Battle of Belleau Wood
Belleau Wood near Marne River, France
What happened
American forces, including a U.S. Marine brigade under Army General James Harbord, fought German units commanded by Prince Wilhelm and Richard von Conta. In 1918 a great German offensive pushed to within about 95 km of Paris. Near Château-Thierry, American Marines advanced across open wheat fields under machine-gun fire to attack a German-held forest called Belleau Wood. The wood changed hands several times in three weeks of fighting before the Marines cleared it on 26 June.
Why it matters
Result: Allied victory. Leaders: John J. Pershing / Jean Degoutte against Prince Wilhelm / Richard von Conta. Why it matters: It was one of the first major battles fought by American troops in World War I. General Pershing called it the biggest battle American troops had fought against a foreign enemy up to that time.
What came next
France renamed the forest the 'Wood of the Marine Brigade' in the Marines' honour. An American cemetery and memorial chapel now stand at the foot of the hill.
Did you know?
When retreat was suggested, an American captain reportedly replied, 'Retreat, hell! We just got here!', though people disagree about who said it.
Timeline
- Spring 1918The German offensive advances toward Paris.
- 1 June 1918Fighting at Belleau Wood begins.
- 26 June 1918The Marines clear the wood.
- May 30, 1937The Aisne-Marne American Cemetery is dedicated on Memorial Day.