Volume VIII, Issue 2 15 November 2017 The ASC History Newsletter

100th Anniversary of World War I: Belleau Wood “Sie kämpfen wie Teufelshunde” naissance of the German posi- forces sustained nearly 5,200 cas- This (They fight like Devil Dogs), pro- tions, the 4th Marine Brigade re- ualties, including about 750 killed. claimed a captured German sol- ceived orders to occupy the This figure was almost 55% of the MONTH in dier at the Battle for Belleau woods. The Marines had incor- brigade’s strength. With the ex- military Wood. That is how a nickname rectly been told by the French that ception of 300 prisoners, most history … begins— a nickname the Marines the woods were free of Germans. German defenders were killed in have carried with pride ever since. After the 5th Marine Regiment the 20 days of fighting. This is the story of how they captured Hill 142 west of the The merits of the Marine victory earned the Devil Dogs moniker. woods, the 5th and 6th Marine at Belleau Wood have been much 1620: Peregrine During the 1918 Ludendorff Regiments made frontal assaults debated. Many French believed at White born Spring Offensive, the French Ar- on the south and west ends of the the time that the Marines had halt- 1817: 1st Semi- my ordered the attached American woods. By the end of the first day ed the German drive on Paris. The nole War began forces to take the Bois de Belleau of fighting, the 6th Marine Regi- Germans, however, never intend- (Belleau Wood). The woods were ment was able to take the village ed to attack Paris. As all their op- 1823: Monroe about a mile in length and roughly of Bouresches. It was during these erational orders make clear, the Doctrine pro- a half mile wide. It was located attacks that Gunnery Sergeant purpose of the Chemin des Dames claimed about five miles northwest of Dan Daly led his men forward Offensive was solely a diversion Chateau Thierry on the Marne yelling: “Come on men, do you to draw off the large French re- 1863: Gettysburg River in north-central France. want to live forever?” In gaining serves positioned behind the Brit- Address The American unit tasked with the foothold Daly survived, but ish in Flanders. Some critics thus 1864: March to taking Belleau Wood was Major another 1,087 Marines were killed have seen the Battle of Belleau the Sea began General Omar Bundy’s 2nd Divi- or wounded. Wood as of little value and claim sion. The division included the After four days of small raids, that much of the slaughter could 1899: Battle of 3rd Infantry Brigade, which con- American forces directed heavy have been avoided through more Tirad Pass sisted of the 9th and 23rd Infantry artillery fire on the woods starting effective tactics. Of course, in Regiments and the 5th Machine on June 9th. The next day the Ma- hindsight, this same claim can be 1924: USS Langley, Gun Battalion, and the 4th Marine rines started what became a four- leveled against most World War I 1st US aircraft Brigade, which consisted of the day assault, during which they battles. carrier sailed 5th and 6th Marine Regiments and were able to capture two-thirds of The battle, however, endeared 1941: 7 Dec. At- the 6th Machine Gun Battalion. the wood but at heavy casualties. the Marines to the American pub- tack on Pearl Har- The 2nd Division also included On June 13, the Germans coun- lic and helped secure the future of bor, next day engineers, artillery and logistics terattacked and almost recaptured the U.S. Marine Corps. Delighted President Roose- personnel. The German 1,200- Bouresches, but their attack by the U.S. performance, the velt delivered the man 461st Infantry Regiment of stalled under concentrated rifle French awarded the 4th Brigade “date that will live the 237th Division opposed the fire. With both sides entrenched, the Ordre de l’Armee and later in infamy” address Americans. the positions remained static until renamed the woods Bois de la Bri- On May 31, 1918, the 2nd Divi- June 24th, when the Marines re- gade Marine. to congress sion received orders to replace newed their assault. Two days lat- 1943: US attack French forces at the front. On 6 er, the Marines declared the on Makin and Ta- June, without the benefit of recon- woods secured. In the battle, US rawa 1945: Nuremberg Trial began 1950: First Marine Division near the Chosin Reservoir 1963: President Kennedy was as- sassinated 1969: SALT talks began 2004: VBIED killed over 100 Iraqi Na- tional Guard queuing outside recruiting station at FOB Headhunter, Bagh- dad

ASC Poster 870-1 Brought to you by your friendly ASC History Office. For more copies or any history related needs call Jason Morin or George Eaton, or stop by for a visit at Building 390 BSMT SW.