World War I: Marines at Belleau Wood

June 1, 1918 - The US 4th Marine Brigade arrives on the outskirts of Belleau Wood as part of efforts to stop the German Spring Offensive. Beginning on March 21, the Germans launched series of offensives designed to end the war before large numbers of American troops could arrive in France. After the first two assaults in the north were stopped, the Germans attacked in the Aisne sector between Soissons and Rheims on May 27. Breaking through the Allied lines they reached the Marne before French and American troops stopped the advance at Château-Thierry and Belleau Wood.

Arriving at outside Belleau Wood on June 1, the 5th & 6th Marine Regiments dug in for the anticipated German assault. This attack came on June 4 and was repulsed after heavy fighting. This setback ended the German advance and marked the climax of the offensive. Two days later, after receiving orders to retake the woods, the Marines advanced (above left) suffering 1,087 casualties. Over the next twenty days, the Marines, with support from Army units, captured the woods six times before finally driving the Germans out. In savage fighting, that often became hand-to-hand, American forces suffered 9,777 casualties. On June 26, a simple message was issued stating the American victory: "Woods now U.S. Marine Corps entirely."

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