. It also occupied for a short
was f inally taken and held by the 32d
time part of the village of Cierges, whose
church tower, which looks like a small Division as the result of two separate
house from here, can be seen to the right regimental assaults, made about the same
time, which converged close to the point
of and below the point the observer is
f a c i n g . A G e r m a n c o u n t e r a t t a c k wa s which the observer is now facing.
repulsed about dark of that day. Sergy, in the valley to the left front,
and Seringes-et-Nesles seen well to the
During the night of July 30–31 the 32d
D iv i s i o n r e l i eve d t h e 2 8 t h D iv i s i o n , left of it, are both located beyond the
whose casualties had totaled more than Ourcq. Villers-sur-Fère in the distance
to the observer’s left, is on this side of the
1,400 officers and men , thus extending its
front to the left as far as Caranda Mill, river. These towns were captured by the
the building partially seen in the small 42d Division in operations which will be
described at the next stop.
clump of trees at the foot of this hill about
midway between Cierges and Sergy. To the left front in the distance, the
The wood which covers the crest of the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, which is
distinguished by its f ield of white head-
ridge to the right of and beyond Caranda
Mill is Les Jomblets. It lay in the Ger- stones, is seen slightly to the right of and
man main line of defense and was an im- below the village of Seringes-et-Nesles.
portant strong point. On July 31 the 32d Street Barricade at Northern Edge of
Division, in an attack launched about Le Charmel, July 1918
2:00 p. m., captured Cierges and reached Built by the Germans in their retreat
Les Jomblets, but was forced by heavy
hostile f ire to fall back from that wood.
On the next day, in an attack made in the
e a r ly m o r n i n g , t h e d iv i s i o n c a p t u r e d
Les Jomblets and established itself about
1/2 m i l e f a r t h e r o n . T h e r e t h e t r o o p s
repulsed a counterattack made shortly
after daybreak. About 9:00 a. m., how-
ever, they were driven back by a f ierce
G e r m a n c o u n t e r a t t a c k s u p p o r t e d by
artiller y. That afternoon Les Jomblets
(69)
Snipers Firing in Villers-sur-Fère After Its Capture by the 42d Division, July 27, 1918
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 71
The route now follows closely the south led a platoon in an attack which resulted
bank of the Ourcq River and a better in the capture of that wood, and although
view of many of the places just mentioned again hit several times during the assault,
will be obtained. The natural strength he broke up a hostile counterattack
of the German positions across the river mainly by his own accurate automatic
will also be more evident at that time. rifle f ire. He remained in charge until
the position had been made secure, after
EN ROUTE NEAR COURMONT TO NEAR
which, suffering from nine wounds in
VILLERS-SUR-FÈRE
various par ts of the body, this gallant
(79.5 m 127.9 km) While ascending soldier dragged himself to shelter.
the next ridge, Cierges is seen to the (81.8 m 131.6 km) Just before reach-
right, about a mile away. ing the next town, Villers-sur-Fère ,
(80.4 m 129.4 km) The next village about 100 yards from top of hill, where a
seen to the right is Ser py. That town clear view to right is obtained, STOP.
and the steep slopes on both sides of The village of Seringes-et-Nesles and
i t we r e s t u b b o r n l y d e f e n d e d by t h e the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery to the
German troops who were holding them. right of it are seen across the valley.
(80.9 m 130.2 km) A short distance far- Face the cemetery, which direction is
ther on, to the right on the hillside across approximately northeast.
the valley, is seen a small triangular- The Ourcq River is located in the valley
shaped wood where Private Sidney E. at the foot of this slope.
Manning, 42d Division, performed the The 42d Division captured Villers-sur-
d e e d s o n J u ly 2 8 f o r w h i c h h e wa s Fère on the 27th and continued its at-
awa r d e d t h e C o n g r e s s i o n a l M e d a l o f tacks on the 28th gaining a foothold on
H o n o r. P r i v a t e M a n n i n g , wh o h a d the other side of the Ourcq. Sergy, seen
been severely wounded shortly before, to the right, which was strongly held by
72 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION
the Germans, was entered by patrols that Bois Colas, which was literally bristling
day but not captured although g round with hostile machine guns, and the town
was gained in its immediate vicinity. of Seringes-et-Nesles were captured on
Across the river in front of here an that day in brilliant attacks. Although
unusual exploit was performed on July 28 the gains at Seringes-et-Nesles and Sergy
by Sergeant Frank Gardella, Jr., of the formed pronounced salients in the line
42d Division. Two enemy air planes were and the troops in them were subjected to
flying parallel to the American infantry tire from three sides, the Germans were
lines and pouring machine-gun bullets unable to retake that ground.
into them, driving ever yone to cover. On July 30 the attacks were continued
Sergeant Gardella, noting the situation, but in spite of determined efforts no sub-
rushed to his machine gun and took aim s t a n t i a l g a i n s we r e m a d e . A s t r o n g
at the upper of the two machines. Al- German counterattack near Meurcy Farm,
though he was constantly subject to a identif ied by the buildings seen to the
storm of bullets from the plants and from r i g h t o f t h e c e m e t e r y, wa s r e p u l s e d .
enemy snipers on the ground, he never- In the bitter f ighting around that farm,
theless coolly sighted his gun and riddled Sergeant Richard W. O’Neill, 42d Divi-
the upper plane, causing it to collapse and sion, advanced ahead of the assaulting
fall in flames. In falling it str uck the line and attacked an enemy force of about
lower plane and brought it to the earth 25 mm. In the ensuing hand-to-hand
also. For his coolness and bravery he was encounter he sustained pistol wounds but
awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. heroically continued in the f ight, during
Part of the 47th Infantry, 4th Division, which he received additional wounds.
was attached to the 42d Division and, With great physical effort he remained in
with this additional strength, Sergy was active commend of his detachment until
captured on July 29 and other advances he was again wounded and was forced by
m a d e . I n t h e va l l ey t o t h e f r o n t , t h e weakness and loss of blood to be evacu-
nearest wood in line with the cemetery, ated. He insisted upon being taken f irst
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 73
This is the Oise-Aisne American Cem- rear ranging themselves into a succession
etery, the second largest American mili- of symmetrical geometrical designs.
tary cemetery in Europe. It contains The chapel is a harmony of color, with
6,012 graves. The majority of the battle its pink and g ray sandstone walls and
dead who rest here were killed in the variegated marble columns. It is semi-
f ighting along the Ourcq River and in the circular in form and from its terrace a
t e r r i t o r y b e t we e n h e r e a n d t h e O i s e f ine view of the cemetery and the sur-
River. In 1922, American soldiers then rounding country can be obtained.
buried in France in the general area west The decorative sculpture of the chapel
of the line, Tours–Romorantin–Paris– is Romanesque in style but modern in
Le Havre were moved to this cemetery. s u b j e c t . O n e a c h f r o n t wa l l a p p e a r s
The building across the road contains a the coat of ar ms of the United States,
reception room for visitors and the off ice beneath a frieze of shields which display
of the superintendent, where inquiries for the insignia of branches of the Ar my.
information or concerning the location of The column capitals are carved with the
a particular grave should be made. insignia of the American divisions which
The cemeter y is entered through an took part in the battles in this region and
ornamental wrought-iron gateway. Rows with various military weapons and articles
of trees and beds of red roses line the of equipment. In the four medallions
central paths. The chapel overlooks the above the columns the modern soldier is
cemetery from the rear and as the visitor contrasted with the medieval crusader.
walks toward it the f ields of white marble The simple lines of the interior are
headstones constantly change patter n, softened by the subdued light from the
the crosses apparently ar ranging and windows whose panes are thin slabs of
76 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION
D r aveg ny wa s c a p t u r e d by t h e 3 2 d
Division an August 2. The front line
of the division on that night was estab-
lished in the north edge of the town.
T h e 2 8 t h D iv i s i o n h e a d q u a r t e r s d i -
rected operations from this village during
the period August 4–14, while the division
was f ighting along the Vesle.
(91.7 m 147.5 km) Beyond the next
hill, the town seen in front across the
va l l ey i s C h é r y - C h a r t r e u ve . T h e 4 t h
Division, after relieving the 42d Division
during the early morning, advanced on
August 3 to the wood seen just to the
right of and beyond that town.
(93.7 m 150.8 km) At small monument
near entrance to Chéry-Char treuve
turn right. Note speedometer reading.
(97.3 m 156.6 km) 3.6 miles farther on,
when the large town, Fismes, comes in
full view to the right front, STOP.
Camouflaged Road Just North of Dravegny Face the church, the right one of the
Road followed by tour
Observation Balloon Trucks Passing Through
August 2 the grave was found by advanc- Coulonges, August 4, 1918
ing troops of the 32d Division, who held
appropriate ser vices and built a fence
protecting the spot. Since that time it
has been more permanently marked.
To visit grave, turn right at crossroad
indicated in next paragraph. At next vil-
lage, Chamery, take first road to the left
(impossible in wet weather) and go 800
yards to grove, which is 100 yards to left
of road. Total length of side trip—2 miles.
Amount of time required—30 minutes.
(88.2 m 141.9 km) At next main cross-
road at foot of long slope, turn left toward
the village of Coulonges.
(88.6 m 142.6 km) In next village .
Coulonges, beyond bridge turn left.
This village and the next one, Cohan,
were captured on August 2 by the 32d
D iv i s i o n . T h e r i g h t b o u n d a r y o f t h e
division was just to the right of the road
which the tour is following.
(89.6 m 144.2 km) Continue through
the town of Cohan.
(90.9 m 146.3 km) In the next village,
Dravegny, at the church turn to the
left, at the next corner turn to the right
toward the village of Chéry-Chartreuve.
78 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION
two buildings with a tower, which direc- Division relieved the 32d Division, which
tion is approximately northeast. had advanced 11 miles and whose casual-
The stream at the foot of this hill is ties had been almost 3,800 since entering
the Ardre River, which joins the Vesle the battle on the Ourcq River.
River at a point to the left front in the T h e 2 8 t h D iv i s i o n o n A u g u s t 7
valley. The German troops fought stub- launched an unsuccessful attack upon
bor nly to hold Fismes and the slopes Fi s m e t t e , wh i c h i s b eyo n d t h e Ve s l e
which are seen beyond it. River, adjoining Fismes on its left side.
On the afternoon of August 4 the 32d T h e n ex t d ay, a f t e r t wo a t t a c k s w i t h
Division attacked Fismes from this hill, h e av y a r t i l l e r y p r e p a r a t i o n , p a r t s o f
suffering severe losses from hostile artil- Fismette was captured and held. The
lery and machine-gun f ire before the town town was completely occupied on August
was f inally captured. 10, but because of the German efforts to
On August 6, the 6th Brigade of the 3d retake it, desperate f ighting took place
Division was placed in the line to the in the streets of the town almost daily
right of Fismes. Although worn out by during the next two weeks.
its heavy f ighting on the Mane River, In the f ighting in Fismette on August
the brigade on August 7 and 10 made 10 Sergeant James I. Mestrovitch, 28th
valiant efforts to cross the river but did Division, performed the act of gallantry
not succeed in establishing a foothold on for which he was awarded the Congres-
the far bank. On August II the brigade sional Medal of Honor. Seeing his com-
was relieved, its losses in this general vi- pany commander lying wounded 30 yards
cinity being about 600 off icers and men. in front of the line after his company had
On the night of August 6–7 the 28th withdrawn to a sheltered position behind
a stone wall, Sergeant Mestrovitch volun-
Ruins of City Hall of Fismes, August 14, 1918 tarily left cover and crawled through
heavy machine-gun and shell f ire to where
the off icer lay. He took the off icer upon
his back and crawled back to a place of
safety where he administered f irst aid
treatment. His exceptional heroism
saved the life of his company commander.
D u r i n g t h e e a r ly m o r n i n g h o u r s o f
August 27, the Germans inclosed Fismette
in a heavy bar rage and attacked in force
with flame throwers, capturing or killing
all Americans holding it except a few
who escaped by swimming across the river.
On August 12 the 77th Division re-
lieved the 4th to the left of here and on
the 13th changes were made in the divi-
sion boundaries so that the 28th Division
held Fismes and the riverbank for about
2 1 / 2 miles to the right of it, while the 77th
Division held the line along the river
from Fismes to the left for about 3 miles.
The American III Corps directed active
operations for the f irst time on this front,
holding a sector immediately alongside
that of the American I Corps.
On the night of September 3–4, as a Engineers Exploding Mine Trap Left by
Germans in a Dugout Near Blanzy-
result of the Oise-Aisne offensive, which les-Fismes, September 5, 1918
began north of Soissons on August 18, the
German lines here were turned and the
enemy troops along this front withdrew until September 16, when it was relieved
toward the Aisne River. This movement by an Italian division (of which there were
was covered by rear guards composed two ser ving on the Western Front), its
mainly of machine gun organizations. line remained approximately in the same
O n S e p t e m b e r 4 t h e d iv i s i o n s h e r e place. A brief description of its service
started in pursuit, and by September 6 on the Aisne is given at the next stop.
the 28th had pushed its front line about a In these operations the casualties of the
mile north of Baslieux, partially seen in 28th Division were about 5,300 and those
the little valley 3 miles away beyond the of the 77th Division nearly 4,800. By
church in Fismes. There the division their repeated efforts to cross the river
again faced a prepared German position and by their energetic pursuit after the
and had severe f ighting in front of it G e r m a n s h a d r e t i r e d, b o t h d iv i s i o n s
until relieved on the night of September brought great credit upon themselves and
7–8 by one of the French divisions. upon the American forces.
The 77th Division was stopped on Sep- The State of Pennsylvania has built a
tember 6, south of the Aisne River, after memorial bridge over the Vesle between
an advance of 5 miles. From that day Fismes and Fismette. To visit it, bear
Fismette, Scene of Hard Fighting by the 28th Division
(79)
80 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION
right at road junction indicated in the next left front of here and also near Bazoches,
paragraph, go to open plaza in town, turn seen in the valley to the right, but they
left and cross railroad to bridge. Total were later withdrawn to the far bank.
length of side trip—1 mile. Amount of On August 6 the division attacked in
time required—15 minutes. force, after a 1-hour artillery preparation,
with this road as its main objective. It
EN ROUTE NEAR FISMES TO NEAR
forced a crossing opposite Ville-Savoye
BAZOCHES
and reached this highway about 1 / 2 mile to
(98.2 m 158.0 km) At the near edge of the left of here. The line was maintained
Fismes, beyond the small bridge turn there, in spite of strong counterattacks,
sharply to the left toward Soissons. until August 8, when it was withdrawn
The American advance passed from the to the railroad which runs in the valley
left to right across this road. near this side of the river.
(98.8 m 159.0 km) After crossing the From August 7 to 9, the 4th Division
Vesle River and the railroad, a densely launched several attacks near Bazoches.
wooded area is seen on Hostile f ire preventing
the left. Par t of it the building of suitable
surrounds a château f o o t b r i d g e s , m a ny o f
c a l l e d, o n w a r t i m e the men courageously
maps, the Château du attempted to swim the
Diable (Castle of the river or crawl over on
D ev i l ) . Tr o o p s o f t h e fallen trees. Those
4th, 28th and 77th w h o s u c c e e d e d we r e
Divisions, who engaged insuff icient in number
in many hot f ights with to establish themselves
the Ger mans near this on this bank. Between
château, agree that the August 3 and 12, when
place was well named. it was relieved by the
(99.4 m 160.0 km) 77th Division, the 4th
Beyond the far end of Division lost approxi-
the wooded area a 4th mately 3,500 men.
Division monument is Fo r t h e n e x t t e n
passed on the right. d ay s t h i s s e c t o r, l i k e
(100.3 m 161.4 km) others along the front
A t t h e s e c o n d c re s t , where troops of neither
when the next village is 4th Division Monument s i d e we r e t r y i n g t o
plainly seen down the Near Bazoches advance, was compara-
road ahead, STOP. t ive ly q u i e t ex c e p t a t
Fa c e t o t h e l e f t , night. During the
which direction is approximately south. daytime all troops remained well con-
From this point a good view is obtained cealed to escape the vigilance of snipers
of the ground fought over by the 4th and and hostile observers searching for
later by the 77th Division. favorable artiller y targets. After night-
The 4th Division, advancing in this fall, however, the hillside swarmed with
direction over the line of hills in front of men busily strengthening the positions,
here, on August 4 captured St. Thibaut, wh i l e p a t r o l s f r o m e a c h s i d e , t r y i n g
seen on the hillside to the right front, and to discover the dispositions and inten-
Ville-Savoye, seen to the left front. The tions of the other, frequently clashed
next day the division repulsed a counter- along the banks of the river and engaged
attack and began attacks to gain a foot- in small but desperate battles in the dark.
h o l d o n t h i s s i d e o f t h e r ive r. S m a l l O n A u g u s t 2 2 t h e G e r m a n s a t t a c ke d
detachments succeeded in crossing to the t h e C h â t e a u d u D i a bl e , l o c a t e d t o t h e
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 81
in pursuit of the Germans who bad with- his company, which by this time had suf-
drawn during the previous night. The fered numerous casualties. Under his in-
division reached the Aisne River valley spiration the men held the hostile position
on September 6 and established its front and consolidated their front line after an
line close to this side of it. action lasting two hours. This gallant
The next few days were marked by fre- officer was then carried against his will to
quent local actions bitterly fought but a f irst-aid station for treatment.
with only minor results. On September On September 15, after repulsing a Ger-
14 the division attacked as par t of a man counterattack, the division was re-
general assault and made some gains lieved from the line and was sent to the
in spite of stubborn resistance. Meuse-Argonne region to take part there
It was during the f ighting of this day in the g reat offensive of the American
that Captain L. Wardlaw Miles, 77th First Army later in the month.
Division, performed the heroic services The tour now follows the Vale River
for which he was awarded the Congres- valley as far as near Sermoise and then
sional Medal of Honor. He volunteered to continues along the Aisne River valley to
82 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION
Soissons. No American f ighting took place in the town of Laon, about 19 miles away.
in the area which will be passed over. (116.5 m 187.4 km) Upon reaching the
large monument in Soissons, continue
EN ROUTE NEAR BAZ0CHES TO NEAR
straight ahead toward church for one
MISSY-AUS-BOIS
block. Bear left onto Rue Carnot and
In its long and eventful history Soissons take second street to right. Continue to
has been destroyed and rebuilt many railroad, then turn sharp left across the
times, and no less than 32 sieges and tracks toward Villers-Cotterêts.
m a j o r b a t t l e s h ave o c c u r r e d t h e r e o r (120.1 m 193.2 km) After leaving the
i n t h e immediate vicinity. Among the valley, the large cemetery passed contains
points of interest in town are the cathedral French, British and German graves.
and the church of St. Jean-des-Vignes. (121.2 m 195.0 km) Beyond cemetery
The American battlefields at Juvigny and 1.1 miles, Missy-aux-Bois is seen to the
near Vauxaillon may be reached by follow- right front. When the village is in full
ing the main highway from Soissons to St. view, on top of the next rise in the road
Quentin. See pages 91–93. (beyond the kilometer post), STOP.
An American 14-inch naval gun on a Face Missy-aux-Bois, which direction
railroad mount, manned by men of the is approximately west.
United States Navy, f ired from a position The reader is now on ground swept over
in St. Christophe Cemetery, 1/2 mile west by the main attack of the French-Ameri-
of Soissons, from September 10 to October can counteroffensive of July 18 which
24. Its target was the railroad junction marked the turning point in the succession
Advance Command Post and Aid Station, 1st Division,
Near Missy-aux-Bois, July 20, 1918
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 83
of dramatic military events that so closely rifle pits and nests of machine guns, while
followed each other in the year 1918. Up along the f arm roads and ravines and
to the time of this attack, the Allies had hidden by banks of ear th and the tall
been compelled to withstand a series of grain, were batteries of German artillery.
powerful German offensives which almost The farm buildings and villages, largely
g a i n e d a d e c i s ive v i c t o r y. I t wa s i n of stone construction, afforded admirable
this region that the tide def initely turned protection, and each constituted a strong
in favor of the Allies, and this battle was point which could be taken only after
the f irst of a series of offensives, the most desperate f ighting.
made possible by the rapid ar rival of The 1st Division attacked toward this
American troops, which, within less than road from a line about 3 miles in front of
four months, forced the enemy troops here, this point being near the center of
back and compelled Germany to sue for its zone of action. The zone of action of
an immediate armistice. the French 1st Moroccan Division, one
It is diff icult to imagine this peaceful regiment of which was the famous Foreign
countryside as the scene of such a bitter Legion, included Cravancon Farm, the
struggle. The f ields were covered with group of buildings a mile down the road
wheat, breast high, ready for har vest. to the left, and the zone of action of the
The Germans had dug here no elaborate 2d Division (to be visited later) lay be-
system of trenches, but every little rise yond. These three divisions formed the
in the ground had its group of individual spearhead of the attack which started at
84 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION
(85)
German Prisoners Being Marched to the Rear, South of Soissons, July 18, 1918
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 87
(87)
88 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION
of the division. At least 100 prisoners Across the open f ield to the left, on the
were captured in or near the farm. low ground a mile away, is Vauxcastille,
Batteries of Ger man ar tiller y in the and running toward the left from it, ap-
wheat f ields in this general vicinity f ired proximately parallel to this road, is a
point-blank at the Americans as they d e e p wo o d e d r av i n e . A t t a c k i n g f r o m
a d va n c e d, a n d b e f o r e t h e y c o u l d b e right to left across this road in the early
silenced these guns had destroyed many morning of the f irst day of the offensive,
of the tanks accompanying the attack. troops of the 2d Division swarmed into
A d d i n g t o t h e c o n f u s i o n c a u s e d by that ravine, where a desperate conflict
these ter rif ic bombardments, low-flying raged until about 7:00 a. m., when the
airplanes, both Allied and German, Germans were driven beyond it. A large
machine-gunned and bombed the troops number of the enemy who had been sur-
of their opponents. The Americans rounded at Vauxcastille took refuge in
crawled or dar ted through the wheat, t h e c ave s i n t h a t v i c i n i t y. T h e y r e -
steadily advancing against the Germans, ceived a message dropped from a German
who were often unseen until the infantry airplane directing them to retire, and late
practically stumbled on them or until the in the after noon were captured while
rapidly moving tanks drove the German attempting to f ight their way back from
soldiers from their cover into the open. the town to their own lines.
Vierzy, situated in a ravine to the left
La Verte-Feuille Farm After Its Capture by of and beyond Vauxcastille, is about 2
the 2d Division, July 18, 1918 miles from here on this side of the nearest
heavily wooded hill in that direction.
It was reached by American troops about
7:00 a. m. The town was entered about
930 a.m. but the American soldiers were
later compelled to retire an account of
the presence of persistent gas.
Early in the evening the 2d Division
a t t a c ke d f r o m t h e v i c i n i t y o f Va u x -
castille, and after a hard f ight in Vierzy,
where a large number of Ger mans were
made prisoner, pushed on and by mid-
n i g h t wa s a b o u t a m i l e b eyo n d t h a t
place. Desperate counterattacks launched
against the 2d Division during the night
of July 18 were unsuccessful.
On July 19 the division attacked about
9:00 a. m. The Ger mans were driven
back steadily until 10:00 a. m. when the
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 89
EN ROUTE NEAR BEAUREPAIRE FARM from an enemy strong point in the wood.
TO PARIS Disregarding the warnings of his com-
The Headquar ters of the 2d Division rades, he crawled out from the flank and
was established in the ruins of Beaurepaire made his way toward the German lines
Farm after it was captured on July 18, in the face of heavy f ire. He succeeded
and remained there until the division was in getting behind the enemy position and
relieved from the front line. rushed a machine-gun emplacement,
(126.6 m 203.7 km) Beyond Beaure- killing or driving off the crew with his
paire Farm, at the first road junction turn bayonet. With Ger man hand g renades
sharply to the right. he then bombed out the remaining por-
Compare the present appearance of La tion of the strong point, capturing four
Verte-Feuille Farm, at the next corner, men and two machine guns.
with the picture on page 88. About the same time Sergeant Kocak,
(128.3 m 206.4 km) Upon reaching the who was in the wood about 500 yards
next road crossing, turn to the left. from this road, went forward alone against
The advance of the 2d Division on July another machine-gun nest that, hidden
18 was in the direction opposite to that in the underbr ush, had checked the
which the tourist is now following. A m e r i c a n a d va n c e . Wi t h o u t t h e p r o -
In the woods to the right of this road tection of f ire from his own men, he
Were performed early on the morning of worked his way in between the German
July 18 the deeds for which Sergeants positions in the face of f ire from hostile
Louis Cukela and Matej Kocak, Marine covering detachments. Locating the ma-
Cor ps, 2d Division, was later awarded chine-gun nest, he rushed it and with his
Congressional Medals of Honor. b ayo n e t d r ov e o ff t h e c r ew. S h o r t ly
Sergeant Cukela was near this road thereafter he took command of 25 French
when his company met with heavy f ire colonial troops who had become separated
Captured Weapons in Public Square at Villers-Cotterêts, July 27, 1918
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 91
from their company and led them in an attack met with severe enemy f ire and the
attack which succeeded in wiping out net result was only slight gains.
another machine-gun nest. During the after noon of August 30
(129.4 m 208.2 km) Beyond the farm the 32d Division flanked the town of
about 1 mile are a 2d Division boulder Juvigny from the south and captured it in
marker and a marker indicating the far- a skillful attack, after some vicious street
thest advance of the German Army in f ighting. That evening two strong Ger-
1918. They are on the left near the road. man counterattacks were repulsed. The
The jump-off line of the 2d Division ran American line that night formed a small
near the location of these markers and was salient projecting into the German lines.
at right angles to this road. The attacks were resumed on the 31st,
( 1 3 4 . 9 m 2 1 7 . 1 k m ) Fro m Vi l l e rs - during which the artillery supporting the
Cotterêts there are three main roads to attack f ired a double barrage, instead of
Paris—via Senlis, or La Ferté-Milon and a single bar rage, as was customary. The
Meaux, or Nanteuil and Dommartin. Germans, who had been in the habit of
remaining in the numerous caves during
32D DIVISION NEAR JUVIGNY,
the ar tillery bombardments and then
AUGUST 28–SEPTEMBER 2
manning their trenches and machine-gun
The 32d Division, after its relief on the nests when the barrage moved on, were
Vesle River early in August, was assigned caught by the second barrage and suffered
on August 23 to the French Tenth Army. heavy casualties from it.
That Army was then engaged in the Oise- By the end of the day the 32d Division
Aisne offensive nor thwest of Soissons had reached in hard f ighting the impor-
which, if successful, would force the tant Soissons-St. Quentin road at a point
Ger mans to withdraw from their posi- n o r t h we s t o f Te r ny - S o r ny. T h e n ex t
tions along the Vesle and Aisne Rivers. day local effor ts to advance met with
The division was held in reserve until determined resistance. The division was
August 28, when it entered the line about relieved by the 1st Moroccan Division
1 m i l e we s t o f J u v i g ny. T h a t d ay i t on the night of September 1–2, having
launched local attacks and gained some made a total advance of 3 miles and hav-
ground in spite of heavy hostile f ire. ing suffered over 2,600 casualties.
On August 29 a general assault was The success of the 32d Division in this
made by the entire Tenth Ar my. This operation was of great assistance to the
92 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION
and Argonne regions with units of the as far as Cessières. The losses in these
French Army, moved into the Vauxaillon operations were about 500 officers and men.
area on September 15 as part of the The French 59th Division was then re-
French 59th Division. Four of its com- lieved, only to reenter the battle near
panies assisted French troops in unsuc- G r a n d l u p - e t - Fay o n O c t o b e r 3 0 , t h e
cessful attacks against Mont des Singes American regiment being placed in sup-
between September 17 and 20, and on port near Chantrud Farm, about a mile
the 24th the regiment as a unit took com- southwest of Grandlup-et-Fay. There,
mand of that part of the front line just on November 3, it suffered a loss of 41
north of the small village of Vauxaillon. men from the explosion of a single shell.
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 93
The Ger mans made a general retire- leading the advance of the 59th Division.
ment in early November, and the 59th At the time of the Armistice the forward
Division took par t in the pursuit. Al- battalion of the regiment was at Le Gué
though spasmodic f ighting occur red, the d’Hossus, having marched about 40 miles
French Tanks With the 32d Division at Juvigny, August 29, 1918
370th Infantr y moved forward mainly in during the last week of the war. There
march formation. Battalions of the regi- were 65 casualties in the regiment during
ment alter nated with French units in the f ighting which has just been described.
ADDITIONAL PLACE OF INTEREST IN THE
AISNE-MARNE REGION
Museum at Blérancourt
(94)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 95
for a six weeks’ period in February and Mar tin. In a cave nor th of this point
March, 1918, while the division received was located the 77th Div. Hdqrs. from
front-line training with troops of the September 4 to September 16.
Fr e n c h X I C o r p s t h e n o c c u py i n g t h e Franquets Farm, about 1/2 mile north
Chemin des Dames Sector. At various of Jaulgonne. Scene of heavy f ighting by
times during this period elements of the the 3d Division on July 22 and 23. The
26th Division held portions of the corps far m was f inally captured on July 24.
front which extended to the westward from Genevrois Farm, near Bézu-le.Guéry.
Filain for about 11 miles. 2d Div. Hdqrs., June 10–July 10. 26th
Croix Rouge Farm. The 26th Divi- Div. Hdqrs., July 10–15, and on July 20.
sion, whose front line at the time was Glennes. On the plateau south of this
composed entirely of troops of the 56th village the 28th Division engaged in
Brigade, 28th Division, attached to it, severe f ighting on September 6, capturing
was held up near this farm on July 24 by four enemy strong points and holding
heavy resistance in the Forêt de Fère. them against a counterattack.
The farm was captured two days later, Grand Ru Farm, southeast of Etrépilly.
after severe hand-to-hand f ighting by the 26th Div. Hdqrs., July 21–30.
42d Division which had relieved the 26th. Grèves Farm, 1 1 / 2 miles west of St. Eu-
★ Dormans. An interesting World War g e n e . O n J u ly 1 5 a b a t t a l i o n o f t h e
memorial church has been constructed 3d Division advanced from near this farm
on the hill in rear of this town. to counterattack the advancing Germans.
★ Fère-en-Tardenois Castle. An inter- It was heavily shelled by hostile artillery
esting medieval castle built about 1200 and suffered severe losses.
A.D. is located about 1 1/2 miles northeast C l o s e t o t h i s f a r m Fi r s t L i e u t e n a n t
of Fère-en-Tardenois, close to the road to George P. Hays, Field Artillery, 3d Divi-
Fismes. The 77th Div. Hdqrs. was lo- sion, rendered the gallant ser vices for
cated in the adjoining château for the which he was awarded the Congressional
period from August 13 to September 4. Medal of Honor. At the outset of the
Fontaine des Filles, west of Mont-St. terrif ic enemy artillery bombardment on
98 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION
German Troops Advancing Across the Chemin des Dames, May 1918
the night of July 14–15, his telephone line several hours poured an effective f ire into
was destroyed beyond repair. He im- the advancing enemy. For this action
mediately set out to establish contact he and the eight men were awarded Dis-
with the neighboring command post and tinguished Service Crosses.
while so doing established liaison with Janvier Farm, about 1/2 mile east of
two French batteries, visiting their posi- Connigis. Near this farm a battery of the
tions so frequently that he was mainly 3d Division on July 15 f ired at point-
responsible for the accurate f ire there- blank range against Ger man inf antr y
from. While thus engaged he was severe- u n t i l i t s a m m u n i t i o n wa s ex h a u s t e d .
ly wounded. His deeds were an impor- The guns were then disabled and the
tant factor in checking the advance of the gunners retired to the infantry lines.
enemy troops on this front. La Doultre Château, near Viffort. 3d
During the same battle and also near Div. Hdqrs., June 11–July 22.
t h i s f a r m , S e c o n d L i e u t e n a n t J ay F. La Houssière, east of Bassevelle. 28th
Hostetter, Field Ar tillery, 3d Division, Div. Hdqrs., July 15–18.
having discovered that two French guns Launay. In the vicinity of this village
on his left had lost their crews during the and Etangs Farm troops of the 3d Divi-
heavy German bombardment, requested sion on the afternoon of July 15 repulsed
and obtained per mission to use them. a strong German attack.
Securing eight volunteers from his ranks, Lizy-sur-Ourcq. 4th Div. Headquar-
he pressed the guns into action, and for ters during the period from July 5 to 23.
(98)
German Batteries in Position Near the Marne River, June 1918 © G
★ Longpont. In this town are the ruins 42d Division on August 2 after a battle
of a large Cistercian abbey, said to have with Ger man machine gun units but was
been built in the 12th Century. voluntarily abandoned the same day. It
Magneux. Near this place on August was reoccupied on August 3 by the 4th
16 and 25, the 28th Division launched Division, which had relieved the 42d.
attacks to advance its lines closer to the Merval and Serval were occupied on
Vesle River. These attacks resulted in September 5 by the 77th Division while
heavy lighting although no permanent it was moving its front line forward from
gains of ground were made. the Vesle toward the Aisne River.
Mares Farm. About noon an June 2 a M é r y - s u r- M a rn e . 2 6 t h D iv. H d q r s .
marine battalion of the 2d Division hur- during the period July 15–20.
ried into a second-line position at this Missy-aux-Bois. During the f ighting
farm which is about 2 miles northwest of in the ravine nor th of Missy-aux-Bois a
Lucy-le-Bocage. Late the next day, the gap had developed between the American
G e r m a n s p u s h e d t h r o u g h t h e Fr e n c h 1st Division and the French division on
troops and reached the farm where their its left, thus exposing the left of the 1st
advance was stopped by the American Division to terrif ic f ire from several Ger-
battalion after a severe f ight. man machine guns located in a rock
M a re u i l - e n - D ô l e . 4 t h D iv. H d q r s . , q u a r r y. S e c o n d L i e u t e n a n t S a m u e l I .
Aug. 4–12, and 77th Div. Hdqrs., Aug. Parker, 1st Division, observing this seri-
12–13. The town was captured by the ous situation, ordered his depleted platoon
(99)
100 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION
(100)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION 101
Moucheton Château, north of Epieds. one of the prisoners to car ry him. The
I Corps Hdqrs., from July 28 to Aug. 5. bravery of Private Edwards, then a tradi-
P é t re t Fa r m , 1 m i l e e a s t o f C o u r- tion in his battalion because of his previous
champs. A battalion of the 4th Division gallant acts, again raised the morale of
attached to the French 164th Division his comrades to a high pitch. For his ex-
captured this farm and the near-by wood ceptional braver y during this f ighting,
during the day of July 20. Private Edwards was later awarded the
★ Pierrefonds Château. This magnif i- Congressional Medal of Honor.
cent castle is a f ine example of French Ravine Marion, southwest of Glennes.
medieval military architecture. Originally Scene of sharp f ighting by the 77th Divi-
built in 1390, the castle was restored in sion on September 8, 9 and 14.
1862. During the war, while used as a R e ddy Fa r m , n o r t h e a s t o f C i e rg e s .
hospital, it was shelled several times. The vicinity of this farm was the scene of
Râperie, about 1 mile east of Cutry. heavy f ighting by the 32d Division on
In the vicinity of this mill, the 1st Division August 1. It was captured by that divi-
had a short but bitter f ight early on the sion during August 2 after a sharp f ight.
morning of July 18. During this engage-
m e n t , P r iva t e Fi r s t C l a s s D a n i e l R . The Repairing of Roads Was a Problem
Edwards, 1st Division, who had been for the Engineers
under treatment for several weeks for
numerous and serious wounds and was
suffering intense pain from a freshly
shattered ar m, crawled alone into an
occupied German trench. He killed four
men and captured four more. While
conducting them to the rear a shell com-
pletely shattered one of Private Edwards’
legs but he continued to the rear, forcing
102 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE AISNE–MARNE REGION
★ Reims, one of the historic cities of the scenes of bitter f ighting on July 22
France, was badly damaged by German and 23 by the 3d Division. They were
bombardments during the war. Objects both f inally captured on the latter date.
of interest in it are its Roman ruins and Trugny and Epieds. The 26th Divi-
the world-famous cathedral where many sion engaged in severe f ighting for the
of the kings of France were crowned. A possession of these two villages, which
visit to one of the vast champagne cel- were part of a strong German defensive
lars at Reims will prove interesting. position. In four different attacks made
S t . A g n a n . I n t h e n e a r- by B o i s d e during July 22 and 23 the towns changed
Rougis and Bois de Condé, the 55th hands a number of times.
Brigade of the 28th Division assisted the Ve r t e - Fe u i l l e Fa r m . S o u t h we s t o f
French in checking the German July 15 Soissons, on the main road to Villers-
offensive. It sustained heavy losses in Cotterêts, about 1 mile northeast of
two counterattacks launched by it from Verte-Feuille Farm is, located a French
the Bois de Rougis on July 16. (See the monument “TO THE GLORY OF THE FRENCH
sketch which appears on page 65.) AND ALLIED SOLDIERS WHO FOUGHT VIC-
St. Pierre Farm, southwest of Révillon. TORIOUSLY ON THIS PLATEAU FROM MAY
Intense local f ighting by the 77th Division 18 TO JULY 25, 1918.” Among the many
occurred near this place on September 8, units listed are British divisions and the
9 and 14. On the latter date positions American 1st and 2d Divisions.
near the farm changed hands as many as Villers-en-Prayères. Captured by the
three times before they f inally remained 77th Division on September 6.
in the possession of the Americans. Villette . The 6th Brigade of the 3d
Tartiers. 32d Div. Headquarters dur- Division held the front line northwest of
ing the period Aug. 27–Sept. 6. the village of Villette near the Vesle River
Tieulerie Farm and the near-by Bois de from August 6 to 11 and during this period
Mont l’Evêque, about 1 1/2, miles north of made two determined attempts to estab-
Char tèves. This f ar m and wood were l i s h a b r i d g e h e a d n o r t h o f t h e r ive r .
SUMMARY OF COMBAT
AMERICAN SERVICE
OPERATIONS IN THEOF AMERICANREGION
AISNE–MARNE DIVISIONS 103
1
All armies and corps are French unless otherwise indicated. In this table Am. = American.
2
Casualties are for period in line only. Figures in parenthesis give casualties for units temporarily attached.
Add figure in parenthesis to the one above in order to obtain the total casualties during the entire operation.
T
HE St. Mihiel offensive, which began of the American Headquarters in France.
on September 12,1918, was the first This plan was constantly kept in mind
operation in the World War carried by the American High Command and
out by a complete American army under beginning in Januar y 1918 the battle
the separate and independent control front near St. Mihiel was used to give
of the American Commander-in-Chief. front-line experience to American divi-
The plan to develop an army near St. sions and to acquaint them with the
Mihiel when suff icient troops were avail- region in which they would later attack.
able, and to reduce the salient there as a The succession of German drives in the
preliminary to a more decisive operation spring of 1918 made it necessary to post-
in the same vicinity, was proposed by pone the original plan, as all available
General Pershing and was agreed to by troops were urgently needed at other places
General Pétain at the f irst conference o n t h e f r o n t . C o n s e q u e n t ly, a l t h o u g h
between them shortly after the ar rival there were more than 1,200,000 American
(105)
Wartime View From Top of Montsec
Arrows indicate successive barriers of wire
(106)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION 107
and its successful accomplishment re- the remainder of the 4th in reserve, was to
flects great credit on all those concerned. make the secondary attack on and from
The f inal plans for the St. Mihiel opera- that par t of the Heights of the Meuse
tion provided for a main drive against the to the south of Haudiomont.
southern face of the salient, a secondary The French II Colonial Cor ps, com-
blow against the western face, and holding posed of three French divisions, each
attacks and raids against the tip. The occupying large sectors of the front line
American I and IV Cor ps were desig- around the tip of the salient, was to sup-
nated to deliver the main attack. The port the left of the main attack and the
More than 550,000 Americans and about
110,000 French were involved in the
offensive. The air farce concentrated for
it, 1,481 airplanes, was the largest ever
brought together up to that time and con-
sisted chiefly of French and British planes.
The Ar my had about 400 French tanks
available of which 350 were light ones and
144 were manned by Americans. About
3,000 pieces of artillery were used and
approximately 3,300,000 rounds of artil-
lery ammunition were brought into the
area in preparation for the offensive.
The secret movement of such a large
number of troops to the battle front and
the many details involved in planning the
operation and in providing the necessary
special troops put a tremendous strain
upon the Army Staff which it successfully
met. Finally, after weeks of effor t, on
the night of September 11–12 all prepa-
Road Near Sanzey Just Before the rations had been completed, and the First
St. Mihiel Offensive
Army was in position ready for battle.
Note its muddy, torn-up condition typical of
most roads in the region at that time
Opposing it, holding the salient, was an
enemy force known as Army Detachment
right of the secondary attack and to hold “C”. It was composed of 8 divisions and
the enemy at the apex of the salient while 2 brigades in line and 5 divisions which
the other attacks were being made. were held in the rear areas in reserve.
Of the three American cor ps and the The Germans suspected that an attack
nine American divisions which took part was being prepared but believed that it
in the attack two of the corps and four of would not take place until late in Sep-
the divisions had never before been en- tember. In anticipation of this attack,
gaged at the front in offensive combat. and to shorten their front line because
The First Army had the 35th, 80th and their reserves on the Western Front were
91st Divisions in reserve for use in case of being depleted, the German High Com-
necessity. The Army’s needs for addi- mand issued orders on September 11 for
tional aviation, artillery and tanks, to a gradual withdrawal from the salient
round out the normal proportions of and the destruction of all things of mili-
t h e s e a r m s i n t h e h i g h e r u n i t s , we r e tary value which could not be moved.
largely met by the French and British. The execution of this order, however, had
Wrecked Bridge at Flirey
Note double line of traffic, continuous for three days after the attack of September 12, 1918
German 21-Centimeter Mortar Battery Firing on Western Front, October 1918. © G
(111)
Supplies Moving Forward and Prisoners Marching to the Rear at St. Baussant,
September 12, 1918
and the organization of the new position, more than 15,000 prisoners and about 450
roughly along the line joining Vandières cannon had been captured, and over 200
and Haudiomont, was begun. Deep raids square miles of territory, with its remain-
and local attacks were pushed, especially ing French population, had been restored
on the eastern part of the front of attack, to France. The railroads in the vicinity
until September 16, by which time the of St. Mihiel had been freed for Allied use,
whole of the Bois des Rappes and much the threat of the salient against the sur-
adjoining territory had been captured. rounding country had been removed and
Although the new front was 21 miles one of the most important obstacles to an
shor ter than the former battle line, by advance toward the vital Briey–Metz
September 17 the enemy forces had been r eg i o n o r S e d a n h a d b e e n ove r c o m e .
increased to 10 divisions and 2 brigades American staffs had shown their ability
in line, and 10 other divisions in reserve, to maneuver and control large masses,
an actual increase of sewn divisions dur- and the whole Army had developed added
ing the period of the offensive. The First self-confidence and a sense of power which
Army had placed the 78th Division in was to be of great value in helping it to
line during the same period and had surmount the diff icult tasks ahead.
withdrawn from the line the American 1st, The battle was the f irst large Allied
2d, 4th, 5th and French 26th Divisions. offensive of the year against a carefully
The complete success of the American prepared trench system, the previous
Army in its f irst offensive greatly stimu- Allied attacks of 1918 having been made
lated the morale of the Allies and de- against salients created by the Germans
pressed that of the Germans. The Amer- in their spring and summer offensives
ican casualties were less than 9,000, yet and which were only partially organized
for defense. The clean-cut victory of the
German Prisoners at Beaumont,
American Army at St. Mihiel indicated
September 12, 1918
that no longer could any German posi-
tions on the Western Front be considered
strong enough to be impregnable.
The ability displayed by the Americans
in penetrating formidable wire entangle-
ments so favorably impressed the French
High Command that selected groups of
off icers and enlisted men were sat from
neighboring French armies to view the
strength of the obstacles through which
the American soldiers had made their way.
The French off icial comments at the time
characterized the conduct of the American
divisions in this battle as “magnif icent”.
(112)
Gas Alarm for an American Unit on Western Face of the St. Mihiel Salient,
April 30, 1918
The transfer of American units to the progress for more than two weeks, and
Mew-Argonne region, their next g reat the situation there demanded that every
battlef ield, was begun even before the American division be used to the limit of
completion of the St. its endurance. The
Mihiel offensive, and Second Army, there-
by t h e 2 0 t h o f S e p - fore, had for the
tember only the 26th, time being the rôle
42d, 78th, 89th, 90th of holding its front
and four French di- principally with tired
v i s i o n s we r e l e f t t o divisions while they
serve on this front. rested and prepared
These divisions, for another tour of
a n d t h o s e wh i c h e n - duty in the Meuse-
tered the line from Argonne f ighting.
time to time as reliev- Active patrolling and
ing units, continued raiding were contin-
to strengthen the u e d, h owe v e r, a n d
positions and to con- the artillery carefully
duct local attacks to registered on targets
secure points of in anticipation of a
vantage. Ar tiller y possible major offen-
bombardments by s iv e t o b e u n d e r -
b o t h s i d e s we r e o f taken later.
frequent occurrence. Early in November
On October 12 it became evident
Major General that the Allied and
R o b e r t L . B u l l a r d, American attacks,
the Commanding covering almost the
General of the newly entire front from
organized American the Meuse to the
S e c o n d A r my, t o o k North Sea, were pro-
command of the front ducing great dis-
Lieutenant General Robert L. Bullard
b e t we e n F r e s n e s - e n - organization within
Commanding General of the
Woëvre and Por t-sur- the German armies,
Second Army from October 12, 1918
S e i l l e , t h e n h e l d by April 15, 1919 a n d o n N ov e m b e r
the 7th, 37th, 79th, 5, the American
92d and two French divisions. The 28th Commander-in-Chief ordered the Second
American Division was in Army reserve. Ar my to begin advancing its lines in
At that time the First Army offensive preparation for an offensive in the direc-
in the Meuse-Argonne region had been in t i o n o f B r i e y. T h e A r my p l a n n e d t o
(113)
114 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION
launch these attacks on November 11 the task, with the stipulation that these
b u t o n t h e eve n i n g o f N ove m b e r 9 a units should operate under the command
message was transmitted from the Allied of the American Second Ar my.
Commander-in-Chief which directed that T h e p l a n s p r e p a r e d by t h e S e c o n d
vigorous pressure be applied immediately Ar my for its par t in this offensive pro-
along the whole front. vided for a powerful drive in a northeast-
The 7th, 28th, 33d and 92d Divisions, erly direction from the vicinity of Port-
then on the Second Army front, began at sur-Seille, east of the Moselle River. On
once the attacks already planned. The its right flank a French army group was
scarcity of troops prohibited strong con- to attack at the same time and the
centrations but in spite of this and of American First Ar my from its location
s t u b b o r n r e s i s t a n c e e n c o u n t e r e d, t h e in the general vicinity of the Meuse
Army made a considerable advance, re- R i v e r w a s t o d r i v e e a s t wa r d i n t h e
covering a total of approximately 25 direction of Longwy, as shown on the
square miles of French territory. sketch at the top of this page.
In the meantime the Allied Com- The date for the commencement of this
mander-in-chief had decided upon an combined offensive, which without doubt
offensive east of the Moselle River, and would have produced far-reaching results,
requested that six American divisions be was f ixed by the French High Command
designated to take par t in it. General as November 14. The American divisions
Pershing had long favored an attack in directed to take part on that section of
that direction and had planned to launch the front east of the Moselle River were
one there following the St. Mihiel offen- already in movement toward their new
sive. He therefore selected the 3d, 4th, positions when the Armistice became
28th, 29th, 35th and 36th Divisions for effective on the morning of November 11.
AMERICAN
A TOUROPERATIONS IN THE ST.
OF THE AMERICAN MIHIEL REGION
BATTLEFIELDS 115
(117)
118 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION
Near Hattonchâtel
EN ROUTE CÔTE DE SENOUX TO
buildings and supply dumps which the
HATTONCHÂTEL
r e t r e a t i n g G e r m a n s we r e d e s t r oy i n g .
Note the speedometer reading. The leading elements promptly moved
(16.0 m 24.1 km) 2.4 miles (3.8 kilo- down from these heights and occupied
meters) farther on, near the kilometer Vigneulles, the village seen to the right
post seen to the left of the road, is the not far from the foot of this hill.
place from which the night march of the The isolated hill seen to the right in the
2 6 t h D iv i s i o n b eg a n . D u r i n g t h e a d - distance, 7 miles away, is Montsec. The
vance small detachments were placed to memorial on its summit was built by the
guard each road and trail leading off to United States Government to commemo-
the right with the object of trapping the rate the St. Mihiel and other American
Germans who had not already retreated operations in this part of France.
to the left across this road. The main attack on September 12 was
(20.6 m 33.1 km) About 80 yards this launched in this general direction by the
side of next village, Hattonchâtel, STOP. American I and IV Corps from a line to
Face the town of Hattonchâtel, which the left of and beyond Montsec. The
direction is approximately east. blow fell with crushing effect on the sur-
This point is near the center of the St. prised defenders and the victorious
Mihiel salient. When the troops of the troops on the f irst day swept forward
26th Division reached here during the approximately 5 miles. The Germans,
night of September 12-13 they saw the realizing that they could not hold the
Woëvre Plain below ablaze with burning salient in the f ace of this tremendous
American Narrow-Gauge Train Bringing Up Rations Near Ménil-la-Tour
120 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION
(120)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION 121
(123)
German Dugout Entrance on Montsec
The Hill was honeycombed with dugouts
124 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION
Corps which held the tip of the salient. The battle started at 1:00 a. m., dotting
The places mentioned below should be the countryside in front of here with flame
identif ied by means of the direction as about 3,000 pieces of artillery of all
arrows located between the columns. calibers commenced a violent bombard-
Spread out before the observer like a ment. In the next few hours thousands
huge relief map is part of the ground over of shells crashed into the hostile battery
which the main assault of the First Amy emplacements, observation posts, com-
swept on September 12, 1918. munication centers, trenches and other
The jump-off line extended from Mar- vital points, while a smoke screen was
voisin, the small village seen to the right placed around this hill to prevent the
f r o n t j u s t b eyo n d t h e n e a r e s t wo o d ; German observers on it from seeing and
passed between Richecourt and Seiche- reporting details of the advance.
prey; ran this side of Flirey, whose church The infantry assault in front of here
steeple is seen to the left of Seicheprey; began at 5:00 a. m., in a drizzling rain and
and continued on to the Moselle River, mist. The strength and suddenness of
which is about 15 miles away. t h e a t t a c k c o m p l e t e ly d i s r u p t e d t h e
The divisions in the initial assault were, German defense and the divisions ad-
in order from the observer’s right to left, vanced steadily. Within a few hours suff i-
the 1st, 42d, 89th, 2d, 5th and part of the cient ground had been gained to assure
90th. The rest of the 90th Division and the success of the entire operation.
that par t of the 82d Division beyond Richecour t and Lahayville, the town
it on this side of the Moselle did not at- seen to the left of Richecourt, promptly
tack until the second day of the offensive. fell to the 1st Division while St. Baussant,
the large village seen to the front, was
German Communication Trench Between captured by the 42d Division.
Montsec and Richecourt Before noon the 1st Division had cap-
tured Nonsard, the nearest village to the
left front, and by night was advancing in
the large wood seen to the left of and be-
yo n d t h a t v i l l a g e . T h e 4 2 d D iv i s i o n
seized Pannes, seen to the right of Non-
sard, and advanced several miles beyond
it while the 89th Division reached a line
near Thiaucourt, which town can be seen
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION 125
to the left front on a clear day. The 2d withdrawal and the laying waste of the
Division captured Thiaucourt and the 5th country in the salient were completely
captured Viéville-en-Haye, the village frustrated, however, by the suddenness
seen some distance to the right of Thiau- and strength of the American attack.
court just below the sky line in an open As a result of this offensive a large
space between two large woods. number of prisoners and great quantities
Go to space between first columns on of matériel and supplies were captured,
opposite side of the steps. and several important roads and railroads
The village seen to the front on the south of Verdun were released for Allied
nose of the hill is Hattonchâtel. About use. The successful conclusion of the op-
dawn on September 13 patrols of the 1st eration had a marked adverse psycho-
Division met the advanced elements of logical effect upon the enemy and greatly
the 26th Division below that place, thus improved the morale of the Allies.
actually closing the salient. Before leaving this spot the tourist
During September 13 the advance was should step to the right and from the
continued with the right of the 90th and space between the next columns note the
the 82d Division on this side of the Moselle St. Mihiel American Cemetery near
R ive r j o i n i n g i n t h e a t t a c k . B y l a t e Thiaucourt, identif ied by its white stone
evening of the 13th practically every ob- chapel and f ield of white headstones,
jective of the offensive had been secured. which can be seen in the distance on a
On that day this hill and the villages clear day on a line just to the right of the
seen to the left. along the base of the round plaza at the flagpole. At that
heights were evacuated by the Germans. cemeter y are b uried more than 4,000
The main attack terminated on the American soldiers among which are many
13th although during the next three days of those who so gallantly gave their lives in
local operations continued and numerous the battle which has just been described.
small advances were made at various
German Trench Southwest of Montsec
places as the American units attempted
to improve their positions.
The offensive here was launched at a
most propitious moment. The German
High Command had decided to abandon
the St. Mihiel salient so as to shorten the
line held by its forces, and orders had been
issued on September 11 for a gradual and
orderly withdrawal. The plans for this
126 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION
Within the circle of columns, resting Other interesting features of the upper
upon a stone platfor m decorated with terrace are the insignia of the principal
carvings of military equipment car ried arms and branches of the American forces
by American soldiers, is a large bronze which have been carved on the shields
relief map of the St. Mihiel salient. Upon below the eagles of the pilaster capitals:
it are shown the front lines before and the compass included in the inlaid design
after the American offensives in this of the floor: and the inscription on the
region. By lining up the monument on stone base of the relief map which gives
the map with any feature on the map, a brief record of the accomplishments of
that feature on the g round, if visible, the American Army near here.
will be seen in the distance on the same The dedicatory inscriptions, in French
line and thus can be identif ied. on one side and in English on the other,
To aid the visitor in understanding the are on the large inclined stones at the
militar y operations illustrated by the sides of the steps descending from the
bronze map, and to permit identif ication upper terrace. Included in these inscrip-
by name of the villages shown on it, three tions is a tribute to the friendship and
round porcelain maps of Sèvres manufac- cooperation of the French and American
ture have been placed in the border. Armies during the World War.
The names of the American and French The names on the outside frieze above
units whose brilliant services are com- the columns are those of villages in this
memorated here have been recorded on general region which were captured by
the inside attic wall. The inscription A m e r i c a n t r o o p s . T h e s e p l a c e s wh e n
which appears below them is from the considered as a whole give a good idea
f inal report of the Commander-in-Chief of the large area covered by the American
of the American Expeditionary Forces. combat activities in Alsace and Lorraine.
Close-Up View of St. Mihiel American Memorial
Distant View of American Memorial on Montsec
The coats of arms carved on the stone The Ger man front-line trench ran at
pillars near the flagpole are those of right angles to this road and passed
France and the United States, whose divi- through this point. Near the bottom of
sions fought side by side in this region; the shallow valley ahead was located the
a n d o f A l s a c e a n d L o r r a i n e , t h e t wo A m e r i c a n f r o n t l i n e , t h e i n t e r ve n i n g
French provinces in which occurred the ground being that of no man’s land.
f ighting commemorated by this memorial. Sectors in this vicinity were held for
considerable periods of time by the 1st,
EN ROUTE MONTSEC TO EAST OF
26th, 82d and 89th Divisions before the
SEICHEPREY
concentration for the St. Mihiel attack.
Descend hill to the village of Montsec. The village seen to the front is Seiche-
(34.3 m 55.2 km) In town, turn sharp prey and the wood in the valley to the
right on the descending road. left of it is the Bois de Remières.
(34.8 m 56.0 km) Beyond town, by Early on the morning of April 20 Seiche-
looking to the rear, can be seen the view prey was the scene of a Ger man raid
of Montsec most familiar to the American ag ainst the 26th Division, which was
soldiers who served in this region. then holding this part of the front. The
(36.0 m 57.9 km) Just before reaching Germans placed a heavy “box barrage”
the next sharp RIGHT bend in road, the around Seicheprey and the Bois de
zone of action of the 1st Division during Remières to prevent supporting troops
the main attack is entered. from entering that area. Then, screened
(36.5 m 58.7 km) The next village, by dense fog, about 1,200 picked
Richecourt, was just within the enemy German assault troops, starting from near
front line. The Germans had elaborately here, quickly overran the American front
organized it as a strong point and the lines and entered Seicheprey. They de-
immediate surroundings were a maze of stroyed the dugouts, battalion f irst-aid
trenches and wire entanglements. The station and kitchen, and captured a con-
town itself was completely obliterated by s i d e r a bl e n u m b e r o f p r i s o n e r s . S o o n
Allied shellf ire during the war. thereafter the Germans withdrew from
At the far edge of the town the Rupt de the town and remained most of the day in
Mad is crossed. This small stream, which the American front-line trenches. They
ran obliquely across a considerable part of retired to their own lines shor tly be-
the zone of attack, was a serious obstacle fore an American counterattack could be
to the tanks and transpor tation of the launched to drive them out.
First Ar my until its destroyed bridges Continue.
were replaced by the engineers. (37.4 m 60.2 km) The railroad which is
(36.7 m 59.0 km) Beyond town, at first next crossed is a strategic railroad which
crossroad, continue straight ahead. has been constructed since the war.
(36.8 m 59.2 km) At top of next crest, The ridge seen on the sky line ahead
where a good view to the left front is was the location of the Allied main line
obtained, STOP without leaving the car. of resistance. That position had been
(127)
128 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION
elaborately prepared for defense by the (38.3 m 61.5 km) In town turn right,
French Army during the preceding years. at first road turn to the left toward Flirey.
(38.1 m 61.3 km) At near edge of next (39.2 m 63.0 km) About 50 yards from
village, Seicheprey, the sector which was the next large wood, STOP.
held by the 42d Division is entered. To the left rear the nearest wood which
In Seicheprey, alongside the church, is a is seen is called the Bois de Remières.
small memorial fountain presented to the Fa c e i t s c e n t e r, wh i c h d i r e c t i o n i s
village by men and women of the State of a p p r ox i m a t e ly n o r t h .
Connecticut. To visit it, turn lo the left in Montsec is visible to the left front.
the town. Time of side trip—3 minutes. From observation posts located near
Fountain at Seicheprey here a large part of the ground within the
Erected by Inhabitants of Connecticut German lines could be seen. In these
posts, which were carefully concealed,
o b s e r ve r s c o n t i n u o u s ly w a t c h e d t h e
enemy positions during daylight hours
and reported at once all signs of unusual
activity. This work was supplemented
by the use of captive balloons stationed
s eve r a l m i l e s i n r e a r o f t h e f o r wa r d
trenches at inter vals along the entire
front. The occupants of these balloons
also studied the hostile positions through
powerful glasses and telephoned immedi-
ately to the ground forces all information
gained. The balloon observer, his help-
ers on the g round, and the protecting
anti-aircraft artillery had to be constantly
on the alert for German airplanes, as a
successful airplane attack on the inflam-
mable balloon invariably caused it to
burst into flames and be destroyed.
A large amount of important informa-
tion was also obtained by the Air Service
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION 129
which periodically sent airplanes over the the front, and in the Bois de la Sonnard.
enemy lines to reconnoiter and to take It drove forward aggressively, however,
photographs of the hostile battle lines. capturing Essey, the f irst village seen
These photographs, when compared with over the right side of the Bois de Re-
others previously taken, gave valuable m i è r e s , about noon, and Pannes, whose
indications of changes in the enemy de- church is seen to the left of Essey, about
fensive organization and in his plans. 2:00 p. m. Lamarche, seen in the dis -
This point is near the enter of the tance to the left of Pannes, was beyond
zone of the IV Cor ps, which attacked on t h e f i r s t d ay ’s o b j e c t ive . I t wa s , h ow -
September 12 with the 1st, 42d and 89th
Divisions in line from left to right. Flare Used at Night to Call for an
Artillery Barrage
The Ger man front line at that time ran
just this side of Richecourt, the second
village between here and Montsec; just
beyond the Bois de Remières; and along
the near edge of the Bois de la Sonnard,
the large wood which is seen to the right
of the Bois de Remières.
The troops here jumped off at 5:00
a. m. in a rain and fog, closely following a
heavy rolling barrage. The 1st Division
promptly captured Richecourt but en-
countered considerable resistance in the
Quar t de Réser ve, the wood seen just
b e yo n d t h e l e f t s i d e o f t h e B o i s d e
Remières. Overcoming this before noon,
it captured Nonsard, the village seen
beyond and to the right of the Quart de
Réserve, and was advancing at dark in
the wood seen beyond that place.
The 42d Division, in front of here, met
stubborn resistance from machine gun
units at St. Baussant, the village seen to
Ruins of Richecourt
The described route passes over the road to the right
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION 131
eve r, e n t e r e d by a p a t r o l o f t h e 4 2 d
Division in the after noon and occupied
by the 1st Division that night.
The 89th Division, to the right of here,
advanced rapidly through the large wood,
Bois de Mort-Mare, in front of its jump-
off line and that night established itself
about a mile this side of Béney, the village
seen on a clear day in the distance to the
right of and beyond Essey.
The rapid advance of the IV Corps on
this front made certain the success of the
whole attack of the First Army.
EN ROUTE EAST OF SEICHEPREY TO EAST
OF REGNIÉVILLE
French Monument at Flirey Listing American
(39.7 m 63.8 km) At the next road junc- Units Which Fought in the Vicinity
tion, turn to the left.
Beyond the road junction, the front (42.1 m 67.7 km) Beyond town, at top
trenches of the Allied main line of resist- of f irst crest, was the scene of a strong
ance ran immediately alongside this road German raid early on August 31 against
for the next several miles. the 89th Division, which was then occupy-
(40.8 m 65.3 km) Before reaching the i n g t h i s s e c t o r. T h e G e r m a n s p a s s e d
next village, Flirey, the sector held by the through the American front line between
soldiers of the 89th Division is entered. two regiments, crossed this road and in a
(41.0 m 66.0 km) At entrance to town trench along the right side of it moved in
are seen the embankments of a large rail- the direction the tourist is traveling, at
way bridge which formerly spanned the the same time calling out in English that
road. This bridge was destroyed by the they were from the adjoining American
French Army early in the war. regiment. This r use f ailed to mislead
The 89th Division Headquarters during the American platoon commander, who
the attack was located in dugouts at the Church at Limey
embankment nearest the road.
(41.3 m 66.4 km) In center of town,
on the right is seen a monument erected by
the people of Lorraine to commemorate
the services of the American Army in this
region. On it are listed the American
divisions which fought near here.
(41.4 m 66.6 km) At far edge of town
are seen the ruins of the old village, Flirey
having been rebuilt on a new site.
(41.5 m 66.8 km) To the left of this
road, about 5/4 mile, was the location of a
successful raid made on August 4 by the
82d Division, which occupied this sector
for about one month before the St. Mihiel
offensive. Two companies of the division
penetrated the German lines to a depth
of more than 603 yards, inflicting a num-
ber of casualties on the enemy forces
and capturing three machine guns
before returning to their own trenches.
(131)
Air Photograph of Bridge Near Flirey
The front lines were near top of picture. Note communicating trenches
Dugouts in Rear of the 89th Division Jump-Off Line Near Flirey
repulsed the raiding party by a coura- (44.5 m 71.5 km) On far side of f irst
geous and well executed defense. The valley, a 2d Division boulder marker, one
Germans were forced to abandon two of of a number erected after the Armistice
their dead within the American lines. by that division on its former battlef ields,
(42.6 m 68.5 km) While approaching is passed near the road.
the next village, Limey, to the left is seen (44.7 m 71.8 km) Near the top of the
a ridge upon which were located jump-off next crest were located the front-line
trenches of the 89th Division. trenches of the 2d Division. They are
(43.5 m 70.0 km) N e a r t h i s s i d e o f still (1937) plainly to be seen.
t h e t ow n , the sector of the 2d Division (45.0 m 72.4 km) The church seen to
before the offensive is entered. the left of the road marks the site of the
(43.8 m 70.5 km) Just before reaching former village of Remenauville which
the far end of Limey, turn sharply to the wa s c o m p l e t e ly d e s t r oye d d u r i n g t h e
left toward Remenauville. wa r. T h a t t ow n wa s j u s t w i t h i n t h e
(43.9 m 70.6 km) Beyond town, to the Ger man front line. On September 12
front is seen Ansoncourt Farm, which was i t wa s c a p t u r e d by t h e 2 d D i v i s i o n
near the boundary line between the zones wh i c h m e t d e t e r m i n e d r e s i s t a n c e i n
of action of the 2d and 89th Divisions. the Bois du Four, the large wood seen to
That farm, which was a strong point the left. After a severe f ight the enemy
in the German lines, was captured by the troops were driven out, and by 1:00 p. m.
89th Division on September 12. During the division had advanced about 5 miles.
the attack on it Second Lieutenant J. (45.2 m 72.7 km) Upon reaching the
Hunter Wickersham of the 89th Division next road junction, turn to the right.
won the Congressional Medal of Honor. (45.4 m 73.0 km) At the bottom of the
Severely wounded in four places by a high- valley the zone of action of the 5th Divi-
explosive shell, and with his right arm sion during the attack is entered.
disabled, he declined aid for himself (45.7 m 13.5 km) At the top of the next
until he had dressed the wounds of his or- hill are seen (1937) traces of the trench
derly, who had been wounded at the same system held by the 5th Division before it
time. Leading his men forward again jumped off for the main attack.
he continued f ighting, using his pistol (45.9 m 73.8 km) The church seen
with his left hand until exhausted from ahead marks the site of Regniéville, which
loss of blood he f inally fell and died. was just within the American lines. The
(134)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION 135
town was totally demolished during the of Regniéville; ran along the near slopes
four years of f ighting in this vicinity. of the ridge seen ahead; and continued
At the road junction ahead is a 5th on to the right crossing the Moselle River,
Division marker, one of many erected which is about 5 miles away.
by that division shortly after the Armi- On September 12 the 2d, 5th and the
stice; also a French marker indicating the left of the 90th Division attacked at 5:00
farthest advance of the German forces a. m. and made rapid and deep penetra-
during the last year of the war. tions into the hostile positions.
(46.2 m 74.3 km) Upon reaching the T h e 2 d D iv i s i o n p r o m p t ly c a p t u r e d
road junction, turn to the right. Remenauville and advanced quickly to
The road running to the left at this point the Bois du Four, the wood seen to the
is the most direct route to Thiaucourt. left front, where considerable resistance
(46.7 m 75.1 km) Just before reaching from machine-gun nests was encountered.
the top of the next crest, when a good This was overcome by 7:00 a. m. and
view is obtained to the rear, STOP. Thiaucour t (not visible), 4 miles away
If the growth of trees has obstructed the beyond the right edge of the Bois du
view go off the road or back down hill in order Fo u r, wa s c a p t u r e d a b o u t n o o n . T h e
to obtain the best view possible. 2d Division dug in that night on a position
Face so that the church just passed, north of Thiaucourt, which was one of the
which marks the site of the former village main objectives of the offensive.
of Regniéville is seen to the left front. The 5th Division jumped off from near
The direction which the tourist is now Regniéville and made steady prog ress
facing is approximately north. through the German trenches and thick
This point is close to the center of the wire entanglements on its front. De-
jump-off line of the I Corps. termined resistance from machine guns in
The church which is seen to the left is the wood, Bois de la Rappe, seen fringing
the one passed a short time ago in the the ridge ahead, was overcome about 6:15
former village of Remenauville. a. m. and from then on the advance was
The German front line in this vicinity rapid until that night, when the front line
ran from the observer’s left of Ansoncourt of the 5th Division was established about
Farm, seen beyond and to the right of the 3 miles ahead of this point.
church of Remenauville; included The left of the 90th Division, which
Remenauville; passed on the other side attacked to the right of this point, met
Regniéville in October 1918
90th Division Engineers Repairing Road at Fey-en-Haye, September 1918
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION 137
but the extensive preparations which had Forêt du Bois-le-Prêtre, a dense wood in
been made by the American divisions to which the Germans had established them-
pass through them without loss of time selves early in the war and from which the
proved to be unexpectedly effective. French had made several unsuccessful
The f ighting after September 12 of the attempts to drive them out.
divisions which attacked from this part When the 90th Division took over a sec-
of the front will be discussed later when tor in this vicinity on August 24 the
the area of that f ighting is visited. opposing positions in some places were
On the preceding page is a section only 20 yards apart, each of them being
of a wartime map, scale 1/20,000 (about composed of wide zones of deep trenches,
3’’=1 mile), showing Remenauville and bristling with machine guns in concrete
Regniéville. This map, which is of the emplacements and strongly protected by
type most commonly used by American numerous thick bands of barbed wire.
front-line units, gives a good idea of the (50.0 m 80.5 km) After leaving the
extent of the trench system existing in wood, to the left front across the valley
this region before the American attack. is seen a French World War cemeter y.
(52.5 m 84.5 km) After entering the
town, cross over the railroad tracks.
In center of town, at large plaza with
the arcades, to the right is seen a Renais-
s a n c e f o u n t a i n r e c o n s t r u c t e d by t h e
American Field Service as a memorial to
its war dead. That Ser vice was com-
posed of a number of American ambu-
lance sections, organized in the fall of
1914, and tr uck units, for med in the
spring of 1918. It served with the French
Army both before and after the United
States entered the war, although it was
made part of the American Army in 1917.
(52.5 m 84.5 km) At center of the large
plaza with the arcades, turn to the left
toward Pagny-sur-Moselle.
T h e t o u r n ow g o e s n o r t h d ow n t h e
Moselle valley and for approximately the
next 4 miles follows in the direction of
advance of the American Army.
(54.5 m 87.5 km) B eyo n d t h e t ow n ,
after crossing the railroad, at the f irst
crest where a good view of the hill to the
Memorial Fountain of the American Field front is obtained, STOP.
Service in Pont-à-Mousson Face down the road, which, at this
point, runs approximately north.
The 1st and 2d Divisions held adjoining The Moselle River is to the right in the
sectors near here for a short time in August. valley. The high peak, seen to the right
(50.5 m 81.2 km) While approaching on the other side of it, is Xon Hill.
the next town, Montauville, over it is seen On September 12 the 82d Division was
Mousson Hill, upon which is located the holding a line, astride the river, which ran
village of Mousson. That place served as through this point and included Xon Hill.
an excellent observation point for the Its right connected with the French at
French and American units on this front. Por t-sur-Seille, a town about 6 miles
The ruins of an 11th Century
castle and a church tower, upon
which stands a statue of Joan of
Arc, are visible on the hill.
After passing through Montau-
ville and the adjoining village,
Maidières, the tour enters Pont-
à-Mousson which was captured by
the Germans in 1914. It was re-
taken by French troops shor tly
thereafter and remained in the
hands of the Allies from then on.
Pant-à-Mousson being near the
f r o n t l i n e wa s o f t e n h e av i ly
shelled by the German artillery.
The churches of St. Laurent and
St. Martin are places of interest.
(138)
away to the right rear, and its left joined
the 90th Division, at a point which is
about 1/2 mile to the left of here.
No attack was made on this front on
September 12, the mission of the 82d Di-
vision being to exer t pressure on the
enemy by raiding and patrolling, but not
to make a per manent advance. At this
par ticular place, in car r ying out this
mission, an enemy strong point at the
house seen down the road was raided.
On September 13 the 90th Division was
ordered to advance its right about 1 mile
and the 82d was directed to protect its
f l a n k . T h e 9 0 t h D iv i s i o n a t t a c ke d a t
9:30 a. m., drove the enemy in deter-
mined f ighting out of the woods and quar-
ries in its zone of action and by 5:00 p. m.
had reached its objective which it held in
spite of a severe gas and high explosive
b o m b a r d m e n t . T h e 8 2 d D iv i s i o n a t -
tacked alter dark, advanced across the
valley ahead under heavy hostile f ire from
the other side of the Moselle and reached
a line just beyond the crest of Hill 324, German Front-Line Trench and Barbed Wire
seen ahead. Its position was then abreast Near Fey-en-Haye, September 1918
of the line of the 90th Division.
On the 15th the 90th again drove for-
ward, early in the morning, and advanced position alongside that of the 90th. The
to a ridge 1 1/2 miles farther on. Shortly ground held by the 82d Division was ex-
after noon the 82d passed through Vandi- posed to artillery f ire from the north and
ères, about 2 miles down this road, to a from across the river so, after many cas-
ualties, it was given up. Vandi-
Light Tank Manned by Americans Crossing a ères will be passed through and
Trench During the St. Mihiel Operation the position just mentioned will
be seen later in the tour.
One of the outstanding deeds
of daring in the f ighting near here
was that of Lieutenant Colonel
Emory J. Pike, 82d Division, on
the far slopes of Hill 324. Going
beyond the call of his own duties
a division machine gun off icer he
volunteered to assist in reorganiz-
ing advanced units under a terrif ic
bombardment. Although seri-
ously wounded while going to the
aid of an injured soldier in the
outpost line he continued in
command and remained in the
position until it was prepared
for defense, encouraging everyone
(139)
90th Division Detachment Coming Out of Line Near Vilcey-sur-Trey
September 15, 1918
with his cheerful spirit, courage and con- (55.2 m 88.8 km) Up the valley leading
f idence. This gallant soldier died from to the left is seen Norroy, which was occu-
his wounds. For his heroic actions in this pied by troops of the 82d Division during
f ighting he was posthumously awarded the evening of September 13.
the Congressional Medal of Honor. The next village, Vandières, was cap-
On September 18 that part of the 82d tured by the 82d Division on September
Division on this side of the river was re- 15. Due to intense hostile artillery f ire
lieved by the 90th Division and on the the division withdrew from the village
20th the remainder of the division was early the next day. The 90th Division,
replaced in the line by French troops. after relieving the 82d on September 18,
On October 9 the 92d Division took advanced its front line beyond the town.
over a sector just beyond the Moselle (56.7 m 91.2 km) In Vandières, turn to
River and on October 26 its front was the left toward Villers-sous-Prény.
extended for a short distance on this side. The tour turns west at this point and
On November 10 the division attacked from now on runs generally across the zone
and captured the Bois Fréhaut, the wood- of action of the American First Army.
ed area seen to the left of Xon Hill, held
it under heavy bombardment and made American Off icers at a Captured German Canteen,
other minor gains farther to the right. Nonsard, September 13, 1918
In the region of the Vosges Mountains,
lying to the right rear from here, many
American divisions had their f irst service
in the battle lines. The nature of that
country was such that large operations
were practically impossible, and the sec-
tors there were ordinarily held by tired or
newly for med divisions. (See Chapter
VII for information of that region.)
EN ROUTE NORTH OF PONT-À-MOUSSON
TO SOUTHEAST OF THIAUCOURT
(55.0 m 88.5 km) Upon reaching the road
fork on the next low crest, bear right.
(140)
Light Railway Operated by the American Army, Moving Civilian Property From
the Vicinity of the Front Line
(57.1 m 91.9 km) Beyond town, leading (58.3 m 93.7 km) Some distance far-
up from the right of the road, are the ther on to the right is seen a high wooded
slopes of the hill captured by the 82d ridge, captured on September 15 by the
D iv i s i o n o n S e p t e m b e r 1 5 , a n d f r o m 90th Division. In the Bois des Rappes,
which it later withdrew because of intense the dense wooded area on its summit,
hostile artillery bombardments. considerable f ighting occurred.
(57.6 m 92.7 km) At next group of farm (58.7 m 94.4 km) Continue through
buildings seen to the left near the road, the village of Villers-sous-Prény.
the zone of action of the 90th Division The valley which the road now follows
during the attack is entered. received a continuous bombardment of
The high bald ridge with the irregular gas and high explosive shells after its
crest seen to the left is Hill 324, which capture on September 15, from German
wa s m e n t i o n e d a t t h e l a s t s t o p . T h e batteries on the hills seen to the rear
v i l l a g e o f N o r r oy i s l o c a t e d j u s t t h e beyond the Moselle River. On account
other side of it. The front line of the 82d of this shelling it received the name of
Division on both September 13 and 14 the “Valley of Death” from the American
was just beyond the crest of that ridge. soldiers who served near here.
(59.4 m 95.6 km) While approaching
Road Work the next village, Vilcey-sur-Trey to the
The silk hat was found in Thiaucourt right front is seen the edge of the wood,
Forêt des Venchères, along which the
90th Division line rested on September
13. That line crossed this road at right
angles just this side of the town.
(60.1 m 96.8 km) Continue through
the village of Vilcey-sur-Trey.
(61.0 m 98.1 km) In the large wood,
Forêt des Venchères, next entered, the
90th Division encountered stubborn re-
sistance from the Ger mans who were
driven out of it on September 13.
In this wood was located a large Ger-
man rest camp for troops waiting to enter
(141)
142 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION
the front lines. Hundreds of huts had The village seen ahead is Viéville-en-
been constructed under the trees, where Haye, one of the objectives of the I Corps
they were concealed from the view of in the St. Mihiel offensive. In an attack
hostile aviators, and many facilities for launched from the edge of the wood, Bois
the comfort of the soldiers were provided. de St. Claude, seen to the left, the 5th
(61.1 m 98.3 km) On the far side of the Division captured that town about noon
small valley which the road follows was on September 12. Its front line was then
located the front line of the 90th Division established about a mile to the right of
on the evening of September 12. this road and included the Bois Gérard,
(62.1 m 99.9 km) After leaving wood, located just over the ridge seen to the
just before reaching sharp bend in road, right. The upper parts of several of the
the front line of the 5th Division on the highest trees of that wood can be seen
f irst day of the attack is crossed. It ran topping the ridge to the right front.
almost at right angles to the road and at Due to this deep penetration by the 5th
this point faced in the direction opposite Division, parts of two fresh German di-
to that which the tourist is traveling. visions were put into the line on this front.
(62.4 m 100.4 km) Beyond bend, at These launched a strong counterattack
the first crest, STOP without leaving car. on the afternoon of September 13 and
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION 143
although small hostile units succeeded in (63.9 m 102.8 km) Near first pronounced
entering the Bois Gérard, the division line LEFT bend in road, the zone of action of
at midnight was not materially changed. the 2d Division is entered.
On the 14th the 5th Division once again (64.1 m 103.1 km) In the wood, Bois
attacked and after severe f ighting, during d’Heiche, seen to the right, taken by the
which another German counterattack was 2d Division about 9:30 a. m. on Septem-
repulsed, advanced its line a mile in the ber 12, a large number of prisoners and
left part of its zone of action and approxi- great quantities of supplies were captured.
mately 800 yards in the right part. (64.2 m 103.3 km) Upon approaching the
During September 15 and 16 further next crossroad, to the left front can be
f ighting occur red but the division line seen (1937) the remains of a German con-
remained practically unchanged except on crete machine-gun emplacement.
its extreme right where an advance of In a building, called Loge Mangin, near
approximately 800 yards was made. the edge of the wood seen to the left front,
Its mission having been eff iciently ac- the 2d Division Headquarters was estab-
complished the 5th Division was relieved lished on September 12. When that
on September 17 by the 78th Division. division was relieved from this front the
Continue. building was used as the 78th Division
(62.8 m 101.0 km) Straight through Headquarters until October 5.
the village of Viéville-en-Haye. (64.4 m 103.5 km) Upon reaching the
( 6 3 . 1 m 1 0 1 . 5 k m ) B eyo n d v i l l a ge next crossroad, turn to the right.
cemetery, to the right front on the sky line (64.5 m 103.8 km) Beyond crossroad,
is seen the American monument on to the left is seen the large wood, Bois du
Montsec hill, visited earlier in the tour. Beau Vallon, taken by troops of the 2d
and 89th Divisions on the morning of the that direction; and to the left of it,
f irst day of the offensive of September 12. str ung along the forward slopes of the
(65.3 m 105.1 km) At the next road conf ining heights, are the villages of
crossing, turn to the right. Vigneulles, Heudicourt, Buxières, Bux-
(65.4 m 105.3 km) Immediately be- erulles and Woinville which were passed
yond the next crossroad, STOP. through earlier in the tour.
Face down the road, which direction is The observer is near the middle of the
approximately northwest. 2d Division zone of action. That division
From this point an a clear day may be reached this vicinity about 9:00 a. m.
seen to the left and left front a wonderful o n S e p t e m b e r 1 2 a n d by e a r ly a f t e r-
panorama of the Woëvre Plain over which noon had captured Thiaucourt, the town
the American troops advanced. seen in the valley ahead, and had estab-
To t h e l e f t i n t h e d i s t a n c e i s s e e n lished its line on the Army objective about
M o n t s e c , c r ow n e d b y t h e A m e r i c a n 2 miles to the right front from here. Later
monument, with the village of Montsec in the afternoon the division repulsed two
a t i t s b a s e . T h e j u m p - o ff l i n e o f t h e strong hostile counterattacks.
main attack on September 12 was ap- Thiaucourt was an important point in
proximately parallel to the observer’s line the German supply system, and with its
of sight when facing Montsec and about capture there fell into American hands
3 miles to the left of that line. Between 11 f ield guns loaded on railroad cars,
here and the hill of Montsec the line of numerous empty railway ears, and vast
vision cuts directly across part of the quantities of food, lumber and military
zone of action of the 2d Division and supplies and equipment of all kinds.
through the zones of action of the 89th, The St. Mihiel American Cemeter y,
42d and 1st Divisions in that order. identif ied by its white chapel and f ield of
To the left front Hattonchâtel with its white headstones, can be plainly seen
picturesque château is plainly visible just to the left of and beyond Thiaucourt.
below the sky line, perched on one of the The 89th Division drove forward on
prominent heights which rim the plain in September 12 through the wooded areas
(144)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION 145
in front of its jump-off line and about The 2d Division was relieved from the
noon captured Euvezin, identif ied by the line on September 16 by the 78th. The
nearest building between here and Mont- 89th Division remained on this front
s e c . L a t e r i n t h e d ay i t c a p t u r e d t h e until October 7 when it was relieved
ground upon which the American ceme- by the 37th. Both divisions had bril-
ter y now stands. It dug in that night liantly performed their battle assignments.
with its front line running near the right
edge of the present cemetery area. EN ROUTE SOUTHEAST OF THIAUCOURT
The prominent church tower with the TO ST. MIHIEL AMERICAN CEMETERY
slate colored roof, seen some distance to
the right of Euvezin, is in Pannes which (65.9 m 106.0 km) While approaching
lay within the zone of action of the 42d Thiaucourt, along the right side of the
Division and was captured by it early in road is seen a German military cemetery.
the afternoon on September 12. Thiaucour t is well known to troops of
Slightly to the right of and beyond the the 7th, 28th, 37th, 78th and 89th
church tower in Pannes is seen the church Divisions, which served in the line north
s t e e p l e o f N o n s a r d . T h a t v i l l a g e l ay of it at various times between September
within the zone of action of the 1st Divi- 16 and the Armistice. It was subjected
sion and was taken by it about noon on to heavy German shelling soon after its
the f irst day of the attack. capture by the Americans.
On September 13 the 89th Division ( 6 6 . 6 m 1 0 7 . 2 k m ) I n t ow n , c ro s s
captured the Bois de Xammes which can right-hand bridge over the Rupt de Mad.
be seen on the sky line immediately above (66.8 m 107.5 km) Near the church,
and beyond the church steeple in Thiau- passed on the left, is the village monu-
court, and the 2d Division drove forward ment upon which are named the Ameri-
in the direction of the observer’s right can units that fought in this vicinity dur-
front for approximately three fourths of a ing the St. Mihiel offensive.
mile in the right of its zone of action. (66.9 m 107.6 km) At the small monu-
During the 14th and 15th, the 2d Divi- ment farther on, bear to the left.
sion pushed strong reconnaissance pa- (67.1 m 108.0 km) At far edge of town
trols to the front and or, the 15th several the zone of action of the 89th Division
hostile counterattacks were broken up. during the attack is entered.
The division line was advanced slightly (67.5 m 108.5 km) Beyond town, at the
along all of its front during these days. large cemetery at left of road, STOP.
This is the St. Mihiel American Ceme- come when the trees and shrubbery have
tery. It is the third largest of the eight reached their full g rowth. In time the
American military cemeteries in Europe cemetery will be sheltered on all sides by
and contains 4,152 graves. Most of the masses of vegetation outside the stone
men buried here gave their lives in the wa l l s , a n d t h e m a i n p a t h s w i l l p a s s
St. Mihiel offensive. The majority of through leafy canopies formed by over-
the others died while serving in sectors in hanging boughs of the trees along them.
this region or in the divisional training The white marble headstones, which
areas which were located to the southwest. are the same in all the American military
The architecture of the cemeter y is cemeteries in Europe, are of a cross design
classic in design and the entire develop- for those of the Christian f aith and a
ment has been made along formal lines. six-pointed star design for those of the
A harmonious and beautiful effect has Jewish f aith. The changing beauty of
thus been obtained which can not fail to these f ields of crosses when seen at various
impress the visitor from America with times throughout the day and in different
the f itness of this as a f inal resting place lights is unusually impressive.
for these gallant soldier dead. At the center of the cemetery is a
The formal entrance, with its gem-like large sundial of attractive design sur-
pavilions and ornamental black and gilded rounded by beautiful beds of flowers.
grill fence, is of striking beauty. Through Carved around the top of its base appears
it an excellent view of the cemetery can the prophetic inscription “TIME WILL NOT
be obtained from the main highway. DIM THE GLORY OF THEIR DEEDS.”
As the cemetery is entered, the pavilion From this point the beautiful perspec-
to the right contains the superintendent’s tives along the cross axes of the cemetery
off ice. Inquiries concerning the location catch the eye. Between the trees and
of a particular grave or requests for other flower beds along one axis is seen a small
information should be made there. The monument depicting a typical American
p av i l i o n t o t h e l e f t c o n t a i n s a we l l - soldier in his wartime uniform, standing
appointed reception room and other in front of a stone cross. Behind this and
facilities for the convenience of visitors. framing it is a stone hemicycle intended
Although the flower beds and roses and ultimately to be set off by a high square-
the large green lawns which carpet the trimmed tree hedge. At the end of the
grave areas are now in their f inal beauty, other axis there is seen an ornamental urn
visitors during the next few years will on a semicircular platform from which a
have to draw upon their imaginations to f i n e v i ew o f T h i a u c o u r t a n d t h e t e r-
visualize the g reater beauty that will rain in that direction may be obtained.
(147)
Sundial at St. Mihiel American Cemetery Near Thiaucourt
Note American Memorial on Montsec in the distance
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION 149
EN ROUT ST. MIHIEL AMERICAN village the zone of action of the 42d Di-
CEMETERY TO WEST OF WOËL vision during the attack is entered.
(69.1 m 111.2 km) Beyond town, to the
From this cemeter y the tour follows left is seen the wood, Bois de Thiaucourt,
the main road to Verdun. For most of near the left end of which, approximately
the distance to Haudiomont, 20 miles parallel to this road, was located the front
away, the front line held by the Ameri- line held by troops of the 42d Division on
can troops at the end of the war lay gen- the evening of September 12.
erally from 1 to 3 miles to the right of (69.6 m 111.9 km) To the left front is
and approximately parallel to this road. seen the Bois de Béney, at the near edge
(67.8 m 109.1 km) Beyond first crest, to of which during most of the war the Ger-
the right, the nearest village is Xammes, mans maintained and flew an observation
which was close to the f inal objective of balloon. In that wood was captured a
the First Army in the St. Mihiel offensive. large German supply depot.
It was occupied by the 89th Division (70.9 m 114.0 km) While approaching
early an the morning of September 13. the next village, St. Benoît, in its right
On September 16 the front line of the edge is seen a chateau where a brigade
First Army was established about a mile headquarters of the 42d Division was
beyond Xammes. It was located there located after the capture of the town on
when the American Second Army took September 13. Several times after that
over this front on October 12. date it was heavily shelled.
(68.2 m 109.7 km) To the left front, (71.4 m 114.9 km) Continue through
in the distance, Montsec is clearly visible. the village of St. Benoît.
(68.5 m 110.2 km) Continue through As part of a general forward movement
Béney, which was captured before dawn of the 42d Division early on September
on September 13 by the 89th Division. 13, one of its battalions drove out small
(69.0 m 110.9 km) At far edge of the hostile units in the woods near this road,
Early in November the Allied attacks, front line had been advanced to include
covering almost the entire front from the the large wood, seen to the right front;
Meuse River to the North Sea, produced the f irst wood, Bois de Warville, seen to
g r e a t d i s o rg a n i z a t i o n i n t h e G e r m a n the left front; and St. Hilaire, the village
forces. The Second Army was therefore whose church steeple may be seen at cer-
ordered to keep close watch of the enemy tain seasons of the year beyond Doncourt.
for any indications of a withdrawal. Jonville, whose church is seen to the
At that time the Second Army front was front, was never captured although the
h e l d, i n o r d e r f r o m r i g h t t o l e f t , by ground between here and that village was
t h e V I C o r p s w i t h t h e 9 2 d D iv i s i o n i n the scene of numerous severe combats.
line, the IV Corps with 7th and 28th
EN ROUTE WEST OF WOËL TO EAST OF
in line, and the French XVII Cor ps with
HAUDIOMONT
the American 33d Division in line.
The 33d Division held this par t of the (77.5 m 124.7 km) Straight through
front and its sector included the towns of the village of Doncourt.
Woël, seen to the right; the far edge of The 79th Division held a sector in this
Doncourt; and Wadonville, seen to the vicinity during most of the month of Octo-
left of and beyond Doncourt. ber. It was relieved by the 33d Division
The nearest part of the sector held by which assumed command on October 26.
the 28th Division was at the woods seen (79.1 m 127.3 km) The next village, St.
in the distance to the right. Hilaire, was occupied on September 13
On November 9, while the Armistice by a French division and was taken over
negotiations were in prog ress, urgent from it by the 26th Division on the same
orders were issued by Marshal Foch, the day. It was abandoned on September 15,
Allied Commander-in-Chief, directing after an enemy attack had been repulsed,
that the enemy be pushed all along the because by its retention a sharp salient
Western Front and that he be given no was created in the American line.
time to rest or reorganize his troops. T h e t ow n w a s r a i d e d by A m e r i c a n
In car rying out these instructions all troops a number of times before its cap-
divisions on this front, following some ture on November 10 by the 33d Division.
local operations on November 9, launched The front line at the time of the Armistice
attacks on November 10 and 11 in the was near the far edge of the village.
general direction the observer is facing. (80.3 m 129.2 km) The next village,
This American offensive is generally re- Marchéville , had been elaborately or-
ferred to as the Woëvre Plain operation. ganized for defense by the Germans before
These attacks resulted in substantial September 1918. After the salient was
gains and by the time of the Armistice the eliminated the village was strongly held
(152)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION 153
by German troops and was the scene of Division advanced it 3/4 mile to the right
much vicious f ighting until November 11. of the road which the tourist is following.
On September 26, as part of the demon- (83.2 m 133.9 km) Beyond town, about
stration on this front at the time of the 500 yards, was located the boundar y
opening of the Meuse-Argonne offensive, between the American First and Second
a battalion of the 26th Division made an Armies at the close of hostilities.
attack against the town and entered it at (84.5 m 136.0 km) At next road junction
9:00 a. m. after stubbor n f ighting; a is seen a monument erected by the 4th
c o u n t e r a t t a c k by a G e r m a n u n i t wa s Division after the Armistice.
b e a t e n o ff a b o u t n o o n , a n d t h e t ow n (84.7 m 136.3 km) Continue through
changed hands four times before the next village, Manheulles, captured by
troops of the 26th Division were ordered the 4th Division on September 14.
to withdraw that evening. During October and the early par t of
On November 10 the village was at- November it was just within the Ameri-
tacked in force by the 33d Division which can lines. Its exposed location made it
inflicted heavy losses in overcoming the subject to frequent and intense bombard-
stubborn resistance of the enemy. Sharp ments from hostile artillery.
hostile counterattacks from the front and (85.5 m 137.5 km) Beyond town, just
flanks and heavy artillery f ire caused a beyond second bend in road, before
withdrawal to the higher ground seen to reaching the railroad, STOP.
the left of the village. On November 11 Face down the road, which direction is
another attack was launched and f ighting approximately west.
was going on in the streets when notif ica- O n N ove m b e r 7 t h e 8 1 s t D i v i s i o n
tion of the Armistice was received. relieved the 35th on a line which ran
(80.9 m 130.2 km) Beyond town, at along the edge of the heights seen ahead.
the road fork, bear to the right. It was at that time the right flank division
(82.3 m 132.4 km) While approaching belonging to the American First Army.
the next town, Fresnes-en-Woëvre, on On November 9 the division attacked
the right are seen (1937) several concrete as par t of the general forward move-
machine-gun emplacements which were ment on this front. It advanced to the
part of one of the main German defensive right of this road well into the wood,
lines which ran near here. Bois de Manheulles, seen in that direc-
(82.8 m 133.2 km) Straight through tion. Only two isolated groups, however,
Fresnes-en-Woëvre, captured on Septem- remained in the wood during the night.
ber 14 by the 4th Division. The front The smaller of these withdrew about
line remained near this town until the 10:00 a. m. the next day to the road on
morning of November 11 when the 33d wh i c h t h e o b s e r ve r i s s t a n d i n g . T h e
On Front of 81st Division Near Manheulles, November 10, 1918
154 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION
other g roup, a company, was attacked the American Army was postponed be-
by the Germans early on the morning of cause of the great demand for divisions
the 10th and about half of its men were to meet critical situations created on
captured. The remnants, however, about other parts of the front by the successful
40 men, bravely fought their way back to German offensives at that time.
the American position at Haudiomont, Early in August of that year the situa-
which is the village seen ahead. tion became such that General Pershing
No attack was made here on November felt free to insist that the creation of an
10 but on the 11th the 81st Division met American army be no longer delayed. As
resistance in its efforts to advance in the a result the First Army was formed and
Bois de Manheulles. Its front line was took over on August 30 all of the front
in the wood at the time of the Armistice. line around the St. Mihiel salient.
About 4 miles to the right front from The original plans for the attack pro-
here the left of the 81st Division made vided for exploiting toward Metz and the
successive advances during November 9, Briey iron region if the situation became
10 and 11, for a total gain of about 3 miles. favorable. These plans, however, were
✛ Captured Burros Carrying Water Near
Haudiomont, November 1918
As this is the last stop on the tour, a
brief summar y of the events connected
with the reduction of the St. Mihiel
salient will serve to f ix them more
def initely in the mind of the reader.
S h o r t ly a f t e r t h e A m e r i c a n E x p e d i -
tionar y Farces reached France in 1917
General Pershing decided that the Amer-
ican Army should be built up and enter
the battle line in this region, and that the
reduction of the St. Mihiel salient should
be its f irst major operation of the war.
In the spring of 1918 the formation of
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION 155
German Command Post at Manheulles Captured by the 4th Division on September 14, 1918
ADDITIONAL PLACES OF INTEREST IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION
(156)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION 157
(162)
164 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE ST. MIHIEL REGION
this road are to be seen many interesting face of the St. Mihiel salient. Location
examples of wartime military construc- of 35th Div. Hdqrs., Oct. 15–Nov. 7, and
tion. The large concrete shelter extend- 81st Div. Hdqrs., Nov. 7-9.
ing into the roadway is well worth a visit. To u l . T h i s c i t y wa s t h e A m e r i c a n
It was built by the Germans as a f irst-aid Second Army Headquar ters during the
station. In the wood near by are many entire time that Army served at the front.
other Ger man f ield works constr ucted IV Corps Hdqrs., Aug. 13 to Sept. 10.
(165)
SUMMARY OF COMBAT SERVICE—Continued
(166)
Chapter IV
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE
MEUSE-ARGONNE REGION
0
NE of the most far-reaching effects and ran through a narrow strip of territory
of the rapid increase of American lying within 35 miles of the battle line.
troops in Europe, and the resulting To the north of Sedan, as far as Liége,
Allied and American successes during the t h e c o u n t r y, i n c l u d i n g t h e A r d e n n e s
summer of 1918, was that it became pos- Forest, was of a wooded and diff icult
sible to undertake in September a gigantic character, and no impor tant east and
convergent offensive movement against west railways had been built through it.
the German forces on the Western Front. The network of railways which radiated
The f inal plans for this movement were to the west and southwest from Liége
agreed upon and as a formality of coor- passed through a restricted zone near that
dination were promulgated by the Allied place, which was bounded by the rough
Commander-in-Chief on September 3. terrain on the south and neutral Holland
Under these plans the American Army on the north. These railroads were the
was to advance northward between the principal lines of supply and evacuation
Meuse River and the Argonne Forest, for the German troops along the entire
supported on its left by the French Fourth front northwest of Reims.
Ar my west of the Argonne. Nor theast It was apparent that an Allied attack in
of Paris the center of the French Armies the vicinity of the Meuse River, if carried
was to renew its efforts to force the Ger- far enough to gain control of the lateral
mans back from the Aisne, while farther r a i lw ay s , wo u l d d i v i d e t h e G e r m a n
north the British were to continue opera- Ar mies. Once this was accomplished
tions in the direction of St. Quentin and Germany would be unable to maintain her
Cambrai, and the Allies were to attack forces in France and Belgium because
near Ypres to free the Belgian coast. communications between the two wings
The signif icance of the American would be practically impossible except by
Army's part in the general plan lay in the the long and circuitous route through
fact that its attack was to be directed Liege and the Rhine River valley.
against a most vital point of the German Furthermore, the capture or defeat of
system of railroad communications. the Ger man northern armies would be
Within the German lines were two im- practically cer tain because, under the
portant railways which ran to the north- stress of the powerful attacks which the
we s t f r o m t h e a r e a a r o u n d M e t z a n d Allies were then prepared to deliver, these
roughly paralleled the battle front. These armies could scarcely effect an orderly
railroads were practically the Germans' withdrawal through the congested bottle
only lateral communications between neck at Liege. It was evident, therefore,
their forces east and west of the Meuse, that in the sector covering the communi-
a n d we r e t h e r e f o r e e s s e n t i a l t o t h e i r cations near Sedan, and to the southeast
supply system and for the transfer of of that place, the German forces could
troops back and forth along the front. least afford to lose g round. This was
Nor thwest of Mézières these railways clearly appreciated by the German High
were rather widely separated and were C o m m a n d wh i c h h a d m a d e e l a b o r a t e
at a considerable distance from the front preparations to prevent any Allied ad-
lines, but in the vicinity of Sedan and to vance on that par t of the battle front.
the southeast of that city they converged Along most of the Western Front the
(167)
168 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
Germans had prepared several defensive about 10 miles in rear of the front lines.
lines in rear of their f irst position. West The nature of this region was such as to
and nor thwest of the Meuse-Argonne make it ideal for defensive f ighting. The
region, where loss of ground would have heights just east of the Meuse River con-
no decisive effect on the situation, these stituted not only a for midable natural
different positions were separated by barrier but furnished splendid sites from
relatively great distances. In the Meuse- which the country to the east and west
Argonne region, however, where the im- could be observed and covered by artillery
portant railways lay comparatively close f ire. These heights and the broken hills
to the battle line, the second and third of the Argonne Forest had been organized
lines were very close to the forward posi- into almost impregnable positions by
tion, forming a practically continuous zone the addition of machine guns, artillery,
of trenches, barbed wire and other f ield trenches and obstacles of all kinds. Be-
for tif ications extending for a depth of tween these two great natural bulwarks
170 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
lay the dominating hill of Montfaucon prepared artillery positions, all so placed
which afforded the Germans perfect ob- as to be mutually supporting and to cover
servation, and whose inherent strength by cross and enf ilade f ire the ground be-
had been greatly increased by the elabo- tween the features of natural strength.
rate use of f ield fortif ications of all kinds. The comparatively narrow front of this
The numerous east and west ridges in natural def ile and the great depth of the
this area lent themselves admirably to German defensive organization made the
the construction of defensive lines which task of the American Ar my extremely
connected the Heights of the Meuse with diff icult. The only feasible method of
the Argonne Forest. In organizing these advancing was to drive salients into the
lines the Germans had made elaborate use enemy lines by frontal assaults and to
of barbed-wire entanglements, trenches, exploit these penetrations by attacking
concrete machine-gun emplacements and the flanks of the salients thus created.
flank the Argonne Forest from the east. The artillery preparation for the attack
The artillery of the III Cor ps was espe- began in full force at 2:30 on the morning
cially charged with suppressing the enemy of September 26. Two thousand seven
guns located on the dominating heights hundred guns kept up an intense bombard-
east of the Meuse, while the artillery of ment of the hostile positions until 5:30
the I Cor ps was to silence the German a.m., at which time the assaulting infantry
guns f iring from the Argonne Forest. jumped off, protected by a rolling barrage.
A b r i g a d e , u n d e r Fr e n c h c o m m a n d, The dense fog during the morning, the
which included the 368th Infantry, 92d networks of wire, myriads of shell craters,
Division, and one French regiment, had deep ravines and thick woods presented
the mission of maintaining contact be- great diff iculties, but, except in front of
tween the flanks of the American First Montfaucon, the progress made that day
Army and the French Fourth Army. was considered entirely satisfactory.
Of the nine American divisions which In the center, the left of the V Corps
took part in the initial assault only f ive made a splendid advance to the west of
had seen service in offensive combat and Montfaucon but its right was held up in
four of the nine were supported by divi- front of that place. The III Cor ps drove
sional artillery with which they had never forward vigorously to the east of Mont-
ser ved. Moreover, time had not been faucon and by early after noon its left
available in which to train the many units flank was a mile beyond that hill. Dur-
of the First Ar my in the teamwork so ing the advance its right flank wheeled
essential to success in battle. Despite toward the Meuse and took up a defensive
these handicaps, however, the ability of position along the bluffs of the river.
the commanders and their staffs, and the The I Corps, on the Army's left, made a
unbounded strength, courage and will-to- deep penetration along the Aire River
win of the soldiers, car ried the Ar my while its left flank fought its way forward
rapidly forward from the very beginning. about one mile in the Argonne Forest.
German Narrow-Gauge Railroad Equipment Captured in the Argonne Forest
174
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
been so rapid as to outrun much of its assault were replaced in line by other
artillery support, the amount of ground divisions with previous battle service.
captured and held by the First Army on During the initial stages of the offensive
September 27 was not as great as that the Army had under its control 821 air-
secured on the preceding day. planes, which rendered valuable service.
On September 28, however, with more The Army keenly felt the need of tanks.
artillery and tank support, the American The total number with the Ar my was
units again surged forward, gaining about reduced during the f irst two weeks of
l 1 / 2 miles all along the front of attack. the offensive from 415, of which 141 were
Except in the Argonne Forest, the line operated by Americans, to about 94.
held that evening was beyond the German While the attack on the f irst day had
second position and the III and V Corps sur prised the Ger mans and resulted in
faced the outpost defenses of the German important gains at comparatively small
third position in this region, commonly cost, the f ighting all along the front from
known as the Hindenburg Line. that time on was of the most desperate
During the next day the deter mined c h a r a c t e r. E a c h f o o t o f g r o u n d wa s
efforts of the Army to advance were met stubbornly contested, the hostile troops
176 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
taking advantage of every available spot attack and Allied pressure on other parts
from which to pour enf ilading and cross of the front caused the German High
f ire into the advancing Americans. Command on September 29 to urge its
In their efforts to stop the progress of Government to forward immediately an
the American units, the Germans quickly offer of peace to the Allied Governments
began drawing reinforcements from other and this was done on October 6.
parts of the Western Front to strengthen The area near the former front lines had
their forces in the Meuse-Argonne region been torn to pieces by shellf ire during the
and by the end of the f ifth day seven more preceding four years and the few roads
German divisions had been rushed to this leading across it were almost entirely
crucial region and had entered the battle. obliterated in what had been no man's
The great progress of the First Army land. In order to move troops, food and
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 177
ammunition forward, and the wounded to magne Heights, while the I Corps was to
the rear, these roads had to be practically a s s i s t t h e V C o r p s by c a p t u r i n g t h e
rebuilt while in use. The diff iculty of western end of Romagne Heights, neu-
t h e t a s k wa s i n c r e a s e d by i n c l e m e n t tralize the hostile artillery f ire from the
weather, frequent hostile artillery bom- A rg o n n e Fo r e s t a n d m a i n t a i n l i a i s o n
bardments, and the limited number of with the French Fourth Army.
engineer and pioneer troops available. Many changes had been made in the
T h e r e s u m p t i o n o f t h e a t t a c k wa s front-line divisions and on October 4 the
ordered for October 4. At that time, on Ar my order of battle from the Meuse
most of its front east of the Argonne, the River to the west was as follows: the 33d,
A r my f a c e d t h e o u t p o s t z o n e o f t h e 4th and 80th Divisions in line in the III
Hindenburg Line. That line, which in- Cor ps; the 3d and 32d Divisions in line
cluded the Bois de Forêt, Cunel Heights and the 91st Division in process of with-
and Romagne Heights, had been organ- drawal from line to reserve in the V Corps;
ized with great skill so as to take full and the 1st, 28th and 77th Divisions in line
advantage of the natural defensive fea- with the 82d, 92d (less the 183d Brigade)
t u r e s o f t h e g r o u n d . I n t h e A rg o n n e a n d Fr e n c h 5 t h C ava l r y D iv i s i o n s i n
Forest the First Army was in front of the reser ve in the I Cor ps. The 35th and
German second position which extended 42d Divisions and the 183d Brigade of the
across it to the west from Apremont. 92d Division were in Army reserve.
The III and V Corps were to attack the The attack was launched with g reat
Bois de Forêt, Cunel Heights and Ro- force about daybreak. The resistance
178 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
to left, as follows: east of the Meuse—the Corps with the 4th, 3d and 5th Divisions
French XVII Corps with the French 10th in line, the V Cor ps with the 32d and
Colonial, 26th and 18th Divisions and the 42d Divisions in line and the 89th in
A m e r i c a n 2 9 t h a n d 3 3 d D iv i s i o n s i n reser ve, and the I Cor ps with the 82d
line and the American 26th Division in and 77th Divisions in line and the 78th
r e s e r ve ; we s t o f t h e M e u s e — t h e I I I a n d Fr e n c h 5 t h C ava l r y D iv i s i o n s i n
swer ve. The 1st, 80th, 90th and 91st
German Trench Mortar Used for Anti-Tank Divisions were in Army reserve. Oppos-
Defense, October 1918 © G ing this front the Germans had 17
divisions in the front line and 6 in reserve.
It was hoped that the III and V Cor ps
could drive salients through the Hinden-
burg Line and then force the enemy from
the ground between the salients. The I
Corps was to protect the left of the V
Corps. The French XVII Cor ps was to
continue its offensive east of the Meuse.
The offensive was to he started at the
same time as one by the French Fourth
Army, in an attempt to advance simul-
taneously on both sides of the diff icult
ground in the dense Bois de Bourgogne.
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 181
Forêt; the 5th Division, Cunel Heights: American Second Army was formed in the
and the 89th, the northern and eastern Wo ë v r e . A f t e r t h e r e a p p o r t i o n m e n t
par t of Romagne Heights. The Ameri- of the American front between the two
can troops on the heights east of the Armies, the First extended from
Meuse River gave the enemy no respite Fresnesen-Woëvre to the western edge of
and continued to advance despite the the Argonne, a distance of about 49 miles.
opposition of fresh German divisions. The French XXXIII and XVII Corps, and
T h e o p e r a t i o n s a t G r a n d p r é we r e the American III, V and I Corps were in
pushed with great resolution, the 78th line from right to left.
Division attacking almost continuously. General Pershing relinquished personal
Impor tant g round was g ained and by command of the American First Army on
October 27 suff icient progress had been October 16 to Major General Hunter
made an that flank to enable the right of Liggett, and from that time on became
t h e Fr e n c h Fo u r t h A r my t o a d va n c e . Commander of the American Group of
This activity had a material effect on the Armies, in addition to his duties as Com-
success of the f inal offensive, as it drew mander-in-Chief of the A. E. F.
the hostile attention away from the center In his report, covering the period of the
of the First Army at which point the main Argonne battle from its beginning to
attack was f inally delivered. October 16, he paid a glowing tribute to
During the severe f ighting in October the enlisted men and junior off icers of
several events of importance to the First the American Expeditionary Forces. He
A r my o c c u r r e d . O n O c t o b e r 1 2 t h e s a i d i n p a r t : “ . . . a t t e n d e d by c o l d
(182)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 183
and inclement weather and fought largely ing the offensive for additional combat troops
by par tially trained troops: the battle on the Meuse-Argonne front, the Allied
was prosecuted with an aggressive and C o m m a n d e r- i n - C h i e f m a d e m a ny d e -
heroic spirit of cour- mands on General
age and fortitude Pershing for American
which demanded even- divisions to assist the
tual success despite all attacks at other points.
obstacles. The morale While reluctant to
of the American soldier have his divisions op-
during this most trying e r a t e away f r o m t h e
p e r i o d w a s s u p e r b. American Army, Gen-
Physically strong and eral Pershing neverthe-
virile, naturally coura- less gave his consent in
geous and aggressive, certain cases where he
inspired by unself ish felt that by so doing
and idealistic motives, the general situation
he guaranteed the would be improved.
v i c t o r y a n d d r ov e a The divisions which
v e t e r a n e n e my f r o m served with the Allies
h i s l a s t d i t c h . To o during this period had
much credit cannot a very favorable effect
be given him; his upon the morale of the
patriotism, courage, Allied soldiers, and the
a n d f o r t i t u d e we r e military accomplish-
beyond praise. ments of these Ameri-
“ U p o n t h e yo u n g can divisions were out-
commanders of pla- standing. The 2d and
toons, companies, and 36th were assigned to
battalions fell the t h e F r e n c h Fo u r t h
h e av i e s t burden. Army west of the Ar-
They not only suffered g o n n e a n d e a r ly i n
all the dangers and October vitally assisted
rigors of the f ight but it to advance at a criti-
car ried the responsi- cal period. (See Chap-
Lieutenant General Hunter Liggett
bility of caring for and ter V.) The 27th and
Commanding General of the
directing their men, First Army from October 16, 1918, 30th Divisions oper-
often newly arrived and to April 20, 1919 ated with the British
not fully trained . . . A r my throughout
quick to lear n, they the entire duration of
soon developed on the f ield into skilled t h e M e u s e - A rg o n n e o p e r a t i o n . T h e i r
l e a d e r s a n d i n s p i r e d t h e i r m e n . . . " most striking achievement was on Sep-
Although a pressing need existed dur- tember 29 when, as part of the American
(183)
184 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
German Prisoners, Headed by Their Off icers, Being Conducted to the Rear
II Corps, they broke the Hindenburg Line recuperation and other divisions in better
north of St. Quentin. (See Chapter VI.) condition were placed in the battle line.
The 37th and 91st Divisions were sent to The American Army during this period
Belgium during October to assist the was for the f irst time able to prepare for
Group of Armies of Flanders, and late in an offensive under reasonably nor mal
the month attacked near Audenarde and conditions. It was already on the front
m a d e i m p o r t a n t ga i n s . ( S e e C h a p t e r from which the assault was to be made
VI.) The four infantry regiments of the and suff icient time for careful and deliber-
93d Division fought with g reat credit ate planning was available. Other favor-
as integral parts of
French divisions,
and three American
divisions, the 6th,
81st and 88th, held
sectors for a time
with the French
S e v e n t h A r my i n
t h e Vo s g e s M o u n -
tains, thus releasing
Fr e n c h t r o o p s f o r
service elsewhere.
On the Meuse-
Argonne front a
number of changes
we r e m a d e i n t h e
front-line units
between October 22
and 31 as the worn-
out divisions were
relieved for rest and
186 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
able factors were that the majority of the battle, from the Meuse River to the west,
Allied artillery and aviation units had was: the III Corps with the 5th and 90th
been replaced by Americans and that the Divisions in line and the 32d in reserve,
weather in the preparatory period took a the V Corps with the 89th and 2d Divi-
turn for the better thus greatly relieving sions in line and the 1st and 42d in reserve,
the hardships of the troops. 1 and the I Corps with the 80th, 77th and
Upon the request of the French the 78th Divisions in line and the 6th and 82d
date of the attack was postponed until in reserve. The 42d Division was trans-
November 1, at which time the divisions ferred to the reserve of the I Corps soon
of the First Army were in line as shown on after the beginning of the attack. The
the accompanying sketch. The order of 3d, 29th and 36th Divisions in the rear
areas composed the Army reserve.
1
During the course of the Meuse-Argonne operation, The general mission of the First Army
rain was reported in the official reports by at least one remained the same, to cut the Metz-
American division of the First Army on every day Sedan-Mézières railroad. The detailed
from September 26 to November 11, except for seven
days, which were October 2, 3, 24, 25, 27, 28 and 29. plan for the attack contemplated a deep
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 187
penetration by the V Corps in the center tively bombarded the sensitive points of
to secure Barricourt Heights, followed by the enemy positions. The progress of the
a drive by the I Corps to connect with attack exceeded all expectations. In the
t h e Fr e n c h n e a r B o u l t - a u x - B o i s . T h e center, the V Corps crushed all opposi-
capture of Barricourt Heights, which con- tion and by early afternoon had advanced
stituted a formidable natural obstacle, about 6 miles and captured Bar ricour t
would compel a German retirement across Heights, thus assuring the success of the
the Meuse, so the III Corps, while assist- whole operation. On its right, the III
ing the main attack in the center, was Cor ps made a deep advance, wheeling
directed to be prepared to force a crossing toward the Meuse River to protect that
of the river if the enemy withdrew. There flank of the Ar my. On the left, the I
was to be no attack by the French XVII Corps, which faced the unbroken Hinden-
Cor ps then on the heights east of the burg Line on most of its front, attacked
Meuse until this crossing was started. and made an average gain of about 1 / 2
The eastern edge of the Bois de Bourgogne m i l e . I t s ex t r e m e r i g h t f l a n k m a d e a
was to be neutralized by heavy artillery rapid and deep advance, keeping up with
concentrations of persistent gas. the left flank of the V Corps.
With conditions generally favorable, it This deep penetration of the hostile
was a splendid force of veteran American lines, which overran the enemy artillery
soldiers which jumped off west of the positions, caused the German High Com-
Meuse at daybreak on November 1. mand to issue orders on the night of
The assault was preceded by a terrif ic November 1 for a withdrawal from the
two-hour artillery preparation which effec- Fi r s t A r my f r o n t we s t o f t h e M e u s e .
Buzancy on the Day After Its Capture
188
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
and had made substantial inroads into shifted several times by the Allied Com-
the hostile positions. Damaging as these mander-in-chief, the notice of the last
drives were to the German cause, and change being received on November 7
valuable as they were in the Allied plan when the American troops were on the
for victory, such was the importance to heights south of Sedan preparing to attack
the Ger mans of protecting their main the city. It limited the left of the Army
railroad at Sedan that they brought re- to Mouzon instead of to near Sedan. The
serves from almost every portion of the t o p og r a p hy o f t h e g r o u n d a n d t h e s e
Western Front to throw in the path of the modif ications in its boundary caused the
American advance. (See the sketch below.) gradual withdrawal of the I Corps from
When the American Army, in spite of the battle line on the left flank of the
increasing enemy reinforcements and First Army and a change from north to
a well-nigh impregnable hostile defensive east in the general direction of advance
system, had driven forward to a position of the American Army.
dominating the German railroad commu- Meanwhile the crossing of the Meuse
nications in the vicinity of Sedan, the ter- by the III Cor ps began on November 4,
mination of the war in 1918 was assured. when bridgeheads were established by the
While the pursuit was going on, the 5th Division south of Dun-sur-Meuse.
western boundary of the First Army was These gains were exploited, assisted by
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 191
(192)
A AMERICAN
VISIT TO THE AMERICAN
OPERATIONS BATTLEFIELDS
IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 193
IN THE MEUSE-ARGONNE REGION
(193)
194 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
FIRST DAY'S TOUR OF THE AMERICAN
MEUSE-ARGONNE BATTLEFIELDS
United States 14-Inch Naval Gun Firing From Railway Mount Near Charny, October 1918
(194)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 195
activity of hostile airplanes and artillery. ahead and stop on far side of next ridge
Consequently, during the hours of dark- where a good view of the valley, to the
news it was f illed to capacity as men, left front is obtained. At this point read itin-
ammunition and supplies were moved to erary to paragraph 1 of the second column
the front and wounded were carried to the on page 200. From here can be identified
rear. Motor trucks, ambulances, wagons most of the places seen from the stop at
and troops had to move without lights, Le Mort Homme if the map is consulted and
and much confusion and many traff ic it is remembered that the wood on the hill
jams occur red here in spite of all pre- across the valley to the left front is the Bois
cautions and constant supervision. The de Forges. After reading itinerary, con-
difficulties were greatly aggravated by the tinue straight ahead. At next road fork
enemy artillery which at night periodi- turn left, cross bridge and again turn left.
cally shelled the important road crossings. The described route is rejoined at the road
(7.5 m 12.1 km) At church in the next crossing just beyond the next village, Bé-
village, Marre, bear to the right. thincourt. Reset speedometer at that point.
(8.7 m 14.0 km) Near the next cross- (10.5 m 16.9 km) Beyond the f irst hill,
road, a 33d Division dressing station, a sign is seen (1937) on the right which
which gave f irst aid to the wounded, was indicates a path to a tunnel built by the
l o c a t e d d u r i n g t h e e a r ly d ay s o f t h e Germans during the war. In this region
American operations on this front. were constructed many such elaborate
(9.4 m 15.1 km) A short distance far- tunnels which afforded shelter and a
ther on, the monument seen on the right means of transferring troops and supplies
alongside the road marks the site of the from one place to another underground,
former village of Cumières. This village free from hostile observation and f ire.
was literally blown away by shellf ire dur- (10.6 m 17.1 km) The monuments seen
ing the f ighting in the vicinity. to the left front are French monuments on
(9.7 m 15.6 km) Where the road starts the hill called Le Mort Homme.
to climb the hill ahead, turn sharp left on (10.8 m 17.4 km) At the top of the hill
the narrow road which leads off from it. which the road is climbing, where a good
If narrow road is closed continue straight panorama to the right is obtained, STOP.
196 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
on Le Mort Homme
of the V Corps was next in line with the mopping up, keeping contact with ad-
commanding hill of Montfaucon, marked joining units and advancing in the proper
by the monument on the sky line to the direction through the myriads of trenches,
left, in its zone of action. mazes of barbed wire and tangled masses
Beyond the 79th Division, and also in of trees and underbrush.
the V Corps for the initial assault, were On this part of the front, the divisions
the 37th and 91st Divisions. The I of the III Cor ps crossed the swampy
Corps was on the left of the Army with Forges Creek valley and broke into the
the 35th, 28th and 77th Divisions in line. strong Ger man positions to a depth of
The Ger man positions on this front 5 miles on the f irst day. The 33d Di-
were extremely formidable, having been vision, starting from this vicinity, quickly
strengthened to the highest degree during captured the Bois de Forges, and before
the preceding years of f ighting, In rear noon had established a line along this side
of their front line, they had constructed a of the Meuse River valley beyond the Bois
series of positions, one behind the other, de Forges as a protection for the flank of
which formed a continuous defensive zone the advancing forces. The 80th Division
for a depth of about 10 miles. Progress to the left of this point took Béthincourt,
here was considered so diff icult that Gen- Camouflaged Road Near Forges,
eral Pétain, the Commander-in-Chief of October 1918
the French Army, gave it as his opinion
that the American advance would not get
farther than Montfaucon before winter.
The battle began at 2:30 a. m. on Sep-
tember 26 when approximately 27,000
pieces of ar tiller y opened f ire on the
Ger man trenches, strong points, wire
entanglements, obser vation posts and
communication centers on the front of
attack. This bombardment lasted con-
tinuously until daybreak when the in-
fantry, protected by a dense barrage of
shellf ire, began its assault. A thick fog
aided in concealing the movements of
the American troops from the enemy but
also made more diff icult their tasks of
Shell Holes and Mine Craters
Good illustration of type of ground in no man’s land on the Meuse-Argonne front
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 199
drove ahead several miles and by mid- Sergeant Sandlin showed conspicuous
night had reached the Meuse River in gallantry by advancing alone on a ma-
the right part of its zone of action. The chine-gun nest which was holding up the
next day in severe f ighting it captured progress of his unit. He killed the crew
the Bois de Dannevoux, the wood seen with a grenade and enabled the advance
on the sky line to the right of and beyond t o c o n t i n u e . L a t e r i n t h e d ay h e a t -
Béthincourt. The 4th Division, passing tacked alone and put two other machine-
just this side of Montfaucon, made a rapid gun nests out of action, setting a splendid
and spectacular advance which will be example of coolness and bravery.
described at the next stop. B e f o r e l e av i n g t h i s s t o p t h e r e a d e r
The successes here were largely due to should f ix in his mind the general ap-
the courage and f ighting spirit of the in- pearance of the tall shaft of the monu-
dividual American soldier. Illustrative of ment on Montfaucon, which is visible
these are the exploits of Captain George from many places On this tour. Because
H. Mallon, First Sergeant Sydney G. it is located near the center of the area
Gumpertz and Sergeant Willie Sandlin of f o u g h t ov e r by t h e A m e r i c a n A r my
the 33d Division. All of these men were between September 26 and November 1,
awarded Congressional Medals of Honor, 1918, it will be pointed out from time to
the highest decoration for bravery given time as an orientation aid to the tourists
by the American Gover nment, for the who are following the described route.
important part they played in the cap- Cumières–Forges Road, 1918
ture of the Bois de Forges.
Becoming separated from his company
in the fog, Captain Mallon, with nine
men, pushed forward and attacked nine
hostile machine guns, capturing them all
without the loss of a man. Continuing,
he led his men against a battery of howitz-
ers in action and captured the guns and
their crews. Captain Mallon personally
attacked one of the enemy with his f ists.
Later, in assaulting two other machine
guns he sent his men to the flanks, while
he himself rushed directly forward in the
fare of the f ire and silenced the guns.
The exceptional gallantry and determi-
nation displayed by Captain Mallon re-
sulted in the capture of eleven machine
guns, four 155-millimeter howitzers, and
one anti-aircraft artillery piece.
When the advancing lines were held up
by severe machine-gun f ire First Sergeant
Gumpertz left the platoon of which he was
in command and started with two other
soldiers through a heavy barrage toward
the machine-gun nest. His two compan-
ions soon became casualties from the
bursting shells, but Sergeant Gumpertz
continued on alone in the face of direct
f ire from the machine gun, jumped into
the nest and silenced the gun, capturing
nine of the crew who were manning it.
200 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
On September 26 the center of this val- in advancing up the valley which the road
ley was a spongy shell-torn morass. The follows beyond Malancour t. This was
infantry crossed it on boards which were due to the uneven character of the ground
carried from the American trenches and and the fact that the f irst waves of the
laid end to end across the mud. Later division attack passed by many German
the engineers and pioneer infantry units strong points in the thick fog.
accomplished the colossal task of building (16.4 m 26.4 km) About 1 1 / 2 miles far-
roads and bridges over it for the artillery ther on, at top of f irst hill, was a large,
and supply trains. To give an idea of the powerful f ield for tif ication called on
magnitude of the task, it may be stated French war maps the “Ouvrage du
that the construction of but one of these Démon” (Strongpoint of the Devil). By
roads required the use of 40,000 sand bags. looking to the rear from the road near the
(14.5 m 23.3 km) Beyond place where top of the hill, its commanding position is
road passes through a cut, in the next evident. Heavy machine-gun f ire from
German Plan Brought Down by Machine-Gun Fire Near Malancourt, October 3, 1918
shallow valley, the zone of action of the it stopped the advance of the 79th
79th Division during the attack is entered. Division troops during September 26.
(14.9 m 24.0 km) Straight through (16.5 m 26.6 km) To the left front is
Malancourt, which was a heap of ruins in seen a f ine view of the American monu-
1 9 1 8 . I t wa s c a p t u r e d b y t h e 7 9 t h ment on top of Montfaucon.
Division early on the morning of Septem- (16.8 m 27.0 km) To the right front con-
b e r 2 6 . T h e t ow n wa s t h e I I I C o r p s siderably beyond and to the right of
Headquarters, October 26–November 3. Montfaucon was located the line reached
The tour from this point on to Mont- by the 4th Division on the f irst day of the
faucon generally follows the direction of attack. The line of the 37th Division at
advance on September 26 of the attacking that time was just to the left of the hill.
units of the American First Army. (18.0 m 29.0 km) At monument in
The 79th Division had great diff iculty the ruined town of Montfaucon, STOP.
The Meuse-Argonne American Memorial at Montfaucon
The shaft is 180 feet high
This imposing monument, rising from
the ruins of the former village of Mont-
faucon, commemorates the brilliant
victory of the American First Army in the
Meuse-Argonne offensive and the heroic
services of the Armies of France before
that time on this important battle front.
I t wa s e r e c t e d by t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s
Gover nment and is the largest of the
American war memorials in Europe.
Montfaucon is supposed to date back
to the 6th Century when it grew up as a
m a r k e t t ow n a r o u n d a m o n a s t e r y.
N u m e r o u s b a t t l e s h av e t a k e n p l a c e
in its vicinity. In one, fought against
the Nor mans about 888 A. D., 19,000
dead are said to have been left on the
battlef ield. During the Hundred Years’
War the district vas frequently ravaged
by bands of robbers; during the Reli-
g i o u s Wa r s o f t h e 1 6 t h C e n t u r y, i t
was taken and bur ned; while in 1636
the town was again destroyed. In 1792,
it was captured by Prussian troops taking
part in the Valmy campaign.
W h i l e m a k i n g e x c ava t i o n s f o r t h e Interior of Church at Montfaucon in 1914
foundations of the monument, an old
underground passage, hollowed out of the by the American troops. The two large
soft rock, was found running from the words at the sides, Meuse and Argonne,
ruins behind the monument to the foot were placed in that order as the American
of the hill. To the left of the shaft as lighting in this vicinity is off icially known
seen from the parking plaza, about 12 as the Meuse-Argonne offensive.
feet underground, was found a cemetery On the wall around the main terrace
probably dating from the Middle Ages, are listed the divisions which formed the
and under the front end of the wall on the First Ar my and under each name are
right side of the main terrace were three g i v e n t h r e e p l a c e s , n ow f a m o u s i n
old cellars, one below the other, the lowest American militar y history, where hard
o n e ev i d e n t ly h av i n g b e e n u s e d a s a fighting of the division concerned occurred.
dungeon. A small pot containing a few Church at Montfaucon in 1917
gold and silver pieces dated about 1750
was also discovered on the site.
The monument has the form of a
Doric column sur mounted by a f igure
representing Liberty. It faces the First
Ar my jump-off line of September 26.
From the observation platforms at the
top, a large portion of the Meuse-Argonne
battlef ield is plainly to be seen.
Across the front of the monument
appear in large letters the names of the
four most important areas, from a military
point of view, in the territory captured
(203)
Corner of Observation Terrace, Meuse-Argonne Monument,
Showing Direction Arrows
The line taken over by the First Army American troops were in place on this
in September and from which it jumped front and the Army was ready for battle.
off on the morning of September 26 was At 2:30 a. m. on September 26, the
generally parallel to the front of this horizon in front of here lit up with a flash
monument. It ran from a point on the as thousands of cannon blazed into action.
Meuse River beyond the right edge of the Explosions of all sorts followed each other
Bois de Forges; passed this side of Hill with deafening noise like continuous peals
304, the hill with a monument on its sum- of thunder. About 5: 30 a. m. the noise
mit to the left front just beyond the f irst slackened somewhat as most of the cannon
town, Malancour t; and over Vauquois prepared to f ire on new targets. Some of
Hill, the large isolated oval-shaped hill the heavier guns had already started to
6 miles away to the right front. shell with high explosives this hill and
The III Corps, whose operations were other known obser vation points. Now,
described at the last stop, jumped off on just before dawn, the smaller ones were
the front from the Meuse River to Hill set to perform the new mission of creat-
304; the V Cor ps from Hill 304 to Vau- ing a bar rage of exploding shells, which
quois Hill; and the I Corps, whose opera- would move forward in front of the in-
tions will be described further at the next fantr y who, at this time, were tensely
stop, from Vauquois Hill to near the watching and waiting for the coming
far edge of the Argonne Forest. Each hour of attack in their jump-off positions.
corps had three divisions in line for the Soon thereafter a new note was added
attack. In order from the observer’s left to the din as innumerable machine guns,
to right, they were the 33d, 80th and 4th automatic rifles and rifles along the front
of the III Corps, the 79th, 37th and 91st went into action. This was evidence to
of the V Corps, and the 35th, 28th and the sur prised Germans on this hill that a
77th of the I Cor ps. Montf aucon was general offensive had started.
in the zone of action of the 79th Division. It was not long before the rifle and
The preparations for the attack here machine-gun f ire to the left front was
had necessarily been hurried, as the offen- heard getting closer and closer. About
sive of the First Army in the St. Mihiel 1 0 : 0 0 a . m . t h e f og l i f t e d a n d s m a l l
region had been completed only ten days groups of khaki-clad soldiers of the 4th
before. In spite of the short time, how- D iv i s i o n we r e o b s e r ve d m ov i n g n e a r
ever, on the evening of September 25 the Septsarges, the nearest village seen to the
208 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
left, where they captured an undamaged diff iculty in advancing in this direction up
battery of German artillery which was the valley from that village, as well as
later used effectively against its former through the left part of the large wood in
owners. (See picture on page 211.) front of here. Consequently, no assault
Farther away to the left, troops of the was made by that division on Montfaucon
30th Division could be seen near the Bois until about 6:00 p. m., when the 79th and
de Sachet, the large wood beyond and to 37th Divisions launched an attack across
the right of Septsarges, and still farther the machine-gun-swept ground an this side
away t h o s e o f t h e 3 3 d D iv i s i o n n e a r of the wood, seen to the front. Assisted
Drillancour t, the village on the open by tanks, but without artillery support,
ground to the right of that wood. the slopes of this hill were reached in
About 11:00 a. m., to the front and the face of heavy f ire, but as night was
right, the leading lines of the 37th Division coming on, the attack was given up.
emerged from the Bois de Montfaucon, Although Montfaucon remained in Ger-
the large wood in that direction. They man hands, the achievements of the Ameri-
crossed the open ground this side of the can Army on September 26 were more
wood and after capturing a German trench than had actually been expected. Ad-
system in the f ield near the road, seen run- vances of about 5 miles from the jump-off
ning to the right front from this hill, line had been made on both sides of this
started changing it into an American posi- hill and its capture was almost a certainty
tion. Still farther to the right, soldiers of within a ver y shor t time. The highly
the 91st Division were on the open ground organized German forward positions were
to the right of the large wood, Bois Ché- all in American hands, in addition to
hémin, seen to the rightfront, having made thousands of prisoners, many cannon and
an advance of more than 3 miles. vast stores of supplies and ammunition.
The 79th Division promptly captured The battle for Montfaucon was renewed
Malancourt, seen to the left front, but had in a rainstorm at dawn on September 27
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 209
the hill being attacked by the 37th Divi- halfway between here and the nearest
sion from the observer' s right and by the large wood in that direction. It then bent
7 9 t h D iv i s i o n f r o m t h e f r o n t . T h e back shar ply, passing the other side of
last machine-gun nest was f inally wiped this hill, curved forward again to near
out and the hill cleared of the enemy about Epinonville, the third village seen to the
noon by troops of the 79th Division. left, and continued on to include Varennes,
Henceforth Montfaucon served as an the village seen to the left rear below the
American observation point. wooded heights on the sky line.
The First Army on September 27 con-
PART II
tinued its assaults, which were met by
After visiting the side platform, 1 go to frantic resistance from German infantry
the rear one and read the following: and machine gun units that had taken up
The assault on September 26 surprised new positions during the night and by
the Germans and disrupted their defense, unusually heavy artillery concentrations.
but this situation was only momentar y. A large part of the American artillery
From that day on the f ighting was prob- had been unable to move forward because
ably unsur passed during the World War of the absence of roads over the torn-up
for dogged determination on both sides. g round of the old no man’s land and,
Each foot of ground was stubbornly con- therefore, was not in a position on that
tested and the hostile troops took advan- d ay e ff e c t ive ly t o s u p p o r t t h e i n i t i a l
tage of every available spot from which inf antr y assaults or to keep down the
to pour enf ilade and cross f ire into the enemy shellf ire. In spite of this and the
advancing American troops. shortage of tanks, the assault units
The line reached on the f irst day of the attacked energetically and substantial
attack included Dannevoux, seen to the gains were made during the day although
right about 5 miles away in the cup-shaped many of them could not be retained.
valley, and the Bois de Septsarges, the On September 28, with better artillery
long narrow wood to the right front, about support, the Army surged forward about
1
The panoramic sketches on these pages show 1 1 / 2 m i l e s . A f t e r s ev e r e f i g h t i n g i t
most of the ground seen from the side platforms. reached that day a line marked generally by
the direction of the reader’s line of vision to the Argonne Forest launched powerful
when facing those places. The maneuver assaults. This f ighting was extremely
was unusually effective and within the bitter, positions of the Hindenburg Line
n ex t t h r e e d ay s t h e e n e my h a d b e e n being carried on a front of 2 miles just
driven from the Argonne Forest, which this side of Cunel and Romagne, the vil-
ends at the gap on the skyline to the left lage seen to the left of Cunel and about
of the isolated peak, Montrefagne, seen t h e s a m e d i s t a n c e away. T h e g e n e r a l
in the distance to the left front. attacks were continued on the 11th and
On October 8 an attack was made on that day the Ar my, along most of the
that part of the Army front beyond the remainder of its front on this side of the
Meuse River. The American 29th and Meuse, fought its way forward much
33d Divisions and two French divisions closer to the Hindenburg Line.
drove forward a distance of 2 1 / 2 miles on Another general attack was made on
that day, capturing a large part of the October 14, and after f ighting of the most
heights from which German artillery had desperate character on that and on the
been f iring on the flank and rear of the d ay s i m m e d i a t e l y f o l l ow i n g , m a ny
t r o o p s o n t h i s s i d e o f t h e r ive r. T h e more strong positions in or beyond the
29th Division captured the wedge-shaped Hindenburg Line were torn from the en-
wood, Bois de Consenvoye, seen beyond e my. A m o n g t h e s e we r e t h e B o i s d e
Gercourt, the village to the right of and la Pultière, just beyond Cunel, captured
beyond Septsarges, and the 33d Division by the 3d and 5th Divisions, and the
reached the Bois de Chaume, the line of dominating Côte Dame Marie taken by the
woods extending down to the left from 32d Division. By October 22, all of the
near the Bois de Consenvoye. The at- B o i s d e Fo r ê t , C u n e l H e i g h t s a n d
tacks there were pushed vigorously for Romagne Heights were in American pos-
several days and additional substantial s e s s i o n a n d t h e Fi r s t A r my wa s we l l
gains were made, including the capture beyond the last prepared German posi-
of the Bois de Chaume. tion at the center of its front. At that
On October 9 the V Cor ps in front of time the units of the Army started care-
here attacked with great force and the ful preparations for a f inishing blow.
next day all divisions on the Army front During the f ighting between October
from Beaumont, beyond the Meuse River, 1 and 31, the American losses totaled
over 75,000 off icers and men. The 5th, side and had progressed about 10 miles
26th, 42d, 78th, 82d, 89th and 90th Divi- beyond the river onto the Woëvre Plain.
sions, in addition to those previously Thus the war ended. The Ger man
mentioned, joined in the battle, relieving Army had been driven back 35 miles on
tired divisions. During this period 36 this the most vital part of its front. The
different German divisions were employed natural energy, ability and eff iciency in
on this front west of Fresnes-en-Woëvre, battle of the American soldiers and off i-
several having been engaged twice. The cers had prevailed against one of the
area of this f ighting will be visited later, f inest military foxes of the world. Al-
when a more detailed account will be given. though the Germans were f ighting with
The last great American offensive of the desperation and all the skill they possessed
war was launched on November 1, com- to deny any progress whatsoever to the
pletely breaking through the enemy lines. American forces, and were throwing onto
All troops of the Army in front of here this front fresh reserves drawn from many
pushed forward. The formidable Barri- other par ts of the Wester n Front, the
court Heights, the wooded heights seen tremendous thrusts of the First Army at
on the horizon just to the left of the this point could not be withstood.
observer’s front, were carried on the f irst T h e b a t t l e h e r e wa s t h e g r e a t e s t i n
day and by November 6 the American American histor y. Its successful con-
light ar tillery was f iring on the Metz- clusion is a great tribute to the American
S e d a n - M é z i è r e s r a i lway, t h e p r i m a r y soldiers, their leaders and those behind
o b j e c t iv e o f t h e Fi r s t A r my. O n t h e the lines and at home who so whole-
morning of November 7 American units heartedly and eff iciently supported the
were on the hills overlooking Sedan, 31 combat armies in the f ield.
m i l e s aw ay. O n t h a t w r y d ay, t h e Before leaving this obser vation plat-
German representatives crossed the battle form, the long gray stone building to the
lines to ask for an immediate armistice. left front in the near distance should be
From November 7 on to the Armistice noted. It is the chapel of the Meuse-
at 11:00 a. m., November 11, the First A rg o n n e , A m e r i c a n C e m e t e r y, wh i c h
Army advanced in the direction to the stands on a hillside above the graves of
right front from here. By the Armistice more than 14,000 American soldiers whose
it had forced its way across the Meuse f inal resting place is there. No more
River, captured the heights on the far f itting site could have been chosen for
German Reserves Being Brought Up for a Counterattack,
October 1918. © G
214 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
(215)
216 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
junction beyond town. Many Missouri- to capture a f ifth machine-gun nest. For
ans served in the 35th Division, which his great courage and devotion to duty
had very hard f ighting near here. he was later posthumously awarded the
(23.4 m 37.7 km) Beyond bridge, at road Congressional Medal of Honor.
junction near monument bear left. (24.1 m 38.8 km) To the right front is
The tour now goes to Vauquois Hill, 1 Vauquois Hill. Openings of underground
mile away, from the top of which can be passages dug by the Germans can be seen
obtained a fine view of the Aire River valley (1937) on its near slopes.
and where unusually large mine craters can (24.8 m 40.0 km) At f irst junction
be seen. The climb up the steep hill must where a road enters sharply from right,
be made on foot. Those who can not make turn right on it towards Vauquois.
such an ascent may turn sharp right at next (25.3 m 40.7 km) At the next road fork,
road junction and rejoin the described route turn to the right.
at the church in Varennes. That part of ( 2 5 . 8 m 4 1 . 5 k m ) I n n ex t v i l l a ge ,
the itinerary not followed should be read. Vauquois, 60 yards beyond church, just
(23.6 m 38.0 km) Beyond next road before reaching road junction, STOP.
junction, to the left front on far side of Follow path, 300 yards, to summit of
small valley, is seen the locality of the hill. For most of the way the path is in
heroic exploits of Private Nels Wold, 35th an Allied communication trench. It is a
Division. Assisted by one other soldier, hard climb but well worth while.
he silenced several machine-gun nests and The monument on top of the hill is a
captured 11 prisoners. He then gallantly French one in memory of the soldiers who
risked his life to aid a comrade, after fought in the vicinity and of the soldiers of
which he himself was killed in an attempt Vauquois who died during the World War.
Vauquois Hill From the Air, Looking Northeast
218 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
runs in the valley to the left of here. On f inding hard-won ground behind it, until
September 26 the division drove forward by October 1 the division was practically
vigorously and captured part of Varennes. abreast of the other divisions of the I
In the Argonne it made an advance of Cor ps, having made a total gain of 4
about 1 mile. It continued to advance miles over the difficult ground on its front.
during the next few days and by Septem- Outstanding among the deeds of valor
ber 29, after severe f ighting, had reached in the Argonne Forest, were those of First
a line beyond Apremont, the second vil- Lieutenant Dwite H. Schaffner of the 77th
lage seen in the distance to the right of Division on September 28. On that day
and beyond Varennes. he led his men in an attack against St.
The zone of action of the 77th Divi- Hubert’s Pavilion, about 5 miles to the
sion, which was the left flank unit of the left front from here, captured a strongly
I Corps and of the First Army, was en- entrenched position after severe hand-to-
tirely within the Argonne. That forest hand f ighting and by his braver y and
is a formidable natural obstacle, almost contempt of danger inspired his men to
impossible to walk through, with deep hold fast in the face of three determined
abrupt-sided ravines, heavy underbrush e n e my c o u n t e r a t t a c k s . H e p e r s o n a l ly
a n d m a ny r o c k o u t c r o p s . D u r i n g t h e discovered and put out of action a ma-
preceding four years on this front, the chine gun that was causing heavy casual-
Germans had skillfully prepared it for ties in his company. The third counter-
defense with concealed bands of barbed attack made by the enemy was initiated
wire, machine guns placed so as to f ire by the appearance of a small detachment
down lanes cut through the undergrowth, calling “Kamerad”, the word used by
machine-gun nests in trees, and many Ger man soldiers when they wanted to
ingenious traps to impede the progress of surrender. When they were almost with-
or inflict death on an advancing enemy. in reach of the American front line, the
In spite of all obstacles, the 77th Divi- attacking wave behind them appeared
sion drove forward in the initial assault and assaulted vigorously, causing heavy
about 1 mile. From then on it continued casualties in the American platoon hold-
to push its way forward, each day’s close ing the advanced position. Lieutenant
Tanks Manned by Americans Going Forward Near Boureuilles, September 26, 1918
220 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
Schaffner mounted the parapet of the by the 35th Division to beyond Cheppy;
trench, killed a number of the enemy and and by the right of the 28th Division
f inally reached and shot the captain lead- to the other side of Varennes par tially
ing the attack. Dragging this wounded o u t f l a n k e d t h e A r g o n n e Fo r e s t a n d
off icer back into the company trenches, greatly helped the American troops to
Lieutenant Schaffner secured valuable advance through that diff icult area.
infor mation about the enemy strength During this f ighting the airplanes under
and position. As his company was sur- control of the American Army to a large
rounded on three sides for f ive hours extent kept down the Ger man aircraft
by strong enemy forces, the undaunted and secured valuable information con-
braver y, gallant soldierly conduct and c e r n i n g t h e e n e my. T h e A r my b a d ly
l e a d e r s h i p d i s p l ay e d b y L i e u t e n a n t n e e d e d t a n k s wh i c h i n t h e f i r s t t wo
Schaffner undoubtedly saved the sur- weeks of the offensive, due to casualties
vivors of his company from death or and the transfer away of some French
capture. For these acts he was awarded units, were greatly reduced in number.
the Congressional Medal of Honor. On the following page is reproduced a
The rapid advance made on the f irst section of a wartime map, scale 1/20,000,
day by the 91st Division of the V Corps showing Vauquois and its vicinity. This
to just this side of Epinonville, the village type of map was the one generally used by
seen to the right of and beyond Cheppy; American front-line units during the war.
(220)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 221
Before leaving Vauquois Hill a walk to town was captured by the 28th Division.
the left around the top of it will disclose Temporary roads were f irst built around
many large craters, additional evidences the craters by American Army engineers
of the war and interesting panoramas. and as soon as possible thereafter bridges
were constructed across them.
EN ROUTE VAUQUOIS TO NORTH
(27.5 m 44.3 km) At the church in the
OF FARM DES GRANGES
town turn to the right.
Leave Vauquois by road to left front. The tour here tur ns .northward along
(26.3 m 42.3 km) From the end of the Aire River and follows the general
Vauquois Hill to the next town, Boureuilles, direction of advance of the I Corps from
this road generally runs parallel to the September 26 to October 30.
former French front-line trenches. This road was one of the few main roads
(27.2 m 43.8 km) Just before reaching in the area of the American advance. It
Boureuilles, the zone of action of the 28th was of inestimable value in supplying the
Division during the attack is entered. soldiers in the front lines with the food,
The village of Boureuilles has been re- ammunition, supplies and equipment nec-
built on a new site. The old town, which essary to continue the attack.
was one of the most advanced points in In anticipation of further advances, the
the German lines, was located just to the construction of a standard-gauge railroad,
right (north) of the new village. It was generally following this road, was rushed
subjected to severe bombardments during from a place 5 miles south of here to the
the four years of war and was completely next town, Varennes. It was later ex-
destroyed. In 1916 the French exploded tended to Grandpré, 11 miles farther on.
a large mine under the road just south of Needless to say it proved of tremendous
town to impede an anticipated German value to the American Army.
advance. Later the Germans exploded a (27.9 m 44.9 km) Beyond Boureuilles,
mine north of the village. The enormous the prominent nose of the Argonne Forest
craters thus formed greatly hindered the seen to the left front is called the Côtes
American operations in 1918 after the des Perrières. The front line of the left
222 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
(223)
35th Division Artillery Near Varennes, September 27, 1918
224 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
Tondu. The strong German second posi- was driven hack after bitter f ighting.
tion had been organized along that ridge During the f ighting there Major Joseph
and across the Argonne in a direction H. Thompson, 28th Division, performed
approximately at right angles to this the heroic acts for which he vas awarded
road. Le Chêne Tondu was the scene t h e C o n g r e s s i o n a l M e d a l o f H o n o r.
of prolonged and intense f ighting by the When his battalion was counterattacked
28th Division for ten days from Sep- on September 29, although wounded, he
tember 28, the date the division f irst ob- encouraged his men by constantly brav-
tained a foothold on the ridge, until its ing the heavy f ire of machine guns and
capture was f inally completed in an attack ar tiller y. His courage was largely re-
on the morning of October 7. sponsible for the severe repulse of the
The position held by the so-called “Lost enemy. Again on October 1, after his
Battalion” was in the Argonne Forest to battalion once more had met a strong
the left of here. To visit that area, at next German counterattack, the advance of
road junction turn left to Apremont. At his assaulting companies was held up by
far edge of Apremont bear right on narrow f ire from a hostile machine-gun nest.
road toward Binarville. Length of side All but one of six accompanying tanks
trip—8.4 miles. Time required—1 hour. were disabled when Major Thompson,
(For exact location and description of the with great gallantry and coolness, rushed
position, See pages 562 to 365.) forward on foot three separate times in
(34.0 m 54.7 km) The next village advance of the assaulting lines and under
across the valley is Apremont. It was heavy machine-gun and anti-tank gun
captured by the 28th Division on Sep- f ire led the one remaining tank to within
tember 28, the division line that night a few yards of the enemy where it was
being established around the hill seen successful in putting the machine-gun
extending to the right from the town. n e s t o u t o f a c t i o n . T h i s b r av e d e e d
Twice on September 29 strong German p e r m i t t e d t h e i n f a n t r y t o a d va n c e .
attacks penetrated the American lines (35.5 m 57.1 km) At top of next hill, the
near Apremont but each time the enemy Farm des Granges is passed on the left.
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 225
(35.7 m 57.5 km) Beyond the farm, at for defense so that troops who attempted
the next small crest, where a clear view to advance down the valley of the Aire in
is obtained to the front and right, STOP. the direction the observer is facing, or over
If the trees along the road obstruct the the open ground in front of this point,
view walk off from the road sufficiently to see were not only subjected to frontal f ire
the places pointed out in the following text. but were caught by enf ilade f ire from
Face down the road, which direction these two strong positions on their flanks.
is approximately north. On the hillside about a mile to the right
The American monument on Montfau- are seen the b uildings of Beauregard
con is on the sky line to the right rear. Farm. The most prominent peak to the
The area around this point was the scene right front is called Montrefagne.
of prolonged f ighting in late September Montrebeau, the large timbered area to
and early October 1918 during which the the right rear, was captured on September
Germans were driven from carefully pre- 28 by troops of the 35th Division.
pared defensive positions, constr ucted On September 29 the division attacked
with the idea that they would be impreg- from the edge of Montrebeau under ex-
nable. All g round within the range of tremely heavy hostile f ire and succeeded
vision was captured by the First Army. in occupying Beauregard Farm and the
The wooded hills to the right front, southern slope of Montrefagne as well as
which were known collectively as Ro- Exermont, which, invisible from here, lies
magne Heights, are a natural terrain in the valley near Beauregard Farm. A
feature that had been organized by the severe counterattack on that afternoon
Germans into a powerful fortif ied area. by fresh German troops, supported by a
The Argonne Forest, seen across the val- heavy and well-directed ar tiller y f ire
ley to the left, had been similarly prepared f r o m t h e A rg o n n e Fo r e s t , f o r c e d t h e
Battery of 155-Millimeter Artillery of the First Army in Action Near Baulny, October 7, 1918
226 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
units of the 35th Division back again to which were too exposed to hold, to its
a position the other side of Montrebeau. former lines near Apremont. There, dur-
On that same day the 28th Division had ing the course of the evening, the division
unusually severe f ighting to the left rear repulsed another strong German attack.
of this point beyond the Aire River. Early After September 29 the efforts of the
in the morning it advanced about 3 / 4 mile First Army to advance ceased for a few
along the river toward Châtel-Chéhéry, days, except for local attacks in the Ar-
the village seen to the left across the val- gonne Forest, as it prepared for a renewal
ley, and on the open fields near the river to of the offensive on a larger scale.
the left of that place beat off a severe Ger- After repulsing a German counterattack
man counterattack. That afternoon it on the 30th, the 35th Division, which in
withdrew from its advanced positions four days had fought its way forward
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 227
Tractor and 155-Millimeter Gun Put Out of Action by a Direct Hit Near Epinonville
228 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
and 28th Divisions on this side of the German second position (see the sketch on
Argonne, to stop the artillery f ire from this page) about 3 miles to the left war of
the forest and to relieve a detachment of this point, and if successful would force
the 77th Division (the “Lost Battalion”) the enemy to withdraw from that position
which had gone ahead of the rest of its and all of the Argonne Forest.
d iv i s i o n o n O c t o b e r 2 a n d h a d b e e n On the night of October 6 the 82d
sur rounded for several days in the Ar- Division took over a portion of the 28th
gonne Forest to the left war of here, it Division line along the river, to the left
was decided to launch an attack from front of here. The next morning both di-
this vicinity straight at the German v i s i o n s a t t a c ke d t owa r d t h e A rg o n n e
positions near Châtel-Chéhéry and Cor- Forest, the boundary line between them
nay. An attack in that direction would passing just north of Châtel-Chéhéry.
threaten the flank and rear of the hostile T h i s d a r i n g a t t a c k wa s r e m a r k a bly
forces which were then holding the strong successful in spite of desperate resistance.
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 229
terrif ic fire, opened rapid f ire with his rifle with that corps. On October 8 consider-
and later with his pistol. He maintained able f ighting took place on the hills seen
this f ire until he, alone, had killed more to the right of Montrefagne, one of the
than 15 of the enemy and had forced the hills, Hill 269, being captured on that day
remainder of them to surrender. by a battalion of 1st Division engineers.
Forming the prisoners in a column Pri- I n t h e f i g h t i n g t h e r e t h e n e x t d ay,
vate York distributed the seven remain- Sergeant Wilbur E. Colyer, Engineers,
ing men of his patrol along it and started 1 s t D iv i s i o n , wo n t h e C o n g r e s s i o n a l
back to the American lines with the Ger- Medal of Honor. Volunteering with two
man battalion commander in front of other soldiers to locate machine-gun nests,
him. More Germans were encountered Sergeant Colyer advanced on the hostile
on the way and were forced to surrender. positions to a point where he was half
Private York brought back to the Amer- surrounded by the nests, which were in
ican lines three wounded members of the ambush. He killed the gunner of one
original patrol and 132 prisoners, includ- machine gun with a German grenade and
ing f ive Ger man off icers. Largely on then turned this machine gun on the other
account of Private York’s exceptional nests, silencing all of them before he
coolness, skill with f irearms, bravery and retur ned to his platoon. He was later
leadership his regiment was able to con- killed in action against the enemy.
tinue its advance on this day. For his On October 9 the 1st Division attacked
exceptional exploits he was awarded the with the V Corps and stormed the long
Congressional Medal of Honor. wooded ridge seen to the left of and be-
Meanwhile, the 1st Division had con- yond Montrefagne. On the next day it
solidated its gains made on October 5 and seized Côte de Maldah, the double-crested
had carried on active patrolling. It was ridge seen to the left of the wooded ridge.
assigned to the V Cor ps on October 7 The taking of these ridges completed the
preparatory to making a general attack capture of this end of Romagne Heights.
1st Division Infantry on Montrefagne, North of Exermont,
October 11, 1918
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 231
During these two days the 181st Bri- EN ROUTE NORTH OF FARM DES GRANGES
gade of the 91st Division was attached to TO NEAR MARTINCOURT FARM
the 1st Division and fought on its right
flank, gaining considerable ground. (35.9 m 57.8 km) While descending
In the desperate f ighting near here the the hill, to the right in the valley, the
1st, 28th, 11th and 82d Divisions and the town of Exermont can be seen.
brigade of the 91st Division suffered The next village, Fléville, after having
a total of almost 18,000 casualties. Con- been taken but not held by units of the
stantly attacking, undaunted by almost 1st Division on October 4, was f inally
insuperable obstacles and the incessant captured by the division on October 9.
demands on their strength, the American (37.1 m 59.7 km) In town turn to the
soldiers on these f ields role to supreme left and cross the Aire River valley.
heights of sacrif ice and heroism. (37.6 m 60.5 km) While ascending the
Illustrative of these characteristics are next hill, Cornay is seen ahead. Troops
the deeds performed by Private Michael of the 82d Division entered that town
B. Ellis, 1st Division, on October 5 on before dark on October 8 and after mop-
the slopes to the nor th of Exer mont. ping up part of it withdrew about mid-
During the entire day’s engagement he night. On October 9, after a hard f ight,
operated in advance of the f irst wave of they drove the Germans from the village
his company, voluntarily under taking about 11:00 a. m. Shor tly after noon
most dangerous missions, attacking and the enemy launched a counterattack with
reducing machine-gun nests singlehanded. artillery preparation and recaptured Cor-
Flanking one emplacement he killed two nay, surrounding in it a small force of
of the enemy with rifle f ire and captured Americans who fought desperately from
1 7 o t h e r s . L a t e r h e a d va n c e d u n d e r house to house before being killed or
heavy f ire and captured 27 prisoners, captured. The town was f inally taken
including two off icers, and six machine and held during October 10.
guns. Soon thereafter he captured four (38.0 m 61.2 km) At the top of the hill,
other machine guns and their crews, at turn sharply to the right.
all times showing marked heroism and (39.1 m 62.9 km) Beyond the next
fearlessness. For his outstanding bravery road junction at the top of the f irst
and great accomplishments he was award- crest, where an extensive panorama is ob-
ed the Congressional Medal of Honor. tained to the right front and right, STOP.
232 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
Panorama From
The nearest village is St. Juvin which left of that place. That position had
is on the other side of the Aire River. been thoroughly studied and surveyed
Fa c e t h a t t ow n , wh i c h d i r e c t i o n i s e a r l i e r i n t h e wa r, a n d l o c a t i o n s f o r
approximately north. artiller y and machine guns had been
Montfaucon is visible to the right rear, carefully selected and indicated on the
just to the left of Montrefagne, the ground. Some shelters and trenches had
wooded peak in that direction. been constructed, others mere traced, and
Note that the Aire River, which the much barbed wire had been laid before
tour has been following in a general way October 1918. The great strength of the
since leaving Boureuilles, changes direc- position lay, however, not so much in the
tion not far from St. Juvin and runs ap- works constructed on it as in the natural
proximately west in front of here, toward features of the ground and the thorough
the left directly across the line of vision c o o r d i n a t i o n o f t h e t i r e p owe r o f a l l
of the observer. (See sketch on page 234.) weapons, planned in accordance with the
The Hindenburg Line in this region was highest art of defensive warfare perfected
j u s t t o t h e o b s e r ve r ’s r i g h t o f C ô t e by the German Army during their previ-
de Châtillon, the conspicuous isolated ous four years of intensive f ighting.
wooded peak with the abrupt side seen St. Juvin was included in the outpost
to the right; passed just this side of position of the Hindenburg Line which had
Champigneulle, the village seen on top also been strongly organized for defense.
of the hill to the left of St. Juvin; and W h e n t h e I C o r p s a r r iv e d i n t h i s
extended along the heights seen to the vicinity on the afternoon of October 10,
its attempt to cross the Aire River dis-
1st Division Artillery, With Machine Gun closed that the bridges had been de-
Mounted for Anti-Aircraft Defense, Moving
stroyed and that the enemy was strongly
Toward the Front
h o l d i n g t h e H i n d e n bu rg L i n e a n d i t s
outpost line on the far side of the valley.
The corps was therefore faced, in front
and to the left of here, with the almost
impossible task of crossing the valley and
storming the formidable positions there.
The front line established by the Army
on October 10 was to the reader’s right
of Côte de Châtillon; just to the right
of Sommerance, the village seen to the right
across the valley; included Martincourt
Farm, seen in the trees to the right front;
and continued to the left on this side of
the Aire River for approximately 4 miles.
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 233
On October 11 the 1st Division, the right of St. Juvin and holding most of
left division of the V Cor ps, sent patrols its gains in spite of a counterattack.
i n t o S o m m e r a n c e . T h e 8 2 d D iv i s i o n , Some of its units fought in the right part
whose zone of action ran from that town o f t h e t ow n . T h e 7 7 t h D iv i s i o n c a p -
to just beyond the nose of the hill seen to tured St. Juvin and many prisoners in
the left, launched determined attacks that the town but all its efforts to cross the
same day. The right of its line, which river in force to the left front were un-
was beyond the river, was advanced to successful until after dark. Then it
the open ground seen just over the roof reached and held as a salient in its line
of Mar tincour t Far m. The left of the the last building, named La Lairesse on
division started from this vicinity in an wartime maps, seen in the valley to the
attempt to capture St. Juvin. The as- left of St. Juvin. That night the front
sault units crossed the river in a fog on line of the division was on the other side
bridges which the engineers had repaired. of St. Juvin and close to it.
Unfortunately the fog lifted while they The next day the assault planned for
were still close to the far bank and they early in the morning was delayed by a
were caught on open ground by severe strong German attack with heavy artil-
machine-gun f ire. After suffering heavy lery preparation, made about 6:45 a. m.,
casualties, they were forced to return to in the vicinity of St. Juvin. This was
their lines on this side of the river. beaten off, the American troops, particu-
T h e r e we r e n o A m e r i c a n a t t a c k s i n larly a machine gun company of the 82d
this vicinity on October 12 and 13 as the Division which had seized a part of the
units reorganized and consolidated their
Tank and Supply Wagon Blown Up by a
positions. During that period of time the
German Road Mine North of Fléville,
42d Division relieved the 1st. On the October 12, 1918
afternoon of October 13 a strong German
counterattack against that par t of the
32d Division line to the right front across
the river was driven back.
On October 14, in conjunction with the
French Fourth Army on its left, the First
Army launched a vigorous assault. On
this part of the front the I Corps attacked
with the 82d and 77th Divisions in line,
the boundary between the divisions pass-
ing just to the right of St. Juvin.
The 82d Division, on the right, in a
dashing attack advanced about 3 / 4 mile,
r e a c h i n g t h e H i n d e n b u rg L i n e t o t h e
234 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
hill north of St. Juvin just before the seen to the right. During that day the
attack, inflicting severe losses on the 7 8 t h a n d 8 2 d D iv i s i o n s i n v i g o r o u s
enemy. Later in the day the left of the attacks reached the near side of Cham-
82d Division advanced about 500 yards pigneulle, the village seen to the left of
to a position on the hill nor th of St. St. Juvin, but due to heavy hostile shell-
J u v i n i n c o n t a c t w i t h t h i s c o m p a ny. f ire could not hold their gains.
The 77th Division attacked Grandpré, The attacks of the 78th and 82d Divi-
a village to the left e miles away which sions in front of here were continued
will be passed through later in the tour, from October 17 to 19. This f ighting
but its attempts to gain a foothold in the was of a desperate character, the attack-
town were unsuccessful until next day. ing forces suffering many casualties from
The 77th Division was relieved by the the incessant f ire of the German batteries
78th Division on October 16, after having in the Bois de Bourgogne, the large wooded
been in the line sine September 21 and area on the sky line to the left front.
having advanced about 11 miles through One of the attacks on October 17 gained
the dense terrain of the Argonne. a foothold in the Bois des Loges, the
On October 16 after having tried to wood extending over the nearest high hill
capture the hill on the two previous days s e e n t o t h e l e f t f r o n t , wh i c h w a s a
the 42d Division in a brilliant assault strong position in the Hindenburg Line
stormed and captured Côte de Châtillon, fairly bristling with machine guns, and
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 235
another assault on October 19 reached October 11 to the end of the month were
Bellejoyeuse Farm, seen to the left front in excess of 13,000 off icers and men.
just below the near edge of the Bois de The Ar my prepared for its attack of
Bourgogne. By October 20, however, it November 1 with great care and made
had been proved that the Ger man de- full use of the lessons learned in its pre-
fenses across the river were too strong vious f ighting in this region. The various
to be taken without further preparations combat organizations which composed it
so, on that day, the 78th Division was were by that time well-coordinated f ight-
ordered back from its advanced positions i n g u n i t s , f u l ly t e s t e d i n b a t t l e , a n d
and established its line to the left front formed together a superb lighting force.
along the road across the valley marked in All three cor ps of the First Ar my on
places by the row of trees. The line of this side of the Meuse River were involved
the 82d Division remained beyond St. in the attack. The V Corps, in the cen-
Juvin, and on October 21 that part of it ter, which was already beyond the Hin-
to the right of St. Juvin was advanced denburg Line, was expected to make the
about 500 yards with little opposition. greatest advance. Its immediate objec-
Although the battle died down in front tive was Bar ricour t Heights, the high
of here on October 22, the 78th Division ground seen on the sky line just over and
attacked continuously in the vicinity of to the right of Mar tincourt Far m. The
Grandpré until the 27th, advancing its III Corps on the right was to pivot toward
lines in bitter f ighting more than 1 mile. the Meuse River. The I Cor ps on this
Because the American efforts to advanced flank was to protect the left of the V
there were so persistent and the place on Cor ps and to move forward as rapidly as
the front was such an important one, the possible. Its objective for the f irst day
Germans opposed the attacks with their was the high ground 4 miles away, seen
best troops. Consequently, the success just over the center of St. Juvin.
of the last major offensive of the First The attack was launched at 5:30 in the
Army on November 1 was greatly aided morning and was an outstanding success
as the German attention in this region from the start. The V Corps, with the 2d
had been drawn to the front near Grand- Division in line on this side of Côte de
pré, rather than that near Côte de Châtillon and the 89th on the other side
Châtillon at which point the vital thrust of it, drove forward rapidly and by early
of the Army was actually made. after noon had captured the Bar ricour t
The casualties of the 77th, 78th, 82d Heights, thus making certain an exten-
and 42d Divisions in this region from sive German retirement in this region.
Champigneulle After Its Capture by the 77th Division, November 2, 1918
Note destruction caused by American artillery f ire
236 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
The I Corps, in front of here, jumped The Bois de Bourgogne and the adjoin-
off with the 80th, 77th and 78th Divi- ing woods form a large forest area similar
sions in line from right to left, the 80th in character to the Argonne. On Novem-
and 77th having relieved the 82d to take b e r 1 s t r o n g a t t a c k s we r e n o t m a d e
par t in the attack. The 80th Division against that area but its eastern edge was
was on that part of the front located in heavily shelled with persistent gas. Its
the area seen over Mar tincour t Far m, evacuation was forced by the advance in
the 77th Division was beyond St. Juvin, front of here and the advance of the
and the front of the 78th ran from the French Fourth Army on the other side of
building, La Lairesse, previously pointed i t . Fr o m t h e t i m e wh e n , o n N ove m -
out in the valley to the left front, on to b e r 3 , t h e 7 8 t h D iv i s i o n m a d e c o n -
the left for approximately 4 miles. tact with a French division at Boult-
On November 1 the I Cor ps met stub- aux-Bois, about 9 miles to the left front
born resistance. The 80th Division was from here, the Bois de Bourgogne was
held in the left of its zone of action but its def initely in Allied hands.
right drove forward rapidly in conjunction The Army continued to push forward
with the 2d Division and captured part of v i g o r o u s ly u n t i l N ov e m b e r 7 w h e n
the wooded hill, Hill 289, seen on the sky American troops were an the hills domi-
line halfway between St. Juvin and Mar- nating Sedan, 24 miles directly to the
tincour t Farm. That hill can be easily front of here. It then changed the di-
identif ied (1937) by the high isolated tree rection of its attacks and on November
on its summit. The 77th Division gained 1 1 , t h e d ay o f t h e A r m i s t i c e , i t wa s
some ground on the ridge to the right of d r iv i n g f o r wa r d t o t h e r e a d e r ’s r i g h t
Champigneulle while the 78th captured beyond the Meuse River.
Bellejoyeuse Farm and a small section of The tour now goes west to Grandpré
the nearest part of the Bois des Loges. and at that place reverses its direction
Due to the deep penetration by the V and turns to the east along the far bank of
Cor ps, the Ger mans withdrew most of the Aire River, traversing as far as the
their troops on this part of the front dur- Meuse River ground captured during the
ing the night of November 1-2, leaving month of October. The tourist must be
behind machine gun units to delay the capful from now on to note the dates of
American advance. On November 2 that the various events as at this stop the op-
resistance was overcome and all divisions erations on this part of the Army front have
of the I Corps moved rapidly northward. been described up to the end of the war.
Terrain Near Marcq; Note the Barbed Wire
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 237
On October 26 during the operations (43.2 m 69.5 km) In the center of the
at Grandpré, Sergeant William Sawelson, village of Grandpré, turn to the right.
78th Division, performed the heroic act (43.3 m 69.7 km) While proceeding
for which he was given the Congressional to exit of town, to the left on the high
M e d a l o f H o n o r. H e a r i n g a wo u n d e d bluff may be seen glimpses of the massive
man in a shell hole some distance away walls of the citadel. Its extreme strength
calling for water, Sergeant Sawelson, and that of the German positions near by
upon his own initiative, left shelter and are more evident from this point.
c r aw l e d t h r o u g h h e av y m a c h i n e - g u n (44.0 m 70.8 km) To the left front is
f ire to where the man lay, giving him seen the Farm des Loges, captured by the
what water he had in his canteen. He 78th Division on October 19 after severe
then went back to his own shell hole, hand-grenade f ighting. It was given up
obtained more water, and was returning t h e n ex t d ay a s t h e p o s i t i o n wa s t o o
to his wounded comrade when he was isolated to hold without excessive losses.
killed by a bullet from a machine gun. Rising above the farm is the Bois des
Grandpré is on one of the two main Loges which was an ideal defensive posi-
passes traversing the plateau upon which tion for the Germans. The smooth
are located the Argonne Forest and the regular slopes on the lower part of the
B o i s d e B o u rg og n e . T h r o u g h o u t t h e hill afforded an excellent f ield of f ire and
ages these passes have been natural routes the wood at the top served to give f ine
of travel. Grandpré itself is reported to protection and concealment for the Ger-
have been founded by followers of Clovis man movements. The hill was attacked
about 500 A. D. The village has been by the American forces on a number of
subjected to much severe f ighting during occasions but was never captured until
its long and eventful history. after the German troops had started their
(42.9 m 69.0 km) After crossing the withdrawal from this part of the front
railroad near Grandpré turn to the right. d u r i n g t h e n i g h t o f N ov e m b e r 1 – 2 .
80th Division Marching Through St. Juvin After Relief From the Front Line
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 241
( 4 5 . 5 m 7 3 . 2 k m ) B eyo n d c re s t o f
next hill, to the right front across the
valley is seen Marcq and to its left Mar-
tincourt Farm. These were just within
the American lines on October 10. The
diff iculty of advancing across the valley
and up these steep slopes in the face of
rifle, machine-gun and artillery f ire is
better appreciated from here.
(46.4 m 74.7 km) While approaching
the next village, St. Juvin, extending to
the left from it is seen the hill, in the out-
post position of the Hindenburg Line,
which was captured by the 82d Division
on October 15 after a hard f ight.
American Observer Jumping From
(47.1 m 75.8 km) Continue through Captive Balloon
St. Juvin, captured on October 14 by the
77th Division after a severe struggle. The high ground immediately in rear
(47.4 m 76.3 km) Beyond town, the of here, which is part of the west end of
railroad seen to the right crossing the Romagne Heights, was captured by the
valley was not there during the war. 1st Division in a series of well executed
At road junction mentioned in the next attacks. The f ire of all available artillery
paragraph is located a monument erected of the division was concentrated upon
by the 1st Division listing those of the divi- each hill individually, while the infantry
sion who were killed in the f ighting in its pushed close up, prepared to assault. At
zone of action which was near here. a f ixed time the artillery shifted to a new
(48.0 m 77.2 km) At the next road target and the infantry charged the hill,
junction, turn to the left. occupying it before the remaining Ger-
This road and the next village, Som- mans had time to leave their shelters and
merance, were captured by the 82d Divi- offer suff icient resistance to stop the
sion an October 11. The division front progress of the American troops.
line from that date to October 13 was Côte de Maldah, the ground slop-
along the top of the ridge seen to the left. ing up to the left rear from here, was
(49.4 m 79.5 km) At main road junc- taken on October 10, about the same
tion in town, bear right toward Romagne. time that the division advanced through
After the battle had progressed beyond
S o m m e r a n c e , t h e p a r t i a l ly d e s t r oye d Machine Gun Unit in Position at St. Juvin
November 1, 1918
church in the village was used by the
Americans as a f irst-aid station.
(50.4 m 81.1 km) Beyond town, at the
crest where a clear view is obtained of
the ground to both sides, STOP.
Face to the left, which direction is
approximately north.
Landres-et-St. Georges, invisible from
here, is in a valley 1 1 / 2 miles to the front.
The 1st Division, the left division of the
V Corps, fought its way forward to this
point on October 10, the same day that
the 82d Division of the I Corps reached the
vicinity of Martincourt Farm, the place
near which we have recently stopped.
242 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
the nearest part of the Bois de Romagne, and the low bare ridge sloping off to the
the large wood seen to the right front. left from the woods on Côte de Châtillon.
The 1st Division was relieved by the The task of the division was to penetrate
42d Division on October 12. In its 12 that line; and this, after repeated at-
days of battle near here it had driven tempts, it successfully accomplished.
forward more than 4 miles through the In the general attack of the First Army
diff icult ter rain of Romagne Heights. on October 14, the 42d Division jumped
Its casualties, to some extent a meas- elf all along its front. On the right, after
ure of tis exceptional accomplishment, overcoming stubborn resistance, it reached
reached the heavy total of over 8,200 the crest of Hill 288. Deter mined as-
men, the greatest casualties of any division saults made against Côte de Châtillon
in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. from the far edge of the Bois de Romagne
When the 42d Division took over the we r e s t o p p e d a t t h e t h i c k b a n d s o f
1st Division sector it faced the Hinden- barbed wire located on the open slopes
burg Line which on this front included below the wood seen on that hill. In
Hill 288, the left one of the three hills seen front and to the left front from here, the
to the right; Côte de Châtillon, the prom- division advanced in spite of heavy ar-
inent oval-shaped hill to the right front; tillery f ire and dug in that night at the
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 243
point of his pistol and brought them into dugout, he effected the capture of four
the American lines. The defeat of this German off icers, 64 men and four heavy
counterattack was due to a large extent machine guns. With remarkable gallan-
to the individual efforts of Private Nei- try this soldier had thus put out of action
baur, whose exploits greatly improved the an enemy force that would have critically
morale of his battalion as they took place threatened a success already gained.
against the sky line in full view of it. After October 16 the positions captured
A m o n g t h e m e n wh o we r e awa r d e d were consolidated and no further efforts
Distinguished Service Crosses for their to advance were made by the 42d Divi-
b r ave r y a t C ô t e d e C h â t i l l o n o n t h i s sion. Its front line then extended from
day was Cor poral Joseph E. Pruett of the the far side of Côte de Châtillon to a
42d Division. After a daring dash with point about the same distance away from
his platoon across open ground swept by this point to the left front.
m a c h i n e - g u n f i r e , h e s aw a n e n e my Early on the morning of November 1
machine gun crew preparing to open f ire the 2d Division passed through the 42d
upon the flank and rear of his position. Division, and taking par t in the Army
Singlehanded he attacked, using enemy offensive of that date attacked straight
grenades, drove the crew into a dugout a h e a d . S u p p o r t e d by h e av y a r t i l l e r y
a n d by b o m b i n g t h e e n t r a n c e t o t h e f ire, it quickly overcame the Ger man
resistance in front of here, captured
A Trench of the Hindenburg Line in the Landres-et-St. George and by nightfall
Bois de Bantheville, November 3, 1918
had advanced approximately 6 miles.
The road followed from here to Ro-
magne runs generally east and west and
was entirely within the front lines of the
American Army before October 15.
EN ROUTE EAST OF SOMMERANCE TO THE
MEUSE-ARGONNE AMERICAN CEMETERY
(52.2 m 84.0 km) After entering large
wood, at second abrupt right bend in road,
the tour is passing over the northern slope
of Hill 288, whose crest lies to the right.
On October 14 the summit of the hill was
reached by the 42d Division which, on
the next day, advanced about 1 / 2 mile to
the left of this road in the general direc-
tion of Côte de Châtillon.
(52.6 m 84.7 km) Beyond next sharp
right bend in road, the zone of action of
the 32d Division is entered.
(53.2 m 85.6 km) After entering f irst
clearing, to the right is seen the rear side
of Côte Dame Marie, a highly-organized
and important strong point of the
Hindenburg Line. It was encircled and
captured by the 32d Division in severe
f ighting on October 14. During that
day the division fought its way forward
to a line about :I mile to the left of the
road we are now traveling. Its signal
victory here is described at the next stop.
Top: Romagne, October 1918
Right: Romagne Church Set on Fire by an
Artillery Bombardment, October 29, 1918
(54.3 m 87.4 km) While descending the
next steep hill, to the right front may be ob-
tained glimpses of the chapel and flagpoles
located in the Meuse-Argonne American
Cemetery, which is the next stop.
Beyond village cemetery at entrance to
next town is a large German military cem-
etery. To visit, bear left at road fork at
village cemetery. Rejoin tour at church in
Romagne, which can be seen from cemetery
entrance. Time of side trip—10 minutes.
The next town, Romagne, was captured
by t h e 3 2 d D iv i s i o n b e f o r e n o o n o n
O c t o b e r 1 4 . A l a rg e G e r m a n s u p p ly
depot located there fell into the hands of
t h e a d va n c i n g A m e r i c a n s . T h e t ow n
wa s t h e 9 0 t h D iv i s i o n H e a d q u a r t e r s ,
October 31–November 3, end III Corps
Headquarters from November 3 to 10.
(54.6 m 87.9 km) At the church in Ro-
magne-sous-Montfaucon, turn to the left.
(54.7 m 88.0 km) Beyond the bridge is
the center of the town, turn to the left.
American Cemetery at Romagne,
May 1919
The Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery Near Romagne-sous-Montfaucon
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 247
Marie, the highest hill seen to the left rear were so successful that the Army ordered
over the buildings of the town of Romagne. the V Corps on this immediate front to
The jump-off line of the American First join in and to attack on October 9. This
Army on September 26, 1918, was about it did and after some of the most heart-
10 miles from here, beyond Montfaucon, rending f ighting of the war, it gained a
seen in the distance to the right rear. foothold in the Hindenburg Line.
By the end of the third day the Germans The 32d Division on October 9 pushed
had been driven back in this direction to forward part way up the slopes of Côte
the outlying defenses of the Hindenburg Dame Marie and to the ridge in rear
Line, which were located about midway of the chapel, where it established
between here and Montfaucon. i t s e l f i n a t r e n c h o f t h e H i n d e n b u rg
On October 4 a second general attack Line, called on. French wartime maps the
wa s l a u n c h e d by t h e Fi r s t A r my a n d Tranchée de la Mamelle. Romagne was
vigorously pushed, during the course of reached in that attack but a strong Ger-
which many important gains were made. man counterattack drove the advancing
On October 7 the flank attack against forces back. Isolated groups of the 3d
the Argonne Forest near Châtel-Chéhéry Division, whose zone of action included
was started and the next day the drive the g round upon which this cemeter y
e a s t o f t h e M e u s e wa s b eg u n . T h e s e stands, entered the valley which runs
250 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
through the cemetery and also entered attacked at 7:15 a. m. but was stopped
Romagne. The hostile f ire was so severe, by hostile machine-gun f ire from that
however, that these g roups did not at- part of this ridge to the right rear of the
tempt to hold on but took up a position chapel. Shortly after 1:00 p. m. it ad-
in the Tranchée de la Mamelle alongside vanced as far as the valley in the ceme-
the 32d Division. The remainder of the tery and established a position about 100
3d Division, to the right rear from here, yards to the right rear of the site of the
made a substantial advance also, and c h a p e l b u t w i t h d r ew a f t e r d a r k . T h e
after dark the 80th Division an the right right of the division repulsed a German
of the 3d entered Cunel, the village seen counterattack at dawn, jumped off at
to the right when looking along the front 7:00 a. m. and made a substantial gain,
of the chapel. Elements of the division attacked about noon with the 80th Divi-
were f ighting in the town at midnight but sion and captured Cunel but did not hold
it was not captured on that night. the town that night. The 80th Division
The First Army ordered a general at- during the day advanced its lines about
tack on the 10th and the f ighting contin- 7 0 0 y a r d s . T h e 4 t h D iv i s i o n , i n l i n e
ued f iercely on that day all along this beyond the 80th, captured this end of the
front. The 32d Division penetrated the Bois de Forêt, the wood seen above the
trenches of the Hindenburg Line near the right side of Cunel. That wood, a highly-
top of Côte Dame Marie. A counter- organized and strong part of the Hinden-
attack caused some withdrawal but at the burg Line, extends to the valley of the
end of the day the division had made a Meuse River about 4 miles away.
total gain there of about 1 / 2 mile. Ro- On October 12 and 13 the divisions
magne was attacked but not captured. consolidated their gains. On the 12th
The left of the 3d Division advanced at Cunel was entered though not held by a
7:00 a. m. but was held up by fire from the battalion of the 5th Division, that divi-
front and flanks. During the day ele- sion having relieved the 80th. On the
ments of the division established them- 13th the 3d Division extended to the
selves in German trenches, located to the right, relieving parts of the 5th and 4th
right rear not far from this chapel, but Divisions. During the day it was sub-
t h ey we r e w i t h d r aw n a f t e r d a r k . T h e jected to heavy hostile artillery concen-
right of the division made two attacks trations on its front lines, particularly in
which resulted in no permanent gains but the Bois de Forêt where a determined
in a third, begun at 9:45 p. m. and con- enemy attack was repulsed.
tinued through mast of the night, it ad- On the morning of October 14 the Army
vanced about 600 yards. During the day launched a general attack, the 5th and
the 80th Division pushed its line forward 42d Divisions having entered the line to
about 1 / 2 mile nearer to Cunel. t a k e p a r t . T h e 3 d D iv i s i o n a t t a c k e d
The general attack was pressed with from just beyond Cunel; the 5th from in
great vigor on the 11th, all divisions in front of Cunel and along the ridge in rear
line here taking part. The 32d Division of the chapel: the 32d from the front to
made only minor gains which were not the observer’s left of Romagne and Côte
held. The left unit of the 3d Division Dame Marie; the 42d from the line facing
Results of Traff ic on the Avocourt-Malancourt Road Built Over No Man’s Land
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 251
Côte de Châtillon (the operations there which was devoid of trees at that time,
were described at the last stop) and the their positions were so exposed and the
82d and 77th from the front line beyond sweeping cross-f ire was so intense that
the 42d Division (the operations of the the men could not dig in but secured what
77th and 82d Division were described at shelter they could in the shell holes and
the stop near Martincourt Farm). captured trenches until after dark.
In this attack the German defenses The 32d Division, in spite of severe
crumbled before the onslaughts of the counterattacks, by a brilliant enveloping
terrif ic American assaults. The 5th maneuver, captured Côte Dame Marie
Division captured Cunel and with the 3d and advanced its front lines a total dis-
Division stormed the strongly fortif ied tance of approximately 1 1 / 2 miles. It also
Bois de la Pultière, seen on the hill captured the village of Romagne and
just to the left of Cunel, and by that h e l d i t t h r o u g h a h e av y G e r m a n g a s
night had practically cleared it of the bombardment during that night,
e n e my. T h e 5 t h D iv i s i o n j u s t b e f o r e The day was a momentous one for the
jumping off suffered heavy casualties on First Army, for by its close the Hinden-
the ridge behind the chapel from a two- burg Line was in American hands on all
hour concentrated enemy artillery bom- this part of the battle front.
bardment and again from an intense con- In this immediate vicinity the American
centration of hostile fire just after leaving troops organized themselves that night on
its trenches. The troops doggedly ad- a l i n e wh i c h i n c l u d e d t h e v i l l a g e o f
vanced, however, capturing this hill about Romagne and ran from there along the
10:00 a. m. and, in spite of savage cross- valley to a point near the pool at the
f ire from machine guns located at the edge c e n t e r o f t h e c e m e t e r y. I t t h e n we n t
of the Bois de la Pultière near Romagne, diagonally to the right up the ridge across
stormed the ridge across the valley about the valley and followed the top of that
10:40 a. m. Upon arriving at that ridge, ridge to the Bois de la Pultière near Cunel.
252 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
The Bois des Rappes, on the horizon to it was evident to the Germans is clear
the right front, was the scene of terrif ic from the following sentence of an order
f ighting for eight days before it was f i- wh i c h t h e o p p o s i n g G e r m a n g e n e r a l
nally captured and cleared of the enemy issued to his men on October 1: “The
on October 21 by the 5th Division. The fate of a large por tion of the Western
90th Division relieved the 5th on October Front, perhaps of our nation, depends on
22 at the edge of the Bois des Rappes and the f irm holding of the Verdun Front.”
on the ridge across the valley. The next T h e A m e r i c a n A r my a t t a c k e d i n -
day it captured Bantheville, seen in the cessantly and such lack of experience as
valley to the kit of and beyond the recep- existed in its divisions in the beginning
t i o n h o u s e . T h e 3 2 d D iv i s i o n m a d e was more than counterbalanced by the
almost daily gains until October 20 on individual bravery and unbounded energy
which date it was relieved by the 89th of its soldiers. Their constant pressure
Division. By that time it had driven a deep gradually forced the enemy back so that
salient into the Ger man lines by by the end of October the First Ar my
capturing most of the Bois de Bantheville, faced the last German line on this part
the very large wood which covers the tops of its front. The bitterness of this f ight-
of the hills to the left front, and which ing is attested by the 27,000 casualties
ends near Le Grand Car ré Far m, seen suffered by the American 3d, 4th, 5th,
just below the horizon to the left of front. 32d, 80th, 89th and 90th Divisions in the
History records no mere sustained and general vicinity of this cemetery.
severe f ighting than that on this front On November 1 the First Army again
during October. The highly-organized drove forward, in what proved to be its
positions of the Germans were defended last great attack, from a jump-off line
with desperate tenacity by experienced which ran just this side of Le Grand
troops. The g round was ideal for de- Carré Farm. The zone of action of the
fense, and that the necessity of holding 90th Division included that far m near
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 253
its left boundary. In line on its left was Go to the reception building on the
the 89th Division and then the 2d Divi- opposite side of the valley. From its
sion. The immediate objective of the terrace a beautiful view of the cemetery
attack was Barricourt Heights, seen on and its f ields of crosses is obtained.
the horizon to the right of the wood just
beyond Le Grand Car ré Farm, and the EN ROUTE MEUSE-ARGONNE AMERICAN
more distant objective was the lateral CEMETERY TO SOUTH OF
railroad running near Sedan. MADELEINE FARM
The attack was a signal success and
Barricourt Heights was captured by the (56.5 m 90.9 km) Leave the cemetery
2d and 89th Divisions on the f irst day. by the gate opposite to the one entered.
Hill 343, the wooded hill seen to the right The next village, Cunel, was the scene
of front was captured by the 90th Divi- of many desperate conflicts between Octo-
sion on November 2. By November 4 ber 9 and 14, in which the 80th, 3d and
the German Army was in full retreat on 5 t h D iv i s i o n s p a r t i c i p a t e d . T h e t ow n
this front, and by the morning of Novem- was captured several times but not held
ber 7 the troops of the First Army were because it was dominated by the German
on the heights of the river across from positions in the Bois de la Pultière above
Sedan, 25 miles from here. it. The town and the wood, which was
By November 11, the day of the Armis- defended with the greatest tenacity, were
tice, the Meuse River had been crossed f inally captured on October 14; the town
in several places and the American Army by the 5th Division and the wood by
was pushing rapidly on beyond it. troops of the 3d and 5th Divisions.
Thus the war ended with a glorious (57.5 m 92.5 km) At church in Cunel,
victory for the American Army. Those bear right. This town was the 5th Divi-
who sleep on this hillside and their com- sion Headquarters, November 4–7.
rades in death who now rest in the ceme- (57.6 m 92.7 km) At next road fork,
teries of America had not fought in vain. bear right and STOP without leaving car.
“Cornwilly” for Breakfast in a Quarry Near Cunel, October 29, 1918
254 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
The wood seen to the left rear is the determined counterattacks, one of which
Bois de Forêt. That part of it closest to was launched from the Bois de la Pultière,
here was captured by the 4th Division on the wooded area seen to the rear.
the morning of October 11 after terrif ic The ground in this immediate vicinity
f ighting. It was held in spite of several wa s c a p t u r e d by t h e 5 t h D iv i s i o n o n
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 255
(255)
Madeleine Farm, Captured by the 3d Division on October 9, 1918
Note character of wooded areas in 1918
From the next crest on to near Nan- units of the 4th and 79th Divisions, sup-
tillois, this road was the boundary be- p o r t e d by t a n k s , we r e r e p u l s e d o n
tween the zones of action of the 3d and S e p t e m b e r 2 8 . Fr o m t h e n o n t h e 3 d,
80th Divisions, the 3d Division zone of 4th, 79th and 80th Divisions all engaged
action being that to the reader’s right. in bitter f ighting in its vicinity.
Continue. The large wood seen to the left is the
(58.0 m 93.3 km) Beyond next crest, by Bois des Ogons. Troops of the 4th and
looking down the valley to the right a 79th Divisions advanced through it on
f i n e v i ew i s o b t a i n e d o f p a r t o f t h e September 28, but were forced back by
heavily-wooded Romagne Heights. counterattacks. The following day ele-
(58.2 m 93.7 km) At next crest, to the ments of both divisions penetrated into
right front on the ridge ahead, is seen the it, but were again forced to fall back.
Bois de Cunel. Along its near edge was I t wa s a t t a c ke d o n O c t o b e r 4 by t h e
located the front line of the 3d Division 8 0 t h D iv i s i o n , w h i c h m a d e f r o n t a l
on October 9 and 10. The Hindenburg and flank assaults against it without success
Line crossed the road close to this side of until dark when the far edge of it was
that wood. (See map page 254.) reached. Attempts to capture the wood
(58.9 m 94.8 km) At the far side of the by inf iltration that night were unsuccess-
wood, when a clear view of the valley to ful. On October 5, in spite of desperate
the right is obtained, STOP. efforts during the daytime, no progress
Face down the road, which direction is could be made. About 6:00 p. m., how-
approximately south. eve r, t h e d iv i s i o n r e a c h e d t h i s e d g e ,
The buildings just passed are those of wh i c h i t o u t p o s t e d, a n d o rg a n i z e d a
Madeleine Farm, famous in the history of position across the center of the wood.
t h e A m e r i c a n E x p e d i t i o n a r y Fo r c e s . The wood seen to the right front is on
The old building, formerly used by the a ridge called during the war Hill 250,
Germans as a hospital, was marked with which was an exceptionally strong fea-
a large red cross on the roof. It had been t u r e o f t h e G e r m a n d e f e n s e s . I t wa s
carefully prepared for defense, however, reached by the 79th Division on Sep-
and was the scene of desperate f ighting tember 28 and on the following day was
from September 28 to October 9 when the captured but not held because it formed
battered ruins of the farm were f inally a sharp salient in the line. It was f inally
captured by troops of the 3d Division. captured on the night of October 5–6 by
The f irst attacks against it, made by units of the 3d Division, after a hard f ight.
(256)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 257
Hill 253, the high bare hill seen to the vate Barkley got into the tank, waited
right, was a powerful Ger man strong under the hostile bar rage until the enemy
point that dominated a large part of the line was abreast of him, and then opened
zone of advance of the 3d Division. It f ire, completely breaking up the attack
was attacked on October 4 without suc- and killing and wounding a large number
cess and again on October 5 when a foot- o f t h e e n e my. Five m i n u t e s l a t e r a n
hold was gained on its southern slopes. enemy artillery piece opened point-blank
It was taken on October 9 by the 3d f ire on the tank from the opposite wood.
Division after a bitter struggle. Although one shell made a direct hit,
This point and the valley on each side Private Barkley stuck to his improvised
of it were in no man’s land from October “pillbox” and broke up a second counter-
5 t o 8 . T h e A m e r i c a n f r o n t l i n e wa s attack several minutes later.
along the edge of the wood to the right The f ighting in this valley ended on
front and the German line was facing it October 9 when the 3d and 80th Divisions,
from the wood across the valley. attacking from the woods ahead, cap-
As an illustration of the continuous tured this clearing and Madeleine Farm,
f ighting in this vicinity it might be noted the Bcis de Cunel, seen to the rear, and
t h a t b e t we e n m i d n i g h t a n d d aw n o n advanced their front line to the far side of
October 7, the 3d Division made three the ridge directly in rear of here.
determined efforts to cross this valley. Madeleine Farm was the 3d Division
Each attempt failed because of the alert- Headquarters from October 14 to 26.
ness of the Germans, who illuminated the
area with flares and raked it with severe EN ROUTE SOUTH OF MADELEINE FARM
machine-gun, rifle and artillery f ire. TO NORTHWEST OF CONSENVOYE
The American positions in the Bois des
Ogons and on Hill 250 were subjected to (59.4 m 95.6 km) At the next bend in
many terrif ic artillery bombardments and the road the American monument on
counterattacks during this period. Montfaucon is seen directly ahead.
It was during counterattacks on Octo- In the small wood at this point the
ber 7 against Hill 250 that Private First bodies of seven American soldiers were
Class John L. Barkley, 3d Division, won discovered as late as 1927 buried in the
the Congressional Medal of Honor. He s a m e u n m a r k e d s h a l l ow g r ave . T h ey
was stationed in an observation post near were ail without shoes, probably indicat-
the edge of the wood seen to the right ing that these articles were in demand by
front. On his own initiative he repaired a the Germans who buried them.
captured enemy machine gun and mount- (59.5 m 95.8 km) The wood to the right
ed it in a disabled tank which was near his front is on Hill 268. On October 4 the
post. Shortly afterward, when the enemy American front line was about 100 yards
launched a counterattack from the t h i s s i d e o f t h a t wo o d a n d r a n c l o s e t o
edge of the wood across the valley, Pri- the edge of the wood seen to the left rear.
“Fox Holes” South of Bois de Ogons
Looking East During the War Toward the Ruins of Nantillois
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 259
Hill 274, seen to the left front, was line, which had advanced over 2 miles, was
captured on September 28 by the 4th driven back about 3 / 4 mile by the same
and 79th Divisions but due to the total counterattack. On that day Nantillois,
l a c k o f c ove r a n d t h e i n t e n s e e n e my in the deep valley ahead, was taken by the
artillery f ire, the troops of the 79th Divi- 79th Division, it having been entered but
sion on that part of it nearest this road not held by the 4th Division the day be-
withdrew about 1 / 2 mile the next day. fore. Being an impor tant road center,
(59.9 m 96.4 km) Upon reaching the that town, after its capture, was subjected
next crest proceed about 100 yards and to heavy shelling by German artillery.
STOP without leaving automobile. In Nantillois are (1937) a building
In this general vicinity the Ger man erected by a 315th Infantry association in
reserves of men and artillery, which were memor y of the dead of that regiment,
rushed to this front after the attack of which was a part of the 79th Division, and
September 26, entered the battle and a memorial fountain constructed by the
desperately strove to stop the American State of Pennsylvania as a tribute to the
advance by counterattacks and heavy achievements of the 80th Division, which
concentrations of artillery f ire. had a number of men in it from that state.
The crest of the ridge seen to the left The building is seen on the right, set back
front on the sky line was reached by the from the road, soon after entering town.
4th Division early on the afternoon of The fountain is passed at the main road
September 26. The near end of the divi- junction in the center of the village.
sion line was just this side of Hill 295, Continue.
the highest par t of the ridge as seen (60.7 m 97.7 km) At the center of
from here. Three enemy counterattacks Nantillois, turn sharply to the left.
against that part of its line were repulsed (61.2 m 98.5 km) Beyond town, the
during the course of the afternoon. little valley which the road follows was the
T h e 7 9 t h D iv i s i o n a t t h a t t i m e wa s scene of desperate f ighting on September
held up on the other side of Montfaucon 27 and 28 before it and the ridge to the
but part of the 37th Division and the 91st left were f inally taken by the 4th Division.
Division had progressed almost as far as (63.1 m 101.5 km) Beyond the f irst
Epinonville, seen in the distance just to farm buildings located to the LEFT of the
the right of the Bois de Beuge, the large road, at second pronounced crest, STOP
wooded area to the right front. without leaving the automobile.
On September 27 the 4th Division at- A 4th Division monument is located
tacked but encountered such severe re- alongside the road near this stopping
sistance that it could not advance its lines point. (Consult the map on page 254.)
t o a ny ex t e n t . O n t h a t s a m e d ay t h e The hills seen ahead in the distance are
79th Division, after occupying Montfau- on the other side of the Meuse River.
con about noon, attacked the Bois de Fire from German artillery positions lo-
Beuge, which was reached by a few men cated on those hills enf iladed the lines of
but not held. The division that night the American units on this side of the
dug in along the lowest well-def ined line river and caused many casualties. The
of vegetation seen on Montf aucon. hills were not taken until November 5,
The village of Epinonville was repeatedly six days before the Armistice.
attacked by troops of the 91st Division The large wood seen fringing the top of
during the day b ut was not captured. the ridge to the left and left front across
On September 28 the Bois de Beuge was the valley is the Bois de Forêt and that
taken in a vigorous assault by the 79th on the hillside seen to the left rear is the
and 37th Divisions, the latter taking the B o i s d e Fay s . T h e H i n d e n b u rg L i n e
far side of it. The 37th Division after included all of the Bois de Forêt and most
passing the Bois de Beuge was stopped by o f t h e B o i s d e Fay s . T h e f i r s t p e n e -
a German counterattack. The left of its tration of the Hindenburg Line made by
260 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
the First Army was on October 4 when the heroic ser vices for which he was
in a dashing assault troops of the 4th awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Division captured the Bois de Fays. He accompanied his battalion into action
The Bois de Forêt was the scene of on September 28 in the Bois de la Côte
many desperate conflicts, in which the Lémont, and promptly opened his aid sta-
4th and 3d Divisions were engaged, before tion within 100 yards of the front line,
its capture was f inally completed on where he worked all night under continu-
October 22 by the 3d Division. o u s f i r e , g iv i n g a i d t o t h e wo u n d e d .
Because of the enf ilade f ire of the Ger- When there was a shortage of stretcher
man artillery up this valley, no attacks bearers he assisted in bringing in the
were launched from this vicinity against wounded. Under intense f ire he under-
the Bois de Forêt. The capture of that took to locate the ambulance station and
wood was f inally brought about by an en- personally directed the evacuation of
veloping movement through the Bois de wounded to it. In the attack from the
Fays. This movement, which involved Bois de Fays on October 5 he again went
f ighting of the most vicious character, was with the attacking troops and opened a
initiated by the 4th Division on October 4 f irst aid station in an old cellar. Under
and continued by it until October 11, an intense barrage of shrapnel and high-
when the left half of the Bois de Forêt explosive shells, he performed the most
was captured. The 3d Division relieved devoted service in attending the wounded,
the 4th there on October 13 and on Octo- working continuously until after his unit
ber 22 occupied the rest of the wood. had been ordered to retire.
On top of the bare hill rising to the Continue.
right from here was an exceptionally (63.2 m 101.7 km) To the left front,
strong German position called the Trench across the valley, is seen a large French
du Téton. It was occupied by the 4th World War military cemetery.
Division on October 10 and soon there- (63.9 m 102.8 km) Immediately after
after the Germans abandoned Brieulles, entering Brieulles, turn to the right.
seen in the valley ahead, because the town (64.4 m 103.6 km) Where the road ends
was dominated by the newly organized at the railroad, turn right and STOP
American positions on that hill. without leaving the automobile.
During the severe f ighting in the Bois This point is at the west side of the
de la Côte Lémont, to be pointed out Meuse River valley. The river winds its
later in the tour, and in the Bois de Fays, way through the valley and a canal is
Fi r s t L i e u t e n a n t Wi l l i a m R . A r r a n t s at the foot of the nearest hill to the left.
Medical Corps, 80th Division, performed During the progress of the last great
offensive of the First Army, one of the the footbridges the enemy was surprised
most diff icult military feats, that of cross- and two companies quickly established
ing a river under hostile f ire, was accom- themselves on the far side. These im-
plished by the 5th Division near here. mediately extended their lines for a con-
Soon after midnight on November 2–3, s i d e r a b l e d i s t a n c e a l o n g t h e r iv e r.
a footbridge was placed by the engineers Prof iting by the confusion caused in the
over the river about 300 yards in rear of German ranks by this crossing, another
here and a patrol followed by one infan- battalion of the 5th Division crossed the
try company crossed to the flats between river and canal, to the left front from here,
t h e r ive r a n d c a n a l . A b o u t d aw n t h e in boats. This battalion promptly cap-
enemy discovered the movement and laid tured Hill 252, seen to the left, and
d ow n a h e av y f i r e i n t h e a r e a . T h e organized a position on it that night.
troops on the flats were driven to the O n N ov e m b e r 5 t h e d iv i s i o n m a d e
cover of the high bank along the canal, another crossing of the river about 2 miles
in which precarious position they re- to the left rear from here and still
mained throughout the day. further extended its gains in this vicinity,
That night the canal was bridged about among its captures being the Bois de
900 yards to the left rear from here with Châtillon, a large wooded area part of
t wo f o o t b r i d g e s . A n a t t e m p t t o r u s h which is seen to the left front.
over one of the bridges at 2:00 a. m. on The successful crossing here turned the
N ov e m b e r 4 wa s d e f e a t e d by e n e my German lines on the Heights of the Meuse,
machine-gun f ire and several other at- to the left front beyond the river, and
tempts to cross before daybreak were greatly facilitated the progress of those
repulsed. However, after dark (the sun units of the American Army which were
set at 4:19 p. m.) by a sudden rush over attacking the German lines from the front.
262 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
From now on to the village of Consen- From here to the next shar p bend in
voye, where the river is crossed, the tour the road, the tour r uns generally east
goes along the Meuse River valley. and west, that is, at right angles to the
Continue. direction of advance of the First Army.
(65.3 m 105.1 km) At the place where (67.0 m 107.8 km) Opposite Vilosnes,
large wood, Bois de la Côte Lémont, ex- on this side of the valley a large German
tends immediately alongside road, the supply depot was captured.
80th Division reached this valley on Sep- (67.9 m 109.3 km) While approaching
tember 28 and established its front line next sharp bend in road, there is seen
along the railroad track. The opposing straight ahead a bald-topped hill marked
lines faced each other across the valley by a s m a l l m o n u m e n t . T h a t h i l l i s
from that time on to November 6. the Borne de Cornouiller, called by our
(66.0 m 106.2 km) The village to the men “Cornwilly Hill”. The slopes of the
left front across the valley is Vilosnes, hill to the observer’s right were reached by
captured on November 6, and beyond it the 33d Division on October 9 and again
on the ridge in the distance, Haraumont, on the 10th, its front line remaining there
raptured on November 7, soon appears. until the 12th. The top of the hill was
These were taken by the French 15th captured on November 7 by the 79th
Colonial Division which was attached to Division after par ts of it had changed
the American Ar my. It was assisted in hands several times during bitter f ighting
the crossing of the river and the capture o n t h e p r e c e d i n g d ay s . T h e a d va n c e
of Vilosnes by the 5th Division, which, was from right to left as seen from here.
after crossing at Brieulles, attacked the The monument on the hill is a small one
town from the heights seen above it. in commemoration of the services of the
American soldiers who fought in that
German Observation Post Captured by the
29th Division in the Bois de Consenvoye vicinity. No road runs near it.
(68.9 m 110.9 km) In the next valley
leading to the right is seen Dannevoux.
That village, which lay in the German
second position, was taken after dark on
September 26 by the 80th Division. On
this side of Dannevoux a large depot con-
taining valuable military supplies was
captured by the 33d Division.
(69.1 m 111.2 km) At next crest, the
zone of action of the 33d Division on Sep-
tember 26 is entered. The division estab-
lished its line just to the left of this road
before noon of that day.
(69.3 m 111.5 km) In the neat little
valley, after crossing the stone bridge, to
the left are seen (1937) several large con-
crete shelters built by the Germans.
On October 7 a French air plane was
shot down near here and crashed on the
flats across the river near the enemy lines.
Seeing that the French aviator was in-
jured, Corporal Ralyn Hill. 33d Division,
voluntarily dashed over the river on a
footbridge and carried the wounded man
to this side under heavy hostile f ire.
For his gallant exploit he was awarded
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 263
later the Congressional Medal of Honor. heights seen to the left began to strike
(70.4 m 113.3 km) About 1 mile farther the flank and rear of the advancing forces
on, at top of the hill to the right is seen a and inflicted many casualties. Conse-
distant view of Montfaucon. quently, the French XVII Corps, which
(70.9 m 114.1 km) Beyond next road was holding that part of the front just
junction, where a good view is obtained across the river, was ordered by the First
of the valley ahead, STOP. Army to attack on October 8.
Face down road, which direction is T h e o p e r a t i o n wa s exe c u t e d by t h e
approximately southeast. American 33d and 29th Divisions and
The nearest town across the valley is three French divisions. The main as-
Consenvoye. The f irst buildings seen up sault was made by a brigade of the 29th
the valley beyond it are in Brabant. attached to the French 18th Division, a
In this region, the Meuse River is fol- brigade of the French 18th Division and
lowed on its far side by a comparatively the French 26th Division, in line in that
narrow and rough plateau, about 4 or 5 order from Brabant on to the observer’s
miles wide, called the Heights of the left. The French 10th Colonial Division
Meuse. This forms a formidable mili- protected the right flank of the corps.
tary obstacle, being heavily wooded and The 33d Division, which held this bank
indented by many deep valleys. of the river from Brabant to the Bois de
The German positions on those heights la Côte Lémont, recently passed on the
were not attacked on September 26, al- tour, was to cross at Brabant after the
though the First Army contemplated that main attack had progressed a certain dis-
an advance would have to be made north t a n c e . I t w a s t o b e n o t i f i e d by t h e
along them in the near future. French 18th Division when to cross and
This proved to be the case, because, as after crossing it was to attack toward the
the offensive on this side of the river pro- Bois de Chaume, the wood seen fringing
gressed, the hostile artillery f ire from the the summit of the hill to the left rear.
264 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
The troops of the main attack jumped left edge of Consenvoye. That wood was
off at 5:00 a. m. behind an intense rolling reached about noon and captured by the
barrage. The advance of the 29th Divi- 29th Division during the afternoon.
sion was rapid for about a mile until its At 9:00 a. m. the 33d Division was or-
intermediate objective, marked roughly dered to cross the river and at 11:00 a. m.
by an extension of the line from this point it began its advance from Brabant.
through the center of Consenvoye, was Consenvoye was captured about noon and
reached. From there on it was subjected a pause was made near there. The attack
to severe machine-gun f ire, a large part of wa s c o n t i n u e d s o o n a f t e r 4 : 0 0 p . m .
which came from the Bois de Consenvoye, against artillery and machine-gun f ire.
the wedge-shaped wood seen over the The most advanced part of the division
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 265
line was established that night in a Ger- the 33d Division advanced alone against
man trench which was located just to the a German dugout and captured 49 of the
observer’s right of the Bois de Chaume. enemy, killing one off icer who attempted
On October 9 the 33d Division attacked to escape. For this courageous and gal-
about 6:40 a. m. in a thick fog. It made lant deed, Private Bird was awarded the
an advance of about 1 1 / 2 miles, well beyond Distinguished Service Cross.
the Bois de Chaume, but withdrew that The 33d Division attacked early on
afternoon because the 29th Division, ad- October 10 and by 10:00 a. m. had again
joining it, bad not advanced and the Ger- captured the Bois de Chaume. On that
man units had begun to work their way day the 29th Division captured Richène
i n b e h i n d i t s ex p o s e d f l a n k . T h e s e Hill, the f irst wooded hill seen to the left
enemy units cut off and sur rounded about of the wedge-shaped Bois de Consenvoye.
100 American soldiers near the far edge The zone of action of the 29th Division
of the Bois de Chaume, but the Americans is visited later in the tour and the f ighting
held out and were rescued by the advanc- of that division is described in consider-
ing troops during the next morning. able detail at the next step.
It was during this f ighting on October 9 The 33d Division moved its front line a
that Private First Class Berger H. Loman, short distance to the rear on October 13
33d Division, won the Congressional Med- to a better defensive location. On Oc-
a l o f H o n o r. W h e n h i s c o m p a ny wa s tober 16 it advanced the right of its line
approaching its objective under terrif ic about 1 / 2 mile in support of an attack by
hostile f ire, Private Loman voluntarily the 29th Division. This advance ended
and unaided made his way forward after its active f ighting on this front as it was
all others had taken shelter from the di- relieved from the line on October 21.
rect f ire of an enemy machine gun. He
EN ROUTE NORTHWEST OF CONSENVOYE
crawled to a position on the flank of the
TO NEAR MOLLEVILLE FARM
gun and, after killing or capturing the
entire crew, turned the machine gun and (71.4 m 114.9 km) At road junction
used it on the retreating German troops. opposite the village of Consenvoye, turn
On this same day Private Felix Bird of to the left and cross Meuse River valley.
Road Through Bois d’Etraye, Showing German Shelters, November 10, 1918
The described route passes over this route
Illustrates Character of Terrain Advanced Over by the American First Army
on September 26, 1918
(266)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 267
(74.2 m 119.4 km) While approaching but, having no contact with the troops on
the wood, to the left front the wooded hill their flanks, they withdrew about 1 mile.
nearest the road is Richène Hill which On October 9 the brigade repulsed a
was pointed out at the last stop. hostile attack and advanced its line in
(74.4 m 119.7 km) After entering wood, the woods in front of here and on Octo-
to the right of the road was the scene on ber 10 units of it reached the edge of
October 8 of the heroic deeds of Ser- this clearing to the right front.
geant Earl D. Gregory, 29th Division. It was during this f ighting that Second
Sergeant Gregory seized a rifle and trench- Lieutenant Patrick Regan and Private
mortar shell, which he used as a hand- First Class Henry G. Costin, 29th Divi-
grenade, advanced ahead of the infantry sion, won Congressional Medals of Honor.
and captured a machine gun and three While leading his platoon against a strong
of the enemy. Advancing still farther on enemy machine-gun nest which was hold-
beyond the machine-gun nest, he captured ing up the advance, Lieutenant Regan
a 75-millimeter mountain howitzer and divided his men into three groups, sending
entering a dugout in its immediate vicin- one group to each flank, he himself at-
ity he singlehandedly captured 19 of the tacking the nest from the front with an
enemy soldiers. For these acts of valor automatic rifle team to which Private
and outstanding gallantry he was awarded Costin had been f irst to volunteer. Two
the Congressional Medal of Honor. of the team were killed outright, while
(75.1 m 120.9 km) Beyond next cross- Lieutenant Reg an and Private Costin
roads, where a good view is obtained of were seriously wounded, the latter being
valley to the right front, STOP.
Headquarters Constructed by the French
Face to the right, which direction is at Bras, Occupied by the 26th Division
approximately south. October 18–November 11, 1918
In the valley to the left front are seen
the buildings of Molleville Farm.
Consult the map on page 264.
When the heights east of the Meuse
were attacked on October 8, a brigade of
t h e 2 9 t h D iv i s i o n , o p e r a t i n g w i t h a
French division, drove forward aggres-
sively in this direction from a jump-off
line about 3 miles in front of here. Ele-
ments of the brigade reached the ravine
seen beyond Molleville Farm on that day
(267)
268 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
unable to advance. In spite of his in- On October 15, after a severe f ight, the
jur y Lieutenant Regan dashed with division f inally captured this clearing and
empty pistol into the machine-gun nest, established its front line along this road
capturing 30 Austrian gunners and four t o t h e l e f t o f h e r e . T h e n ex t d ay i t s
machine guns, Private Costin continuing attacks were continued and in spite of
to f ire his rifle in support until he col- intense opposition the division pushed
lapsed. These gallant deeds permitted the forward about 1 / 2 mile into the Bois de la
a d va n c e t o c o n t i n u e . P r iva t e C o s t i n Grande Montagne, the large wooded area
died as a result of his wounds but Lieu- immediately behind this point.
tenant Regan gallantly continued to lead The brigade of the 29th with the
his platoon forward until ordered to the French was returned to its own division
rear by his commanding off icer. on October 18, and on that day the relief
Early on October 11 the 29th Division of the French division to the observer’s
took command of the zone of action im- left of the 29th was completed by units of
mediately in front of here. One brigade the American 26th Division.
of it, however, still continued to operate On October 23 the 26th and 29th Divi-
with the French 18th Division. sions attacked in the direction of the ob-
On the 11th the 29th Division advanced server’s left and in a spirited assault ad-
its line in front of here to the far side of vanced their lines about 3 / 4 mile, gaining
this clearing. It made three determined all objectives. Several hostile counter-
efforts to cross the clearing, each time attacks made during the afternoon and
being driven hack by severe f ire from evening of that day were driven back.
Germans in trenches along this road. The 26th Division made deter mined
The brigade of the 29th Division still efforts to capture Hill 360 on each of the
with the French made several determined three days, October 24, 25 and 27, but
attacks on October 12 and succeeded in no permanent gains resulted.
gaining a foothold in the Bois d'Ormont It was during the f ighting on October
on Hill 360, the hill seen to the left front 27 that Private First Class Michael J. Per-
with the patch of wood on its summit. kins, 26th division, voluntarily and alone,
Main Street in Ville-devant-Chaumont,
November 1918
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 269
crawled to a German concrete machine- the First Army on November 1, and the
gun emplacement from which grenades resulting German withdrawal on the other
were being thrown at his platoon. Await- side of the river, caused the Army to sus-
ing his opportunity, when the door of pect a retirement was contemplated near
the emplacement was opened by a German here. Consequently, the 79th Division
to throw a grenade, Private Perkins threw was ordered to test out the situation by
a bomb inside which burst the door down. sending out strong patrols near the Borne
Then, drawing his trench knife, he rushed de Cornouiller, a high bald hill located
into the emplacement and in a hand-to- about 1 mile to the right rear from here,
hand struggle killed or wounded several recently pointed out from across the river.
of the occupants, captured about 25 These patrols advanced early on Novem-
prisoners and silenced seven machine ber 3, and in severe f ighting pushed the
guns. He was killed in the operations of division line forward about 500 yards.
that day but was posthumously awarded D u r i n g N ove m b e r 4 a n d 5 t h e 7 9 t h
the Congressional Medal of Honor for the Division after further desperate f ighting
courageous feats recorded above. reached a line near the crest of the Borne
The 29th Division after its hard f ight- d e C o r n o u i l l e r. T h i s s u c c e s s a n d t h e
ing here was relieved from the line on progress made by other divisions to the
October 30 by the 79th Division. north forced the German troops to with-
O n N ov e m b e r 1 t h e 7 9 t h D iv i s i o n draw from the heights in this vicinity.
extended its sector to the observer’s left, A deep advance was made on Novem-
as shown on the above sketch, so that it ber 7 and the next day the division moved
held a total frontage of about 4 miles. rapidly forward, toward the obser ver’s
The capture of Barricourt Heights by left, to the eastern edge of these heights.
270 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
Substantial daily gains were made there- distance is seen the tower of the Ossuary
after until the Armistice on November 11. of Douaumont, a French war memorial.
The total casualties of the 33d, 29th, (76.2 m 122.6 km) After entering wood,
79th and 26th Divisions during their fight- the valley which the road follows was a
ing on and near the Heights of the Meuse concentration place for German reserve
were almost 15,000 off icers and men. units. In the woods on both sides of the
Molleville Farm was the 79th Division road were many elaborate shelters and
Headquar ters from November 9 to 11. dugouts, constructed by the Germans for
Beyond this clearing for about 3 miles the protection and comfort of the troops
the tour follows the direction of advance who were waiting to support the front
on this front during November 8 and 9. line or to relieve units serving in it.
(77.7 m 125.0 km) Straight through
EN ROUTE NEAR MOLLEVILLE FARM
next village, Etraye, which was captured
TO VERDUN
by the 79th Division on November 8, and
(75.2 m 121.0 km) To the right in the was just within its front line that night.
Fr o m h e r e t o t h e n ex t
road junction, this road was
close to the left boundary
of the 79th Division zone
of action on November 9.
A French division was ad-
joining it on the left.
(78.8 m 126.8 km) Just
before reaching road junc-
tion, the second nose of
heights seen to the left is
near where the 32d Divi-
sion entered the line on the
afternoon of November 9.
That afternoon some of its
units reached the main road
running to the left from the
village, Damvillers, seen to
the left front. One of its
regiments attacked from
there in a heavy fog on the
morning of November 10,
advanced about 2 miles and
when the fog lifted found
itself isolated. It withdrew
in good order to its jump-
off line. The left of the
division on that day pushed
forward about 2 miles.
(79.0 m 127.1 km) At road
junction, turn sharp right.
(79.6 m 128.1 km) The
next town, Wavrille, was
captured by the 79th Di-
vision about 10:00 a. m. on
November 9. The hostile
resistance then stiffened
and progress was diff icult due mainly to
hostile f ire from the hills seen to the left.
The division established its line that night
to the left of this road and generally paral-
lel to it, On the 10th it again pushed
forward despite considerable opposition
and at the time of the Armistice the sol-
diers of the division were f ighting on the
near slopes of the hills seen to the left.
(80.1 m 128.9 km) The bare hill seen
to the left front was captured by the 79th
Division early on November 10.
(81.0 m 130.4 km) The next town,
Moirey, seen to the right near the road,
was near the boundary between the 79th
and 26th Divisions. It was entered by
elements of both of those divisions during
the morning of November 9.
(81.3 m 130.8 km) Soon after Moirey
appears in view, alongside the road are
seen (1937) two large reinforced concrete
posts which were built by the Germans.
Heavy chains suspended between them
were intended to prevent the advance of
armored cars along this road.
(82.0 m 132.0 km) The village seen to
the left, part way up the hill, is Chaumont- Near 79th Division Headquarters at
devant-Damvillers. It was captured by Vacherauville, October 31, 1918
the 79th Division on November 10.
(82.8 m 133.2 km) Beyond Chaumont, located the front line of the 26th Division,
take the f irst road to the right. November 3–7, from which it advanced
The tour now goes in a direction gen- on the afternoon of November 8.
erally contrary to the direction of advance (85.5 m 137.6 km) At the right side of
of the Army on this part of its front. the road is seen a monument, surrounded
(83.4 m 134.2 km) Straight through by graves, commemorative of a heroic
the village of Ville-decant-Chaumont, defense in 1916 by a French off icer,
captured by the 26th Division late in the Colonel Driant, and his unit.
afternoon of November 10. (85.8 m 138.1 km) While descending
(83.6 m 134.5 km) Upon leaving the hill, to the left front are seen a small
village, to the left of the road is seen a chapel and monument. These mark the
German World War military cemetery. site of the former village of Beaumont,
(84.1 m 135.3 km) Beyond town, along which was completely destroyed during
the foot of the slopes seen to the right the severe f ighting in 1916.
front, the 26th Division was held up on The battle line on September 26 was
November 9 by heavy machine-gun f ire. located just the other side of Beaumont.
The division dug in there that night, The attack in this region on October 8
facing in this direction. Its front line was made from that line on a front of
by the time of the Ar mistice had been about 4 miles extending from the vicinity
advanced across this road and was es- of Beaumont to the Meuse River.
tablished along the slopes to the left of it. T h e t o u r n ow p a s s e s t h r o u g h o n e
(85.4 m 137.4 km) Near top of long of the few remaining areas which give
hill, just beyond the road junction, was an idea of the devastation at the front
(271)
272 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
Gate at Verdun, Said to Have Been the Inspiration for the Insignia of the U. S. Corps of Engineers
(2.4 m 3.9 km) Beyond the village cem- their f ire started to cut down the advanc-
etery, on the second crest, where a good ing lines. The conduct of the American
panorama is obtained of the terrain to the troops in overcoming the resistance in
front and right front, STOP. this vicinity and in forcing their way for-
The town ahead in the valley is Banthe- ward is beyond all praise.
ville. The village marked by the scat- If we consider with the above the fact
tered houses to the right of Bantheville that the Germans were using every energy
and some distance from it is Andevanne. and means at their command to check the
Face Andevanne, the direction to which advance on this front and thus protect
is approximately north. their vital railroad at Sedan, the task
Beyond Andevanne is Sedan, 25 miles performed by the American Army will be
from here, through which ran the lateral clearer and much better appreciated.
railroad which was the main goal of the Positions in the woods near here fre-
American Meuse-Argonne offensive. quently changed hands several times on
For dauntless courage and the overcom- the same day and the opposing lines at
ing of seemingly impossible obstacles, the night were sometimes but a few yards
f ighting of the American soldier up to and apar t. The situation was so balanced
immediately beyond this point is unsur- that a moment’s relaxation by either side
passed in the history of the war. risked immediate loss of men and ground.
On the ridges behind here was located
the famous Hindenburg Line, the Ger-
man defensive position constructed with 90th Division Ration Party Going Forward
Through the Bois des Rappes,
the hope that it would be impregnable. October 25, 1918
Along the heights in front of here was the
Ger man Freya position, planned with
the idea that it would be held, in case
por tions of the Hindenburg Line were
b r o ke n t h r o u g h , u n t i l t h o s e p o r t i o n s
could be regained by counterattacks.
A glance at the landscape with its
ridges, woods and open f ields will give
some idea of the diff iculties which the
American units had to overcome. Each
patch of woods was skillfully organized as
a strong point and numerous enemy ma-
chine guns in them and in other concealed
positions often were not discovered until
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 275
North of Cunel
After the capture of Romagne, seen in is seen just to the right of this road.
the valley to the left, and Côte Dame On October 23 the 90th Division, which
Marie, the high wooded peak just beyond had relieved the 5th Division on the pre-
it, the 32d Division continued to advance ceding day, attacked from the ridge to
until it had over run mast of the Bois de the left rear and from the Bois de
Bantheville, the large wood which covers Bantheville, captured Bantheville and
the tops of the hills to the left and left established itself beyond that town. The
front. The 89th Division relieved the division front line on that night extended
32d on October 20, on a line which in- across the open f ields from the Bois des
cluded the wooded hill on the sky line seen Rappes to the end of the wood seen to the
just to the right of the church in Banthe- left of Le Grand Carré Farm.
ville. It later succeeded in capturing the The wooded ridges on the sky line to
remainder of that wood and in advancing the left of Andevanne are Bar ricour t
through it to near Le Grand Carré Farm, Heights, and the most prominent wooded
the group of buildings seen on the hill hill seen borne distance to the right of
beyond the village of Bantheville. that village is Hill 343.
The 5th Division after eight days of The Freya position in front of here ran
intense and bitter f ighting f inally com- along Barricourt Heights, passed through
pleted, on October 21, the capture of the Andevanne, included Hill 343 and con-
Bois des Rappes, the large wood which tinued on through the Bois de Sassey,
which is partially visible on the horizon
Machine Gun Firing at German Plane Near Cunel,
beyond the Bois des Rappes.
October 1918 The date f ixed by the First Army for the
general assault against this strong
German line was November 1. The III,
V and I Corps, in that order from right
to left, were to take part in the attack.
The V Cor ps, which was to make the
main advance, was in the center of the
Ar my zone of attack and had the 89th
Division in line to the left of Le Grand
Carré Farm, and the 2d Division on the
far side of the 89th, with its front line
just beyond Côte de Châtillon, the
wooded hill seen to the left front in the
distance peeping up over the Bois de
Bantheville. The immediate mission of
276 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
the V Corps was to capture the dominat- immediately in front of here, and the 5th
ing Barricourt Heights, the accomplish- Division, which had reentered the line,
ment of which was certain to cause the the one beyond the Bois des Rappes.
Germans on this front to retire in haste The I Corps, on the left of the Army,
across the Meuse River toward Germany. was to cover the flank of the V Cor ps
The III Corps, in front of and to the right and was given an objective in the right
of here, was to assist in the main par t of its zone of action which was
attack and be ready to force its way over about 4 miles in advance of its front line.
the Meuse River, which is about 3 1 / 2 miles A f t e r a n ex t r e m e ly h e av y a r t i l l e r y
away to the right and runs just the other bombardment lasting two hours, the at-
side of the Bois de Sassey. In this corps, tack was launched on the mor ning of
the 90th Division had the zone of attack November 1. When the infantry jumped
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 277
Bois de Bantheville. After its capture on were then along the edge of the wood to
October 22, the Germans bombarded it the left rear, under continuous machine-
almost continuously with high explosive gun f ire and rescued two wounded officers.
shells and mustard gas projectiles. For conspicuous gallantry and utter dis-
(4.6 m 7.4 km) At top of hill, to the regard for their own safety while perform-
right front is seen Le Grand Carré Farm, ing this deed of mercy these men were
captured on November 1 by the 90th awarded Congressional Medals of Honor.
Division: and beyond it to the right, Hill I n t h e wo o d s e e n o n t h e h i l l a h e a d
343, taken by that division the next day. occurred the heroic act of First Lieutenant
(5.1 m 8.2 km) At the road fork in the Harold A. Furlong, 89th Division, which
next valley, bear right and STOP near the is illustrative of the many individual feats
road junction without leaving automobile. of bravery performed by the American
Note the wartime condition of this val- soldiers during the November 1 attack.
ley as shown by the above photograph In this wood Lieutenant Furlong, f inding
taken after the American advance. In his company held up on that morning by
the photograph the road climbing the hill withering machine-gun f ire which killed
is the one the tourist has just descended. his company commander, moved out alone
This road junction was on the First and worked his way into the Ger man
Army jump-off line of November 1 and position. He succeeded in getting behind
also was on the boundary line between the the line of machine guns and closed in on
zones of the 89th and 90th Divisions. them one at a time, killing a number of
I t wa s t o t h e l e f t o f h e r e t h a t o n the enemy with his rifle, putting four
October 31 Private First Class Charles machine-gun nests out of action, and
D. Barger and Private Jesse N. Funk, driving 20 Ger man prisoners into the
89th Division, upon their own initiative, American lines. For his exceptional dar-
made two trips as stretcher bearers 500 ing this courageous officer was later award-
yards beyond the American lines, which ed the Congressional Medal of Honor.
280 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
(5.6 m 9.0 km) Continue to the top of can be seen at the foot of the wooded
the next crest, where a few buildings can heights on the sky line to the right of and
be seen to the left front in the valley, beyond the buildings of La Dhuy Farm.
STOP without leaving the automobile. From St. Juvin it continued on for about
The above panorama is from this point. 4 miles and joined the French line near
The nearest buildings are those of La the edge of the wooded heights on the
Dhuy Farm. To the right of them in the sky line, which to the left of St. Juvin are
valley can be seen a few houses of the vil- the Argonne Forest and to the right of
lage of Landres-et-St. Georges. that town are the Bois de Bourgogne.
At this point can be obtained a good The 89th Division jumped off from the
view of a large part of the jump-off line line to the left of here. The center of its
of the First Army on November 1. zone of action passed through the wood
From the road junction just passed, the seen down the road ahead. The 2d Divi-
line followed the edge of the large wood, sion started from Côte de Châtillon and
seen to the left across the valley, and in- b eyo n d . L a n d r e s - e t - S t . G e o rg e s wa s
cluded Côte de Châtillon, the nearest near the center of its zone of action.
prominent wooded hill seen to the left. These divisions, which had fought side by
From there it ran approximately parallel side in the St. Mihiel offensive, were the
to this road and included St. Juvin, which assault divisions of the V Corps which
American Tanks Beside a Machine-Gun Nest Which They Put out of Action on
November 1, 1918, South of Bayonville
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 281
of Bois de Bantheville
was expected to make the greatest initial German Freya position, which ran along
penetration of the corps on the Army front. those heights, is evident from here. Note
The 80th Division was beyond the 2d; the steep exposed slopes up which the
the line of the 77th included St. Juvin, American troops had to advance and the
which was near the center of its sector; woods along the tops of the hills which
and the 78th was still farther on, the near afforded the enemy good concealment
edge of the wooded heights being the far and excellent protection for his troops.
boundary of its prescribed zone of attack. Near this road on November 1, Ser-
Continue. geant Ar thur J. For rest, 89th Division,
(6.6 m 10.6 km) While approaching the won the Congressional Medal of Honor.
next village, Rémonville, beyond it to the When the advance of his company was
right and left are seen Barricourt Heights, held up by f ire from a nest of six enemy
the f irst main objective of the American machine guns, Sergeant Forrest worked
A r my i n i t s N ove m b e r 1 a t t a c k . H i l l his way alone to a point within 50 yards
299, seen beyond the town, was in the of the machine-gun nest. Charging the
zone of action of the 2d Division. Ré- nest singlehanded, he drove the enemy out
monville and the heights to the right of in disorder, killing one with the butt of
Hill 299 were in that of the 89th Division. his rifle. This gallant exploit permitted
The natural defensive strength of the the advance of his company to continue.
Rémonville Soon After Its Capture by the 89th Division on
November 1, 1918
282 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
(7.3 m 11.7 km) In the village of Ré- afternoon of November 1. The 89th was
monville, at the place where the road abreast of the 2d on its right. On Novem-
ends, turn to the left: at the far edge of ber 2 the 89th Division advanced the right
the village, turn to the right. of its line about 2 miles farther.
(7.5 m 12.1 km) A short distance be- (8.9 m 14.3 km) At entrance to village,
yond town the zone of action of the 2d take the road to the right and continue
Division during the advance is entered. through town toward Buzancy.
(7.7 m 12.4 km) While ascending hill, Bayonville was captured in the morn-
to the left in the valley is seen Landreville, ing of November 1 by the 2d Division.
where the 2d Division about 9:00 a. m. on (9.3 m 15.0 km) Beyond town, while
November 1 encountered strong resistance ascending hill, to the left in the valley is
from numerous machine guns. These seen Imécourt which was captured about
guns were f inally overcome and the ad- 11: 00 o’clock in the morning of Novem-
vance was continued on over this hill. ber 1 by the 80th Division, after which
(8.7 m 14.0 km) While approaching the a severe counterattack against the troops
next village, Bayonville, to the right are in the village was repulsed.
seen the wooded heights upon which the (10.1 m 16.3 km) Beyond next high
2d Division established its lines on the crest, continue 80 yards, then STOP.
284 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
The large tree on this crest (1937) can Verpel, the second village seen to the left.
be seen from the monument on Mont- On the f irst day of the attack the I Corps
faucon and is a conspicuous landmark met great resistance at the Hindenburg
from many other places in this region. Line and the progress of its units was
Face down the road, which at this place slow, except for the right of the 80th
runs approximately northwest. Division which captured the small wooded
This point is on Hill 289 and was near areas on this slope, including those seen
the boundary line between the zones of in the foreground to the right front. The
action of the 2d and 80th Divisions. front line of the division that night ran
The tour has just entered the area cap- from near here to the left rear for approxi-
tured by the I Corps, the left corps of the mately 4 miles, almost parallel to the
First Army in its November offensive. direction of advance of the Army.
The other boundary of its zone of action On November 2, due to the withdrawal
ran dose to the far edge' of the Bois de of the Germans on the previous night, the
Bourgogne, the large wooded area seen on progress in the I Corps was rapid and by
the sky line to the left and left front. that evening all its divisions had reached
The I Corps objective during the No- a line beyond this point, the 80th Division
vember 1 attack was a line running near having captured the bald-topped hill seen
on Hill 289
to the left front, and the right of the 77th wood was one of the strongest points of
being abreast of it, The left of the 77th the Hindenburg Line and proved impos-
Division was to the observer’s right of sible to capture by direct assault. It was
Thénorgues, the f irst village seen to the occupied early in the morning of Novem-
left front over the ridge, and the 78th ber 2 by the American soldiers after the
Division was to the right of Briquenay, German troops had been withdrawn.
the village seen beyond Thénorgues.
EN ROUTE HILL 280 TO NORTH OF BAR
The nearest town seen to the left is
Sivry-les-Buzancy, captured by the 80th (11.0 m 17.7 km) While approaching
Division on November 2. The town just the next town, Buzancy, to the right across
beyond it is Ver pel, occupied by the 77th the valley are seen the heights to which
Division the same day. The towns seen the Germans withdrew their main forces
b e yo n d Ve r p e l , n e a r t h e f o o t o f t h e on the night of November 1–2. The 80th
wooded heights, were in the zone of action Division, on November 2, established its
of the 78th Division, which had been held lines to the right in the valley at the foot
up on November 1 in front of the Bois des of this hill, facing the German position.
Loges, the first prominent wooded hill seen (11.3 m 18.2 km) Before entering town,
to the left of and beyond Ver pel. That a Ger man military cemetery is passed.
(287)
288 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
Panorama From
(13.5 m 21.7 km) Beyond the town, at this side of it. The 80th Division front
the first road crossing, turn to the right. line ran from near Bar to the observer’s
(14.0 m 22.5 km) Just before reaching left for about 2 1 / 2 miles. Part of the 77th
the f irst LEFT bend in the road, STOP. Division was at the foot of these slopes,
To the right rear in the valley is Bar. its line including Bar. The rest of that
Face just to the right of Bar, which division was just this side of Thénorgues,
direction is approximately south. the village seen directly ahead in the
To the left front is Buzancy. Beyond distance. The valley between here and
and to the left of it, the most prominent there was in many places knee deep in
wooded hill is Hill 289, which was the water and impassable. The front line of
last stop on this tour. To the left of it, the 78th Division was located to the
in the distance, there is visible the near observer’s right of and some distance on
end of the wooded Barricourt Heights. this side of the village of Thénorgues.
When the Germans facing the I Corps On November 3 the German positions
withdrew during the night of November here were attacked and car ried by the
1–2, they established new temporar y American troops, the main enemy forces
positions on these slopes with their front having retired during the night. This
line running close to this point. Machine procedure—in which the Germans retired
gun units and detachments of other their main forces to a new position at
troops had been left behind to delay the night but left machine gun units scattered
American advance as much as possible. in strong defensive positions to hinder
O ve r c o m i n g t h e r e s i s t a n c e o n t h e i r pursuit, and in which the Americans ad-
front in sharp f ighting in the morning, the vanced the next day, overcame the de-
divisions of the I Corps advanced rapidly. ter mined machine gun resistance and
The 80th and 77th Divisions reached the fought their way forward toward the new
wide valley in front of here during the position until stopped in front of it—was
afternoon and established positions on repeated almost daily until November 7
American 34-Centimeter Gun
at which time all German troops on the
on Railroad Mount First Ar my front had been withdrawn
to the east of the Meuse River.
The village of Fossé, seen on top of the
hill to the left rear, was near the boundary
line between the 2d and 80th Divisions.
It was taken by troops of the 2d Divi-
sion about 6:00 a. m. on November 3.
The village seen on the sky line to the
right is Belleville-sur-Bar. On the hill-
side some distance to the left of it is seen
Boult-aux-Bois, near which, on the morn-
ing of November 3, the 78th Division
joined with a unit of the French Fourth
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 289
Army which had advanced on the far side fork, turn to the right and descend toward
of the Bois de Bourgogne, thus pinching Vaux-en-Dieulet, which is seen ahead in
out that strong defensive feature. the valley. That town was captured on
The f irst town, Autruche, seen to the November 4 by the 80th Division.
right rear, was taken by the 77th Division (17.5 m 28.2 km) While descending
about noon on November 3. The village hill, to the right front is seen a large high
seen beyond it, Authe, had been occupied hill, Hill 308, f ire from which stopped the
just before noon by the 78th Division. advance of the right flank units of the
To the right of Autruche, on the sky 80th Division on November 3.
line, is seen a patch of woods which marks (18.1 m 29.1 km) In Vaux-en-Dieulet,
the ridge just beyond the village of Verri- at the church, bear to the left.
ères. After a sharp f ight that town was (18.4 m 29.6 km) At road junction be-
captured by the 78th Division about 5:00 yond the town, bear to the right.
p.m. on November 3. The troops of the (19.0 m 30.6 km) Where large hill de-
division then established their front line scends to road, the zone of action of the
on the ridge located beyond the town. 2d Division and V Corps is again entered.
For the next 10 miles the tour goes with (19.6 m 31.5 km) Just before reaching
the direction of advance of the American the f irst road junction, STOP without
Fi r s t A r my a n d p a s s e s ove r t e r r i t o r y leaving the automobile.
captured by the 80th and 2d Divisions. The large buildings seen to the right up
the valley are those of Château de Belval,
EN ROUTE NEAR BAR TO SOUTH
captured by the 2d Division before 9:00
OF BEAUMONT
a. m. on November 3. The progress of
(14.5 m 23.3 km) Beyond next crest to the units of the division was then stopped
the right front is seen the valley up which by heavy f ire from the woods which are
the 80th Division advanced on November seen ahead and to the left of this road.
3. Strong resistance was encountered The infantry regiments of the division
near the upper part of that valley. German Monument to Their Dead in the
(15.0 m 24.1 km) At the first road fork, Operations Near Beaumont in 1870
keep to the right.
(15.4 m 24.8 km) At f irst crest, to the
left front in the distance is seen the high
wooded hill, Mont du Cygne, taken by the
77th Division on November 5. Mont-
faucon, 16 miles away, can be seen in the
distance to the right on the sky line.
(17.1 m 27.5 km) Beyond first sharp
S-bend in road, on the next crest the 80th
Division line of November 3 crossed this
road approximately at right angles to it.
(17.3 m 27.8 km) At next main road
American and French Soldiers After Meeting at Boult-aux-Bois, November 3, 1918
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 291
(it had two regiments of infantry and two 2d Division column reached here the farm
of marines) were ordered to make a vigor- was full of sleeping Germans who were
ous advance that evening. Soon after captured without diff iculty and sent to
dark these regiments started forward in the rear under a strong guard.
column in advance-guard formation, led (21.1 m 34.0 km) Just beyond the farm,
by German-speaking soldiers, with the the American troops routed a hostile bat-
high g round near Beaumont, about 3 talion engaged in digging trenches.
miles to the left front, as their goal. After A short distance farther on, an enemy
breaking through the hostile front line, machine gun company that had halted
the two regiments, with a battalion of along the road was captured.
marines between them, moved forward (23.1 m 37.2 km) Beyond the wood, at
rapidly; and as the night was extremely the f irst group of buildings, La Tuilerie
dark the marching troops passed practi- Farm, approximately 40 German soldiers
cally unnoticed. Such resistance as was were surprised and made prisoners.
met was eliminated as quietly as possible The monument across the road from
by having the head of the column stop this farm is a monument in commemora-
while detachments from the rear worked tion of German dead in the War of 1870.
their way around the flanks of the oppos- (23.5 m 37.8 km) Continue beyond the
ing units and overcame them. Hostile next buildings, which are La Petite Forêt
artillery that was seen f iring from the Farm, about 300 yards, then STOP.
woods at objectives within the American Emerging from the woods in rear of here
lines was left unmolested so as not to s h o r t ly a f t e r m i d n i g h t , t h e 2 d D iv i -
alarm the enemy as its capture would be sion column deployed, at right angles to
assured by the success of the march. this road, on a line passing near this point.
Continue. The units of the column were then about
(19.6 m 31.5 km) At the road junction, 4 miles ahead of the adjoining divisions.
turn sharp left toward Beaumont. It is an interesting fact that the route
(20.7 m 33.3 km) After entering wood, taken by the 2d Division coincided with
at road junction where road bends sharp- that used by the Germans on August 30,
ly to left, the tour joins the route followed 1870, when they surprised and defeated
by the units of the 2d Division at the the French who were camped near Beau-
time of their daring night maneuver. mont. The German monuments located
(20.9 m 33.6 km) The first group of near La Tuilerie Farm and the village of
buildings is La Forge Farm. When the Beaumont commemorate that operation.
292 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
Face down the road, which direction at the left rear, and the 89th Division, to
this point is approximately northeast. the right of here, had come up abreast
The Meuse River is only 2 miles away; of the 2d Division. There were, however,
the wooded hill which is seen straight ahead wide gaps in the front line in the intervals
on the sky line is on the other side of it. between the zones of these three divisions.
Shortly before noon on November 4 the On the next day the 89th and 2d Divi-
2d Division attacked from its line near sions advanced to the bluffs of the Meuse,
here toward Beaumont, whose church is the 89th Division occupying the Forêt de
seen in the valley to the left front. In- J a u l n ay, t h e l a rg e wo o d s e e n o n t h e
tense hostile f ire was immediately en- horizon to the right front, while the 2d
countered from the front and flanks and Division moved to the top of the wooded
after heavy losses the attempt to advance hill which is seen almost directly ahead.
was given up. The division front line Beaumont was mopped up about dawn
was then established across this road on November 5 by troops of the 2d and
about 100 yards ahead, and along this 80th Divisions. The 80th Division front
side of the ridge seen to the right front. line that night ran from near Beaumont
By the evening of November 4 the 80th to the vicinity of the buildings, La
Division had established itself along the Thibaudine Farm, seen to the left in the
edge of the large wood partially seen to trees on top of the hill across the valley.
South of Beaumont
The farm seen to the left front across (24.7 m 39.8 km) Near the center of
the valley is La Harnoterie Farm, occupied the village, beyond the church, bear left.
by the 80th Division early on the 6th. The tour has now tur ned west, away
About dawn on November 6 the 1st from the Meuse River, and for 4 miles
Division relieved the 80th Division and runs about at right angles to the direction
d u r i n g t h e m o r n i n g a d va n c e d t o t h e of advance of the First Army.
Meuse River. At approximately 7:30 in (24.9 m 40.1 km) At the far edge of town,
the evening it moved toward Sedan, 10 the zone of action of the 80th Division
m i l e s away t o t h e l e f t f r o n t . T h e 2 d during the advance is again entered.
Division took over the zone thus vacated. (25.6 m 41.2 km) At top of neat high
hill to the left rear across the valley is
EN ROUTE SOUTH OF BEAUMONT TO NORTH
s e e n L a Pe t i t e Fo r ê t Fa r m , wh i c h i s
OF PONT-MAUGIS
situated in the vicinity of the last stop.
(23.5 m 37.8 km) Fifty yards farther on, To the right front near the edge of the
to the right of the road is seen a 2d Divi- nearest wood, the buildings barely visible
sion boulder marker, one of many erected because of the trees are those of La
by that division on its former battlef ields. Harnoterie Farm. Machine-gun f ire from
(24.4 m 39.3 km) At the near edge of that farm on the afternoon of November 5
the village of Beaumont, turn to the left. stopped the advance of the 80th Division.
From this crest on for about 2 1 / 2 miles sion on November 5. The division met
the front line of the 80th Division, which determined resistance just beyond town
had been advanced from the left on No- which could not be overcome during that
vember 5, was close to this road. d ay. O n t h e n e x t d a y, h owev e r, i t s
(26.5 m 42.6 km) The buildings passed advance units moved rapidly forward to
next are those of La Thibaudine Farm, the Meuse River, 5 3 / 4 miles away.
which was captured by the 80th Division (31.2 m 50.2 km) About 13/4 miles far-
during its advance on November 5. ther on, at sharp S-bend in road, to the
(27.6 m 44.4 km) At next group of right up the valley is seen Flaba near
buildings, there is seen straight down the which the 77th Division encountered
road a high prominent ridge upon which machine-gun resistance on the morning of
is the village of Stonne, captured on November 6. It also met with resistance
November 5 by the 77th Division. on the slopes seen to the left of this road.
The 42d Division, which relieved the (32.7 m 52.6 km) Continue through
78th Division on November 5, had ad- Raucourt, captured about 2:10 p. m. on
vanced by evening so that its front line November 6 by the 77th Division.
was about in prolongation of this road on T h e b o u n d a r y b e t we e n t h e 4 2 d a n d
the other side of the village of Stonne. 77th Divisions during the advance was
(28.8 m 46.3 km) At the next crossroad, just beyond the small stream in the valley
turn to the right. which the tour is now following.
From here until the Meuse River is It is reported that the inhabitants of
reached the tour follows along the zone some of the towns displayed white flags
of action of the 77th Division. at the approach of the American forces,
(29.5 m 47.5 km) The next village, La to prevent the advancing troops from
Besace, was captured by the 77th Divi- f iring on places which wore not defended
by German soldiers. As the advance guards high hill was where part of the front line
entered the villages, the joy of the people of the 42d Division was located during
at being liberated after four years of the period from November 7 to 9.
German occupation knew no bounds. (36.5 m 58.7 km) Just before reaching
(34.2 m 55.0 km) The next village , next town, Remilly-sur-Meuse, to the
Haraucourt, was entered at about the left front is seen the city of Sedan.
same time on November 6 by units of (36.8 m 59.2 km) Remilly, which is on
both the 42d and 77th Divisions. the Meuse River, was occupied about 4:30
(34.9 m 56.2 km) Beyond town, at f irst on the after noon of November 6 by a
high crest, the hills seen down the valley battalion from the 77th Division.
are on the far side of the Meuse River. (37.0 m 59.5 km) At the far side of
The line of the 42d Division on November Remilly-sur-Meuse, turn to the left.
6 ran to the left up the slopes seen across (38.3 m 61.6 km) While approaching
the valley, it having advanced from near first bend in road, to the right front is seen
Stonne, recently pointed out, on that day. the steel bridge over which the Metz-
(35.6 m 57.3 km) Continue through Sedan-Mézières railway crosses the Meuse
Angecourt, captured during November 6 River. The cutting of this railroad was
by the troops of the 77th Division. the main objective of the American First
(36.4 m 58.6 km) Beyond the town of Army in the Meuse-Argonne offensive.
Angecourt to the left on the crest of the As soon as the advancing troops reached a
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 297
point from which long-range guns could Germans established a bridgehead posi-
f ire on the railway, it was subjected to tion to protect Sedan. It ran from Pont-
p e r i o d i c b o m b a r d m e n t s by A m e r i c a n Maugis, jut passed through, included
artillery in order to prevent traff ic over it. Noyers, the village which can be seen to
When on the morning of November 7, the left up the valley, and extended, in
American units captured a commanding the direction the reader is facing, from
position on the hills to the left of this road, there on over the hill beyond Noyers.
the great value of this railroad to the Ger- (See the sketch on the opposite page.)
man Army was destroyed. It is a striking On the after noon of November 5 the
coincidence that on this same day the I Corps was directed to capture Sedan,
German representatives crossed the battle assisted on its right by the V Corps, As
line to ask the Allied Commander-in- a result of a misconception in the V Corps
Chief to grant an immediate armistice. of the exact intent of the orders, the 1st
(38.7 m 62.3 km) Beyond the bend, Division crossed the zone of action of
along the left side of this road overlook- the 77th Division and entered that of the
ing the bridge was the location during 42d Division. This resulted in both
November 7 of the battle position of one the 1st and 42d Divisions operating in
regiment of the 42d Division. this general region on November 6 and 7.
(39.6 m 63.7 km) Beyond next village, B e f o r e d ay l i g h t o n N ov e m b e r 7 a
Pont-Maugis, at the bottom of the first column of troops of the 1st Division cap-
little valley running to the left, STOP. tured a Ger man wagon train in Pont-
Face to the left front, which direction Maugis, partially mopped up the town in
is approximately west. hand-to-hand f ighting and then moved up
The large city which is seen to the right a l i t t l e va l l ey t owa r d s T h é l o n n e , n o t
about 2 miles down the river is Sedan. visible, about a mile to the left over the
During the night of November 6–7 the hill. En route there it suffered heavily
298 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
from f ire from that hill, from across the The efforts of the American First Army
Meuse River and from the south, but were then directed toward forcing the
most of the column succeeded in joining Germans back from the Meuse River, in
other troops of its division near Thélonne. rear of here, preparatory to a general
Pant-Maugis was reentered by German offensive in the direction of the town of
troops but was retaken again about 2:00 Longwy and the Briey iron mines.
o' clock in the afternoon by an engineer In Sedan the tour changes direction
company of the 1st Division. and follows the other side of the Meuse
During the morning of November 7 the River valley back to Verdun. The Amer-
1st and 42d Divisions attacked the Ger- ican operations described from now on
man bridgehead positions on the hills to are mainly efforts to cross the valley. A
the front and left of here. After intense general idea of the size and character of
f ighting, they succeeded in capturing the Meuse River may be obtained at this
these positions shortly after midday, and stop. It should also be noted that for a
forced the German troops to retire still large part of the way there is a canal in
closer to Sedan. The American front the valley and that during the time of the
line was then established on the Sedan American operations the valley was in
side of Hill 252, seen to the front, after places flooded by the autumn rains and
which patrols of the 42d Division ad- by obstructions in the river. The cross-
vanced to within 100 yards of Wadelin- ing of such a valley in the face of an
court, the next village down the road. energetic enemy could, of course, only be
The French desired, probably for senti- accomplished by sur prise and with a
mental reasons, to be the f irst to enter superior concentration of forces.
Sedan; so during the night of November
EN ROUTE PONT MAUGIS TO NEAR
7-8 the positions on the hills in front of
MOULINS
here were turned over to them. The left
boundary of the First Army was at that (40.0 m 64.4 km) A short distance farther
time changed by the Allied Commander- on, to the left of the road is seen a 1st
in-Chief so that it ran in a nor theast- Division monument upon which is a list
erly direction passing near Pont-Maugis. of its dead in the f ighting in this region.
(40.6 m 65.3 km) Continue on main the next town, Bazeilles, on the left is an
road through the village of Wadelincourt. interesting museum of the War of 1870,
(41.4 m 66.6 km) In Sedan, at the called “La Maison de la Dernière Car-
railroad station turn sharply to the right. t o u c h e ” . T h e s c e n e o f N e u v i l l e ’s f a -
This part of the city is known as Torcy. m o u s p a i n t i n g “ L e s D e r n i è r e s C a r-
It was entered by joint patrols of the touches” (“The Last Cartridges”) is laid
French and the 42d Division during the in this building, which in 1870 was an
night of November 8–9. This was the inn called, of course, by a different name.
farthest north that any American unit ac- By bearing right at road junction at this
tively operated during this offensive. point a large ossuary of the War of 1870
(41.5 m 66.8 km) Cross Meuse River. will be found on the right a few hundred
Sedan has a prominent place in French yards farther on. Amount of time required
h i s t o r y. H e r e , i n 1 8 7 0 , N a p o l e o n I I I for side trip–20 minutes.
and the Ar my of Marshal MacMahon (44.5 m 71.6 km) In Bazeilles, turn to
surrendered to the Prussians. It contains the left, keeping on the main road.
an old château-for t, built about 1430, (46.8 m 75.3 km) While approaching
during the time of Joan of Arc, which is next town, Douzy, to the right of the road
an impressive example of the massive is seen again the railroad which the First
feudal construction of that period. Ar my had as its objective. Its impor-
(42.4 m 68.2 km) Where the street ends tance lay in the fact that the railroads
at a monument, turn to the right. which served the German forces on the
(42.9 m 69.0 km) Pass through Balan. Western Front were so located that with-
(43.9 m 10.6 km) Beyond town, to the out the use of this double-tracked road
right across the Meuse River valley, can Germany could not supply and maintain
be seen the town of Pont-Maugis, Noyers its armies in northern France and Belgium.
on the hill above it, and the heights be- (47.7 m 76.8 km) In center of town,
yond and to the right of that place which turn sharp right and cross over the Chiers
mere captured on November 7 by Ameri- River, a tributary of the Meuse River.
can soldiers after determined f ighting. From here on the described route follows
(44.1 m 71.0 km) Just before entering the main highway to the city of Verdun.
Mouzon
The 2d Division made several attempts to cross the Meuse near this place before operations were halted by the Armistice
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 301
Face the buildings, Farm St. Rémy, seen directly ahead, and, again curving
seen in the valley to the right rear. That abruptly, follows an irregular course, pass-
direction is approximately south. ing just to the right of the hill upon which
The town of Beaumont, through which the obser ver is standing. In the large
the tour recently passed, is 4 miles from bend thus formed, the 2d and 89th Divi-
here beyond the edge of the large wood, sions on the night of November 10 ac-
Bois des Flaviers, which is seen extending complished the diff icult military feat of
off from this point to the right front. crossing a river under hostile f ire.
The above sketch and the map on page During the night of November 7, in
804 will aid in making the following anticipation of a crossing by the Ameri-
description clearer. The map and sketch cans at Mouzon, the enemy burned oil on
have been so drawn that they are oriented the surface of the river for illumination and
with the tops of them pointing south, the swe p t t h e r e m a i n s o f t h e d e s t r oye d
direction which the observer is facing. b r i d g e by a n i n t e n s e c r o s s f i r e f r o m
About 3 miles away to the left front machine guns located on or near the river
t h e M e u s e R i v e r, f l ow i n g t h i s w ay, bank. Under cover of darkness during
changes its direction sharply. It runs on November 8 troops of the 2d Division
the far side of Pouilly, whose church is attempted to cross over the ruined bridge
there. Some of them were thrown into sion had advanced as far as Moulins, seen
the water by traps placed on the bridge to the left. Other units of the division were
by the Ger mans for that pur pose but at Farm St. Rémy, and still others had
others continued on until they reached advanced about halfway between this
a gap in the bridge, too wide to be passed point and the town of Mouzon, captur-
without fur ther preparation, at which ing the two farms recently pointed out.
place the attempt had to be abandoned. An effort of the 89th Division to con-
On November 10 a second effor t to struct footbridges across the river beyond
make a surprise crossing, this time by Pouilly met with failure because of heavy
means of footbridges constructed near hostile artillery f ire. The division, how-
Mouzon, was defeated as the enemy dis- ever, crossed to the right of that town as
covered the point at which the crossing seen from here, on large rafts holding
was to be attempted and smothered it 75 men each which had been built on a
with shell and machine-gun f ire. That tributary stream and floated down to the
s a m e n i g h t , h oweve r, a c r o s s i n g wa s main river. It captured Pouilly before
forced, after heavy losses, on the far side daylight on November 11. Continuing
of the Bois des Flaviers, and by the time its advance, it crossed this highway about
of the Armistice troops of the 2d Divi- 2 miles from here, just beyond where the
highway, identif ied by the line of trees, ous missions, Private Barkeley while
can be seen to the left front disappearing returning to the American lines with the
over the hill which is to the right of and desired information which he had ob-
beyond the village of Moulins. tained, was drowned. The others suc-
D u r i n g t h e o p e r a t i o n s n e a r Po u i l ly, ceded after the g reatest diff iculty in
S e r g e a n t M . Wa l d o H a t l e r, P r iv a t e securing and taking back valuable in-
First Class Harold I. Johnston and formation concerning the enemy forces.
Private David B. Barkeley, all of the Fo r t h e s e d a r i n g a c t s t h e t h r e e we r e
8 9 t h D iv i s i o n , v o l u n t e e r e d t o m a k e awarded Congressional Medals of Honor.
reconnaissances of the hostile position
EN ROUTE NEAR MOULINS TO SOUTH
on this bank of the river, although there
OF DUN-SUR-MEUSE
were no means of crossing except by
swimming. In carrying out their danger- (56.3 m 90.6 km) Continue through
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 305
the village of Moulins, which was in pos- tered. Early on November 10 units of
session of troops of the 2d Division when the 90th Division captured the far (south)
the Armistice became effective. side of this town but were not in suff icient
(57.0 m 91.7 km) Beyond town, while strength to drive the Germans out of the
ascending hill, to the right in the valley rest of it. The remainder of the town
is seen Autreville. That village and the was captured on November 11, before
high hill to the right of it were captured the Armistice became effective, by troops
by the 89th Division about 8:00 o’clock of the 89th and 90th Divisions.
on the morning of November 11. (64.3 m 103.5 km) Beyond town, the
(57.4 m 92.4 km) Before reaching top military barracks seen to the left of the
of hill, to the right in the valley in the road were captured by the 90th Division.
distance can be seen on a clear day the They were comparatively little damaged
village of Beaumont, the f ighting near and were used by the Americans after the
which was recently described on the tour. Armistice. The facilities for bathing, as
(57.7 m 92.9 km) Beyond hill, the f irst well as the shelter from the cold, rainy
wood growing to left edge of road is the weather were very welcome to the men
Bois de Hâche, where the leading elements who had undergone the hardships of a
of the 89th Division continued f ighting November campaign in this region.
for a short time after 11:00 a. m., Novem- (64.5 m 103.8 km) Beyond barracks, to
ber 11, not having previously received the left of the road is seen the large wood,
word concerning the Armistice. Bois de Chénois, in which the 90th
Continue through Inor, Martincourt Division had a severe struggle on Novem-
and Cervisy. The Armistice line of the ber 10. The Division was f ighting at
89th Division was along the other bank the village of Baâlon, 2 miles away to the
of the Meuse River opposite these towns. left, at the time of the Armistice.
(63.7 m 102.5 km) Continue through The far side of the valley opposite here
Stenay, where the zone of action of the was reached by the 90th Division on
90th Division and the III Cor ps is en- November 6. The division immediately
89th Division Infantry in Stenay Two Minutes Before the
Armistice Took Effect
Airplane Photograph of Dun-sur-Meuse Taken From the South
began assembling bridge material pre-
paratory to a crossing and from time to
time sent patrols over the river to obtain
information. The crossing of the river
by the division was f inally carried out on
November 9 farther up the valley.
(65.9 m 106.1 km) Straight through
Mouzay, captured about 1:45 p. m. on
November 9 by the 5th Division.
(68.4 m 110.1 km) After passing first
pronounced left bend in road (about 2
miles farther on), to the right front at
foot of hill across the river is seen Sassey-
s u r- M e u s e . I t wa s n e a r t h e r e t h a t a
large part of the 90th Division on Novem-
ber 9 crossed the river by means of a foot- Second Lieutenant Frank Luke, Jr., Air Service,
bridge which had been constructed across September 19, 1918
the demolished stone bridge.
During the afternoon of November 7 ing and sur rounded on all sides by the
f ive American ambulances lost their way, enemy, who called upon him to surrender,
entered the German lines near here and he drew his automatic pistol and defended
were captured. Obser ving their plight, himself until he fell dead from a wound in
a patrol of the 90th Division, which was the chest. For his conspicuous gallantry
near the river to the right of this road, in the performance of his last flight Lieu-
attacked and recaptured the ambulances. tenant Luke was posthumously awarded
They were then sent to the rear loaded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
with German prisoners taken near there. In the next town, Dun-sur-Meuse, the
(68.6 m 110.4 km) To the left is seen veterans of the 5th Division have erected a
the long, sparsely wooded ridge, Côte St. wrought-iron railing on a bridge to com-
Germain, captured by the 5th Division memorate the crossing of the Meuse River
on November 6 and 7, after severe f ight- by their division. To visit, in center of
ing. The village on this side of it, Lion- town stop at village monument passed on
d eva n t - D u n , wa s a t t a c ke d o n t h e 6 t h the right. The bridge adjoins the monu-
but not taken until the next day. ment.
On the other side of Côte St. Germain (72.0 m 115.9 km) Continue through
is Mur vaux near where Second Lieu- Dun-sur-Meuse, captured after a hard
tenant Frank Luke, Jr., Air Service, on f ight by the 5th Division on November 5.
September 29, performed his last heroic The Headquarters of the 6th Division
deed. After having previously destroyed was located here, during the period No-
a number of enemy aircraft, he voluntarily vember 7–10, and the Headquarters of the
started on a patrol seeking German obser- I I I C o r p s , d u r i n g N ove m b e r 1 0 – 1 1 .
vation balloons. Though pursued by eight Engineers Relaxing in Ruined House After
German planes which were protecting the Working Under Fire, Dun-sur-Meuse
enemy balloon line, he attacked and shot
down in flames three German balloons.
In this engagement Lieutenant Luke was
exposed to heavy f ire from ground bat-
teries as well as hostile planes. Severely
wounded, he descended to within 50 yards
of the ground, and flying at this low alti-
tude near the town of Murvaux he f ired
upon enemy troops, killing six and wound-
ing as many more. Forced to make a land-
(307)
308 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
South of Dun-sur-Meuse
surprise attacks, the enemy was driven jected to severe enf ilade f ire from Côte
back far enough to enable a large part of de Jumont, the hill seen down the road
the division to cross during the night, to the right. To relieve the situation,
Early on the 5th some of those troops at- Captain Edward C. Allworth, 5th Divi-
tacked toward this point over the low sion, called upon the remainder of his
ridge seen to the left down the road. company to follow him, plunged into
A determined though unsuccessful at- the canal, swam over under a hail of
tempt to construct two ponton bridges bullets and joined his hard pressed units
across the river about halfway between near here. He then led his men in a
here and Dun was made about 4:00 p.m. vigorous assault against the ridge behind
on November 4. The enemy discovered here, about the same time that it was
the bridges before they were f inished and being attacked by the troops who had
destroyed them by shellf ire. crossed near Brieulles. The ridge was
That night the river was bridged where captured after a hard f ight and many
it runs close to the hill on the other side p r i s o n e r s we r e t a ke n . Fo r h i s d a r i n g
of the valley, and the canal was bridged act, Captain Allworth was awarded the
near here. At dawn, when the enemy Congressional Medal of Honor.
discovered the operation and opened f ire Other troops of the division who crossed
damaging the bridges, part of a company at this point pushed down the river and
was on this bank and a large force was took Dun. By dark of November 5 the
on the swampy ground between the river G e r m a n s h a d b e e n d r ive n b a c k m o r e
and canal. The men on this bank found than a mile to the rear of here.
themselves in a diff icult position as they It was during the crossing in front of
had no means of retreat and were sub- here that Sergeant Eugene P. Walker,
by attacking in rear, from this hill, the f ighting an advance exceeding 6 miles
Germans who were defending the village. was made by the American assault units.
(76.6 m 123.3 km) While descending On October 4 the general attack was
hill, the ridge seen to the right front is on renewed and continued almost without
the other side of the Meuse. It was taken pause until October 22, by which time the
by the 80th Division on September 26 and Hindenburg Line had been car ried on
from then on to November 6 the opposing most of the First Army front beyond the
lines faced each other across this valley. river. This period was characterized by
(78.7 m 126.7 km) Continue through almost daily attacks and terrif ic f ighting
the town of Sivry-sur-Meuse. during which the German reserves were
(79.3 m 127.6 km) Beyond far edge of used up. It included a flank attack
town, about 80 yards, STOP. against the Argonne Forest on October 7,
The monument on Montfaucon can be an advance on this side of the Meuse
seen on the sky line to the right front. River on October 8, and a general assault
Face to the left, which direction is east. against the Hindenburg Line on the other
The 79th Division on October 30 took side of the river on October 14.
over a portion of the front line, about 2 From October 23 to the end of that
miles away, which ran in the direction the month only local attacks were made as
reader is facing. It attacked, from the the Army prepared for an offensive on
reader' s right to left, daily on November November 1 that proved to be its last
3, 4 and 5, by which time, after severe one. The results of this offensive ex-
f ighting, a line near the crest of the bald- ceeded all expectations and a complete
topped hill seen to the left front had been break-through of the last prepared Ger-
reached. That hill, designated on French man position occurred. As the Germans
maps as the Borne de Cornouiller, was did not have suff icient reserves to stop
nicknamed “Cornwilly Hill” by the Ameri- such a strong attack, they started a with-
can soldiers who fought on this front. drawal to this side of the Meuse River.
On November 7 the division took the T h e Fi r s t A r my t h e n c o n d u c t e d a n
remainder of the hill, its direction of ad- energetic pursuit. It brilliantly forced
vance then changing to the direction crossings of the river at several places, and
which the reader is now facing. exerted terrif ic and continuous pressure
The 26th Division on November 8 ad- until the Armistice became effective.
vanced alongside the 79th Division on The twelve American divisions that
its right and at the time of the Armistice participated in the f ighting between No-
both divisions were on a line about 8 ve m b e r 1 a n d N ove m b e r 1 1 s u ff e r e d
miles from here, beyond Theinte Creek. more than 18,000 casualties. The total
On the right of the 26th Division were American losses during the entire Meuse-
the French 10th Colonial Division and Argonne offensive were close to 117,000.
the American 81st Division. The latter
5th Division Troops on the Armistice Line
division advanced about 3 miles in the
Near Rémoiville
period between November 9 and 11.
Face down the road, which direction is
approximately south.
As this is the last stop of the tour, a
brief résumé here will aid in f ixing in the
reader’s mind the events which took place
in this region during the fall of 1918.
On September 26 a smashing surprise
attack by the First Army, between the
Meuse River and the Argonne Forest,
overran the strong German forward posi-
tions and captured the heights to the right
across the valley. In four days of bitter
312 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
brought the machine gun and prisoner Barricourt. Strong resistance was en-
back to the f irst-aid station where he went countered in this village on November 2
to have his wounded arm treated. before it was captured early the next day
Slightly to the east of the scene of the by troops of the 89th Division.
above exploit, Private Archie A. Peck, Beauchamp Farm, 1 1 /2 miles southwest
77th Division, also won the Congressional of Cler mont-en-Argonne. Location of
Medal of Honor. While engaged with 92d Div. Hdqrs., September 24–30.
two other soldiers in patrol duty on Octo- Beauclair. Captured by the 89th Di-
ber 6, he and his comrades were subjected vision on November 3 after a sharp f ight.
to the direct f ire of an enemy machine gun Béthincour t. Location of 80th Div.
which wounded both of his companions. Headquarters, October 1–12.
Returning to his company, he obtained B o i s E m o n t , 1 / 2 m i l e s o u t h we s t o f
another soldier to assist in carrying in the Cierges. Captured by the 37th Division
wounded men. Although his assistant early on September 28 after a hard f ight.
was killed and Private Peck was con- Bois de Gesnes. This wood which is
stantly under terrif ic machine-gun f ire he located on the Romagne Heights just
made the round trip twice, bringing in west of Côte Dame Marie was the scene
each time one of the wounded men. of heavy f ighting at various times from
A r i é t a l Fa r m , 1 m i l e n o r t h e a s t o f October 10 to 14 by the 32d and 42d Di-
Exermont. A tank attack on September visions, and the 181st Brigade of the
29 was broken up near this farm by hos- 91st Division while with the 1st Division.
tile artillery f ire. The farm was captured Bois de Lambechamp. In a ravine at
by the 1st Division on October 5. the east edge of this wood was located the
Avocourt. This village was an impor- 79th Div. Hdqrs., September 24–26.
tant road junction just in rear of the 37th Bois de Montfaucon. German con-
Division jump-off line on September 26. crete dugouts located at the crossroads
316 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
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AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 317
kilometers (1.8 miles) from road junction ber 14, 15 and 21. They were captured
turn right and travel 800 yards to shelters. by the 3d Division on the last-named date.
C h â t e l - C h é h é r y. 7 7 t h D iv. H d q r s . , Clermont-en-Argonne. This historic
Oct. 12–16; 78th Div. Hdqrs., Oct. 16– town, because of its position on one of the
31; and 80th Div. Hdqrs., Oct. 30–Nov. 1. two principal passes through the Argonne
Chaudron Farm, in a ravine 1 mile Forest, has been the scene of numerous
n o r t h o f B a u l ny. T h i s f a r m wa s c a p - battles and sieges. The Church of St.
tured during September 28 by the 35th Didier, dating from the 16th Century, is
Division after severe f ighting. of architectural interest. The town was
Chéhéry, 1 mile south of Fléville. In an impor tant point in the supply and
this town was located the I Cor ps Hdqrs., communication system of the American
Nov. 2–5. The near-by château was the First Army during the offensive.
82d Div. Hdqrs., October 13–31. C l é r y - l e - G ra n d . C a p t u r e d e a r ly o n
Cheveuges. Positions on the hills east November 1 by the 5th Division.
and north of this place were occupied on Cléry-Ie-Petit, near Cléry-le-Grand, was
November 7 by the 1st and 42d Divi- captured by the 5th Division on Nov. 2.
sions. These positions were turned over C u i s y . L o c a t i o n o f 4 t h D iv. H d q r s .
to the French early on November 8.
C i e rge s . T h i s t ow n wa s r e a c h e d by Temporary American Cemetery Near Cierges,
the 37th Division on September 28 but January 1919
a German counterattack drove the Amer-
ican troops from the village. On the 29th
it was attacked twice, once with tank
support, but the heavy artillery f ire of the
enemy was so severe that it could not be
held. It was f inally captured by troops
of the 32d Division on October 1.
C l a i r s C h ê n e s Wo o d , n o r t h e a s t o f
Cunel. Scene of heavy f ighting by the
3d Division on October 14–16. It was
captured on October 20 and a German
attempt to recapture it on the 21st was
repulsed. To the east are Hill 299 and
L a M i - N o ë l Wo o d, a t b o t h o f wh i c h
places severe f ighting took place on Octo-
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318
during the period Sept. 26–Oct. 19, and During the 91st Division advance be-
90th Div. Hdqrs. from Oct. 19 to Oct. 31. tween Véry and Eclisfontaine, on Septem-
Dhuy Farm, 1 1 / 2 miles nor theast of ber 26, Cor poral Philip C. Katz per-
Landres-et-St. Georges. This farm was formed the heroic service for which he was
a German strong point captured on awa r d e d t h e C o n g r e s s i o n a l M e d a l o f
November 1 by the 89th Division. H o n o r. A f t e r h i s c o m p a ny h a d w i t h -
Eclisfontaine. In this village and in drawn about 200 yards to a line about
Bouleaux Bois west of it the 91st Division 1 mile south of Eclisfontaine, Corporal
had bitter f ighting from September 26 Katz lear ned that one of his wounded
t o 2 8 . B o t h p l a c e s we r e c a p t u r e d o n comrades had been left in an exposed
September 27, abandoned the same day position. Voluntarily crossing an area
and recaptured on September 28. swept by heavy machine-gun f ire, he ad-
In the general attack toward Eclisfon- vanced to where the wounded soldier lay
taine on September 26, First Lieutenant and carried him to a place of safety.
D e m i n g B r o n s o n , 9 1 s t D iv i s i o n , wa s Epinonville, 3 /4 mile east of Eclisfon-
struck by fragments of an enemy hand taine, was the 91st Div. Hdqrs., Sept. 28–
grenade, receiving deep cuts on the head. Oct. 4, and 89th Div. Hdqrs., Oct. 14–24.
He nevertheless participated under haz- During the severe f ighting near Epi-
ardous conditions in the capture of an nonville, Sergeant Lloyd M. Seibert, 91st
enemy dugout from which a large number Division, won the Congressional Medal of
of prisoners was taken. That afternoon Honor. Suffering from illness, he led his
he was painfully wounded in the arm by men with the highest courage and leader-
an enemy rifle bullet and after receiving ship under heavy shell and machine-gun
f irst-aid treatment was ordered to the f ire. On September 26, with two other
rear. Disregarding these instr uctions, soldiers, he charged a machine-gun em-
Lieutenant Bronson remained on duty placement in advance of his company, he
with his company throughout the night himself killing one of the enemy with a
although suffering from severe pain and shotgun and capturing two others. In
shock. On September 27 when the at- this encounter he was wounded but con-
tack was resumed, Lieutenant Bronson’s tinued in action, and when a withdrawal
company was in support. Nevertheless, was ordered he returned with the last unit,
he gallantly joined the assaulting line assisting a wounded comrade. Later in
and took par t in the capture of Eclis- the evening he carried in wounded until
fontaine. Later he par ticipated in the overcome with exhaustion. On Septem-
capture of a hostile machine gun, him- ber 27, when his organization captured
self killing the enemy gunner. Shortly Epinonville, Sergeant Seibert was one of
after this encounter, when the troops about ten soldiers who went through their
were compelled to retire because of the own barrage into the village, where, ac-
heavy enemy ar tiller y bar rage, Lieu- cording to his citation, he chased a group
tenant Bronson, who was the last man to of 30 or more Germans along the main
leave the advanced position, was wounded road until he dropped from exhaustion.
in both arms by an enemy high-explosive Exermont. In the severe f ighting near
shell. He was then assisted to cover by here on October 4, Private Sterling More-
another off icer who applied f irst aid. lock, 1st Division, won the Congressional
Although bleeding profusely and faint M e d a l o f H o n o r. W h i l e h i s c o m p a ny
from the loss of blood, Lieutenant Bron- was held up by heavy f ire, Private More-
son remained with the front line that lock voluntarily led three other men, who
night refusing to go to the rear for treat- we r e a c t i n g a s r u n n e r s , a s a p a t r o l
ment. His conspicuous gallantr y was through his company’s front line. Under
an inspiration to the members of his intense rifle, machine-gun and artillery
command and for his deeds he was award- f ire they penetrated a wood in which
ed the Congressional Medal of Honor. the German front line was located. The
320 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
N ov e m b e r 4 a n d r e a c h e d t h e M e u s e
River that same day. The engineers of
the 89th Division built rafts in the Forêt
d e D i e u l e t wh i c h we r e f l o a t e d d ow n
Wamme Creek to the Meuse where they
were used in forcing a crossing of the
river near Pouilly on November 10.
Fo r ê t d e Wo ë v r e . T h i s wo o d w a s
cleared of the Germans by the 5th
A Dangerous Corner in Exermont, Division during November 3 and 10.
October 7, 1918 Fossé. This village was the location of
the 2d Division Hdqrs., November 4–11.
patrol encountered a series of f ive hostile Gesnes. In the vicinity of this village,
machine-gun nests, containing from one to situated at the foot of Romagne Heights,
f ive guns each, cleaned them all out, and occur red some of the most desperate
held control of the situation until the ar- f ighting of the war. The town itself was
rival of reinforcements, even though all captured by the 91st Division on Septem-
except Private Morelock had become ber 29 after two previous attacks that day
casualties. He rendered f irst aid to the had failed, but was abandoned the same
injured and evacuated them, using as night because it formed a shar p salient in
stretcher bearers ten German prisoners t h e l i n e . S o o n a f t e r t h e wa r a s m a l l
whom he had captured. Soon thereafter marker was erected near the church by
his company commander was wounded the 362d Infantry, 91st Division, in com-
and while dressing his wound Private memoration of its f ighting at Gesnes
Morelock was severely wounded in the during this period. The town was recap-
hip, which forced his evacuation. His t u r e d by t h e 3 2 d D iv i s i o n i n s ava g e
heroic action and devotion to duty were f ighting during October 5.
an inspiration to the entire regiment. South of this village Major Oscar F.
In the same attack of the 1st Division, Miller, 91st Division, performed the ex-
Corporal Berte L. Kinkade, Private First p l o i t s f o r wh i c h h e wa s awa r d e d t h e
Congressional Medal of Honor, Although
Class Stanley Gancaz and Private George
exhausted by two days of intense physical
W. Garner took an important part. When
and mental strain, he reorganized his
a German 77-millimeter f ield gun, sup-
battalion and ordered an attack during
ported by numerous machine guns, broke
September 28. Upon reaching the open
up the tank attack and held up the infantry
ground, the advancing line commenced to
advance, Corporal Kinkade, with Privates
Gancaz and Garner, both of whom were A Haircut Near the Front Lines
scouts, made an encircling movement on
their own initiative under heavy f ire and
put the gun out of action, capturing the
entire crew. They cleaned out the enemy
dugouts in the vicinity and returned with
40 prisoners, including one infantry officer.
All three men were awarded the Distin-
guished Service Cross for their bravery.
Exmorieux Farm and the near-by Les
E p i n e t t e s B o i s . T h i s f a r m a n d wo o d
were captured by the 91st Division on
September 28 against desperate resis-
tance.
Forêt de Dieulet. Patrols of the 89th
Division pushed through this wood on
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AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION 321
Soon afterwards he was shot in the arm, Hill 263, in Le Petit Bois. This hill
b u t c o n t i n u e d t h e c h a rg e , p e r s o n a l ly wa s c a p t u r e d by t h e 1 s t D iv i s i o n o n
cheering his men on through the heavy October 9 after severe f ighting.
machine-gun f ire. Just before the ob- Hill 269, in the Bois de Moncy. Ele-
jective was reached, he received a wound ments of the 1st, 32d and 91st Divisions
in the abdomen, which forced him to the fought on this hill at various times be-
ground, but he continued to urge his men tween October 5 and 9. The crest was
ahead, telling them to push on to the next captured on October 8 by the 1st En-
ridge and leave him. He died from the gineers, a part of the 1st Division.
effects of his wounds a few days later. I n t h e a d v a n c e o n O c t o b e r 7 Fi r s t
The 89th Div. Hdqrs. was located at Lieutenant Edmund P. Ar pin, 32d Di-
Gesnes during the period Oct. 24–Nov. 1. vision, won the Distinguished Service
Grange-aux-Bois Farm, 1 /2 mile west of Cross for voluntarily leading a platoon of
Cierges. Scene of heavy f ighting by the 41 men in an attack on Hill 269. Although
37th Division on September 28 and 29 and all but four of his men became casualties,
by the 91st Division on September 29. this small group under the leadership of
From the road near it is obtained an ex- Lieutenant Arpin continued on its mission,
cellent view of the ground captured by capturing a position on the hill and hold-
the 3d and 32d Divisions during the severe ing it for some time although there was
f ighting in this vicinity in early October. no hope of his receiving reinforcements.
Harricourt. Captured by the 77th Di- Hill 272, two miles east of Fléville.
322 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
Heavy f ire from this strong position held defenders of the hill and French soldiers
up the advance of the 1st Division on Oc- who died on it. The monument is
tober 5. A hostile counterattack stopped diff icult of access (1937) and is reached
an attempt to outflank it on October 8, from the Esnes-Malancourt road. The
but it was stormed and captured by the 79th Div. Hdqrs. was located near this
1st Division, in spite of terrif ic hostile road at PC Zouave, 2 miles south of
artillery f ire, in a brilliant assault on Oc- Malancourt, on September 26 and 27.
tober 9. It is repor ted that more than Jametz. Captured after dark on No-
50 German machine guns were captured vember 9 by troops of the 5th Division
during the advance up its southern slope. who waded one stream and swam the
★ Hill 285, in the Argonne Forest. This Loison River under hostile f ire to attack
was on the American jump-off line of the town. The troops could not hold it
September 26. It was the scene of hard that night, but reoccupied it the next
f ighting in 1914–15 and is marked by d ay a f t e r a s h o r t f i g h t . A G e r m a n
m a ny d e e p m i n e c r a t e r s . A F r e n c h aviation f ield was located near there.
ossuary monument, called the Ossuaire La Besogne, in the Argonne Forest 2
de la Haute Chevauchée, which mentions miles west of Cornay. Location of 78th
the American units that ser ved in the Div. Headquarters, Oct. 31–Nov. 3.
vicinity, is on the hill. To reach it from La Claire , 200 yards nor th of Bois
Varennes, go southwest on road leading Bour rus. Location of 80th Div. Hdqrs.
toward Vienne-le-Château. After enter- during the period Sept. 26–Oct. 1.
ing woods take f irst turn to the left and La Forge, 1 / 2 mile southeast of Mont-
proceed 1 1 /2 miles to the monument. blainville. Captured by the 28th Divi-
Hill 304, 1 mile north of Esnes. This sion on September 27. Location of
hill was just behind the American jump- 28th Div. Hdqrs., Sept. 30–Oct. 9, and 82d
off line on September 26. It was the Div. Hdqrs., Oct. 9–13.
s c e n e o f s eve r e Fr e n c h a n d G e r m a n L a Wav r i l l e . T h e Fr e n c h 2 6 t h D i -
f ighting in 1916 and 1917. A monument vision engaged in heavy f ighting on this
on its summit commemorates the French wooded height from October 8 to 11.
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324 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
a salient in the line that night. 89th Div. tinued the advance to the north.
Headquarters, November 4–11. Transvaal Farm, on the southern slope
Talma, f ar m and village, about 1 1 / 2 of Côte Dame Marie. Scene of heavy
m i l e s n o r t h we s t o f G r a n d p r é . T h e s e f ighting on October 9 and 10 by soldiers
were in the Hindenburg Line. French of the 32d Division. The farm was f inally
troops captured them on October 16 but captured by the division on October 10.
326 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE MEUSE–ARGONNE REGION
I
N this chapter are described the Ameri- region me shown on the general map at
can military operations which took the end of the chapter and each opera-
place during the World War on that t i o n i s i l l u s t r a t e d by a s ke t c h wh i c h
part of the battle front in the Champagne accompanies the text of the itinerary.
region between the city of Reims and the The described tour begins at Reims and
we s t e r n p a r t o f t h e A rg o n n e Fo r e s t . ends at Le Four de Paris, near the western
They include combat ser vices of the 2d, edge of the Argonne Forest. It takes the
36th and 42d Divisions; the 369th, 371st visitor to each of the areas where Amer-
and 372d Infantry Regiments of the 93d ican f ighting occurred and to the monu-
Division; the so-called “Lost Battalion” ment constr ucted by the United States
o f t h e 7 7 t h D iv i s i o n ; a n d t h e 3 6 8 t h Government north of Sommepy to com-
Infantr y Regiment of the 92d Division. memorate the achievements of American
German Troops Attacking Village Behind Smoke Screen, July 15, 1918. ©
The operations of the “Lost Battalion” and French troops who fought in the
were part of the Meuse-Argonne offensive Champagne region during the World War.
of the American First Army but because This itinerary differs from those in the
t h e a r e a c o n c e r n e d i s n e a r t h e we s t preceding chapters in that it does not form
side of the Argonne, and therefore more a complete loop. Such a change was con-
e a s i ly r e a c h e d f r o m t h e d i r e c t i o n o f sidered advisable because it is believed
Reims, the detailed description of them this tour will he used mainly by tourists
is included in this part of the book. passing through the Champagne region
This chapter also includes a described o n t h e i r w ay t o v i s i t t h e A m e r i c a n
tour of the American battlef ields. The Meuse-Argonne or St. Mihiel battlef ields
locations of all American operations in the or other places still farther to the east.
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33042D DIVISION IN THE
AMERICAN CHAMPAGNE-MARNE
OPERATIONS DEFENSIVE
IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION
expected attack. They had previously as possible. They sent back information
moved a large quantity of artillery into mainly by telephone, rockets and flares.
the sector and, shortly before the German The story of these men, exposed to almost
b o m b a r d m e n t b ega n , t h e Fr e n c h a n d certain death under the heavy shelling, is
American guns placed an intense bom- an epic of heroism. Among them was a
bardment on the German artillery em- group comprising one off icer and 25 men
p l a c e m e n t s a n d a s s e m bly p o i n t s f o r of the 42d Division who were posted 1/2
troops. This caused severe casualties in mile in front of the main line of resistance
the hostile ranks and resulted in the re- to defend an anti-tank gun. This entire
placement of several German units before group was sacrif iced, not one returning to
the infantry assault was wen started. the division after the attack.
T h e G e r m a n s l i kew i s e h a d c o n c e n - T h e i n f a n t r y a s s a u l t b eg a n a t 3 : 5 0
trated a great mass of ar tillery for the a. m. on a battle front extending east of
battle, and soon after midnight on July Reims to Tahure and southwest of Reims
14–15 such cannon as had not been put to a point about 4 miles east of Château-
out of action by the French bombard- Thierry. Because the Germans progressed
ment deluged the French and American rapidly through the French front line
positions with a tremendous concentra- their f irst reports were highly favorable
tion of gas and high-explosive shells. and reser ve troops were rushed forward
While there were many casualties, the in the belief that the shock of the initial
losses were much less than in the previous onslaught had been ir resistible.
German offensives, as a large part of this On the front of the French XXI Corps,
bombardment was on the f irst position the Allied and American ar tiller y was
from which mast of the French troops had kept infor med of the prog ress of the
been previously withdrawn. German infantr y attack by watchers in
The few troops manning the front line t h e f o r wa r d p o s i t i o n s . C o n s e q u e n t ly,
had the mission of giving warning of the the gunners were able to shorten their
attack to the units in the intermediate range progressively so that the German
position and of delaying the enemy as long troops from the time the attack started
332 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION
were constantly under a rain of Allied tance in the direction of Epernay. Hard
s h e l l s , w i t h n o s h e l t e r ava i l a bl e , t h e f ighting continued there until the 17th
French having previously destroyed or when the advance was def initely stopped.
made untenable by poison gas all dugouts Although this powerful and ambitious
in front of their intermediate position. drive was made by the enemy in a des-
Under this deluge of f ire the Germans perate effort to win the war, it lacked the
approa c h ed the inter mediate position q u a l i t y o f s u r p r i s e wh i c h h a d c h a r-
where the French and Americans were acterized most of the other German
waiting. They repeatedly attacked that a t t a c k s o f 1 9 1 8 . T h e A l l i e s n o t o n ly
position during the f irst day, suffering avoided exposing their men to much of
terrif ic losses, but were everywhere re- the devastating effects of the hostile
pulsed, except at two places. In those preliminary artiller y bombardment, but
places the hostile troops who penetrated they fought the battle on a position of
t h e Fr e n c h a n d A m e r i c a n l i n e s we r e t h e i r ow n c h o o s i n g , i n f l i c t i n g h e av y
promptly driven out by counterattacks. losses and a serious repulse on the enemy.
During this f ighting six more American The 42d Division, which suffered more
infantry companies were sent forward to than 1,600 casualties, was enthusiastically
the intermediate position, now become commended by General Gouraud, com-
the front line, and the 150th and 151st manding the French Fourth Army, for its
Machine Gun Battalions and the artillery gallant conduct in the defense. It was
brigade of the 42d Division all actively withdrawn from the line on July 19 pre-
participated in driving the enemy back. parator y to moving westward to take
The Germans continued their attacks part in the Franco-American offensive
on some parts of this front on July 16, a ga i n s t t h e M a r n e s a l i e n t wh i c h h a d
but made no gains of importance. begun with great success the day before.
In the sector of the French Fifth Army The exact locations of the infantry units
southwest of Reims the Germans on July of the 42d Division are shown on the sketch
15 pushed several divisions across the on page 343 and further details of the fight-
Marne River and advanced a short dis- ing will be found in that part of the text.
German 15-cm. Howitzer Battery Firing While Infantry Is Moving Forward, October 1918. © G
2D AND 36TH DIVISIONS WITH THE FRENCH FOURTH
ARMY, SEPTEMBER 29–OCTOBER 28, 1918
Blanc Mont Ridge was the key point ene rg y, captured certain sections of the
of the Ger man defenses in the region, hostile trenches which were necessary to
being on the last natural defensive line p r ov i d e a s u i t a bl e j u m p - o ff l i n e . I t
south of the Aisne River, 16 miles away. formed for the general assault with its
It had been g reatly strengthened by an Infantry Brigade on the right, to drive
e l a b o r a t e s y s t e m o f t r e n c h e s , u n d e r- forward from the southeast against the
ground shelters and barbed-wire entangle- eastern end of Blanc Mont Ridge, and its
m e n t s . T h e c a p t u r e o f t h e r i d g e wa s Marine Brigade on the left, to strike the
essential to further progress in the region; western part of the ridge from the south.
so, at the request of the Allied Com- Early on October 3 the 2d Division
mander-in-Chief for two American divi- jumped off and in spite of desperate re-
sions, General Pershing sent the 2d and sistance within three hours had the
36th Divisions from the American First crest of Blanc Mont Ridge f ir mly in
A r my t o a s s i s t t h e F r e n c h Fo u r t h its g rasp. The French divisions on its
Ar my in its effor ts to take the ridge. flanks were left far behind. The one on
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334
For further details of this 2d Division ized a strong position across the base of
fighting see pages 351-355 of the itinerary. the bend which a French division had as-
The 36th Division, which was entering saulted unsuccessfully on October 16.
the front line for the f irst time, took im- On the after noon of October 27 the
mediate advantage of the favorable condi- division attacked that position, drove the
tions created by the successful advance of Germans beyond the river and organized
the 2d Division, and attacked east of St. its line north of Forest Farm.
Etienne-â-Arnes on the 10th. After con- The operations of the division, which
siderable f ighting it made some gains. mere begun in the vicinity of St. Etienne-
(See the sketch on page 356.) â-Arnes about 12 miles to the south, were
That evening information was received terminated on October 28, and on that
from the French XXI Corps, with which date the division passed into reser ve,
the division was serving, that the Germans having lost close to 1,100 men. (For
were retiring, and the Corps directed a further details consult pages 355–357.)
vigorous advance. As a result the 36th This successful operation was the only
Division attacked the next morning, and one in which the 36th Division partici-
after overcoming machine-gun resistance, pated, although when the Armistice was
drove the Germans back about 3 miles to signed it was again preparing to enter the
b eyo n d M a c h a u l t . I t s a g g r e s s ive a d - battle line as part of the American Sec-
vance, in conjunction with the French, ond Army for an attack near the Moselle.
was continued on the 12th when Dricourt
a n d Va u x - C h a m p a g n e we r e c a p t u r e d .
The division front line was established German Troops Combatting Tanks With
that night on the high ground just to the Flame Throwers, October 1918. © G
north of the latter place. On the 13th the
36th Division again moved forward and
that day took up a defensive position
along the canal near the Aisne River.
During the next few days it extended
its flanks to take over sectors from French
units leaving the line. On the 18th it was
placed under the French XI Corps and on
the 23d it assumed control of the front
facing the bend of the Aisne in which are
located Rilly-aux-Oies and Forest Farm.
At that point enemy troops had remained
south of the Aisne River and had organ-
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369TH, 371ST AND 372D INFANTRY REGIMENTS
93D DIVISION WITH THE FRENCH FOURTH ARMY
SEPTEMBER 26–OCTOBER 8, 1918
Troops of the 369th Infantry, 93d Division in the Front- Line Trenches
“LOST BATTALION” OF THE 77TH DIVISION, OCTOBER 2–7, 1918
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A TOUR OF THE AMERICAN BATTLEFIELDS IN THE
CHAMPAGNE REGION
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342 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION
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German Assault Detachment Advancing Under Enemy Fire During the Attack of
July 15, 1918. © G
expected Ger man attack included this so-called “sacrif ice posts”, much of the
road near here. The forward trench of German f ire which fell upon it was wasted.
the position ran approximately parallel At 3:50 a. m. the German infantry
to this road about 300 yards away to the assault was launched, this fact being
left. Some of the support trenches were signalled to those near here by rockets
along this road and others approximately sent up by men in the “sacrif ice posts”
150 yards to the right of it. who then attempted to disorganize the
One battalion of the 42d Division held f irst enemy assault waves by machine-
a sector here, about 1/2 mile long, with two gun f ire while retreating slowly to the
companies in the forward line and one lines near here. At that time the Amer-
company in support in the trench system ican soldiers near this point prepared
just to the right of this point. The re- to receive the assault, but so effective
maining company of this battalion held was the delay caused by the small posts
a position in the forward line about 1 1/2 in the front line that it was not until
miles away in the direction the tourist is shortly before 8:00 a. m. that the German
f a c i n g . A n o t h e r b a t t a l i o n wa s i n t h e troops succeeded in reaching the position
position defending St. Hilaire-le-Grand, just to the left of this road. The f irst
about 2 miles to the right front but in- waves were beaten off and by 10:00 a. m.
visible from here, and still another was the French and Americans in this vicinity
n e a r t h e v i l l a g e o f S o u a i n , wh i c h i s h a d r e p u l s e d, w i t h t e r r i f i c l o s s e s t o
passed through later in the tour. the Germans, seven separate assaults.
During the night of July 14–15 the About 11:00 a. m. the attack lost its
excitement at this point was intense. impetus and the enemy was compelled
With full knowledge of the German plans to withdraw for reorganization.
the American and French ar tillery, lo- Fur ther attacks by the enemy in the
cated a mile or more to the right of this after noon and early evening were re-
road, opened f ire about 11:20 p. m. upon p u l s e d, a n d d u r i n g t h e n i g h t a n o t h e r
the German masses forming for the at- battalion of the 42d Division was sent
tack. Exactly on scheduled time, 12:10 forward to support the lines near here.
a. m., the German artillery commenced It took up a position in trenches running
f iring. Some of its f ire was directed immediately along the right side of this
against the positions here but most of it road with the center of the battalion
pounded the trenches and wire of the f irst approximately 800 yards ahead.
line, which ran about 1 1/2 miles away, At 10:30 a. m. on July 16, after heavy
beyond Aubérive-sur-Suippes, seen to the artiller y preparation, the Germans re-
left, and along the top of the ridge seen newed their efforts to break through the
to the left front. As that line had been l i n e n e a r S t . H i l a i r e . I n s p i t e o f r e-
practically abandoned, except for the peated attacks, however, continued until
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AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION 345
2:00 p. m., their assaults were everywhere (23.8 m 38.3 km) Approximately 3/4
repulsed with severe losses. These at- mile to the right of this road was located
t a c k s we r e p r o b a bly l a u n c h e d i n a n the second position, organized and held
effor t to conceal from the Allies the by the greater part of the 42d Division.
decisiveness of the defeat suffered by the That position was heavily shelled during
German Armies on the previous day and the attack b ut no active f ighting took
t h ey m a r k e d t h e e n d o f t h e G e r m a n place there as the Germans were unable
attempts to advance on this front. to force their way through the interme-
On July 16 and 17 American and diate position to the left of this road.
French patrols operated as f ar as the Beyond next town, Souain, on road to
former French f irst line, then held by the Tahure are a monument and cemetery of
Germans, and on the morning of July 18 the French Foreign Legion, the funds for
the American troops made a successful which were furnished by an American. It
raid on a German position to the left of is easily reached and well worth seeing.
here as a result of which information and To visit, turn right at church in Souain,
a number of prisoners were secured. cross creek and then turn left. At road
O n J u ly 1 9 t h e 4 2 d D i v i s i o n w a s fork near edge of town take left hand branch
relieved from the trenches on this front, and proceed about 1 mile to monument and
preparatory to moving westward to join cemetery which are on right side of road.
the f ighting in the Aisne-Marne region. Length of side trip—3 miles. Amount of
The headquarters of the 42d Division time required—30 minutes.
during the operations on July 15 and 16 (25.5 m 41.1 km) Where road ends in
was located at Crête Niel about 6 miles the next village, Souain, turn left.
away to the right of this road. (25.7 m 41.4 km) Beyond town, to the
From here to Souain the intermediate left of the road is seen a large World
position from which the German attack War military cemetery containing 29,507
vas repulsed ran approximately parallel French and 13,708 German dead.
to the road followed by the tour. It was (25.9 m 41.7 km) About 300 yards far-
located from 1/4 to 3/4 mile to the left of it. ther on, at small crest marked (1937) by
two concrete shelters to the left of the
EN ROUTE NORTHWEST OF ST. HILAIRE road, STOP without leaving automobile.
TO THE NAVARIN FARM MONUMENT Through this point, r unning at right
angles to the road and extending about
(21.5 m 34.6 km) In the next village, 600 yards on each side of it, were located
St. Hilaire-le-Grand, immediately beyond trenches held by two companies of the
the church, turn to the left. 42d Division from July 15 to 19.
On July 15 and 16 the troops of the Early on the morning of July 15 when
42d Division played a prominent rôle the isolated g roups in the front line,
in the defense of St. Hilaire-le-Grand. which were on the ridge 2 miles ahead,
German Assault Against Village After an Artillery Preparation, July 1918. © G
346
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AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION 347
(31.1 m 50.1 km) A short distance far- Down the road ahead on the sky line
ther on, near the left side of road, is seen a can be seen the American monument on
2d Division boulder marker. It is located a high point of Blanc Mont Ridge.
near the right flank of the jump-off line of (31.2 m 50.3 km) To the left of the
the Marine Brigade early on October 3. road is seen a f ine view of the ground
American Memorial Near Sommepy
Commemorating the Fighting in the Champagne Region
advanced over by the Marine Brigade on open f ield are the entrances to several
October 3. The direction of advance of German dugouts. The neighborhood con-
the brigade was approximately parallel to tains many trenches and other indications
that which the tourist is now traveling. of the war. A walk in the vicinity will
(33.2 m 53.3 km) At next crossroads, prove to be most interesting.
turn to the right, proceed to the site of the On the exterior walls of the monument
monument and STOP. are carved the dedicatory inscription and
T h i s m o n u m e n t wa s e r e c t e d by t h e the names of the American divisions
United States Government to commem- wh i c h t h e m o n u m e n t c o m m e m o r a t e s ,
orate the achievements of her soldiers and their insignia, the inclusive dates that
those of France who fought in this region they served in this region and four places
during the World War. It stands on the where each division had hard f ighting.
crest of Blanc Mont Ridge which was The tower is now (1937) open to visitors
captured by the American 2d Division on only on Sundays. Inside the door, on a
October 3, after ter rif ic f ighting. stone panel visible through the bronze
The memorial has the form of a tower grille, is a brief description of the Amer-
and its sturdy, though graceful, shape ican operations in the vicinity.
harmonizes with the bleak and desolate The following details of the f ighting are
landscape. The golden brown stones, of written to be read from the top of the
different shades, give an unusually at- tower. If read from the lower ter race
tractive effect to the exterior and the a large part of the description will he clear
monument as a whole is representative of and many of the places can be identif ied.
a f ine type of American architecture. The direction arrows on the upper par-
Between the road and the monument is apet walls will be of help in locating the
a Ger man trench and beyond it in the places mentioned on the following pages.
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The American monument on Mont-
faucon, 27 miles away, can be seen when
the atmospheric conditions are favorable.
Climb tower, go to side of terrace over
entrance door and face out with line of
vision at right angles to the parapet wall.
Sommepy is in the valley ahead.
If the tourist is not familiar with the
account of the operations of the 2d and
36th Divisions, given previously in this
chapter, it should now be read.
This monument is near the center of
the dominating Blanc Mont Ridge. The
ridge is crescent-shaped, Blanc Mont be- Entrance to the American Memorial
ing that end about 1 mile away to the Near Sommepy
right and Hill 210 the end about the same
distance to the left front. On an offshoot and cleared places on its summit. The
of this ridge was located Médéah Farm, chalky character of its soil made the con-
which is about 1 mile to the left. struction of f ield fortif ications compara-
The ridge has great natural defensive tively easy and many trenches, dugouts
strength due to its height above the sur- and obstacles had been constructed.
rounding country and the many wooded T h e o ff e n s ive o f t h e Fr e n c h Fo u r t h
Ar my, which started on September 26
Inscription on the American Sommepy Memorial
f r o m a l i n e a b o u t 1 m i l e b eyo n d t h e
location of the Navarin Farm monument,
the pyramid-shaped monument seen to
the right of and beyond Sommepy, was
shattered against the German positions
at the foot of this ridge. The repeated
French assaults were without avail and
the French advance had been def initely
stopped when the American 2d Division
on October 2 took over the front line
just this side of Sommepy.
A general offensive was f ixed for Octo-
ber 3. The 2d Division’s task was to
force the enemy from this ridge and thus
o p e n t h e way f o r t h e Fr e n c h Fo u r t h
Ar my to advance to the Aisne River,
about 14 miles to the rear of the observer.
The division plan of attack, though
hur riedly drawn, was cleverly conceived.
An assault was not ordered for its entire
front, but the Marine Brigade was direct-
ed to advance from the low ridge seen just
this side of and to the right of Sommepy,
and the Infantry Brigade was directed to
jump off from a line just beyond the far
edge of the wood seen to the left of front.
T h e d i r e c t i o n o f a d va n c e o f this last
attack was directly against the eastern
end of Blanc Mont Ridge and then along
it. The zones of action of the two attacks
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Tank Preparing the Way for a German Assault, September 1918. © G
converged at the crossroads seen to the were repulsed with severe losses by a
right rear near this monument. No as- company on that flank which had previ-
sault was made from this side of Sommepy ously faced in the direction of the observ-
thus avoiding a frontal attack against a er’s right in preparation for such a con-
very strong part of the ridge. tingency. Other support units faced in
The attack was launched at 5:50 a.m. that direction also and thus f illed the wide
on October 3, after a brief but heavy gap which had existed in the line.
ar tiller y bombardment. It was accom- To the right front, just to the right of
panied by tanks and was preceded up the line of the direction ar row pointing
these slopes by an artillery barrage. The out St. Hilaire, is the high, par tially
Infantry Brigade found its jump-off line, wooded ridge called Notre Dame des
which was in the zone of action of a Champs, which was holding up the French.
French division, occupied by Germans On the left end of that ridge was a power-
who had made a local attack and had ful German position called Essen Hook.
advanced there the day before. In spite That strong point had been unsuccess-
of this and heavy enemy shellf ire, the fully attacked by the French several times,
assault units lined up farther to the rear the last attack having been repulsed by
and attacked with over powering force the Germans early on October 3. During
on scheduled time. Hill 210 was soon the morning of October 3 the position
captured and the advance prog ressed was taken by the marines in a flank at-
rapidly along the ridge. By 8:30 a. m. tack and turned over to a French division,
the brigade objective, that par t of the which lost it later in the day when the
road in rear of the observer extending German troops counterattacked.
to the left from here as far as Médéah Go to opposite side of terrace.
Farm, was reached and a defensive posi- St. Etienne-à-Arnes is the village which
tion along it was promptly organized. is seen to the left front.
The Marine Brigade, attacking from The 2d Division at 2:00 p. m. on Octo-
the right of Sommepy, drove forward ber 3 ordered an advance from its newly-
vigorously and about 8:30 a. m. reached won positions along the road running in
its objective, that part of the road in rear front of here. The marine units, in line
of the observer from the crossroads near beyond the road junction seen to the left,
here to the right as far as Blanc Mont. Its between 6:00 and 7:00 p. m. received this
g r e a t e s t t r o u bl e s t h e n b e g a n , a s t h e order to attack but being heavily engaged
French division alongside it had made no on the division’s left flank the battalion
appreciable gain and the brigade flank, commanders agreed among themselves to
about 1 mile to the obser ver’s right, was attack early the next morning. The In-
2 miles ahead of the French line and fantr y Brigade, in front of and to the
entirely exposed. The Ger mans, realiz- right of here, jumped off late in the after-
ing the critical situation of the unit, drove noon of the 3d and advanced more than a
in heavily against the exposed flank but mile, well beyond the units on each side of
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AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION 353
it. In spite of its precarious position in advance of the front line and attacked
with both flanks exposed, the brigade an enemy machine-gun nest, killing the
tenaciously held to its gains. gunner with a grenade, shooting another
At the end of its f irst day of attack the member of the crew with a pistol and
crest of Blanc Mont Ridge was f irmly in returning through the barrage with eight
the grasp of the 2d Division and both of prisoners which he had captured.
its flanks were far ahead of the adjoining The dangerous position of the Infantry
French units. Its main mission had been Brigade, whose front line about halfway
accomplished and as a result the German between here and St. Etienne formed a
High Command that day decided to re- deep salient into the German lines during
treat to the Aisne River on all the Cham- the night of October 3–4, was somewhat re-
pagne battle front. This decision caused lieved when the Marine Brigade attacked
no g reat change in the severity of the at 6:00 a. m. on October 4 and moved up
f ighting in this region as from then on abreast of it. Early in the morning, how-
the Germans fought even more desper- ever, the Infantry Brigade had withstood
ately to gain time to make the withdrawal f ierce German counterattacks against its
in good order and thus avoid excessive flanks, launched from the vicinity of Mé-
losses of men, supplies and matériel. déah Farm and from St. Etienne.
Illustrative of the aggressive spirit and That afternoon the attack was renewed
heroism of the individual soldier during on the entire front of the division. In
the intense f ighting on October 3 are the front of here the Infantr y Brigade ad-
deeds for which Corporal John H. Pruitt, vanced at 2:30 p. m. b ut came under
Private First Class Frank J. Bar t and severe machine-gun f ire from German po-
Private John Joseph Kelly of the 2d Divi- sitions along the road joining St. Etienne
sion were awarded Congressional Medals with Orfeuil, seen to the right, and was
of Honor, the highest award given by the forced to retire after severe losses.
United States Government for bravery. The Marine Brigade attacked about
Corporal Pruitt of the Marine Brigade noon toward St. Etienne and reached the
attacked singlehanded two machine guns, edge of the wood on this side of the town
located not far from the site of this monu- before it was stopped. During the after-
ment. He captured them, killed two of noon a counterattack against its left
the enemy, and then captured 40 prison- f l a n k wa s r e p u l s e d . T h e g a i n s m a d e
ers in a dugout near by. This gallant during the afternoon were not held as the
soldier was killed soon afterward by shell- advanced troops, after suffering heavily
f ire while sniping at the enemy. from hostile machine-gun and shell f ire,
Private Bar t of the Infantr y Brigade were forced to fall back. Meanwhile,
was on duty as a company runner when the marine units facing to the left at the
the advance was held up by machine-gun end of Blanc Mont Ridge had beaten off
f ire not far from Médéah Farm. He vol- two determined German counterattacks.
untarily picked up an automatic rifle, ran Men of the 42d Division at a Dugout Near the
out ahead of the line, and silenced a hos- Second-Line Trenches Northwest of
tile machine-gun nest, killing the German Suippes, July 10, 1918
gunners. The advance then continued
and when it was again hindered shortly
afterwards by f ire from another machine-
gun nest this courageous soldier repeated
his bold exploit by putting the second
machine gun out of action.
Private Kelly of the Marine Brigade,
while his unit was attacking a German
position between here and Sommepy, ran
through the American barrage 100 yards
354
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION
German Troops Occupying a Gigantic Mine Crater Just After the Mine Exploded, July 11, 1917. © G
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION 355
Most of the German assaults on this by that night St. Etienne had been cap-
day were determined, carefully planned tured by a marine battalion still in the
attacks to regain the high ground between line, and the division front line had been
here and St. Etienne. Many of them col- advanced an average distance of 600
lided with 2d Division attacks and thus yards. On the right the French came up
the area became one great maelstrom of alongside the American division.
violence. Reports of 2d Division off icers It was during this f ighting near St.
speak of this day’s f ighting as the most Etienne that there occur red the deeds,
severe in their experience. indicative of the f ine spirit and bravery
The line organized by the 2d Division of the 36th Division, for which Corporal
on the night of October 4–5 was about Samuel M. Sampler and Private First
half way from here to St. Etienne. The Class Harold L. Tur ner were awarded
left flank of the division was far ahead of Congressional Medals of Honor.
the adjoining French unit. Cor poral Sampler’s company having
During the day, the French division on suffered severe casualties from enemy ma-
the right had advanced about 700 yards chine-gun f ire was f inally stopped. Cor-
beyond Médéah Farm. On the left the poral Sampler discovered the location of
French had moved forward in the 2d Di- the hostile machine guns on an elevation,
vision zone of action and attacked to the and armed with German hand grenades
west (observer’s left) forcing the Germans which he had picked up, he rushed for-
t o ev a c u a t e a l l o f t h e N o t r e D a m e ward in the face of heavy enemy f ire until
des Champs Ridge, which was recently he was near the guns, where he threw his
pointed out to the left rear. grenades into the hostile position. His
On October 5 the 2d Division ordered third grenade landed among the enemy,
an attack which was only to be launched killing two of them, silencing the machine
when the French units came up on the guns, and causing the sur render of 28
flanks. Due to the withdrawal of the Ger man soldiers, whom he sent to the
German troops to the left of here, the rear as prisoners. As a result of his
French advanced during the day and the courageous act the company was enabled
Marine Brigade attacked in the after- to resume the advance immediately.
noon, moving forward several hundred A f t e r P r iva t e Tu r n e r ’s p l a t o o n h a d
yards. Other local f ighting took place started the attack, he assisted in organiz-
in the 2d Division zone of action but no ing a platoon consisting of the battalion
further changes in the front line occurred. scouts, runners and a detachment of
On October 6 the division advanced its Signal Cor ps troops. As second in com-
lines about 700 yards all along its front, mand of this platoon he fearlessly led
the heaviest f ighting taking place just them forward through heavy enemy f ire,
this side of St. Etienne. During that continually encouraging the men. Later
night, a brigade of the American 36th deadly machine-gun f ire was encountered
Division took over all of the 2d Division which reduced the strength of his com-
f r o n t l i n e e x c e p t t h a t h e l d b y t wo mand to four men, and forced these to
of its battalions. No attacks were made take shelter. The enemy machine-gun
on the 7th by American units. emplacement, 25 yards distant, kept up a
Early on October 8 an attack, accom- continual f ire from four machine guns.
panied by tanks and a heavy artillery bar- After the f ire had shifted momentarily,
rage, was launched on the entire division Private Turner rushed forward with f ixed
f r o n t . I t wa s o p p o s e d b y s ev e r e a r- bayonet and charged the position alone,
tiller y and machine-gun f ire, and the capturing the strong point, 50 German
f ighting waged f iercely in St. Etienne and soldiers and the four machine guns in it.
just beyond the St. Etienne-Orfeuil road His remarkable display of courage and
d u r i n g m o s t o f t h e d ay. Two s t r o n g fearlessness was largely instrumental in ena-
German counterattacks were repulsed and bling his company to continue its advance.
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AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION 357
(42.1 m 67.8 km) At the next cross- Fourth Army advanced in this direction
roads, turn to the right. from its front line which was then about 4
(43.7 m 70.4 km) Continue through the miles away to the right front.
next village, Manre, toward Séchault. Wi t h t h i s Fr e n c h A r my we r e t h r e e
There is a fine observation point on the infantr y regiments of the American 93d
high ridge south of Ardeuil where most of D iv i s i o n . T h e s e r eg i m e n t s h a d b e e n
the ground fought over by the regiments of incor porated into two French divisions,
the 93d Division can be seen. For those the 369th being part of the French 161st
who are especially interested in that fighting Division and the 371st and 372d being
or who wish to enjoy an extensive panorama, part of the French 157th Division.
turn right at near edge of Ardeuil and follow On September 26, when the French
road toward Gratreuil until top of ridge is 161st Division jumped off, the 369th
reached. Length of detour—2 1/2 miles. Infantry was in support. During the day
Time required—30 minutes. it entered a gap in the front line and
(45.8 m 73.7 km) At far side of next c a p t u r e d t h e t ow n o f R i p o n t , a b o u t
village, Ardeuil, turn to the right toward 3 miles from here, over the ridge to the
the village of Séchault. right front. It continued to advance in
(46.3 m 74.5 km) Beyond this turn, this direction until September 28 when,
about 1/2 mile farther an along the road, after hard f ighting, it established itself
at the f irst crest, STOP. on the far side of Bellevue Signal Ridge.
Face down the road, which direction is On the 28th the French 157th Division
approximately southeast. entered the battle line to the right of here
This point is near the middle of the and both the 371st and 372d Infantr y
area of operations in the Champagne Regiments were engaged with it in the
region of the 369th, 371st and 372d In- f ighting, Attacking in this direction they
fantr y Regiments of the 93d Division. advanced about 600 yards to this side of
The village seen to the left front is the ridge seen to the right. On that night
Séchault and the high ridge seen ahead the 371st was close to the crest of that
t o t h e r i g h t o f t h e r o a d i s B e l l ev u e ridge and the 372d on the near slopes of
Signal Ridge. The direction of advance it. Two companies of the 372d lost di-
of the units f ighting near here was from rection and became separated from their
the observer’s right front to left rear. battalion. Parts of these spent the night
If the tourist is not familiar with the just this side of Séchault. Bussy Farm,
account, given earlier in this chapter, of seen to the right front, was occupied by
the operations in this region of the regi- the 372d Infantry after dark.
ments of the American 93d Division it The French 161st Division, of which
should be read at this time. the American 369th Infantr y was a part,
The near edge of the Argonne Forest is on the mor ning of September 29 com-
seen on the sky line beyond Séchault. pleted the capture of Bellevue Signal
When the American First Army made its Ridge and the hill, Mont Cuvelet, seen
attack on the other side of the Argonne to the left of it, About 2:45 p. m. the
Fo r e s t o n S e p t e m b e r 2 6 , t h e Fr e n c h 369th Infantry launched an attack
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AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION 359
from those heights against Séchault and Séchault. During the night it was re-
took the town, digging in just beyond lieved and moved to Bellevue Signal
i t . D u r i n g t h i s a d va n c e t h e m e m b e r s Ridge where it remained until October
of the 372d Infantr y who had spent 7, when the division to which it was
the night just this side of town were attached was taken out of the front line.
rescued from their
exposed position.
On September 29
the French 157th Di-
vision formed at the
foot of the slopes seen
to the right front for
an attack at 10:00
a. m. Par t of the
372d Infantry ad-
va n c e d t owa r d S é -
chault, which was
outside the zone of
action assigned its di-
vision. At 1:00 p. m.
patrols of the regiment
entered the town but
were driven out by
hostile machine-gun
f ire. Later in the
day, after the town
had been captured by
the 369th Inf antr y,
troops of the 372d
mopped up part of it.
During the evening
the 372d was with-
drawn from the line
and reorganized near
Bussy Farm.
The 371st Infantry
attacked from near
Bussy Farm at 10:00
a. m. on September
29, passed over the
ground in rear of here,
captured Ardeuil, seen
to the rear, and that
evening established
its front line about 1
mile to the left rear
of this point.
On the 30th the
369th attacked in the
morning and by after-
noon had advanced
about 1/2 mile from
360 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION
r e m a r k a bl e c o u r a g e a n d t e n a c i t y a t
critical times, he was the only off icer of
his battalion who advanced beyond the
town, and by clearing out machine-gun
and sniping posts he contributed largely
to the success of his battalion in holding
its objective. His example of braver y
and fortitude and his eagerness to con-
tinue with his mission despite severe
wounds set before the enlisted men of
his command an admirable standard of
morale and self-sacrif ice.
On September 30 the 371st advanced
over a mile in the direction to the left
rear from here and captured Trières Farm.
On October 1 it was relieved by the 372d
a n d r e o rga n i z e d n e a r t h i s p o i n t . T h e
372d advanced about 1/2 mile on October
2 and, after repulsing a German attack
on the 5th, was relieved
from the line on October 7.
On the slopes of the
nose of the heights to the
right of here is a small
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AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION 361
the small ravine by means of which the front in an attempt, which proved un-
troops of the “Lost Battalion” advanced successful, to capture the ridge back of
to this vicinity on October 2. here. About noon one of its brigades
(58.6 m 94.3 km) Just beyond the first ordered a second attack with this road as
LEFT bend in the road, at the small its objective. In that attack the units
stone marked “Lost Battalion”, located were directed to push forward without
near the right edge of the road, STOP. regard to the progress of adjoining units,
Face to the right, which direction is as it had been erroneously reported that
approximately south. the French had made a deep advance
This point is in the Argonne Forest. north of Binarville and it was believed
One of the most heroic defenses of the that the German resistance in front of
war was made on the steep bank just here was weakening. During the course
below where the tourist is now standing. of this brigade attack, six companies of
the 308th Infantry and parts of two com-
panies of the 306th Machine Gun Bat-
talion made a deep advance through an
unoccupied portion of the hostile line, the
Ger man troops having moved over to
repel French attacks on their right. This
small American force, meeting little oppo-
sition, came into this valley through the
ravine, to the right of here, recently
pointed out, and about 6:00 p. m. took
up a position, which extended from this
vicinity about 350 yards to the left, on
the slope below the road. This position
was immediately organized for all around
defense and attempts were made to secure
liaison with adjoining troops.
During early evening a battalion of the
307th Infantry attempted to join the force
here, but in the darkness the companies
lost contact and only one, the leading
company, succeeded in advancing through
the hostile wire. It took up a position
about 300 yards from here, to the right
Road Marker Indicating Site of “Lost Battalion” front on the near slope of the hill across
If the reader is not familiar with it, the valley, where it remained during the
he should read the account of the “Lost night of October 2 in close communica-
Battalion”, given on page 337 of this tion with the troops on this side.
chapter. The sketch on the next page D u r i n g t h e n i g h t t h e e n e my t r o o p s
should be consulted from time to time. closed the gap in their line and cut off the
On October 1 the 77th Division was American force in this vicinity.
stopped by a strongly organized German On October 3 all effor ts of the 77th
defensive line about 1/2 mile in front of Division to relieve its so-called “Lost
here and the French troops were held up Battalion” failed. Early that mor ning
to the right of here, about 3/4 mile north- the company across the valley moved to
west of the road junction at which the this side and took up a position on the
monument to the French 9th Cuirassier left of the force here. Shortly thereafter
Regiment was recently pointed out. one company was sent to clear a way back
On the morning of October 2 the 77th up the ravine which had been followed in
Division launched an attack all along its r e a c h i n g t h i s s p o t . I t r a n i n t o h e av y
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION 363
hostile f ire and returned, reporting the it able to return. That marked the last
gap closed. Shortly thereafter another attempt of the troops here to f ight their
company crossed the valley to the left of way back to the lines of their division.
here in an attempt to secure contact with The position organized by the “Lost
the remainder of its division. This unit Battalion” on the steep slope below here
was attacked on both flanks with such was in the form of an elongated oval more
energy that only with great diff iculty was than 350 yards in length, with an average
364 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION
width of about 75 yards. The machine troops were prevented from getting ade-
gun companies were placed on the flanks. quate supplies of water by the intense
The position had one great advantage in machine-gun f ire sweeping the valley,
that this slope was so steep that German their condition soon became serious.
artillery, located in rear of the observer Airplanes were dispatched with mes-
was unable to f ire on the men who occu- sages and food, but such as were dropped
pied it. The force dug in and prepared fell each time out of reach. During one
as best it could to withstand a siege. of these attempts, Second Lieutenant
During October 3 and 4 homing pigeons Harold Ernest Goettler, Air Service, and
were used to send six messages back his observer, Second Lieutenant Erwin
to division headquarters, giving by map R. Bleckley, Field Artillery, were brought
coordinates the exact location of the down by hostile machine-gun f ire from
force and describing its critical situation. the g round. They were posthumously
In the meantime, the enemy had com- awarded Congressional Medals of Honor.
pletely surrounded the “Lost Battalion”. For the next four days the 77th Divi-
The Germans on the hills to the left and sion tried unsuccessfully to break through
f r o n t g r e e t e d ev e r y m ov e m e n t w i t h to its isolated force, which in the mean-
rifle fire while heavy machine guns em- time was performing prodigies of valor
placed on the hill to the right front in withstanding the German attacks
delivered plunging bursts that swept the which were launched against it daily.
full length of the American position. On the afternoon of October 7 the
Trench mortars, located to the right be- Germans sent a captured American
yond the mill, and to the rear of the soldier to the commander of the “Lost
observer, added their f ire to the deluge Battalion”, with a message advising him
of projectiles which was being poured on to sur render, and stating that a white
the position of this beleaguered force. flag displayed in the American position
The food available was equal to but would be considered as a sign of his
one day’s supply for four companies and intention to do so. This message was
that was consumed by noon of October 3. answered only by gathering in the white
There was no medical off icer, and medical panels which had been used for signalling
supplies were scarce. As the starving American airplanes and which lay on the
Hillside Where the “Lost Battalion” Was Sur-
ground at the foot of this slope.
rounded for Five Days Near Charlevaux Mill At the time the message was sent, the
Germans were on the point of launching a
powerful attack, supported by f ive flame
t h r owe r s a n d a d d i t i o n a l t r e n c h m o r-
tars. Failing to receive a reply to their
message, the Germans placed a ter rif ic
trench-mor tar bombardment upon the
Americans and sprayed them with liquid
f ire. However, this brave force, sum-
moning all its strength, rose up from its
shelters and counterattacked the Ger-
mans, killing the operators of the flame
throwers and beating off the attack.
This small force of Americans isolated
behind the German front line, which
refused to surrender and which so per-
sistently avoided capture, was a source of
considerable comment among the Ger-
mans and in their off icial communications
it was referred to as the “Amerikanernest.”
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION 365
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366 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION
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368 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION
(67.0 m 107.8 km) Beyond town, to the The tourist going to the area of the
left of road, along the steep bank can be American Meuse-Argonne offensive should
seen the remains of many French wartime tur n left here and cross the Argonne
shelters in excellent condition (1937). Forest. The front line from which the
The battle line for several years was only 77th Division jumped off on September 26
about a mile away to the left but the is crossed about 300 yards from this road
steep bank here gave these shelters full junction. The two most interesting fea-
protection from hostile artillery f ire. tures on side roads off the main road
(67.9 m 109.3 km) The next road junc- through the forest are the Ossuaire de la
tion is the one called Le Four de Paris Haute Chevauchée (see the reference to
where this tour comes to an end. Hill 285 on page 322) and Champ Mahaut
The quickest automobile route to Paris (see page 316). Both of these are pointed
is straight ahead via Le Claon, Ste. Mene- out by signs along the road. Just beyond
hould, Châlons-sur-Marne and Montmirail. the forest is located the town of Varennes.
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91st Division Engineers Repairing Tracks Blown Up by the Germans Near Waereghem,
Belgium, November 1, 1918
(370)
Chapter VI
THE AMERICAN BATTLEFIELDS
NORTH OF PARIS
T
HIS chapter gives brief accounts of areas and to all of the American cemeter-
all American f ighting which oc- ies and monuments. This route is recom-
curred on the battle front north of mended for those who desire to make an
Paris and complete information concern- extended automobile tour in the region.
ing the American military cemeteries and Starting from Paris, it can be completely
monuments in that general region. The covered in four days, allowing plenty of
military operations which are treated are time to stop on the way.
those of the American 1st, 27th, 30th, The accounts of the different operations
33d, 37th, 80th and 91st Divisions and and the descriptions of the American cem-
the 6th and 11th Engineer Regiments. eteries and monuments are given in the
Because of the great distances apart of order they are reached when following the
Southern Entrance to the St. Quentin Canal Tunnel, Near Bellicourt, October 1, 1918
the areas where this f ighting occurred no suggested route. For this reason they
itinerar y is given. Ever y operation do not appear in chronological order.
is described, however, by a brief account Many American units other than those
illustrated by a sketch. The account and mentioned in this chapter, such as avia-
sketch together give sufficient information tion, tank, medical, engineer and infantry,
to enable the tourist to plan a trip through served behind this part of the front. Their
any particular American combat area. services have not been recorded, however,
T h e g e n e r a l m a p o n t h e n ex t p a g e as the space limitations of this chapter
indicates a route which takes the tourist required that it be limited to those Amer-
either into or close to all of these combat ican organizations which actually engaged
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372 T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S
in physical combat with the enemy during the important memorials which have been
which territory was either lost or gained. constructed to commemorate them. Those
Numerous battles in which American tourists who are interested in these or in
troops took no part were fought north of the historical events which took place in
Pa r i s . N o a t t e m p t h a s b e e n m a d e t o the region prior to 1917 should provide
describe these battles or to indicate on the themselves with the necessary additional
maps in this chapter more than a few of guidebooks before starting on their tour.
27TH AND 30TH DIVISIONS IN THE SOMME OFFENSIVE
SEPTEMBER 23-30, 1918
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T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S 375
The 30th and 27th Divisions went into 27 during a preliminary attack which the
the line in adjoining zones of action on 27th Division had been ordered to make.
September 24 and 25, respectively, as part In the zone of action taken over by the
of the American II Corps, although under 27th Division the British in several at-
the tactical control of the Australian tempts had been unable to do much more
Corps. They were supported by British than dent the German outpost position.
artillery, as these two divisions did not The principal strong points of that posi-
have their own artiller y brigades with tion were Quennemont Farm, Guillemont
them. The line taken over by the 30th Farm and The Knoll, which were near the
Division was west of Bellicourt and that crest of the reverse slope of a ridge and
by the 27th Division was west of Bony. about 1/2 mile from the American front line.
The front was very active at the time The 27th Division was ordered to take
and the 30th Division came under heavy these strong points on September 27.
artillery f ire while entering the line. It At 5:30 a. m. the regiment designated to
repulsed a raid on September 25 and on make the attack jumped off in a carefully
the afternoon of the 26th counterattacked planned assault, supported by tanks and
and drove back a German raiding party. a heavy bar rage. The attacking troops,
In the 30th Division zone of action a following close behind the barrage, reached
large part of the German outpost position the general line of the objective and gained
had been captured by the British. Most f o o t h o l d s a r o u n d Q u e n n e m o n t Fa r m ,
of the remainder was seized on the evening Guillemont Farm and The Knoll. Severe
of September 26 when the 30th Division resistance which developed at these places,
advanced about 300 yards and occupied together with machine-gun f ire from the
Quarry Wood and a trench running to the rear and flanks, and strong counterattacks
north from it. The left flank of the divi- from the valleys leading to the Hinden-
sion was heavily engaged on September burg Line, made it impossible to consoli-
Americans Advancing for the Attack Against the Hindenburg Line near Bellicourt. © B
T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S 377
about 1,100 yards in depth, was entirely moved forward with great rapidity across
lacking, thus placing upon the assault the main German trench system. In
troops of the 27th Division the impossible spite of the fog the leading waves pushed
task of capturing a strong position with- on beyond the Hindenburg Line and the
out the aid of close-in artillery support. 1 tunnel to near Nauroy, leaving in their
The reason given for this decision, which wake many unseen and uncaptured strong
proved so extremely costly in American points. The southern mouth of the tun-
l ive s , wa s t h e p r o b a b l e p r e s e n c e o f nel was quickly blocked and Bellicourt
wounded and isolated groups of Americans was captured, but the enemy, who were
stranded in the intervening zone. able to reach their positions above ground
Meanwhile, in preparation for the main by means of underg round passages of
attack, the British heavy ar tillery had wh i c h t h e A m e r i c a n s we r e u n awa r e ,
been hammering away for two days at desperately remanned machine-gun nests
the strong points and other defenses of previously overrun by the 30th Division.
the Hindenburg Line in this vicinity. From these and the strong points passed
This was the situation at 5:30 a. m. on by in the fog the Germans opened f ire on
September 29 when the 27th and 30th the American reserve units, wire details,
Divisions, on a battlef ield enveloped by runners and other g roups which were
autumn mists and low-hanging clouds, following up the assaulting waves. This
jumped off for the main offensive. caused much confusion and many isolated
B e h i n d a h e av y r o l l i n g b a r r a g e t h e combats continued throughout the morn-
30th Division, accompanied by tanks, ing over a large part of the zone of action.
The dash of the American troops, how-
1
This attack illustrates the serious situations which ever, f inally prevailed and in the end all
would have resulted from any permanent amalga-
mation of American troops with the Allied Armies. the German soldiers who had been found
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T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S 379
in rear of the American front lines after along the enemy trench in advance of his
the initial assault were killed or captured. company, he charged another machine
I l l u s t r a t ive o f t h i s f i g h t i n g a r e t h e gun, silencing it with grenades. A third
ex p l o i t s o f S e rg e a n t J o s e p h B. A d k i s o n machine gun opened f ire upon him from
and Sergeant Milo Lemert of the 30th the left and with similar skill and bravery
D iv i s i o n f o r wh i c h t h e y we r e awa r d e d he destroyed this also. L a t e r, i n c o m-
Congressional Medals of Honor. pany with another sergeant, he attacked
When murderous machine-gun f ire at a four th machine-gun nest, being killed
a range of 50 yards made it impossible as he reached the parapet of the emplace-
for his platoon to advance, and caused his ment. The courageous action of Sergeant
men to take cover, Sergeant Adkison Lemer t in destroying in turn four enemy
a l o n e , w i t h t h e g r e a t e s t i n t r e p i d i t y, machine-gun nests prevented many cas-
rushed across 50 yards of open ground u a l t i e s i n h i s c o m p a ny a n d m a t e r i a l ly
directly in the face of the hostile machine aided it in achieving its objective.
gun, kicked the gun from the parapet The 27th Division, with tanks in the
into the enemy trench, and at the point lead, left its trenches on schedule time and
of his bayonet captured the three men started across the wide expanse of level
manning the gun. The gallantry and ground in the German outpost zone. The
quick decision of this soldier enabled his British artillery fire supporting the Amer-
platoon to resume its advance. ican attack came down beyond the power-
S e rg e a n t L e m e r t , s e e i n g t h e l e f t o f ful German positions at The Knoll, Guille-
his company held up, located the enemy mont Farm and Quennemont Farm, and
machine gun which had been causing their garrisons, unhampered by any Allied
numerous casualties. In spite of heavy artillery bombardment, at once opened a
f ire he rushed it single-handed, killing the withering machine-gun f ire that swept the
entire crew with g renades. Continuing entire front of the 27th Division. The
After the Battle Near Nauroy
German prisoners are in the foreground, 30th Division troops are on road in rear
American Infantry Hurrying Forward Under Artillery Fire. © B
maelstrom of violence. Around Guille- This f ighting of the 27th Division was
mont Far m and The Knoll, the 107th characterized by many individual feats of
Infantry Regiment of the 27th Division bravery among which were the exploits
had 337 men killed and 658 wounded on of Privates First Class Frank Gaffney and
September 29. No other American regi- Michael Valente, both of whom were
ment suffered such a heavy loss in a given the Congressional Medal of Honor.
single day during the war. In spite of all Private Gaffney, an automatic rifleman,
this, however, the troops attacked boldly pushing forward alone with his gun after
and incessantly. By noon, Quennemont all the other members of his squad had
Farm, part of the elaborate trench system been killed, discovered several Germans
south of Bony, the ground now occupied placing a machine gun in position. He
by the American cemetery and The Knoll killed the crew, captured the gun, bombed
were in the hands of the 27th Division. several dugouts and, after killing four
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T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S 381
more of the enemy with his pistol, held tinued their assaults and succeeded in
the position until reinforcements came b r e a k i n g t h e H i n d e n b u rg L i n e , t h u s
up, when 80 prisoners were captured. opening the way for additional advances.
Private Valente, f inding the advance of Following this battle the 27th and 30th
his organization held up by withering Divisions received many commendations
enemy machine-gun f ire, volunteered to for their heroic conduct. General Persh-
go forward. With utter disregard of his ing and Marshal Haig, as well as the
own personal danger, accompanied by Commander of the Australian Corps, were
another soldier, Private Valente rushed wa r m i n t h e i r p r a i s e o f t h e s p l e n d i d
forward through intense machine-gun f ighting qualities of the divisions and of
f ire directly upon the enemy nest, killing the results they had achieved.
two and capturing f ive of the enemy and This battlef ield may be visited by tak-
silencing that gun. Discovering another ing a train to the city of St. Quentin or
machine-gun nest close by, which was Cambrai and hiring an automobile there.
pouring a deadly f ire on the American
forces, preventing their advance, he and Locations of Headquarters
his companion charged this strong point,
The locations of the principal head-
killing the gunner and putting the
quar ters of the American cor ps and divi-
m a c h i n e g u n o u t o f a c t i o n . Wi t h o u t
sions serving in this region were as follows:
hesitation they jumped into the enemy’s
t r e n c h , k i l l e d t wo a n d c a p t u r e d 1 6 II Corps:
Ger man soldiers. Private Valente was Sept. 26–Oct 5 --- Bois de Belloy, Near Assevillers.
Oct. 5–12 ---------- Bois de Buire. 1
later wounded and sent to the rear. His Oct. 12–25 -------- Wiancourt.
companion, Private Joseph Mastine, was
27th Division:
awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. Sept. 24–28 ------- Bois de Buire. 1
The American divisions were relieved Sept. 28–Oct. 2 -- In a quar ry west of Ronssoy
Oct. 13–21 -------- Busigny
early on September 30 but some elements
of the 27th Division remained in line and 30th Division:
Sept. 22–28 ------- Bois de Buire. 1
continued to attack with the Australians Sept. 28–Oct. 1 -- In a quar ry southeast of Roisel
during September 30 and October 1. Oct. 6–10 ---------- In a quar ry near Templeux-le-
Guérard
Although the casualties in this opera-
Oct. 10–22 -------- Montbrehain.
t i o n h a d b e e n e x c e p t i o n a l ly h e av y t h e
American soldiers had persistently con- 1
Located one mile northeast of Tincourt-Boucly.
American Memorial Near Bellicourt
Commemorates the American soldiers who served with the British Armies in France
THE AMERICAN MONUMENT NORTH OF BELLICOURT
sions can be obtained. A raised circular steeple is plainly visible to the left front.
orientation table on the terrace indicates The boundary line between the zones of
the directions and distances to the impor- action of the two divisions roughly paral-
tant places in the vicinity. l e l e d t h e d i r e c t i o n a l a r r ow p o i n t i n g
Included among the decorative features toward Hargicourt and passed about 300
are the insignia and names of the II yards to the right of this point.
Corps, 27th, 30th, 33d and 80th Divisions, All American attacks in this vicinity
and 6th and 11th Engineers, all of whose were from the general direction toward
combat operations with the British forces which the observer is now facing.
are commemorated here. The strong German defensive position
The monument is constructed directly known as the Hindenburg Line was on
over the St. Quentin Canal tunnel which the slopes immediately in front of this
was built by Napoleon between 1802 and canal tunnel. It comprised a defensive
1810. The ridge upon which the monu- zone about 1,000 yards wide, consisting
ment stands was formed from the ex- of three lines of trenches heavily protected
cavated ear th hoisted up from below. by thick masses of barbed-wire entangle-
The small, round, tower-like structures ments and defended by numerous machine
which are seen at regular intervals along guns and other weapons. The town of
the ridge are the ends of ventilating shafts Bony, seen to the right, and the town of
t h a t s u p p ly a i r t o t h e t u n n e l b e l ow. Bellicour t, seen to the left along the
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384 T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S
tunnel, were included in it. Bony, which in this direction ran to just this side of
had been thoroughly prepared for all- Cabaret Wood Farm, which can be seen
around defense, was about in the center a r o u n d t h e s i d e o f t h e m o n u m e n t by
of the zone of action of the 27th Division, stepping to the left edge of the orienta-
and Bellicourt, which was protected by an tion table and looking to the rear. There
elaborate trench system, was close to the it changed direction and passed about 200
center of the zone of action that was yards to the left (south) of here. About
assigned to the 30th Division. 500 yards in front of this monument, just
The ground upon which is now located over the f irst ridge, it changed direction
the Somme American Cemetery, whose again and ran toward Bony: about half-
flagpole can be seen in the distance to the way there it again changed direction and
right front just to the right of Guillemont followed an irregular path passing to the
Farm, was located between the Hinden- observer’s left of the town of Vendhuile
burg Line and its outpost zone. which is close to the high smoke stack seen
The outpost zone of the Hindenburg in the distance through the trees beyond
Line included strong points at The Knoll, the left edge of Bony.
the low bare hill which can be faintly seen Some of the high points of the f ighting
to the right front on a clear day; Guille- near here are the following: About 1/2
mont Farm; Quennemont Farm, invisible mile to the right front over the f irst ridge,
from here but just this side of the f irst about 200 men of the 27th Division early
wood whose tops are seen to the right of on September 29 captured a section of
front; and ran just this side of Villeret. the Hindenburg Line after f ierce hand-to-
Nauroy, to the left rear, was one of the hand f ighting. They consolidated their
objectives of the 30th Division in the position in the German trenches after
main attack against the Hindenburg Line. capturing many prisoners and four f ield
Gouy, to the right rear, was one of the guns. Attempts to enter Bony down the
objectives of the 27th Division. trenches of the Hindenburg Line were un-
The American front line at the end of successful. Several Ger man counterat-
September 29, the day of the main attack, tacks launched from Bony against this
did not include the site of this monument, group of American soldiers were repulsed.
the Ger mans having held this g round Other units of the 27th Division reached
throughout all the severe f ighting of that the g round upon which the American
day. It did, however, include Nauroy and cemetery now stands. These units held
West Face of American Memorial Near Bellicourt
30th Division Reserves Digging In Near Molian, October 18, 1918
their position during the day in spite of Latham and Cor poral Eggers returned
plunging f ire from near Bony and the to the tank in the face of violent f ire,
intense efforts of the Germans to dislodge dismounted a machine gun and took it
them. Many American casualties were back to where the wounded men were.
suffered at the site of the cemetery. With this weapon, and assisted by Ser-
Aided by the fog a number of 27th geant Williams, they succeeded in keeping
Division soldiers on the morning of Sep- off the enemy all day and later under
tember 29 penetrated the German lines as cover of darkness brought the machine
far as the village of Gouy, seen to the g u n a n d wo u n d e d m e n b a c k t o t h e
r i g h t r e a r. T h e s e m e n we r e r e p o r t e d American lines. Sergeant Latham and
in that town by an Allied airplane but in C o r p o r a l s E g g e r s a n d O ’ S h e a we r e
the end were either killed or captured. awarded Congressional Medals of Honor.
Near the exit of the canal tunnel beyond S e r g e a n t Wi l l i a m s wa s awa r d e d t h e
Bony, a British heavy tank manned by Distinguished Service Cross.
Americans was disabled by a direct hit of The casualties of the 27th and 30th
a German shell, which killed or wounded Divisions on this battlef ield totaled more
all of the crew. Sergeant John C. Latham than 7,500 off icers and men.
and Corporals Alan L. Eggers and Thomas Upon being relieved from the front line
E. O’Shea, 27th Division, who had become in this vicinity, the 27th and 30th Divi-
separated from their platoon by a smoke sions rested in rear areas until October
barrage and had taken cover in a shell 6, when the 30th Division as par t of
hole within the enemy lines, heard a call the American II Cor ps again entered the
for help from the tank, whereupon they battle. Its new zone of action was near
left their shelter and started toward the Montbrehain, the direction to which is
tank under heavy f ire from German ma- indicated on the orientation table al-
chine guns and trench mortars. In cross- though invisible from this point.
ing the f ire-swept area Corporal O’Shea The account, given on pages 389–393, of
was mor tally wounded and died soon the operations of the 27th and 30th Divi-
afterwards, but Sergeant Latham and sions in this region after October 1, should
Cor poral Eggers, undeterred, continued be read at this time if the area of that
on to the tank, rescued a wounded off icer f ighting is not to be visited later.
and assisted two wounded soldiers to a Upon leaving this monument the tourist
near-by trench. One of the wounded mem- should visit the Somme American Ceme-
bers of the tank crew, Sergeant Frank tery which is 2.2 miles away by road. To
J. Williams, after having assisted his go there, at exit from monument turn left
wounded off icer, retur ned to the tank on the main road and take the first road
under heavy f ire and continued to operate to the left. After passing through the town
a 6-pounder against the enemy until driven of Bony, stop on the road when the cemetery
out by armor-piercing shells. Sergeant comes in full view and read pages 387–388.
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386 T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S
(387)
388 T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S
branches of the army which sustained the This cemetery can be easily reached by
greatest number of casualties during the taking a train to St. Quentin or Cambrai,
war. An American flag hangs above the the nearest large towns, and by hiring an
entrance door. The bronze work of the automobile at either of those places.
c h a p e l i s u n u s u a l ly e ff e c t ive a n d a l l The American monument to commemo-
features of the interior combine to give rate all American units which served with
an atmosphere of impressive dignity. the British Armies in France is 1 mile
On the outside of the chapel, facing the away to the southeast. (See page 383.)
road, are car ved two American eagles. The accounts of the f ighting of the 27th
When the carving was done one of these, and 30th Divisions near here are given
t h e o n e n e a r e r B o ny, h a d a n e ye o f on pages 373–381 and pages 389–393.
T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S
27TH AND 30TH DIVISIONS IN THE SOMME OFFENSIVE389
OCTOBER 1–22, 1918
Quentin, the American II Corps was with- tives by early afternoon and ended the
drawn from the front line on September day well ahead of the divisions on its
30 while the British continued the pres- flanks. The assaults were energetically
sure against the retreating Germans. By continued until the 11th, by which time
October 5 the British had advanced about the division had advanced about 10 miles,
3 3/4 miles, and the next morning the II reaching the Selle River (known also as
Corps entered the line, taking command the Sourcelle River) in the vicinity of St.
of a zone of action near Monthrehain with Souplet. During this f ighting the progress
the 30th Division in line and the 27th in of the division was delayed considerably
reserve. (Consult the sketch on this page.) by flanking f ire because the British troops
(389)
Congested Traffic at Montbrehain in Rear of the American Lines,
October 14, 1918
on its right flank were unable to move for- front line during the night of October 19.
ward as rapidly as the 30th Division. The 27th Division had severe f ighting
The 27th Division relieved the 30th on along the railway which crossed its zone
October 12 and held the II Corps front of action beyond the Selle River, at Ban-
while a new general attack was being dival Farm and in the hamlet near Arbre
prepared. During this period constant Guernon, all of which were taken on the
house-to-house sniping and patrol fighting 17th. The next day Jonc de Mer Far m
took place near the eastern edge of St. was captured after a stiff f ight and on
Souplet. On the night of October 15–16 the 19th the division advanced about 1
the 30th Division again entered the line, mile farther, where it was relieved by a
taking over the right portion of the zone British division on October 21.
of action of the 27th Division. W h e n t h e 2 7 t h a n d 3 0 t h D iv i s i o n s
At 5:20 a. m. on October 17 the II Corps were relieved from the battle line they
attacked eastward across the Selle River we r e a p p r o a c h i n g t h e S a m b r e R ive r,
i n c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h a n a t t a c k by t h e about 19 miles northeast of where they
remainder of the British Four th Ar my had originally entered the line in Sep-
and the French First Army. In a heavy tember. In their operations after Octo-
mist the troops waded the small stream, ber 5 the 27th Division suffered more than
climbed the steep opposite bank and 2,100 casualties and the 30th about 4,000.
a s s a i l e d t h e e n e my ’s t r e n c h e s o n t h e During this f ighting the Germans were
heights beyond. Although its divisions retiring on this front because of the deep
were seriously depleted in strength as a advance being made by the American
result of their previous severe f ighting, First Army in the Meuse-Argonne region.
important advances were made. Much of the combat, especially that of the
The 30th Division captured Molain and 30th Division, was in overcoming the re-
St. Martin-Rivière in hard f ighting on the sistance of machine gun units left behind
17th, making an advance of about 2 miles. in commanding positions. Illustrative of
The next day it took Ribeauville and on this type of f ighting are the brave exploits
the 19th captured the village of Mazing- for which Sergeant Thomas Lee Hall, Ser-
hien. The division was relieved from the geant Richmond H. Hilton and Corporal
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T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S 391
American Troops Awaiting Orders Behind the Front Line Near Prémont,
October 8, 1918. © B
392 T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S
Heriot, with f ixed bayonet, alone charged the preceding narrative, the following
the machine gun, making his way through members of the 27th and 30th Divisions
the f ire for a distance of 30 yards and were awarded Medals of Honor for their
forcing the enemy to sur render. During heroic actions during the advance to the
this action he received several wounds in Selle River and just east of it.
the arm, and later in the same day while Private Edward R. Talley, 30th Divi-
charging another machine-gun nest this sion, seeing several comrades killed in
gallant soldier was mortally wounded. attempting to silence a hostile machine-
In the operations after October 7, the gun nest on October 7 near Ponchaux, at-
30th Division took about 2,400 prisoners, tacked the position singlehanded. Armed
a n d t h e 2 7 t h D iv i s i o n 1 , 5 0 0 . A m o n g only with a rifle, he rushed the nest in
their captures were many f ield guns, ma- the face of intense enemy f ire, killed or
chine guns, trench mortars, ammunition wounded at least six of the crew and put
dumps, much railroad rolling stock and the gun out of action. When the enemy
military property of all kinds. This bat- attempted to bring forward another gun
tle was the last operation of the war in he drove them back with effective rifle f ire.
which either the 27th Division or the 30th First Lieutenant James C. Dozier, 30th
Division took an active part. Division, was painfully wounded near
For the locations of headquar ters of Montbrehain on October 8, but continued
American corps and divisions while serv- to lead his men, displaying the highest
ing in this region turn to page 381. type of bravery and skill. When his com-
This battlef ield can be visited by going mand was held up by heavy machine-gun
to Cambrai or St. Quentin by rail and f ire, he disposed his men in the best cover
from either of those places by automobile. available and, aided by one soldier, con-
✛ tinued forward to attack a machine-gun
In addition to the men whose Medal nest. Creeping up in the face of intense
of Honor citations have been included in f ire, he killed the entire crew with hand
T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S 393
of the Group of Armies of Flanders com- of trees, fenced-in small fields and ditches.
manded by the King of the Belgians. The 37th and 91st Divisions took part
T h e t wo d i v i s i o n s , w i t h a Fr e n c h in a general attack which was launched
division between them, went into the eastward toward the Escaut River (also
front lines near Waereghem on October known as the Scheldt) at 5:30 a. m. on
(395)
396 T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S
October 31. The 37th Division advanced Sergeant Charles R. Reilley, Engineers,
against hostile artillery and machine-gun 91st Division, who voluntarily accom-
f ire about 2 1/2 miles to the western out- panied a patrol into the city on November
skirts of Cruyshautem where it dug in 1, while it was still occupied by the enemy.
for the night. The 91st drove forward He obtained impor tant data regarding
in spite of intense artillery and machine- destroyed bridges and assisted in a f ight
gun f ire and captured the Spitaals w i t h a s t r o n g e n e my p a t r o l . H e a l s o
Bosschen, a large wooded area a short captured a German spy while the latter
distance in front of its jump-off line. It was attempting to escape, and drove a
was then delayed as the French division sniper to cover, thus saving the life of
on its right had been unable to keep up his captain who was about to be f ired
and this exposed the right flank of the u p o n . Fo r h i s g a l l a n t a c t i o n s h e wa s
91st Division to severe hostile enfilade f ire awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
which was continued throughout the day. Early on November 2 the 37th Division
When the attack was resumed on forced a crossing of the river southeast
November 1 it became evident that the of Heurne under heavy f ire, the infantry
Germans were making a retirement and improvising a bridge from trees felled
t h e 3 7 t h a n d 9 1 s t D iv i s i o n s p u s h e d n e a r t h e r ive r b a n k . T h e r ive r a t t h i s
forward rapidly. The 37th Division ad- point is canalized and is about 100 feet
vanced about 5 miles to the Escaut River, wide with steep banks about eight feet
reaching it near Eyne and Heurne. The high. That night the engineers of the
91st advanced about the same distance division erected footbridges at Heuvel
to a position close to Audenarde. and Eyne upon which more troops
T h e 9 1 s t D iv i s i o n o c c u p i e d p a r t o f crossed. A Ger man attack against the
Audenarde on November 2 and the re- bridgehead position launched about 5:00
mainder of it on the 3d. Before it was p . m . o n N ov e m b e r 4 wa s r e p u l s e d .
relieved on November 4 the division had The division was relieved from the front
made reconnaissances of the river and line during the night of November 4–5.
was preparing plans to force a crossing. B o t h d iv i s i o n s t h e n b ega n p r e p a r a -
Among the f irst to enter Audenarde was t i o n s t o t a ke p a r t i n a n o t h e r g e n e r a l
offensive. These plans were hastened
when the Allied Commander-in-Chief
s e n t wo r d o n N ov e m b e r 9 t h a t t h e
Germans were withdrawing in disorder
along the entire front and directed that
they be attacked vigorously. As a result
both American divisions were ordered
back into the line early on November 10
and directed again to drive forward.
The 37th was assigned a zone of action
along the west bank of the Escaut River,
about 3/4 mile to the northeast of the one
it had previously held, in the bend of the
river east of Syngem. The division was
under the orders of the French XXXIV
C o r p s . T h e F r e n c h d iv i s i o n s w h i c h
were relieved by the 37th had attempted
to cross the river unsuccessfully on the 9th.
When the 37th Division took over the
sector it was found that the Ger mans
had not withdrawn. The division, how-
ever, in spite of hostile shell and machine- Troops of the 91st Division in Front of the
gun f ire forced a crossing of the river for a Hôtel-de-Ville, Audenarde, Belgium,
November 12, 1918
second time, the engineers building a foot-
bridge just north of the destroyed Her-
m e l g e m - S y n g e m b r i d g e . B y t h e eve - On November 11 both the 37th and
ning of that day the division was estab- 91st Divisions advanced practically un-
lished f irmly on the far bank. opposed. Patrols of the 37th were in
T h e 9 1 s t D iv i s i o n r e l i ev e d Fr e n c h the villages of Dickele and Zwartenbroek
troops in the French XXX Corps, about 4 while those of the 91st were near Elst and
miles east of Audenarde, on November 10. in Boucle-St. Blaise by 11:00 a. m. when
During the night of November 10 the the Armistice became effective.
Germans on this front were badly disor- During their operations in Flanders deep
ganized and retiring rapidly, their retreat a d v a n c e s we r e m a d e b y t h e t wo
being due largely to the success of the American divisions. The total casualties
A m e r i c a n Fi r s t A r my i n t h e M e u s e - of the 37th Division were almost 1,600
Argonne operation which on November 7 and those of the 91st were about 1,000.
had severed, near Sedan, the main German This battlef ield can be easily visited by
lateral railroad along the Western Front. traveling by train to Waereghem, Auden-
arde or Ghent and hiring an automobile.
37th Division Memorial Bridge at Eyne, Belgium ✛
Locations of Headquarters
The prinicpal American headquarters
during these operations were as follows:
37th Division:
Oct. 29–Nov. 1 . . . . Denterghem.
Nov. 1–4 . . . . . . . . . . Cruyshautem.
Nov. 9–11 . . . . . . . . . Château de Huysse.
91st Division:
Oct. 30–Nov. 1 . . . . Desselghem.
Nov. 1–4 . . . . . . . . . . Stuivenberghe Château.
Nov. 10–11 . . . . . . . . Audenarde.
(397)
Flanders Field American Cemetery Near Waereghem, Belgium
THE FLANDERS FIELD AMERICAN CEMETERY NEAR
WAEREGHEM, BELGIUM
T H E F l a n d e r s Fi e l d C e m e t e r y, t h e
only American militar y cemeter y in
B e l g i u m , h a s b e e n d eve l o p e d by t h e
panel, is a Crusader’s sword outlined in
gold. On each side of the altar are
draped flags of the United States, Bel-
United States Gover nment into a beauti- gium, France, Great Britain and Italy.
ful and appropriate resting place for the On the side walls of the chapel, on marble
soldiers who are buried there. panels, are listed the names of the Ameri-
This cemetery is located near Waereg- can soldiers who lost their lives in Bel-
hem, 43 miles west of Brussels, upon a gium but have no known graves.
battlef ield of the 91st Division. It con- The quiet beauty of the interior is en-
tains the graves of 368 Americans, most hanced by a mosaic ceiling of striking
of whom are soldier dead from the 37th design and a large ornamental window
and 91st Divisions which operated in the over the door which lights the room with
vicinity and the 27th and 30th Divisions a subdued yellow light.
which served for a considerable time in the The furniture of the chapel consists of
front line just south of Ypres. four seats and kneeling benches, where
The enclosing wall of the cemetery and those so inclined may rest for meditation
the reception building near the entrance and prayer. This furniture is of carved
are of red brick. The impressive chapel, oak, stained a black color with the vein-
built of pure white stone, occupies the ing in white, and it harmonizes perfectly
center of the cemetery grounds. with the black and white marble which
Above the entrance to the chapel the has been used for the altar.
following inscription, “GREET THEM EVER Each of the four grave blocks is framed
WITH GRATEFUL HEARTS” , reminds the by a trimmed hedge and at three of the
visitor of the important service rendered corners of the cemetery are circular
the world by the dead buried here. nooks, or namented by attractive urns,
On its outer walls appears the following flanked by stone benches and closely sur-
inscription in English, French and Flemish: rounded by trees and hedges.
THIS CHAPEL HAS BEEN ERECTED On the bases of the urns are the insignia
BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA of the 27th, 30th, 37th and 91st Divisions,
IN MEMORY OF HER SOLDIERS the divisions to which belonged most of
WHO FOUGHT AND DIED the men now buried here.
IN BELGIUM This little cemetery is dear to the
DURING THE WORLD WAR. hearts of the people of the neighborhood
THESE GRAVES ARE THE who visit it in large numbers on Sundays
PERMANENT AND VISIBLE SYMBOL and holidays. On the Sunday nearest
OF THE HEROIC DEVOTION Memorial Day (May 30) a touching cere-
WITH WHICH
mony of praise and thanksgiving is held
THEY GAVE THEIR LIVES
in memory of the American war dead.
The cemetery may be easily visited by
TO THE
t a k i n g a t r a i n t o Wa e r e g h e m , o r t o
COMMON CAUSE OF HUMANITY
Ghent, 17 miles away, which is larger and
Below this inscription, in bas-relief, are contains much more of historical interest.
small sculptured f igures symbolizing If the tourist has not already done so,
Grief, Remembrance and History. the account of the operations of the 37th
The altar inside the chapel is of black and 91st Divisions, which is given on the
and white marble, upon which rest a preceding pages, should be read.
c r o s s a n d t wo va s e s f o r f l owe r s . I t The monument erected by the United
bears the inscription: “I WILL RANSOM States Government to commemorate the
THEM FROM THE POWER OF THE GRAVE, f ighting of the American soldiers in this
I WILL REDEEM THEM FROM DEATH.” part of Belgium is located at Audenarde,
Above, carved on a rose-tinted marble 6 1/2 miles to the east from this cemetery.
(399)
400 T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S
addition of paths and benches. On the vicinity of Audenarde see pages 395–397.
front of it, below a shield of the United The Flanders Field American Cemetery
S t a t e s a n d f l a n ke d by t wo A m e r i c a n near the village of Waereghem is approxi-
eagles, is the dedicatory inscription which mately 6 miles away to the west.
is in gilded letters and reads as follows: Audenarde may be easily reached by
ERECTED BY THE train and the American monument is not
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA far from the railroad station. The city
TO COMMEMORATE THE is on one of the main highways from the
SERVICES OF AMERICAN TROOPS North Sea to Brussels and can be easily
WHO FOUGHT IN THIS VICINITY visited by automobile from Ghent, which
OCT. 30–NOV. 11, 1918 is 17 miles to the north, and also from Brus-
This inscription is repeated on one side sels, which is about 37 miles to the east.
(401)
27TH AND 30TH DIVISIONS IN THE YPRES-LYS OFFENSIVE
AUGUST 18–SEPTEMBER 4, 1918
they were trained at the front, under the on it with the British since July 16, and
administrative control of the American II u n i t s o f t h e 2 7 t h s i n c e J u ly 2 5 . T h e
Corps, by attaching small units to British 30th Division took command of its sector
organizations in Picardy and Flanders. on August 18 as part of the British II
In August, while with the British Second Corps and the 27th Division on August
Army, they assumed complete charge of 23 as par t of the British XIX Cor ps.
(402)
T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S 403
It was discovered on August 30 that the with considerable resistance on the morn-
Germans were making a general with- ing of August 31 so the division did not
drawal from the Lys salient for the pur- attempt to advance during that day.
pose of shortening their front line. Con- T h e 2 7 t h D iv i s i o n a t t a c ke d a t 7 : 0 0
sequently the 27th Division was ordered a. m. on September 1 after a 3 1/2-hour artil-
to reconnoiter the situation on its front ler y bombardment. Machine-gun nests
that night and the 30th Division was were overcome and all objectives were
directed to send out strong patrols the taken before noon. Shor tly thereafter,
next morning. According to its instruc- having received new orders, the division
tions if no determined opposition was en- attacked again but a German counter-
c o u n t e r e d by t h e p a t r o l s o f t h e 3 0 t h attack combined with heavy machine-
Division it was to advance and occupy a gun f ire forced it to withdraw slightly.
new line which included Voormezeele. Early on September 1 the 30th Division
(407)
33D DIVISION AT THE CAPTURE OF HAMEL, JULY 4, 1918
AND
IN THE SOMME OFFENSIVE, AUGUST 8–20, 1918
British III Cor ps. The offensive made diately. It moved forward and after a
great progress on the f irst day although diff icult night march took part during the
Chipilly Ridge, a high bare ridge situated afternoon of August 9 in an assault against
on the north bank of the Somme within a Chipilly Ridge and Gressaire Wood.
large horseshoe bend of the river, was in The attack was made at 5:30 p. m.,
German hands, having been recaptured the American regiment double-timing
T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S 411
(411)
6TH ENGINEERS IN THE SOMME DEFENSIVE
MARCH 21–APRIL 6, 1918
(412)
T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S 413
This force, totaling about 2,200 men, No further efforts to advance in force
held about 8 miles of trenches on the were made by the Germans until after
generally flat ter rain in the vicinity of the American detachment was relieved
the main road leading to Amiens. It on April 3. On the 8th it resumed engi-
was composed of cer tain British army n e e r i n g wo r k n e a r A m i e n s a n d t wo
troops; tunneling, workshop and electri- months later rejoined its division near
cal companies; detachments from f ive the village of Château-Thierry.
different schools; and the units of the 6th The area of this 6th Engineer f ighting
Engineers. It was later reinforced by can be easily visited by taking a train to
300 convalescents from the hospitals Amiens and hiring an automobile there.
and 400 Canadian railroad troops.
The American engineers occupied the
right of the Amiens Defense Line, near Large German Gun Destroyed East of Chipilly,
Near Chuignes
M a r c e l c ave , o n M a r c h 2 6 b u t o n t h e
following day moved by tr uck to Bois
des Tailloux, about 1 mile northwest of
Warfusée-Abancourt. There it took over
the defense of that wood and of the line
as far south as the main Amiens road.
On March 27 the retreating British
retired behind the Amiens Defense Line.
Warfusée-Abancourt was captured by the
Germans late in the evening and during
that night patrols of the 6th Engineers
were engaged with the enemy in town.
Heavy f ighting took place south of town
on March 28, in which the 6th Engineers
was not involved, but on both March 29
and 30 the American troops repulsed
determined attacks against their position.
414 T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S
1ST DIVISION AT CANTIGNY
APRIL 27–JULY 8, 1918
1st Division Infantry Going “Over the Top” at Cantigny, May 28, 1918
(414)
T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S 415
T H E U n i t e d S t a t e s G ove r n m e n t h a s
constructed in a public square at Can-
tigny a small but appropriate monument
developed into a park which is landscaped
in an attractive manner and the whole de-
velopment has proved a welcome addition
to commemorate the f irst large offensive to the village life.
action by an American division which This monument may he conveniently
took place during the World War. The visited by automobile from Paris which
monument consists of a shaft near the is 54 miles to the south or from Amiens,
upper four corners of which are Ameri- the nearest large city, which is 26 miles
can eagles. A row of stars encircles the north of the site. For the tourist who de-
top and on the sides are carved, in French sires the minimum auto trip the train
and English, the following inscriptions: should be taken to Montdidier, which is
Around the monument proper is a paved 3 miles away on the railroad and where
circular terrace from which a considerable taxicabs for a visit to Cantigny and the
por tion of the g round over which the surrounding battlef ields may be hired.
American troops advanced may be seen. Before leaving the site of the monument
Or namental stone benches have been the description on the preceding pages of
placed on this terrace and trimmed hedges the battle operations of the 1st Division
enclose it. The surrounding area has been in this vicinity should be read.
(416)
418 T H E A M E R I C A N BAT T L E F I E L D S N O RT H O F PA R I S
T
HE Western Front, extending for of Belfort, no great amount of f ighting
more than 400 miles from Switzer- had taken place since 1914 and although
land to the North Sea, was so long the terrain was appropriate for military
that neither the Allies nor the Germans operations the narrowness of the pass be-
could obtain suff icient men to undertake tween the mountains and the Swiss border,
operations on a large scale throughout its called the Belfort Gap, made the region
entire length. Consequently each massed not suitable for large-scale operations.
(419)
420 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE VOSGES FRONT
realized that offensive operations on other scribed for an American division after its
parts of the battle line which were not as arrival in France was f irst to carry out
strong offered more possibility of success. intensive training in an area in rear of the
When the American troops ar rived in front lines, then to serve in quiet sectors
France the entire stretch southeastward for a time with French or British troops
from the Moselle River to the Swiss bor- and f inally to complete its training for
der was a quiet or inactive front held by battle in a sector of its own. This rou-
comparatively few troops. This front, tine procedure was broken in emergencies
commonly known to the Americans as and some American divisions, such as the
the “Vosges Front”, was used by many 3d, 4th, 36th, 78th and 91st, went directly
American divisions for training purposes. from training areas into battle without
It was admirably suited for the purpose as sector service, while the 79th, 89th and
it was conveniently located with respect 90th Divisions took command of sectors
to the St. Mihiel salient, which was early without any period of aff iliation with
selected as the scene of the f irst offensive troops of the Allied Armies.
operation by the American Ar my, and The 1st, 5th, 6th, 29th, 32d, 35th, 37th,
with respect to the American line of com- 42d, 77th, 81st, 88th and 92d Divisions of
munications, which was being developed the American Army had their f irst sector
to supply troops on the St. Mihiel front. service at the front in the Vosges region.
The normal program of training pre- Elsewhere on the Wester n Front the
(420)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE VOSGES FRONT 421
2d, 26th, 28th, 82d and 93d Divisions had giving valuable combat experience to the
their f irst front-line training with the American soldiers who later served so
French; the 27th, 30th, 33d and 80th with creditably on the Marne, at St. Mihiel,
the British, and the 7th Division mainly along the Meuse and in the Argonne.
with the American Second Army. Sections of the front line assigned to
Service in quiet sectors varied widely divisions were called “division sectors”.
in character. For considerable periods A particular sector was often changed in
the daily life of the front-line troops would both size and name as the military situa-
be comparatively uneventful, disturbed t i o n c h a n g e d . H oweve r, t h o s e o f t h e
only by routine patrolling and desultory Vosges Front were not radically changed
shelling. At intervals, however, this com- while the American divisions served in the
parative quiet was shattered by hard- region and, consequently, it has been pos-
fought local operations and raids. The sible on the following pages to give a gen-
natural enthusiasm of the American eral description of the sectors as they were
troops and their inherent desire to start known to the American troops who occu-
active operations as quickly as possible pied them. The division sectors of the
usually produced a marked increase in the Vosges region are graphically shown on
f ighting in these normally quiet sectors. the sketch which appears on the next page.
While this had no immediate effect on the In the text which follows the sketch they
general military situation it did result in are discussed in order from south to north.
(421)
422 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE VOSGES FRONT
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE VOSGES FRONT 423
The Center Sector lay wholly in Ger- pation of the so-called quiet sectors there.
man ter ritor y. It extended north from W h i l e t h e 1 s t D iv i s i o n wa s i n t h e
the Swiss border and controlled the impor- Sommer viller Sector training with the
tant Belfor t Gap. The American 32d, French it took the f irst German prisoner
29th and 88th Divisions served in that captured by the A.E.F. The f irst Amer-
order at different times in this sector. icans to be captured were taken by the
The Wesserling Sector, also on German Germans in a raid at Bathelémont on No-
soil, secured for the Allies the Bussang vember 3, 1917, and in the same raid the
Pass and the greater part of the mountain f irst American soldiers were killed in ac-
mass called the Ballon de Guebwiller. tion, three men losing their lives. These
The 35th Division trained in this sector three men are now commemorated by a
and the 369th Infantry of the 93d Divi- monument which the French erected in
sion served here just prior to the Armis- 1918 over their graves near Bathelémont.
tice, as part of a French division. When the 5th Division took command
T h e G é r a r d m e r S e c t o r c ove r e d t h e of the St. Dié Sector, the German position
Schlucht Pass and lay entirely in German near Frapelle formed a salient projecting
ter ritory. It was held by the 35th and into the American lines. The division
6th Divisions at different times. decided to seize this salient and on
T h e A n o u l d S e c t o r wa s a s t r i d e t h e August 17 captured it in a small b ut
principal range of the Vosges Mountains, well-executed attack. Consolidation of
its southern portion being on German the new position was begun in spite of a
soil. It covered the Bonhomme Pass. violent hostile ar tiller y bombardment
The 5th Division gained front-line ex- which continued almost without interrup-
perience here and the 371st and 372d tion for three days. The division, how-
Infantry Regiments of the 93d Division ever, clung grimly to its gains, repulsing
served in this same sector as part of a a German counterattack on August 18.
French division just before the Armistice. By the 20th the new position was com-
The St. Dié Sector, north of St. Dié, pletely organized and securely in Amer-
controlled the southern exit of the Saales ican hands. The 5th Division lost ap-
Pass. It was held at various times by the proximately 400 men in this f ighting.
5th, 92d and 81st Divisions. On October 4 about 60 men of the 6th
A cor ps front extended from the Division near Sondernach, east of Gérard-
western slopes of the Vosges Mountains mer, were attacked by a par ty of 300
toward the northwest. It was known to Germans, equipped with machine guns
the 42d Division, which trained on it, as and flame throwers. Although cut off
the Lunéville Sector. The cor ps front by a bar rage and greatly outnumbered,
was divided into three divisional sectors, the Americans repulsed the attack and
the one nearest the Vosges being called captured f ive prisoners.
the Baccarat Sector. This last-named While occupying the Center Sector,
division sector was held at different times elements of the 29th Division raided the
by the 42d, 77th and 37th Divisions. German lines on August 31 and on Sep-
Fa r t h e r t o t h e n o r t h we s t w a s t h e tember 7, inflicting many casualties.
Sommer viller Sector. Units of the 1st The front lines of the 32d Division were
Division entered the front lines in this raided on July 19, while the division was
sector for training with the French on in the Center Sector. The raiding party
October 23, 1917. This marked the f irst in this operation was repulsed, leaving two
time that elements of an American division prisoners in American hands.
held a section of the front-line trenches. While training with a French division
The following incidents in the history in the Wesserling Sector, troops of the
of the American divisions which served in 35th Division raided a German position on
the Vosges region will give an idea of the July 6, inflicting losses upon the enemy
more active part of the American occu- troops and capturing seven prisoners.
424 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE VOSGES FRONT
(424)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE VOSGES FRONT 425
ADDITIONAL PLACES OF INTEREST
IN THE VOSGES REGION
Baccarat. Location of 42d Div. Hdqrs., monument located in front of the castle.
M a r. 3 0 – J u n e 2 1 ; 7 7 t h D iv. H d q r s . , Belfort Gap. A rolling valley about 15
June 19–Aug. 4; and 37th Div. Hdqrs., miles wide between the Vosges Moun-
July 23–Sept. 17. tains and the dual Alps. It is of strate-
Ballon d' Alsace. Southernmost moun- gic importance and on the French side is
tain mass of the Vosges. It rises to a controlled by the fortress of Belfort.
height of over 4,000 feet and dominates Bonhomme Pass. A pass through the
the northern side of the Belfort Gap. Vosges northeast of Gérardmer.
Ballon de Guebwiller. Southeaster n Bussang Pass. An important pass in
shoulder of the Vosges. Lying between the eastern part of the Vosges Mountains
the Thur and Lauch Rivers, this rugged which gives access to the valley of the
area reaches a height in excess of 4,600 Thur River and that of the upper Rhine.
feet. It dominates the eastern exit of the Charmes Gap. Between the fortif ica-
Belfort Gap and the valley of the Rhine tions of Epinal and Toul lies the relatively
River to the north of Mulhouse. open Lor raine plain, in the center of
Belfort. An impor tant fortif ied town w h i c h s t a n d s t h e t ow n o f C h a r m e s .
forming the southern element of the Before August 1914 this area had been
French frontier defenses in 1914. The left without permanent fortif ications so
town was fortif ied late in the 17th Cen- that in the event of war the stream of
tur y by the f amous militar y engineer, German invasion would be canalized to
Vauban. It successfully withstood siege this def inite course. It became known as
by the Pr ussians in the War of 1870. Charmes Gap and it was through this gap
This successful defense is commemorated that the Germans attempted during 1914
by the great Lion of Belfort, a memorial to turn the French position near Nancy.
(425)
426 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN THE VOSGES FRONT
Epinal. An impor tant fortif ied town St. Dié. Location of 5th Div. Hdqrs..
situated at a strategic point on the July 15–Aug. 23; 92d Div. Hdqrs., Aug.
Moselle River about 38 miles south of 24–Sept. 20; and 81st Div. Hdqrs., during
Nancy. In 1914, at the beginning of the the period Sept. 21–Oct. 20.
war, it was one of the principal elements T h i s a n c i e n t t ow n g r ew u p a b o u t a
of the French frontier defenses. monastery established in the 7th Century.
G é r a r d m e r. L o c a t i o n o f 5 t h D iv. One of the earliest printing presses was
H d q r s . , J u n e 7 – J u l y 1 5 ; 3 5 t h D iv. located at this place in the 15th Century.
Hdqrs., Aug. 14–Sept. 2; 6th Div. Hdqrs., Schlucht Pass. An important opening
Sept. 3–23 and Sept. 25–Oct. 26. in the eastern Vosges which gives access
This village, situated on a beautiful to the valley of the Fecht River and the
lake, is a summer resort in a setting of
forests and mountains.
K r ü t h . T h e 3 5 t h D iv. H d q r s . w a s
located here July 27–Aug. 14.
Le Grand Couronné. The name given
by the French to the bastionlike heights
nor th and east of Nancy. It was from
t h e s e h e i g h t s t h a t t h e Fr e n c h f o r c e s
hurled back many powerful assaults by
the German Army in the Battle of Nancy
during August and September, 1914.
Mont Donon. The most northern
mountain mass of the Vosges. It domi-
nates the valley of the Breusch River
to the north of the Saales Pass.
Montreux-Château. Location of 29th
Div. Hdqrs., Sept. 14–22, and 88th Div.
Hdqrs., Oct. 7–Nov. 4.
M o n t re u x - Vi e u x . L o c a t i o n o f 2 9 t h
Div. Hdqrs., Aug. 9–Sept. 14.
Neufchâteau. I Cor ps Hdqrs., Jan.
20–June 18; IV Corps Hdqrs., June 20–
Aug. 13; and VI Corps Hdqrs., Aug.
1–12. These corps headquarters while at
Neufchâteau exercised administrative but
not tactical control over the American Front-Line Trench of the 32d Division, Alsace,
divisions assigned to them. June 14, 1918
Remiremont. III Cor ps Hdqrs., June
10–July 12; V Cor ps Hdqrs., July 10– upper Rhine. This pass was taken by
Aug. 18; and VII Cor ps Hdqrs., Aug. the French in August 1914 during their
20–Nov. 8. While at Remiremont, these invasion of upper Alsace and was held by
headquarters exercised administrative but them throughout the war.
not tactical control over the American di- Strasbourg. Location of an old Celtic
visions assigned to them. city which was captured by the Romans.
Rougemont-le-Château. Location of It is situated at the junction of the Ill
32d Div. Hdqrs., June 9–July 20. and Breusch Rivers, 2 miles west of the
Saales Pass. This pass, in the northern Rhine, and has long been a point of great
Vosges, is second in importance to Belfort strategic impor tance. It was ceded to
Gap. It gives access to the upper part Germany in 1871 but returned to France
of the Breusch River valley and thence to at the conclusion of the World War. The
the Rhine River valley near Strasbourg. city contains many interesting features.
(427)
The 332d Infantry Marching Into Austria, Northwest of Cormons
Chapter VIII
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN
ITALY AND NORTHERN RUSSIA
E
XCEPT for small forces sent to to dissipating its strength by sending
I t a ly a n d N o r t h e r n R u s s i a , a l l troops to other theaters of operations, as
American military operations in often proposed by Allied governments.
Europe during the World War were con- In two cases, however, this was ordered
f ined to the Western Front. The High by higher authority and the operations of
Command of the A.E.F. realized that the these American forces, in Italy and Rus-
decision in the war would depend upon sia, form the subject of this chapter. 1
victory or defeat on the Western Front 1
An American expedition, not under the A.E.F.,
and, consequently, was decidedly opposed was sent to Siberia. It is mentioned in Chapter XIV.
(429)
AMERICAN TROOPS IN ITALY
JULY 26, 1918–APRIL 7, 1919
Scene in Codroipo, Italy, a Short Time After Its Capture by the 332d Infantry
on November 4, 1918
and was preparing to enter the battle line Italian 31st Division, with the 332d In-
and to take an active part in the f ighting. fantry attached, was in reserve. It joined
The regiment was f irst stationed near in the pursuit of the fleeing Austrians on
Lake Garda, where it trained in methods October 29 as part of the British XIV
o f wa r f a r e s u i t a b l e f o r t h e d i ff i c u l t Cor ps of the Italian Tenth Ar my, the
mountain ter rain which comprised the American regiment forming the advance
greater part of the Italian theater of oper- g u a r d o f t h e c o r p s . O n N ove m b e r 3 ,
a t i o n s . E a r ly i n O c t o b e r i t m ove d t o after several hard marches, the 332d In-
Treviso, behind the Piave River Front, fantry established contact with an enemy
where it was assigned to the Italian 31st rear-guard battalion which was defending
Division. From there, for pur poses of the crossings of the Tagliamento River
deceiving the enemy, it staged a series of near the village of Ponte-della-Delizia.
marches in which each battalion, with Early on November 4 the 2d Battalion
(430)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN ITALY AND NORTHERN RUSSIA 431
open port the year round though north of The British Government, through its
t h e A r c t i c C i r c l e . T h e S u p r e m e Wa r Ambassador at Washington, urged Ameri-
Council believed that Allied troops should can participation in the undertaking. As
be sent to secure these ports for the use of a result the War Department on July 23
the Allies and to save the supplies located directed the Commander-in-Chief of the
(432)
AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN ITALY AND NORTHERN RUSSIA 433
small American contingent was soon split the deep snow, intense cold, darkness of
up in isolated detachments protecting, winter in the Arctic Zone and the long
with Allied troops and Russian volunteers, lines of communication, which were in con-
the vital points on the railroads and rivers stant danger of being cut by the enemy.
which were the main avenues of approach During Januar y 1919 the Bolsheviki
to the coast. The Americans were spread launched an offensive northward between
out over a front of 450 miles and in some the Dvina River and the railroad, forcing
434 AMERICAN OPERATIONS IN ITALY AND NORTHERN RUSSIA
the evacuation of Ust-Padenga, Shenkursk May 1919. They were assembled at Arch-
and Shegovari after heavy f ighting. This angel and soon thereafter sailed for
caused the Allies to establish a new line of France, being replaced by British troops
defense, and in garrisoning it the American newly ar rived from England and by Rus-
forces became more widely dispersed than sian soldiers. On August 5 the headquar-
before. In March severe f ighting devel- ters of the American force in Northern
oped around Bolshie-Ozerki and on May 1 Russia was off icially closed.
a long-threatened attack in the vicinity of In the opinion of the senior American
the Vaga River, 18 miles southeast of off icer the expedition was not particularly
the town of Bereznik, was beaten off. well managed and his troops were sub-
During April 1919 the American 167th jected to needless hardships.
and 168th Railroad Transportation Com- More than 400 casualties were suffered
panies joined the expedition, operating by this small American force, most of them
mainly in the Mur mansk region. After occurring after the lighting had ceased on
performing valuable service they were the Western Front. In spite of this, how-
returned to France three months later. ever, and the trying nature of their serv-
The American soldiers began to be with- ice, the American units performed their
drawn from the forward positions late in duties with great fortitude and bravery.
I
N rear of the area actually occupied The building up of this organization
by the f ighting elements of a modern was one of the most diff icult problems
army, a great organization is required which faced the Commander-in-Chief of
to keep the combat units constantly sup- the A.E.F. upon his arrival in France. It
plied with the men and means necessary was imperative that the essential supply
for operations against the enemy. Re- ser vices be ready to operate when the
placements of men and animals, great f irst combat troops ar rived and that their
quantities of rations, ammunition, weap- facilities be expanded progressively to
ons, equipment and supplies of all kinds supply the needs of the vast forces soon
m u s t b e o b t a i n e d a n d d e l iv e r e d t o to come. In spite of the handicaps of
the front. To accomplish this, complete emergency pressure, the great distance
transportation facilities must be provided, from America, a foreign language and
and these must not only be adequate to foreign customs, and an already over-
handle the enormous volumes of freight burdened railroad system in France, the
but also to move organizations from one organization was developed steadily so
p o i n t t o a n o t h e r a n d t o eva c u a t e t h e that when the crisis came at the time of
wo u n d e d t o t h e r e a r. I n t h e A . E . F. the Meuse-Argonne offensive it was able
These and other tasks, which involved the to handle with great success the enormous
construction and operation of transporta- demands made by the First Army upon it,
tion systems, telephone and teleg raph The “Line of Communications” was
lines, hospitals, depots, docks, mills, re- for med on July 5, 1917, shortly after
pair shops and factories of various kinds, General Pershing arrived in France. At
were performed by an organization known that time it was given no def inite bound-
successively as the “Line of Communica- aries but consisted mainly of the port of
tions”, the “Service of the Rear” and the St. Nazaire and the city of Nevers, the lat-
“Services of Supply” or briefly “S.O.S.” ter being the Headquarters of the Advance
(437)
438 THE SERVICES OF SUPPLY
Section. Its active area was g radually communication began within the United
ex t e n d e d, h oweve r, a n d o n Fe b r u a r y States and extended across the sea to
16, 1918, the “Line of Communications” Fr a n c e . T h e y e n t e r e d Fr a n c e m a i n ly
was reorganized and called the “Service of at ports along its western coast from Brest
the Rear”. This designation was changed southward, as those farther north were
on March 13, 1918, and throughout the already heavily burdened with British
remainder of its existence the organiza- and French traff ic. The railway lines
tion was known as the “Services of Sup- wh i c h r a n n o r t h e a s t wa r d f r o m t h e s e
ply” or more generally as the “S.O.S.” southern ports to the main areas of Ameri-
T h e . A m e r i c a n l i n e s o f s u p p ly a n d can operations were selected for the use
THE SERVICES OF SUPPLY 439
One of the refrigerating plants could motives and 56,000 cars for the Allies.
store 6,500 tons of meat and produce 500 The supplies collected were stored at
tons of ice per day; and one of the me- different points between the base ports
chanical bakeries had a daily capacity of and the combat zone. It was inadvisable
800,000 pounds of bread, enough to f ill to place large quantities too close to the
about 50 standard American freight cars. front because of the enormous losses and
Forestry operations, which produced more consequent scarcity of supplies which
than 200,000,000 feet of lumber and about would result if the Germans made a sub-
4,000,000 railway ties, were carried on to stantial advance. On the other hand, if
assist in providing the materials needed stored near the base ports they would be
in the construction program, the size of too far from the battle front and an inter-
to supply the army for three months, thus reached a strength of 644,540 men, not
providing an ample factor of safety in including 23,772 civilian employees car-
case ocean traff ic were interrupted. In ried on its rolls, and comprised about one
August 1918, however, it was considered third of the American soldiers in Europe.
safe to reduce this reserve requirement to The vital importance of the S.O.S. and
45 days. From the advance depots sup- its value to the f ighting troops are indi-
plies mere distributed regularly to the cated by the following telegram which
troops through great combination depots was sent on September 23, 1918, after the
and railway yards known as regulating successful attack of the American First
stations, which operated directly under Ar my in the St. Mihiel region, to the
General Headquarters, A.E.F. Commanding General of the Services of
The growth and development of the Ser- Supply by the Commander-in-Chief of the
vices of Supply, which kept pace with A.E.F., who at the time was also directly
those of the combat forces, and the suc- in command of the First Army:
cessful carrying out of its innumerable, " I want the off icers and men of the
important and complicated tasks form an S.O.S., under your command, to know
outstanding achievement of the A.E.F. It how much the First Army appreciates the
actually supplied successfully an army of prompt response made to every de mand
2,000,000 men and, at the time of the for men, equipment, supplies and trans-
Armistice, plans for the necessary expan- portation necessary to car ry out the re-
sion to care for the needs of an army of cent operations. Please extend to a,, our
4,000,000 men were well under way. By hearty congratulations and say that they
t h a t d a t e t h i s h u g e o rga n i z a t i o n h a d share the success with us."
Supplies in Storage at Montoir
LOCATIONS IN FRANCE OF ACTIVITIES
OF THE SERVICES OF SUPPLY
L a n g re s . A r my s c h o o l s , wh i c h i n - Nogent-en-Bassigny. Headquarters of
cluded 17 separate schools; motor trans- the Advance Section, S.O.S., during the
port repair and supply center; hospital period, June 28 to October 23, 1918.
center; Headquarters of the Advance Sec- Rimaucourt. Hospital center.
tion, Services of Supply, during the period St. Dizier. Regulating station.
from January 20 to June 28, 1918. Sampigny. Location of a large motor
Léonval. Advance miscellaneous stor- transport park and repair center.
age depot; chemical warfare ammunition Toul. Impor tant hospital center; re-
depot and repair shops. frigeration plant; veterinary hospital.
Le Valdahon. Aerial observation school Vaucouleurs. Advance storage depot.
for artillery; f ield artillery school and Vitrey. Trench artillery school center.
training camp; ordnance repair shop; Vitry-le-François. Motor transport re-
location of veterinary hospital. pair center; important railroad junction.
Liffol-le-Grand. Regulating station;
INTERMEDIATE SECTION
depot camp; railroad repair shop and
engine terminal; mechanical bakery: scene Aix-les-Bains. Central point of the
of many large general activities. principal leave area for the A.E.F.
Lux. Location of a remount depot and Allerey. Hospital center; storage depot;
veterinary hospital. ice-making and cold-storage plant.
Mailly. Heavy artillery school before Autun. Military police school.
removal to Angers; artillery camp. Blois. Reclassif ication camp for off i-
M o n t i e rs - s u r- S a u l x . L o c a t i o n o f a cers; concentration and reclassif ication
remount depot and veterinary hospital. point for enlisted casuals discharged from
Nancy. Location of a remount depot. hospitals in the A.E.F.
Neufchâteau. Headquarters of the Ad- Bourges. Location of the central rec-
vance Section, S.O.S., Nov. 1, 1917–Jan. ords off ice for all personnel of the A.E.F.;
20 and after Oct. 23, 1918; motor trans- ordnance school, shops and depot; for-
port overhaul park; veterinary hospital. estry district headquarters; f ield bakery.
depot; site of prisoner of war enclosure.
La Cluze. Location of a forestry dis-
trict headquarters.
Le Blanc. Field artillery motor train-
ing center and ordnance repair shop.
Le Mans. Replacement depot: rifle
range with 775 targets; motor transport
repair shop; chaplains’ school. After
the Armistice this was the principal area
in which troops were assembled, inspected
and equipped preparatory to embarking
for the United States. Its maximum
capacity was 230,000 men.
Le Puy. Forestry district headquarters.
Mars. Location of a hospital center.
Mehun-sur-Yèvre. Location of largest
ordnance repair shop in A.E.F., where
rifles, machine guns and cannon were re-
conditioned; storage depot.
Mesves-sur-Loire. One of the largest
hospital centers of the A.E.F.
Montierchaume . General intermedi-
ate storage depot, similar to the one at
Sorting Salvaged Shoes Gièvres but only half completed at the
time the hostilities ceased.
Châteauroux. Gas mask salvage de-
Montlouis. Potato storage depot.
pot; forestry district headquarters. Neuvy-Pailloux. Tank center.
Chinon. Location of the Chemical Nevers. Headquarters of the Advance
Warfare Service training center.
Section, S.O.S., July 10–Sept. 17, 1917;
Clamecy. III Corps schools. Headquarters of the Intermediate Sec-
Clermont-Ferrand. Training center for tion, S.O.S., after Sept. 17, 1917; also an
heavy tractor artillery; aviation instruc-
important railroad and storage center;
tion center; ordnance training center and principal locomotive repair shops of the
repair shops; hospital center; quartermas- Expeditionary Forces; veterinary hospi-
ter depot; location of a f ield bakery.
tal. Drafting an Operation Map
Decize. Motor transport school.
Gien. Heavy artillery tractor school;
forestry district headquarters.
Giévres. General intermediate storage
depot, the largest depot in the A.E.F. It
reached a strength of about 700 off icers
and 25,000 soldiers. Included in this
depot were the largest refrigeration and
ice-making plant in the A.E.F.; coffee
roasting plant and f ield bakery; coal and
gasoline storage; central baggage off ice;
remount depot and veterinary hospital.
Center of railroad construction.
Grenoble. One of the leave areas.
Issoudun. Aviation instruction center
comprising 12 flying f ields; intermediate
quartermaster depot; ammunition storage
(444)
THE SERVICES OF SUPPLY 445
(445)
446 THE SERVICES OF SUPPLY
(446)
THE SERVICES OF SUPPLY 447
ment on an old fortif ication wall over- Miramas. Storage depot for the por t
looking the harbor. See page 475 for a of Marseille: prisoner of war enclosure.
general description of this memorial. Nice. Main town in Riviera leave area.
Cherbourg. Por t of debarkation for
BASE SECTION NO. 7
troops arriving by way of England.
Granville. Port of entry for coal. Aigrefeuille. Location of a base depot;
Pontanézen Barracks. Largest Amer- classif ication yards and coal storage depot.
ican camp in France; rest camp for troops La Pallice. Headquarters of Base Sec-
debarking or embarking at Brest. tion No. 7 for a time; port of entry for oil
Rennes. Locomotive terminal; repair and other freight; gasoline storage depot;
shop for railroad cars and locomotives. refrigeration plant and remount depot.
T
HE information given in this chapter of shipping a month, which was much
is based upon data furnished officially g reater than the rate of replacement.
by the Secretary of the Navy. The task f acing the American Navy
When the United States entered the wa s o n e o f t r e m e n d o u s d i ff i c u l t y. I t
war the Allied Navies appeared to be had to assist as soon as possible in coun-
lacking in effective means for combating teracting the submarine menace and in
the German submarines which had started addition had to organize means of pro-
a campaign of unrestricted warfare two viding passage across the Atlantic for
m o n t h s p r ev i o u s ly. I t wa s ex t r e m e ly hundreds of thousands of American
important, therefore, that immediate troops and enormous quantities of supplies.
(449)
450 OPERATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY IN THE WORLD WAR
increased to 34 destroyers. A main base the war the Cruiser and Transport Force
was later established at Brest, and the was organized to carry American troops
f o r c e o p e r a t i n g f r o m t h e r e g r a d u a l ly overseas. The few suitable vessels avail-
grew in size until it approximated that able were taken over by the Government
o f Q u e e n s t ow n . A t h i r d m a i n b a s e at once and the German liners interned
(451)
Oil Patch Indicating a “Hit” With a Depth Bomb
United States Naval Vessels With Captive Balloon in Tow
The balloon was used in searching for German submarines
done by the laying of mine bar rages, have been put out of action either by
the employment of a hunting force of being sunk or considerably damaged.
small ships, supplemented by aircraft, Plans were also made for placing mine
and the use of submarines. barrages in other areas, and a mine base
Before America’s entr y into the war was planned at Bizerta, Tunis, from where
the British had considered closing the operations were to be conducted in the
northern entrance to the North Sea by Adriatic and Aegean Seas, but the signing
placing a mine barrage from Scotland to of the Armistice halted the undertaking.
Norway, but had given up this idea as In order to establish a large and effec-
impracticable. The American naval au- tive hunting force of surface vessels, con-
thorities felt, however, that with a new struction was undertaken in America of
type of mine which had been developed several hundred boats called “submarine
in the United States this scheme could be chasers”. These were small wooden ves-
u n d e r t a k e n s u c c e s s f u l ly. I n O c t o b e r sels, 110 feet long, powered by gasoline
1917 it was decided to make the attempt, motors, and equipped with sound-detect-
in conjunction with the British, and the ing devices. A force of 135 of these ves-
construction of mines was begun in the sels was sent to Europe. Most of them
United States. The total length of the based at Plymouth, England, Queens-
mine bar rage to be put down was 270 town, Ireland, and Corfu, Greece, and
miles, and the estimated number of were very effective in the protection of
mines required was about 75,000. Bases merchant shipping. During the period
were established on the eastern coast of of operation of the Plymouth detachment
Scotland, necessary vessels were procured between Start Point and Lizard Head not
and equipped, and in March 1918 opera- a single merchant vessel was lost in its
tions were begun by the British and in area as a result of German submarine
June by the United States. By the time attacks. A detachment from the Corfu
hostilities ceased the British had placed group sailed from Brindisi, Italy, with
a p p r ox i m a t e ly 1 4 , 0 0 0 m i n e s a n d t h e the Allied fleet and participated with it
Americans 56,000, as a result of which 12 in the attack on the Austrian por t of
enemy submarines are known def initely to Durazzo, doing especially valuable work
(452)
OPERATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY IN THE WORLD WAR 453
Bordeaux. The Naval District Head- Cardiff, Wales. American Naval Head-
quarters, located here, directed the opera- quarters for the administration of the
tions of vessels engaged in convoy work coal transport service, which carried coal
and submarine hunting in this vicinity. for the Army from this port to France.
Near the city the construction of a high- G i b ra l t a r. A n ava l f o r c e o p e r a t i n g
powered naval radio station was under- from here made many attacks upon sub-
taken for communication with the United marines, and during July and August,
States, but this was still under construc- 1918, escorted 25 per cent of all Mediter-
tion at the time the Armistice was signed. anean convoys to French ports, as well
Brest. American Naval Headquar ters as 10 per cent of all convoys to English
in France and main port of debarkation ports from the vicinity of Gibraltar.
for troops car ried on American naval Inverness, Scotland. The main base
transports. A force of over 30 destroyers for American mining operations in the
and many yachts which based here oper- North Sea was established at this port
ated as escorts for troop and supply con- in the autumn of 1917.
voys. During July and August, 1918, Killingholme, England. An American
over 3,000,000 tons of shipping were con- naval air base was located here. Planes
voyed in and out of French ports by ves- operating from it flew approximately
sels from this base with a loss of less than 57,000 sea miles while escorting about
one-tenth of 1 per cent of this shipping. 6,000 vessels through the submarine zone.
(454)
OPERATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY IN THE WORLD WAR 455
Pauillac . An assembly plant for all cent of escorting vessels for approximately
naval planes shipped to the Continent 2,700,000 tons of shipping into British
was located here. A force of about 5,000 harbors, steaming a total of 260,000 miles
off icers and men built and operated it. and accomplishing the task without the
Porto Corsini, Italy. American naval loss of a single ship.
flyers from this base, which was taken R o c h e fo r t . E i g h t n ava l ve s s e l s , i n -
over from the Italians in July 1918, par- cluding f ive converted yachts, operated
ticipated in raids upon the Austrian port from this port during the war and escorted
of Pola and carried out 5,500 flights while a total of 182 convoys.
patrolling and reconnoitering. S t . N a z a i re . N av a l D i s t r i c t H e a d -
Queenstown, Ireland. First American quarters and principal port of army sup-
n ava l b a s e i n E u r o p e . T h e U. S . S . p l i e s . Fi r s t d e t a c h m e n t o f A m e r i c a n
Nicholson and Fanning, based here, sank troops landed here June 26, 1917. A
the German U-58 and captured its crew force consisting principally of converted
i n N ove m b e r 1 9 1 7 . D u r i n g J u ly a n d yachts was concentrated at this port and
A u g u s t , 1 9 1 8 , d e s t r oy e r s o p e r a t i n g performed the duties of mine sweeping,
chiefly from this port furnished 75 per submarine hunting and convoy escorting.
United States Naval Air Station at Pauillac
Flagpole at the Somme American Cemetery
Chapter XI
AMERICAN MILITARY CEMETERIES
IN EUROPE
T
HERE are eight permanent Ameri- Cemeter y. The other American ceme-
can military cemeteries in Europe. teries are located on the battlef ields of
These have been developed by the France and Belgium and have been in-
United States Government into places of cluded in the tours described in this book.
distinguished beauty and no American The cemeteries were originally estab-
who travels in Europe should fail to visit lished by the War Department. They are
as many of them as his time will permit. now (1937) under the jurisdiction of the
The cemeteries are conveniently located American Battle Monuments Commission,
with respect to the routes which travelers which has erected in each one an appro-
n o r m a l ly f o l l ow. Fr o m t h e c e n t e r o f priate memorial chapel and has added
Paris it is only 5 miles to the cemetery at the additional architectural and land-
Suresnes, and from London it is less than scape features necessary to make all of
a n h o u r by t r a i n t o t h e B r o o k wo o d them outstanding in beauty and dignity.
(457)
458 AMERICAN MILITARY CEMETERIES IN EUROPE
Services of Supply and of the American all members of the American forces whose
Expedition to Northern Russia. The bodies remain in Europe except as follows:
“Unknown Soldier” who is buried at the 42 men whose bodies were left in their
Arlington National Cemetery is therefore original graves outside the cemeteries at
among the soldiers whose names appear the request of relatives; 18 who are buried
on the walls of one of the chapels in the beneath the Lafayette Escadrille monu-
American military cemeteries in Europe. ment at Garches, near Paris, where 21 of
The names of the “unknown” soldiers their former comrades of the Escadrille
and sailors whose bodies were lost or are also buried; those whose bodies were
buried in European waters are recorded in released to relatives for private inter-
the chapels at Suresnes and Brookwood. ment, and those whose remains have not
Of the 81,067 American soldiers, sailors been found.
a n d m a r i n e s wh o gave t h e i r l ive s i n A brief description of each of the
Europe and European waters during the American cemeteries is given on the fol-
war, the number who still remain “un- lowing pages. The photographs accom-
known” is 4,431. This number includes panying them will give a good idea of the
1,643 who are b uried in unidentif ied appearance of the different cemeteries
graves in the permanent American ceme- and the small maps will be found useful
teries in Europe, 1,537 whose grave is the by the tourist in locating a cemetery after
sea, 1,250 whose remains have never been he arrives in its general neighborhood.
found, and the “Unknown Soldier” who An information bureau is maintained
is buried at the Arlington National at the European Off ice of the American
Cemetery. Battle Monuments Commission, located
At the time of the Armistice there were i n t h e A m e r i c a n G ove r n m e n t O ff i c e
approximately 2,400 places in Europe in Building, 2 Avenue Gabriel, Place de la
which American dead were temporarily Concorde, Paris, where locations of par-
buried. After hostilities ceased, provi- ticular graves and information concern-
sion was made for the permanent burial ing the cemeteries may be obtained.
of these bodies in accordance with the An American superintendent is on duty
expressed wishes of the nearest relatives at each cemetery to give information and
c o n c e r n e d, a n d t h e e i g h t p e r m a n e n t other assistance to visitors. Reception
American cemeteries in Europe were es- rooms are available at the cemeteries for
tablished. These cemeteries, with their the comfort and convenience of tourists.
30,902 burials, now contain the graves of All distances in this chapter are air line.
Airplane View of the St. Mihiel Cemetery
460
AMERICAN MILITARY CEMETERIES IN EUROPE
(461)
OISE-AISNE CEMETERY NEAR FÉRE-EN-TARDENOIS
(462)
AMERICAN MILITARY CEMETERIES IN EUROPE 463
ST. MIHIEL CEMETERY NEAR THIAUCOURT
(463)
464 AMERICAN MILITARY CEMETERIES IN EUROPE
(465)
SURESNES AMERICAN CEMETERY NEAR PARIS
O N t h e s l o p e s o f M o n t Va l é r i e n , 5
miles from the hear t of Paris, is
located the Suresnes Cemetery contain-
f ields of white marble headstones, and
from its ter race a f ine panorama of a
large part of the city of Paris is obtained.
ing 1,541 graves. The men buried there are Inside the chapel is an artistic marble
mainly those who died during the World altar flanked by large marble urns con-
War in hospitals located in Paris or at taining green shrubbery. The effect of
other places in the Services of Supply. t h e s e i s h e i g h t e n e d by t h e b e a u t i f u l
The cemeter y is entered through an mosaic above them depicting the Angel
ornamental, wrought-iron gateway, and o f Vi c t o r y l ay i n g a t r i b u t e u p o n t h e
paths lead from it directly to the impres- tombs of the soldier dead. The interior
sive chapel of an early colonial design. of the chapel is illuminated by a subdued
From its site against the steep wooded light from six attractive stained-glass
hillside, the chapel looks out over the windows and on the walls are bronze
tablets giving the names of American
soldiers and sailors whose grave is the
sea. 1 Car ved benches have been pro-
vided for meditation and prayer.
Nature has aided with a generous hand
the careful planning which created this
peaceful resting place and a visit to honor
these soldier dead is recommended when
the trees and shrubs are in flower.
The reception building which contains
facilities for visitors is located at the
southern end of the cemetery.
The town of Suresnes can be easily
reached from Paris by train, autobus or
automobile. The cemetery is only about
200 yards from the main railroad station.
1
Additional names of those men who have no grave
except the sea are given in the Brookwood chapel.
(466)
FLANDERS FIELD CEMETERY NEAR
WAEREGHEM, BELGIUM
(467)
American Cemetery Near Brookwood, England
BROOKWOOD CEMETERY NEAR BROOKWOOD, ENGLAND
Tuscania which was sunk by a German American visitor that these soldiers who
submarine on February 5, 1918, not far died in Great Britain and who still remain
away from the west coast of Scotland. there are sleeping in such beautiful, dig-
On the southwest side of the cemetery, nif ied and peaceful surroundings.
across from the British military burial It is a pleasant drive by automobile
ground, is situated a reception building from London to Brookwood, through an
which contains facilities for the comfort interesting part of England, and a round
of visitors. The off ice of the superin- trip to the cemetery in this way can be
tendent is in that building and inquiries made comfortably in half a day. Brook-
should be made there for the location of a wood can also be reached by train in
particular grave or for other information. less than an hour from London. The
At the center of the cemeter y is an railroad ser vice is exceptionally good,
o r n a m e n t a l f l a g p o l e f r o m wh i c h t h e trains running about every hour, and the
American flag flies, each day of the year, American cemetery is only about 300 yards
over the soldier dead buried here. to the southwest of the railroad station.
T h e r e g u l a r r ow s o f w h i t e m a r b l e 1
Additional names of those men who have no grave
headstones are shaded by thick masses of except the sea are recorded at the Suresnes Cemetery.
(469)
Entrance, Aisne-Marne Cemetery
Line of Crosses in the Brookwood Cemetery Bronze Gates at the Somme Cemetery
Entrance, Brookwood Cemetery
Mosaic and Altar of Chapel at the Suresnes Cemetery A Corner of the Flanders Field Cemetery
Meuse-Argonne Memorial at Montfaucon
Chapter XII
AMERICAN WORLD WAR MEMORIALS IN EUROPE
ERECTED BY
THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
W
HEN the American Battle Monu- MEUSE-ARGONNE MEMORIAL AT
ments Commission was created MONTFAUCON
in 1923 one of the most important
This is the most imposing American
duties given it was to erect memorials
monument in Europe. It commemo-
in Europe to commemorate the services
rates the brilliant victory of the Ameri-
of the American forces there during the
can First Ar my in the Meuse-Argonne
Wo r l d Wa r. T h i s wo r k h a s n ow b e e n
offensive, September 26–November 11,
completed and the eleven memorials and
1918, and pays tribute to the previous
two bronze tablets erected by the Com-
heroic services of the Armies of France
mission commemorate these services in a
on the important battle front upon which
complete yet dignif ied and modest way.
the memorial has been constructed.
The memorials vary in size from three
The massive shaft rises from the ruins
l a rg e o n e s , wh i c h c o m m e m o r a t e t h e
of the hilltop village of Montfaucon and
American f ighting in the three areas of
dominates the surrounding country. From
France where the American combat
the observation platforms high above the
forces were engaged in greatest numbers,
ground an extended view is obtained of a
to smaller ones recording the war time
large par t of the ter ritory over which
ser vices of American units outside of
the soldiers of the American First Army
these areas. No two of them are alike,
advanced during the autumn of 1918.
as each was designed to f it its particular
Consult pages 203–204 for additional
site and to give a comparative degree of
information concerning this memorial.
commemoration with respect to the
A caretaker is at the memorial during
o t h e r s . T h e a r c h i t e c t s we r e c a r e f u l ly
daylight hours. While he is on duty vis-
selected from Americans of prominence
itors are permitted to ascend the tower.
in their profession and all concerned bent
The Meuse-Argonne American Ceme-
every effort to make the results reflect the
tery is 5 miles to the north. The nearest
pride of America in the historic events
large town is Verdun, 14 miles to the
which the memorials commemorate.
southeast, which is easily reached by
The completed project has been the
train. At that place good hotel accom-
subject of much favorable comment and
modations are available and automo-
the larger monuments are now visited
biles for visits to the battlef ields may
each year by many thousands of travelers
be hired in front of the railroad station.
from American and European countries.
The map on page 477 shows the loca- ST. MIHIEL MEMORIAL ON MONTSEC
tions of the memorials, and the photo- This memorial stands on the high iso-
graphs in this chapter will give a good idea lated hill of Montsec. It commemorates
of their appearance. Those on the battle- the capture of the St. Mihiel salient by the
f ields have been described in connection American First Army, the operations of
with the tours and in the following pages the American Second Army on Novem-
references are given to the pages upon ber 9–11, 1918, and the other combat
which these descriptions are to be found. services of the American divisions both in
All distances in this chapter are air line. this region and in Alsace and Lorraine.
(473)
St. Mihiel Memorial at Montsec
AMERICAN WORLD WAR MEMORIALS IN EUROPE 475
It consists of a large circular colonnade, NAVAL MEMORIAL AT BREST
at the center of which on a raised plat- In recognition of the heroic work of the
form is a bronze relief map of the St. American Navy in convoying troops and
Mihiel salient. The size of the memorial, supplies to Europe, a large memorial has
its commanding site and the perfection of been erected on an old fortif ication wall
its proportions all combine to make it one of the city. The site overlooks the harbor
of the most impressive in the world. of Brest, which was a base of operations
See pages 123–127 for a more complete for American naval vessels during the war
descriptive account of this monument. as well as a large port of debarkation and
The memorial is about 24 miles from embarkation for the American troops.
Verdun, Nancy and Metz. Good hotel The memorial consists of a tall shaft
accommodations exist at those places and from the top of which is obtained a f ine
automobiles for a visit to the site may be view of the harbor. It is constructed of
hired there. The St. Mihiel American Brittany granite with decorative features
Cemetery near Thiaucourt is 8 miles away of nautical interest. The sur rounding
to the northeast. Thiaucourt is also the area has been improved with planting
nearest main-line railroad station to the and forms an attractive park, much ap-
monument and automobiles for a trip to preciated by the inhabitants of the town.
the battlef ields may be hired at that place. B r e s t i s i n B r i t t a ny n e a r t h e m o s t
AISNE-MARNE MEMORIAL NEAR western point of France. It is 315 miles
CHÂTEAU-THIERRY from Paris and may be reached by train
from that city in less than eight hours.
An impressive memorial, overlooking
Château-Thier ry and the Marne River, MEMORIAL NEAR SOMMEPY
has been erected on Hill 204 to com- On the crest of Blanc Mont Ridge, 3
memorate the services of the American miles north of Sommepy, has been erected
and French soldiers who participated in a memorial to commemorate the achieve-
the important operations in the Aisne- m e n t s o f t h e A m e r i c a n a n d Fr e n c h
Marne region during 1918, and to me- soldiers who fought in the Champagne
morialize the friendship and cooperation region of France during the World War.
which existed between the French and The American 2d, 36th, 42d and 93d
American Armies during the World War. Divisions saw battle service in the vicinity
The monument proper is a long double and their names and divisional insignia
colonnade ornamented on the west face appear on the monument, which is located
by heroic f igures representing France and on ground captured by the 2d Division.
the United States and on the east face by T h e m e m o r i a l c o n s i s t s o f a t ow e r
a large symbolic eagle. Appropriate in- notable for the beauty and simplicity of
scriptions give details of the f ighting. its lines. A flight of steps leads to an
The architecture is outstanding in ap- observation platform on top where a f ine
pearance and has been made even more view may be obtained and where direction
effective by the beautiful landscaping. ar rows point out prominent places on the
For a more complete description of this landscape. A good view, however, may
monument and its features see page 57. also be had from the lower terrace.
This is the closest to Paris of any of the At the present time (1937) the tower
American memorials and it is but 4 miles is open to visitors only on Sundays.
aw ay f r o m B e l l e a u Wo o d a n d t h e See page 350 for additional information
American cemeter y near Belleau. The of this monument and its surroundings.
Oise-Aisne American Cemeter y is 14 The nearest cities are Reims, 22 miles
miles to the nor theast, near Fère-en- to the west, and Châlons-sur-Marne, 23
Tardenois. Hotel accommodations may miles to the south. Good hotel accom-
be had (1937) at Château-Thierry, which modations are available at both of those
is on a main railroad line running east places. The village of Sommepy may be
from Paris, and automobiles for trips to reached by railroad from Paris in four
the battlef ields may easily be hired there. hours and automobiles may be hired there.
(476)
Aisne-Marne American Memorial Near Château-Thierry
(477)
American Naval Memorial at Brest
AMERICAN WORLD WAR MEMORIALS IN EUROPE 479
MEMORIAL NEAR BELLICOURT during a recent American competition.
The small adjoining park area is part
A memorial near Bellicourt commemo-
of the memorial and is being maintained
rates the American units, totaling ap-
by the United States Government.
proximately 90,000 men, which fought
To u r s wa s t h e h e a d q u a r t e r s o f t h e
with the British Armies in France during
Services of Supply during the war. It is
the World War. It is on a battlef ield of
in the center of the famous château region
the 27th and 30th Divisions, being pic-
turesquely located on the ridge over the of France and is three hours south of
St. Quentin Canal tunnel which was such Paris by train. It may be visited from
a strong feature of the Hindenburg Line. that place by automobile or autobus.
A detailed description of the monument The trip is interesting as the main roads
and its features is given on page 383. pass by or near many famous châteaux.
The Somme American Cemetery near NAVAL MEMORIAL AT GIBRALTAR
Bony is 1 mile away to the northwest.
The Bellicour t memorial is 9 miles At Gibraltar, the gateway to the Medi-
north of St. Quentin and 13 miles south terranean, the United States Government
of Cambrai. Hotel accommodations are has constructed a memorial archway of
available at those places and automobiles stone from the neighboring mountain to
for a visit to the site may be hired there. commemorate the achievements and com-
radeship of the American and British
MEMORIAL AT TOURS Navies in that vicinity during the World
A beautiful fountain has been construct- War. Many American vessels used the
ed at Tours by the United States Govern- harbor as a base for naval operations.
m e n t i n g r a t e f u l r e c og n i t i o n o f t h e The memorial serves a useful purpose
achievements of the more than 640,000 as it includes a flight of steps which con-
members of the American Expeditionary nects the town of Gibraltar with the large
Forces who served in the Services of Sup- British naval establishments below.
ply and whose work behind the battle Gibraltar is a port of call for most pas-
lines made possible the brilliant accom- senger vessels using the Mediterranean
plishments of the armies in the f ield. a n d a v i s i t t o t h e m o n u m e n t m ay b e
The fountain is of outstanding beauty made from the pier in about half an hour.
and is worthy of a high place among the BELLEAU WOOD
many architectural gems of that historic
part of France. It stands in the heart of Belleau Wood, 5 miles nor thwest of
Tours near the southern end of the Pont C h â t e a u - T h i e r r y, w a s g i v e n t o t h e
Wilson, the main bridge which crosses the United States Government by an Ameri-
Loire River within the city boundaries. can association which had acquired it soon
On the lower circular basin is carved the after the World War. It is now being
dedicatory inscription. Below the upper maintained as a memorial to all American
basin appear the coats of arms of Tours, soldiers who fought in the war. The re-
Brest, St. Nazaire, Le Mans, Is-sur-Tille, mains of trenches, shell holes and many
N eve r s , N e u f c h â t e a u a n d B o r d e a u x ; relics of the war, including weapons sal-
French cities where important installa- vaged in the vicinity, may be seen there.
tions of the Services of Supply were lo- For further information concerning the
cated. Above the upper basin are four wood and the American f ighting in the vi-
beautiful f igures representing Adminis- cinity, consult pages 45–49 of Chapter II.
tration, Construction, Procurement and The Aisne-Marne American Cemetery
Distribution, the four principal divisions adjoins Belleau Wood on its north side.
of the Services of Supply organization. The wood is easily reached from Paris,
The crowning feature is a bronze Ameri- 45 miles away, either directly by auto-
can Indian releasing an American eagle. mobile or by train to Château-Thierry and
A model of this f igure won a gold medal t h e n by a u t o m o b i l e f r o m t h a t p l a c e .
American Monument Near Bellicourt
(480)
AMERICAN WORLD WAR MEMORIALS IN EUROPE 481
(481)
482 AMERICAN WORLD WAR MEMORIALS IN EUROPE
MEMORIAL AT CANTIGNY
In the center of the little village of Can-
tigny a small park has been developed
into an attractive memorial to commemo-
rate the capture of that village by the
American 1st Division in the f irst offen-
sive operation car ried out by a large
American unit during the World War.
A more detailed description of this
memorial and directions for reaching it
have been given on page 416 of this book.
BRONZE TABLET AT CHAUMONT
An attractive bronze tablet has been
placed at the entrance to the Damrémont
Barracks at Chaumont and upon it is the
AMERICAN WORLD WAR MEMORIALS IN EUROPE 483
Upper Part of Naval Symbolic Figures, Aisne-Marne Memorial Lower Terrace, Naval
Memorial at Brest Memorial at Brest
Porcelain Map at the St. Mihiel Memorial Orientation Table at the St. Mihiel Memorial
486
AMERICAN WORLD WAR MEMORIALS IN EUROPE
T
HE Armistice was signed at 5:00 draw her armies across the Rhine River.
o’clock in the morning of Novem- They also provided that the Allied forces
ber 11, 1918, on Marshall Foch’s should be permitted peaceably to occupy
train in the Forest of Compiègne, and bridgeheads, 18 miles in radius, east of
took effect at 11: 00 a. m. on the same day. t h e R h i n e a t M aye n c e , C o b l e n z a n d
Its ter ms, which are summarized on Cologne, and that a neutral zone 6 miles
pages 507–509, required Germany to evac- wide in which neither the Allies nor Ger-
uate all invaded and occupied territory in many could maintain troops would be
Belgium, Luxemburg and France (in- established along the east bank of the
cluding Alsace-Lorraine), and to with- Rhine and around each of the bridgeheads.
(487)
488 AFTER THE ARMISTICE
and Remagen below Coblenz—and by the gians advanced to the Rhine and occupied
night of December 14 had completed the jointly with the French a zone in the
occupation of the American part of Rhineland to the nor th of the British,
the bridgehead. The remainder of the with headquar ters at Aix-la-Chapelle,
American Army of Occupation, consisting they had no force across the river.
of the IV Corps, comprising the 3d, 4th An additional bridgehead at Kehl
and 42d Divisions, and the VII Cor ps, across the Rhine from Strasbourg and
containing the 89th and 90th Divisions, including the ring of forts of that place,
1st Division Marching Into Luxemburg, November 21, 1918
was established on February 4, 1919, by ing was continued after the Ar mistice
the French on their own responsibility. against the remote possibility that opera-
When f inally located on December 21, t i o n s m i g h t b e r e s u m e d, t h e h i g h e r
1918, the headquarters of the principal commanders realized that this was a most
units of the American Army of Occupa- trying period for the soldiers and under-
tion in Germany were placed as follows: took measures to make life for them as
interesting as possible commensurate with
Third Army .......................... Coblenz
III Corps ............................... Neuwied
the maintenance of a satisfactory stand-
IV Corps ............................... Cochem ard of discipline and military conduct.
VII Corps ............................. Wittlich Men were allowed regular leaves to visit
1st Division ......................... Montabaur leave areas established at various summer
2d Division .......................... Heddesdorf
3d Division .......................... Andernach
and winter resorts in France and in the
4th Division ......................... Bad Bertrich occupied portion of Ger many, and ar-
32d Division ........................ Rengsdorf r a n g m e n t s we r e m a d e wh e r e by t h e y
42d Division ........................ Ahrweiler could visit several other countries such
89th Division ....................... Kylburg
as Great Britain, Belgium and Italy.
90th Division ....................... Berncastel
A vast school system was established,
Immediately after the Ar mistice the in which more than 230,000 men enrolled.
American Commander-in-Chief started Wherever troops were quartered in any
preparations for moving his forces back to number, classes were organized and in-
the United States with the least possible struction given in practically every sub-
d e l ay. T h e S e r v i c e s o f S u p p ly w a s ject taught in the public schools of the
promptly reorganized to carry out the in- United States, as well as in trade and
tricate details connected with this work, bu s i n e s s s u b j e c t s . A t B e a u n e a h u g e
and approximately 25,500 men of the university was established for advanced
American forces actually sailed from instruction and approximately 9,000 sol-
France, homeward bound, in November. diers registered to take the course.
Before the end of the year this number An Education Corps Commission was
had been increased to about 124,000. formed to direct all lecturers, schools and
Upon the cessation of hostilities practi- ex t e n s i o n c o u r s e s i n t h e A . E . F. T h e
cally every man of the 2,000,000 in the men selected as instructors for the schools
A.E.F. wanted to retur n to the United were competent educators with previous
States at once: but with the limited experience. This often resulted in classes
number of ships available this was, of for off icers being conducted by privates
course, impossible. While military train- from the ranks. The educational system
28th Division En Route to St. Nazaire, April 22, 1919, for Embarkation to the United States
AFTER THE ARMISTICE 493
on the whole was democratic, well planned ing New York and Washington, D. C.,
and produced very substantial results. when the regiment returned to America.
Horse shows were held by nearly every In the meantime the transfer of troops
division, and many of the units organized to the United States had been progressing
theatrical troupes, which traveled through- rapidly. Marshal Foch wished to retain
o u t t h e A . E . F. g iv i n g p e r f o r m a n c e s . a large force, at least 15 divisions, in
These activities were encouraged and Europe, but was told that the American
aided in every way by the army off icials, Ar my would be withdrawn as soon as
and to a large extent contributed to the possible. President Wilson f inally agreed
pleasure and contentment of the troops. that American representation in the
The men were also encouraged to par- o c c u p i e d t e r r i t o r y wo u l d b e a s m a l l
ticipate in sports and games, and a great detachment only, to be known as the
athletic program was carried out which “American Forces in Germany”, which
culminated in the Inter-Allied Games would serve, as the French said, merely
held near Paris in June and July, 1919. to keep the American flag on the Rhine.
U p o n t h e i nv i t a t i o n o f t h e A m e r i c a n By May 19, 1919, all American combat
Commander-in-Chief, eighteen of the divisions, except five in occupied German
Allied and associated nations sent con- territory, had received their embarkation
testants to this meet, which was a re- orders to sail for American ports.
markable success from every standpoint. The units of the Army of Occupation
The Pershing Stadium, where it took we r e r e l i eve d a s f a s t a s p r a c t i c a bl e
place, vas built mainly by engineers from during the summer of 1919, and the 1st
t h e A m e r i c a n A r my. T h e f u n d s we r e Division, the last large organization to
donated by the Young Men’s Christian leave for home, began its movement on
Association, which presented the structure August 15. With the dissolution of the
to General Pershing. It was later turned Third Army on July 2, 1919, the “Amer-
over by him to the French people. ican Forces in Germany” consisting of
In the spring of 1919 a composite about 6,800 men came into being and re-
regiment of selected off icers and men was mained on the Rhine for more than three
formed from the Third Army. Selection y e a r s . T h e A m e r i c a n f l a g o n Fo r t
wa s b a s e d o n a p p e a r a n c e , s o l d i e r l y Ehrenbreitstein was f inally lowered on
qualities and war record. It was used January 24, 1923, when the last of the
as an escort of honor to the American American troops in Germany entrained.
Commander-in-Chief, and paraded in The American zone was formally turned
Paris, London and other places, includ- over to the French three days later on.
494
AFTER THE ARMISTICE
(495)
496 I N T E R E S T I N G FA C T S A N D G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N
1
Name of Div. Commander Period
1 . . . . . . . . . . . . Maj. Gen. William L. Sibert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 23, 1917 2 –
Dec. 14, 1917
Maj. Gen. Robert L. Bullard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec. 14, 1917–
Apr. 5, 1918
Brig. Gen. Beaumont B. Buck 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr. 5–Apr. 13
Mai. Gen. Robert L. Bullard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr. 13–July 15
Maj. Gen. Charles P. Summerall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 15–Oct. 12
Brig. Gen. Frank E. Bamford 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 12–Oct. 18
Brig. Gen. Frank Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 18–Nov. 11
2 . . . . . . . . . . . . Maj. Gen. Omar Bundy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar. 17–July 15
Maj. Gen. James G. Harbord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 15–July 26
Brig. Gen. John A. Lejeune, USMC 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 26–July 27
Maj. Gen. James G. Harbord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 27–July 28
Brig. Gen. John A. Lejeune, USMC 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 28–Nov. 11
3 . . . . . . . . . . . . Maj. Gen. Joseph T. Dickman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 31–Aug. 18
Brig. Gen. Fred W. Sladen 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug. 18–Aug. 27
Maj. Gen. Beaumont B. Buck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug. 27–Oct. 18
Brig. Gen. Preston Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 18–Nov. 11
4 . . . . . . . . . . . . Maj. Gen. George H. Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 18–Aug. 14
Brig. Gen. Benjamin A. Poore 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug. 14–Aug. 27
Maj. Gen. John L. Hines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug. 27–Oct. 11
Maj. Gen. George H. Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 11–Oct. 22
Brig. Gen. Benjamin A. Poore 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 22–Oct. 31
Maj. Gen. Mark L. Hersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 31–Nov. 11
1
1918 unless otherwise indicated. Other reference numerals used above are explained on the next page.
500 I N T E R E S T I N G FA C T S A N D G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N
I N T E R E S T I N G FA C T S A N D G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N 501
502 I N T E R E S T I N G FA C T S A N D G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N
I N T E R E S T I N G FA C T S A N D G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N 503
Procurement of animals for the A. E. F.: Merchant shipping lost during the war:
The procurement of horses and mules 12,946,000 g ross tons of world mer-
wa s a m a j o r p r o bl e m a n d a s h o r t a g e chant shipping were lost through hostile
always existed. The following informa- acts. This is almost one third of the
tion gives the source, number purchased world total as of July 1914. More than
and average delivered cost of the animals 3,250,000 tons of Allied shipping were
which were secured for use of the A. E. F.: destroyed during the f ive-month period
United States 67,825 $487.00 from February 1 to June 30, 1917.
France 135,722 379.81 American troops landing in England:
Great Britain 21,030 411.26 Of all American troops which arrived
Spain 18,462 435.00 in France, about 49 per cent were landed
Total 243,039 $416.63 in England, mainly at Liver pool, then
moved by train to the English Channel
Total cost of animals. $101,259,342.48 and by boat across it to northern France.
Mail Call
Rates paid the British Government for Cost of war to the United States:
transporting American soldiers to For the 25 months from April 1917 to
Europe in vessels under its control: May 1919 the war cost the United States
more than $1,000,000 per hour. Its total
Under the Reading-Hines Ag reement expenditure, excluding loans to the Allies,
made after the Armistice an February 11,
was $22,000,000,000. At the time of the
1919, the United States agreed to pay the Armistice the cost was about $2,000,000
British Government the following rates per hour. The pay of off icers and men
for the American soldiers which it had
a m o u n t e d t o o n ly a b o u t 1 3 p e r c e n t
previously transported to Europe: of this amount. The total expenditure
1st class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $176.30 of 22 billions was practically equal to the
2d class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $128.65 entire cost af running the United States
3d class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $76.24 Government from 1791 to 1914, inclusive.
506 I N T E R E S T I N G FA C T S A N D G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N
The United States Liquidation Com- The most important sale consummated
mission was created on Febr uar y 11, was what is known as the “Bulk Sale to
1919, to dispose of America’s surplus war France” of surplus war stocks in France
stocks in Europe and to settle all claims which remained unsold on August 1,1919,
against the United States. Supplies and for the following considerations:
e q u i p m e n t o f t h e e s t i m a t e d va l u e o f (a) $400,000,000 in 10-year 5% bonds.
$672,000,000 were returned to America. (b) The assumption by France of all rents
The balance of the stocks was sold in for installations accruing after August 1,
Europe for the sum of $822,923,225.82. 1919, and the agreement of France to
Sales were made as follows: hold the United States harmless against
$108,700,000 for cash on delivery. all claims arising out of American occu-
$532,500,000 to France. pation and use of such installations.
$29,000,000 to Belgium. (c) The waiver by France of all claims
$140,100,000 to Poland, Czecho-Slovakia (estimated at $150,000,000) for taxes or
and other countries of Central and customs duties on properties imported
Souther n Europe and the Near East. into France and sold after April 6, 1917.
I N T E R E S T I N G FA C T S A N D G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N 507
German Debt to the United States: Welfare Organizations with the A. E. F.:
G e r m a ny i s i n d e b t e d t o t h e U n i t e d There were seven welf are organiza-
States for the costs of the American Army tions operating off icially in the A. E. F.
of Occupation and the awards of the Their names and the maximum number
Mixed Claims Commission (United States of workers who served in each are given
and Ger many). This indebtedness was below. The total of the list is 12,585.
originally funded at 3,169,700,000 reichs- Young Men’s Christian Assn. . . . 5,861
marks, which at the present (1937) rate American Red Cross . . . . . . . . . . . 5,500
of exchange, 40.33 cents to the reichs- Knights of Columbus . . . . . . . . . . . . 800
mark, is more than $1,250,000,000. The Salvation Army . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
total payments of principal and interest YoungWomen’s Christian Assn. . . . 136
received from Germany on this debt to Jewish Welfare Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
November 1, 1937, was $33,587,809.69. American Library Association . . . . . 20
for the cessation of hostilities six hours condition of the following equipment:
after signature; evacuation within a pre- 2,500 pieces of heavy artillery and an
scribed time of all invaded and occupied equal number of f ield artillery, 25,000
ter ritor y in Belgium, Luxemburg and machine guns, 3,000 trench mortars,
France (including Alsace-Lorraine); with- 1,700 planes including all night-bombard-
drawal of German Armies then operating ment planes, 5,000 locomotives, 15,000
in Russia, Austria-Hungar y, Rumania, railroad cara and 5,000 trucks.
Tu r k e y a n d E a s t A f r i c a ; r e t i r e m e n t In addition Germany agreed immedi-
across the Rhine, within 31 days after ately to disarm and, within seven days,
signature, of the German Armies on the intern 10 battleships, 6 battle cruisers, 8
We s t e r n Fr o n t t o a l i n e i n r e a r o f a light cruisers and 50 destroyers. All other
neutral zone 6 miles wide, parallel to the naval vessels were to be assembled and
right bank of the Rhine River from the disarmed, submarines in particular were
Dutch to the Swiss border; occupation to proceed intact within 14 days to desig-
by American and Allied Armies, at the nated ports far surrender. Location and
expense of the German Government, of movements of all ships at sea, naval or
German territory up to the Rhine and in- merchant marine, were to be reported,
cluding bridgeheads at Mayence, Coblenz while all merchant ships that had been
and Cologne; the evacuations and with- seized were to be returned without reci-
drawals to be attended by no destruc- procity and in good condition. All boats
tion of proper ty or injur y to inhabit- and naval supplies along the Belgian coast
ants; non-reciprocal return of prisoners, we r e t o b e a b a n d o n e d t o t h e A l l i e s .
whether military, naval or civilian, in- Moreover, the Germans were to surren-
cluding hostages and sentenced persons: der all Russian vessels of war or com-
restitution of all seized proper ty and merce and all naval supplies that had
payment of damages; surrender in good been seized in the Black Sea. Germany
I N T E R E S T I N G FA C T S A N D G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N 509
was to cease all requisitioning, seizures or Treaty of Vienna, with Austria, on No-
coercive measures to procure supplies in vember 8, 1921; and the Treaty of Buda-
Rumania and Russia for use at home. pest, with Hungary, on Dec. 17, 1921.
The Allies were to have free access to
Treaty of Versailles:
evacuated areas of the Easter n Front
v i a D a n z i g a n d t h e Vi s t u l a R ive r t o On account of the complicated prob-
enable them to supply food to the popula- lems involved, the Allied and Associated
tions and maintain order among them. Powe r s we r e o bl i g e d t o a b a n d o n t h e
original plan of a general treaty with all
Armistices with Bulgaria, Turkey and
Austria-Hungary: of the enemy states and to treat with each
one of these states separately.
The armistices with these countries in The treaty of peace ter minating the
1 9 1 8 we r e e ff e c t ive a t t h e f o l l ow i n g
w a r w i t h G e r m a ny w a s s i g n e d a t
times: Versailles, June 28, 1919, by the repre-
Bulgaria—12:00 noon, September 29. sentatives of 26 Allied and Associated
Turkey—12:00 noon, October 31.
Powers on the one hand and Ger many
Austria-Hungary—3 :00 p. m., Nov. 4. on the other. China refused to sign the
The United States had never declared treaty. In ratif ications of this treaty ex-
war on Bulgaria or Turkey and conse-
changed on January 10, 1920, the United
quently was not a party when the armi- States was not a participating party.
stices with these two countries were made. I m p o r t a n t a m o n g t h e p r ov i s i o n s o f
Official termination of the World War: t h e t r e a t y w a s t h e C ov e n a n t o f t h e
The war with Ger many and Austria- League of Nations. The League was to
Hungary was off icially terminated by a function at Geneva under a Council and
joint resolution of Congress approved an Assembly, with a permanent Secre-
July 2, 1921. Later, separate treaties of tariat. The Covenant provided for the
peace were concluded between the United placing under various powers as manda-
States on the one hand and Ger many, tories the administration of the former
Austria and Hungary on the other. The Ger man colonies. Provision was made
Treaty of Berlin, with Germany, became for guaranteeing the territorial integrity
effective on November 11, 1921; the and political independence of all League
Red Cross Station Giving Refreshments at cheppy, October 10, 1918
510 I N T E R E S T I N G FA C T S A N D G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N
Officers and Men Being Presented with Medal of Honor at Chaumont, February 9, 1919
Left to Right: Captains Edward C. Allworth, Goerge H. Mallon, George G. McMurtry, 1st Lieutenants Samuel Woodfill, Harold A. Furlong,
2d Lieutenant donald M. Call, 1st Sergeants Johannes S. Anderson, Sydney G. Gumpertz, Sergeants Willie Sandlin, Archie A. Peck, Harold I. Johnston,
Corporals Frank J. Bart, Jesse N. Funk, Berge H. Loman, Private 1st Class Charles D. Barger, Privates Thomas C. Neibaur, Clayton K. Slack
I N T E R E S T I N G FA C T S A N D G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N 513
Croix de Guerre—To off icers and en- ganization which received the Croix de
listed men of the army for meritorious Guerre with four palms was likewise en-
acts performed in the theater of operations. titled to a four ragere in the yellow and
Belgium : green colors of the Medaille Militaire.
Order of Leopold—For extraordinary American units so decorated are author-
and distinguished service, civil or military. ized by the American Gover nment to
Awards are made in various grades. wear the fourragere. In these units the
Croix de Guerre—To off icers and en- fourragere is placed with the streamers on
listed men of the army for meritorious the flag or guidon and all members of the
acts performed in the theater of operations. organization wear the fourragere on the
Italy: left shoulder of the uniform as long as
War Cross—For war deeds of heroism. they remain members of the organization.
The Constitution of the United States Individuals are also awarded the fourra-
forbids the acceptance of foreign decora- gère as a personal decoration under con-
tions by the members of its government ditions similar to those pertaining to an
or of its armed forces without the con- organization. At ceremonies the decora-
sent of Congress. This authorization tion itself may be placed on the streamer
was granted by Congress through one of the flag or guidon of an organization to
general law in the case of all Allied deco- which the award has been made.
rations presented to members of the For each citation after the award of a
military forces of the United States during Croix de Guerre, a palm or a gilt, silver
or within one year after the World War. or bronze star was awarded instead of
American units which were awarded another Croix de Guerre medal.
French decorations during the war: The following list shows the awards
received by all American units decorated
T h e F r e n c h G ov e r n m e n t aw a r d e d
decorations for especially meritorious by t h e Fr e n c h f o r s e r v i c e d u r i n g t h e
conduct in action during the war to 156 World War. These are arranged in order
of the relative rank of the award.
American units varying in size from a
section to a brigade. These decorations Fourragère and Croix de Guerre with
were the four ragere and the Croix de 4 Palms, 1 Gilt Star and 1 Silver Star:
Amb. Serv. Sec. No. 646. 1
Guer re with various combinations of
palms and gilt, silver and bronze stars. Fourragère and Croix de Guerre with
T h e A m e r i c a n u n i t t o wh i c h s u c h a n 2 Palms, 1 Gilt Star and 1 Bronze Star:
Amb. Serv. Sec. No. 625.
award has been made is authorized by
the American Government to place on its Fourragère and Croix de Guerre with
flag a silk streamer 2 3/4 inches wide and 2 Palms and 1 Gilt Star: 5th Marines,
6th Marines, 2d M. G. Bn., 3d M. G.
not less than 3 feet nor more than 4 feet
long, or on its guidon a smaller streamer, Bn., 2d Field Signal Bn.
which is attached to the staff near the Fourragère and Croix de Guerre with
2 Palms: 9th Inf., 16th Inf., 18th Inf.,
spearhead. One streamer is used for
each award and on each streamer, which 23d Inf., 26th Inf., 28th Inf., 1st M. G.
is in the colors of the decoration, are em- Bn., 4th M. G. Bn., 5th M. G. Bn.,
6 t h M . G . B n . ( M a r i n e s ) , 5 t h F. A . ,
broidered the names commemorating the
actions for which the unit was cited. 6th F. A., 7th F. A., 12th F. A., 15th
Under French regulations, an organiza- F. A . , 1 7 t h F. A . , 2 d Tr e n c h M o r t a r
B a t t e r y, 1 s t E n g r s . , 2 d E n g r s . , 1 s t
tion twice decorated with a Croix de
Guer re with palm was entitled, upon 1
Partial list of the abbreviations which are used:
issuance of orders by the French Ministry Amb.—Ambulance M. G.—Machine Gun
of War, to a braided and knotted cord, Bn.—Battalion Plat.—Platoon
Det.—Detachment Sec.—Section
called a fourragère, in the green and red F. A.—Field Artillery Serv.—Service
colors of the Croix de Guer re. An or- Hdqrs.—Headquarters Tn.—Train
514 I N T E R E S T I N G FA C T S A N D G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N
United States Steamships George Washington, America and De Kalb in Convoy, May 18, 1918
(515)
516 I N T E R E S T I N G FA C T S A N D G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N
(516)
I N T E R E S T I N G FA C T S A N D G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N 517
(517)
518 I N T E R E S T I N G FA C T S A N D G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N
T
HE American Battle Monuments The size or type of the map illustrating
Commission was created by Con- any particular operation in no way indi-
gress in 1923. In carrying out its cates the impor tance of the operation;
task of commemorating the services of the clearness was the only governing factor.
American forces in Europe during the The 1/200,000 maps at the ends of
World War the Commission erected appro- Chapters II, III, IV and V have been
priate memorials abroad, improved the placed there with the idea that while the
eight military cemeteries there and in this tourist is reading the text or following the
volume records the vital part American tour of a chapter he will keep the map at
soldiers and sailors played in bringing the the end unfolded, available for reference.
war to an early and successful conclusion. As a general rule, only the locations of
All dates which appear in this book are headquarters of corps and divisions from
inclusive. For instance, when a period which active operations were directed
is stated as November 7–9 it includes more than three days are mentioned in
all three days, i. e., November 7, 8 and 9. the text. Those who desire more com-
The date given for the relief in the plete information on the subject can f ind
front line of one division by another is it in the two volumes published off icially
that when the command of the sector by t h e H i s t o r i c a l S e c t i o n , A r my Wa r
passed to the division entering the line. College, entitled “Order of Battle of the
In the few instances where no date of United States Land Forces in the World
passage of command could be found it War, American Expeditionary Forces”.
was assumed that command passed as All casualty f igures are derived from
directed in the f ield orders and when the official records of the War Department and
f ield orders did not specify the time it include only the killed and wounded in
was assumed that the command passed action and those who died of wounds re-
upon the completion of the relief of the ceived in action. They exclude all missing
last front-line unit of the division. in action, captured and sick. In all cases,
When units of a division entered the except on page 515, casualties are given
line for training, the date of entry into only for the periods units actually served
the line is that when the f irst unit went in the front line. In the tables at the ends
into the front line; the date used for the of the various chapters, the casualties of
termination of this service is that when units which served temporarily attached
the last unit of the division left the line. to the different divisions are given by
On the maps and sketches all dates on separate f igures. The casualties which
the battle lines refer to midnight of the appear on page 515 are from the Report
day in question unless otherwise indicated. of the Secretary of War for 1926, with the
For example, if the date September 26 addition of the Marine Corps and the Navy
appears on a battle line, it means the line casualties. These f igures do not include
was there at midnight of September 26. the casualties of the attached units.
The unit boundaries shown on the small This text embodies the results of a very
sketches are those prescribed in off icial exhaustive study made by the Commis-
f i e l d o r d e r s . O n a l l m a p s wh i c h u s e sion, using data from German and other
colored areas or stippling to show ground sources concerning the location of the
gained, the f ield order boundaries are dis- Hindenburg Line in the Meuse-Argonne
regarded and each color or type of stippling region. Unless otherwise indicated the part
shows the ground actually passed over by of that position described in the text and
the troops of the organization concerned. on the maps is its main line of resistance.
(519)
520 AMERICAN MILITARY CEMETERIES IN EUROPE
3d Aviation Cente Monument Monument on the Borne de Cornouiller to U.S. Naval Air Station Monument,
at Issoudun American Troops Who Fought Near By Moutchic-Lacan??
Fountain in Nantillois Erected by State of Monument in Paris to American Volunteers
Pennsylvania Who Died for France
Typical 5th Division 315th Infantry, 79th Division, Memorial French Monument
Battlefield Marker Building in Nantillois at Bathelémont
526
527
528 AMERICAN MILITARY CEMETERIES IN EUROPE
The Consulting Architect of the American Sculptors and artists who did outstanding
Battle Monuments Commission: works of art for the Commission:
D r. Pa u l P. C r e t o f P h i l a d e l p h i a h a s The work of the following sculptors and
been the Consulting Architect of the Com- artists in connection with the chapels and
mission throughout its entire existence. memorials erected by the Commission in
Architects who designed the memorials Europe is worthy of special recognition:
constructed by the Commission: C. P. Jennewein, Sculptor, New York.
The chapels and monuments erected in Eu- All sculpturing for Tours fountain.
rope by the American Battle Monuments Adolph Weinman, Sculptor, New York.
Commission were designed by the following Meuse-Argonne memorial, Montfaucon.
named American architects: Paul Manship, Sculptor, New York.
John Russell Pope, New York. Soldier monument and urn at chapel of
Meuse-Argonne memorial, Montfaucon. the St. Mihiel cemetery, Thiaucourt.
York & Sawyer, New York. John Bradley Storr, Sculptor, Chicago.
The chapel and other architectural All sculpturing for Brest monument.
features in Meuse-Argonne cemetery. A. Bottiau, Sculptor, Paris.
Egerton Swartwout, New York. Features for Aisne-Marne monument.
St. Mihiel monument, on Montsec. All sculpturing on Bellicourt monument.
The chapel, entrance and flagpole in Flanders Field chapel near Waereghem.
the Brookwood cemetery in England. Marcel Loyau, Sculptor, Paris.
Paul P. Cret, Philadelphia. Sculpturing for Somme cemetery chapel.
Aisne-Marne memorial, on Hill 204. Barry Faulkner, Painter, New York.
The chapel in Flanders Field cemetery. Mosaics on the interior walls of the St.
Monument located north of Bellicourt. Mihiel and Suresnes chapels.
Memorial archway located at Gibraltar.
Reginald Hallward, London.
Bronze tablet on building at Chaumont.
All stained-glass windows in both the
Bronze tablet on building at Souilly.
Brookwood and Suresnes chapels.
Cram & Ferguson, Boston.
Chapels and other features in Aisne- Officials of European Off ice, American
Marne and Oise-Aisne cemeteries. Battle Monuments Commission, who
Ralph Milman and the Howard Shaw Associ- supervised construction:
ates, Chicago. The following off icials who served in
Monument on old fortif ication at Brest. the European Off ice of the Commission
Arthur Loomis Harmon, New York. while the memorials and chapels were
Memorial fountain at city of Tours. being constructed had important duties in
Monument near village of Sommepy. connection with the construction work.
Monument in the village of Cantigny. (All off icers are in the Regular Army and
George Howe, Philadelphia. are listed in order of reporting for duty.)
Chapel and other architectural features Lt. Col. X. H. Price, C. E. (In charge.)
in the Somme cemetery near Bony. Capt. Thomas North, F. A.
Vierstraat monument, south of Ypres. Lt. Col. Harris Jones, C. E.
Thomas Harlan Ellett, New York. Maj. George A. Horkan, Q. M. C.
The chapel and other architectural Maj. Hubert W. Beyette, Q. M. C.
features in the St. Mihiel cemetery. Lt. Col. Wilhelm D. Styer, C. E.
Charles A. Platt, New York. Capt. Robert A. Schow, Inf.
The chapel and main entrance gate at Maj. Willis E. Teale, C. E.
t h e S u r e s n e s c e m e t e r y, n e a r Pa r i s . Lt. Col. Raymond G. Moses, C. E.
Harry Sternfeld, Philadelphia. Maj. George F. Hobson, Q. M. C.
M o n u m e n t a n d p a r k d eve l o p m e n t i n Capt. Louis J. Rumaggi, C. E.
the village of Audenarde in Belgium. Mr. Henry R. Brown.
AMERICAN MILITARY CEMETERIES IN EUROPE 529
GLOSSARY OF MILIARY TERMS USED IN THIS BOOK
Aid Station. A medical establishment, near the Consolidate (a position). To prepare a captured
front, for emergency treatment and further disposi- position for defense by erecting f ield fortif ications,
tion of combat casualties. etc. Convoy. A group of vehicles or vessels, the escort
Artillery Preparation. Scheduled artillery f ire de- and the matérial or personnel being transported.
livered before an attack to destroy or neutralize the Corps (American). A tactical unit nor mally
enemy defenses, matériel and personnel. made up of a headquarters, two or more divisions and
Barrage. A curtain formed by f ire from artillery auxiliary troops. The normal command of a major
or other weapons f iring from f ixed mounts. A general or lieutenant general.
“standing barrage” is one usually placed across a Def ile. Any nar row space or place which can be
probable avenue of enemy approach. A “rolling passed only when troops arein column, such as a ford,
barrage” is one that precedes the attacking infantry at bridge or mountain pass.
a prescribed rate in order to assist its advance. A “box Depot. A place where military supplies are col-
barrage” is a continuous standing bar rage, cover- lected for distribution.
ing the rear and flanks of an area in order to pre- Detachment. A group separated from its organi-
vent the escape or reinforcement of the enemy zation for a special purpose.
within the area. Division (American). Two brigades of infantry and
Base Section. A rear area or subdivision of the one brigade of artillery. It contained also engineer,
services of Supply. machine gun, signal, medical and transportation
Battalion (Infantry, American). A tactical unit units and a headquar ters. World War strength
consisting of a headquarters and four rifle companies. 28,105 off icers and men; 16,193 rifles. The normal
The normal command of a major. Total World War command of a major general.
strength 1,027 off icers and men. Doughboy. Name applied to an American infan-
Battery (American). An artillery unit consisting tryman. A colloquialism.
of a specified number of guns, usually four, and the Dressing Station. Place established during com-
personnel to man them. Commanded by a captain. bat for the reception of casualties and treatment of
Bridgehead. A position covering a bridge, located minor wounds. Also known as an aid station. See
on the side toward the enemy. under “Aid Station.”
Brigade (Field Artillery. American). An organiza- Dump. A place where supplies are temporarily
tion comprising a headquarters, two regiments of stored for distrihution in the f ield.
75-mm. guns, one regiment of 155-mm. howitzers, Emplacement. A prepared gun position.
and one B-inch trench mortar batter y. The normal Enf ilade. A f iring in the direction of the length of
c o m m a n d o f a b r i g a d i e r g e n e r a l . Wo r l d Wa r a trench, line or column of troops. This is also known
strength 4,908 combatants and 48 guns, 24 how- as “flanking f ire”.
itzers and 12 trench mortars. Evacuate . To withdraw from a position. To
Brigade (Infantry, American). An organization remove sick, wounded, prisoners or the civil popu-
consisting of a headquarters, two infantry regiments lation to the rear.
and a machine gun battalion. The normal command Field Fortifications. All f ield works, shelters and
of a brigadier general. World War strength 8,324 obstacles constr ucted to increase the powers of
combatants; 6,459 rifles. resistance of a force.
Camouflage. Means employed to conceal from Flame Thrower. A device for projecting flame.
hostile observation, both ground and air, troops and Carried on the back and operated by gas pressure, it
matiriel located in exposed areas. threw a flame of burning oil about 20 yards and was
Captive Balloon. A balloon, held by cables, used capable of two minutes continuous operation.
for observation purposes. Some of these, because of Flank. The right or left of a command or position.
their shape, were called “sausage balloons.” To pass around or turn a flank. To threaten a flank.
Casualties. The dead, wounded, captured, missing Fox Hole. Individual shelter or rifle pit, usually
in action and sick in campaign and battle. Those dug during combat.
sick from disease are not included in the heading French Colonial Division. A division composed of
“battle casualties.” troops from a French colony. During the war it was
Command Post. The place from which a com- abbreviated to D. I. C.
mander directs the operations of his unit. Often Front. Zone of active operations. Any section of
called during the World War a “P. C.” meaning a the battle line. The lateral space occupied by a unit.
post of command. Now generally abbreviated in Front Line. The most advanced line which would
the United States Army and called a “C. P.” be defended in ease of attack.
Company (Infantry, American). The authorized Gas. A chemical agent for producing a poisonous
command of a captain. World War strength 256 or ir ritant atmosphere. In general, gases were per-
off icers and men. sistent (mustard) or non-persistent (chlorine or phos-
Concentration Camp. A camp in which troops are gene), depending on how long the area upon which
assembled preparatory to service against an enemy or they were used would remain contaminated. Placed
for transportation to the theater of war. A camp or upon hostile areas by guns, mortars and projectors.
cantonment where prisoners or refugees are interned. The gas was sometimes released from cylinders to be
530 AMERICAN MILITARY CEMETERIES IN EUROPE
carried by wind currents toward the enemy position. Outflank. To pass around or turn the flank of an
Grenade . A small bomb. One type could be enemy so as to be able to threaten his flank or rear.
thrown by hand and another was projected from a Patrols. Small detachments used for a number of
rifle by means of a grenade discharger. purposes, such as raiding and reconnoitering the
Hindenburg Line. Name given originally by the enemy and protection.
British to a powerful defensive position of great Pillbox. A covered concrete emplacement for one
strength constructed by the Germans between Sois- or more machine guns.
sons and Cambrai to which they conducted a strategic Pioneer Troops. Military laborers employed in
retirement in February 1917. The name was later building roads, digging trenches, etc.
applied by the Allies and Americans to strong German Platoon (American). One of the elements of a
defensive positions on other parts of the front. company, World War strength about 50 men. The
Howitzer. A rifled, breech-loading cannon with normal command of a lieutenant.
comparatively short barrel and low muzzle velocity, Ponton. A boat used to hold part of the roadway
f ired at ranges and elevations intermediate between of a floating bridge.
f ield guns and mortars. Raid. A sudden and rapid invasion of a hostile
Infiltrate. To pass troops in relatively small num- position, usually carried out by a small force for the
bers through gaps or weakly held portions of the purpose of returning with prisoners and information.
hostile lines. To move troops into or nearer a hostile Railhead. A point on a railway where ammunition
position by sending forward single men, small groups and supplies are transferred to dumps or vehicles for
or thin lines at widely separated intervals. delivery to the troops.
Intelligence Service. The organization in an army Reclassification Camp. A camp to which individ-
whose duty it is to collect, study, interpret and dis- uals are sent for examination in order to determine the
tribute information of the enemy and to prevent the duty for which they are best suited.
enemy from obtaining information. Reconnaissance. The examination of a locality
Liaison. Close touch maintained between units, by or of a hostile force in order to gather information
agents or off icers, for the purpose of exchanging of military value.
information and insuring cooperation. Regiment (Infantry, American). An organization
Lines of Communication. All routes, land, water composed, during the World War, of a headquarters,
and air, which connect a military force in the f ield three battalions, a headquarters company, a supply
with its base of operations, and along which supplies company and a machine gun company. Strength
and reinforcements are sent to the front and wounded 3,770 combatants. The nor mal command of an
are moved to the rear. off icer of the rank of colonel.
Machine Gun. A gun f iring on the automatic prin- Regulating Stations. Large railway yards from
ciple from a f ixed mount. During the war such guns which supplies were forwarded to the railheads.
were usually water cooled. Remount Depot. Replacement depot for animal
Machine-Gun Nest. One or more machine guns casualties. A remount is the replacement furnished.
emplaced or concealed in a f iring position. Usually Salient. A part of a battle line which projects
organized so that two or more guns could be mutually pointedly into opposing territory.
supporting and could deliver crossing bands of f ire. Sector. An area occupied by a unit in defense;
Matériel. All material things necessary for war the frontage of such an area.
pur poses. Used in contradistinction to personnel. Sortie. A sudden offensive movement made from
Mine Barrage. A line or network of sea mines to a fortif ied base.
prevent the passage of ships. A mine layer is a Squad (American). A basic unit of organization,
boat equipped for placing mines, and a mine sweeper consisting normally of a corporal and seven privates.
is one used in removing them from the water. A general term for various small groups.
Minenwerfer. A German bomb-throwing weapon Strategic Center. A region which because of its
designed for trench use. It was muzzle-loading and commanding position, harbor facilities, lines of com-
rifled, and had a curved trajectory. A small mortar. munication, natural resources, bases of supply situ-
Mobilization. The organizing and assembling of ated there, or other reasons is of great advantage to
troops and all resources of a nation for war. the holder in the conduct of operations, and the loss
Mopping Up. To clear an area or position that has of which would seriously cripple him.
been advanced over in an attack, by killing or cap- Strong Point. A compact area strongly organized
turing the enemy soldiers remaining in it. and garrisoned for a protracted defense.
Morale. The mental state of an individual or body Tank. An armored self-propelled vehicle of the
of troops, especially in relation to performance of track-laying type (cater pillar tractor), combining
duty; also applies to the civilian population. f ire-power, mobility and shock action.
Mortar. A cannon with a comparatively short Western Front. The name applied to the battle
barrel and a low muzzle velocity which is f ired at front in France and Belgium extending from the
high angles to shell areas behind steep ridges. North Sea to the Swiss border.
Munitions. Military stores of all kinds. Zone of Action. The area between certain def ined
No Man’s Land. The strip of ground between op- limits or boundaries, generally at right angles to the
posing front lines. On the Western Front it varied front, assigned to a unit in offensive action or in
in width from a few yards to several hundred. a withdrawal from a certain locality.
Order of Battle. The general disposition of troops Zone of Operations. The region within which an
or their arrangement when participating in battle. army operates between its base and its objective.