Battles & Campaigns · 1918
Battle of Cantigny
Cantigny, Somme, France
What happened
Early in the morning, soldiers of the US 28th Infantry Regiment advanced behind a moving wall of artillery fire. They captured the village of Cantigny in about 30 minutes and pushed on a little beyond it. French aircraft, artillery and tanks supported them, and German counterattacks over the next two days were driven back.
Why it matters
It was the first major American battle and attack of the First World War. It showed the French that American divisions could hold the line against the German push toward Paris.
What came next
American attacks at Château-Thierry and Belleau Wood followed in June 1918.
Did you know?
An American officer in the battle, Robert R. McCormick, later named his estate near Chicago 'Cantigny' after it.
Timeline
- 28 May 1918Battle of Cantigny.
- 1 Jun 1918Battle of Belleau Wood begins.
- 15 Jul 1918Second Battle of the Marne begins.
- 11 Nov 1918The Armistice ends the fighting.