Following the first major offensive action by the U.S. just a few days prior, a much more major battle commenced on this day in 1918, following the successful defense of Château-Thierry the prior day. The Battle of Belleau Wood. It would continue on until June 26, making it a much more protracted battle than Cantigny. It would also be one that would result in lasting fame for the 2nd Division and its Marine contingent.
On May 31 the U.S. 3d Division held the German advance at Château-Thierry and the German offensive turned right to outflank it, as we have seen.. On 1 June, Château-Thierry and Vaux then fell, and German troops moved into Belleau Wood. The 2nd Division, a composite Army and Marine Corps Division, was brought up on the Paris Metz Highway to counter the German effort. The night of June 1 the Americans were flanked again when the Germans moved to the left and breached a French held line. The German advance, however, was stopped by a night march and the following action by the 2nd Division, resulting in a successful parry in an all night time action. The net result was not only the halt of the German flanking action but the U.S. ended up holding an extended line as a result.
This wouldn't be the end of the fight. . .
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