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The American Battle Monuments Commission

1986 Chapel Interior 2 ^American Cemetery nnh ^emnrtal

LOCATION Woevre exit. From the village of The St. Mihiel American Cemetery Fresnes-en-Woevre, follow directions and Memorial is situated at the west to Pont-a-Mousson (14 miles/22 km ) edge of Thiaucourt, Meurthe-et-Mo- to the cemetery. The cemetery may selle, France. The road from Verdun also be reached by train (Gare de l'Est) (29 miles/47 km ), through Fresnes- to Thiaucourt. Taxicab service is en-Woevre, passes the entrance to the available at Thiaucourt. Hotels are cemetery and continues on to Pont-a- available in Pont-a-Mousson, Metz, Mousson and Nancy (29 miles/47 Nancy and Verdun. By calling the km ). The cemetery may be reached Superintendent or a member of his from Paris by automobile (188 miles/ staff at 381-90-06, assistance will be 300 km ) via Autoroute A-3, from the provided to obtain hotel reservations Porte de Bercy, to the Fresnes-en- or taxi service.

Entrance Gate 3 Location of Cemetery Features

HOURS front were optimistic concerning a successful conclusion of the war in The cemetery is open to the public 1917. Except for the loss of Rumania, daily as shown below: events during 1916 had appeared to be SUMMER (16 March-30 September) working in favor of the Allies, who 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. — weekdays had numerical superiority on all 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. — Saturdays, fronts. Sundays and holidays As if to reinforce Allied optimism, WINTER (1 October-15 March) the Germans on the western front 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. — weekdays began withdrawing some of their 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. — Saturdays, forces north of Paris to prepared posi­ Sundays and holidays tions approximately 20 miles to the When the cemetery is open to the rear that could be held by fewer divi­ public, a staff member is on duty in sions. These defensive positions were the Visitors' Building to answer ques­ later to be known as the Hindenburg Line. The Russian Revolution broke tions and escort relatives to grave and out while the German withdrawal memorial sites (except between noon north of Paris was still in progress. and 3:00 p.m. on weekends and holi­ The revolution delivered a serious days). blow to Allied plans, as the Russian Army had been counted upon heavily HISTORY to keep German troops occupied on Toward the end of 1916, French and the eastern front. Although the Rus­ British commanders on the western sian Army did not collapse immedi-

4 Aerial View of Cemetery ately, it was apparent that it soon between Germany and Russia was not would do so. signed until March 1918, the Germans On 6 April 1917, the United States began moving divisions from Russia entered World War I with no modern to France as early as November 1917, equipment and less than 200,000 men in an attempt to end the war before under arms scattered from the Mexi­ sufficient American troops could be can Border to China and the Philip­ brought into action to affect the out­ pines. It would take longer for the come of the war. United States to mobilize, train, ship As a consequence, the beginning of troops to France and equip and pre­ 1918 looked far worse for the Allies pare them for combat than for the than the beginning of 1917. To take Russian Army to disintegrate. Despite advantage of the troops that had been this realization, the French and British moved to France from the eastern Armies began the offensives that had front, the Germans launched a series been planned on the western front of five powerful offensives on 21 prior to the Russian Revolution in March 1918. The first two offensives March. The initial British assault be­ caused considerable concern among gan on 9 April. It was followed by a the Allies who vehemently contended French offensive on 16 April. that if American soldiers were not Quickly, the French offensive turned sent immediately as replacements to into a disaster leaving the British fill the depleted ranks of their units, Army to shoulder the main burden of the war would be lost. General Persh­ the war on the western front, until ing, Commander-in-Chief of the French forces could reorganize and re­ American Expeditionary Forces, cuperate. On the eastern front, the refused to allow his men to be used Russians started to attack but were piecemeal and in a surprisingly short promptly driven back. Shortly there­ time organized, trained and equipped after, an assault by the Germans in them into effective fighting units. the north caused the Russians to seek When the French Army found itself in an armistice. Although the treaty desperate need of assistance during

5 the third and fifth German drives, munitions. Offensively, it interrupted General Pershing quickly offered French rail communications and con­ American troop units to halt the ad­ stituted a constant threat against vancing enemy. Verdun and Nancy. Reduction of the The outstanding achievements of salient was imperative before any these U.S. troop units are recorded at large Allied offensive could be the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery launched against Briey and Metz or and Memorial and at the Chateau- northward between the Meuse River Thierry Monument. When the last and Argonne Forest. At the confer­ great German offensive commenced ence, General Pershing insisted that on 15 July east of Chateau-Thierry, it the attack be a United States Army was promptly repulsed in a severe operation with its own sector, under struggle in which American troop the separate and independent control units played a leading part. Quickly, of the American Commander-in- a U.S.-French counteroffensive was Chief. When the decision was made, launched on 18 July at Soissons. The there were over 1,200,000 American highly successful three-week battle soldiers in U.S. troop units widely that followed, known officially as the scattered throughout France, either "Aisne-Marne Offensive" but called serving with French or British Armies the "Second Battle of the Marne" by or training in rear areas. In view of Marshal Foch, marked the turning the splendid record that so many of point of the war. the U.S. units had already achieved in Determined to keep the enemy on combat, the Allies were forced to the defensive, the Allied Com­ agree that a separate U.S. Army manders-in-Chief, at a conference on should be formed, although they re­ 24 July, planned a series of strong, of­ quested that U.S. divisions continue fensive operations to maintain the ini­ to be permitted to fight with their tiative and give the enemy no respite armies. or opportunity to reorganize. Follow­ The order creating the United Sta­ ing completion of the Aisne-Marne tes First Army became effective on 10 Offensive, the British, assisted by the August 1918; on 30 August, the U.S. French, were given the mission of First Army took over the St. Mihiel conducting an offensive in the Amiens sector. After a series of conferences, sector where the enemy had made the Allies agreed that the St. Mihiel such great gains in March and April. attack should be limited to a reduc­ At this conference, General Persh­ tion of the salient, following which ing chose the St. Mihiel sector for an the U.S. First Army would undertake American offensive. The objective of a larger scale offensive on the front the offensive was a salient projecting between the Meuse River and the 16 miles into the Allied line. Roughly Argonne Forest. With the attack at St. shaped like a triangle, the salient ran Mihiel scheduled for 12 September, from Verdun on the north, south to this would require winning an ex­ St. Mihiel and then east to Pont-a- traordinarily swift victory there, then Mousson on the Moselle River. It was concentrating an enormous force to bordered by a line of hills known as launch a still greater operation 40 the Heights of the Meuse and a succes­ miles away, within just two weeks. sion of marshes and lakes situated Never before on the western front had across deep ravines and dense forests. a single army attempted such a In addition to its natural defensive ad­ colossal task. vantages, the salient protected the At 0500 hours, 12 September 1918, strategic rail center of Metz and the following a four-hour bombardment Briey iron basin so vital to the Ger­ by heavy artillery, the U.S. I and IV mans as a source of raw material for Corps composed of nine U.S. divi- 6 The Sundial and Surrounding Gardens at the Center of the Cemetery sions, began the main assault against SITE the southern face of the salient, while the French II Colonial Corps made a The cemetery, 40Vi acres in extent, is holding attack to the south and located almost at the center of the around the tip of the salient. A sec­ salient where the majority of the 4,153 ondary assault by the U.S. V Corps military Dead buried there gave their was made three hours later against the lives. The cemetery was first estab­ western face of the salient. Reports lished as a temporary cemetery by the were soon received that the enemy American Graves Registration Serv­ was retreating. That evening, the or­ ice following the offensive in 1918. der was issued for U.S. troops to press After the war, the other temporary ce­ forward with all possible speed. By meteries in the area were discontinued the dawn of 13 September, units of and the military Dead of the region the U.S. IV and V Corps met in the whose next-of-kin requested burial center of the salient, cutting off the re­ overseas were moved to the St. Mihiel treating enemy. By 16 September, the cemetery for permanent interment. It entire salient had been eliminated. is the third largest of the eight perma­ Throughout these operations, the nent World War I American military attacking forces were supported by cemetery memorials in Europe. Post­ the largest concentration of Allied air­ war administration of the cemetery craft ever assembled. The entire re­ passed to the American Battle Monu­ duction of the salient was completed ments Commission in 1934. in just four days by which time some The Commission, whose functions of the divisions involved had already are described in the latter pages of this been withdrawn to prepare for the booklet, landscaped the grounds and Meuse-Argonne battle. constructed the memorial chapel and 7 View of Mail and Craves Area other permanent buildings in the cem­ stone eagle gnomon on a round base. etery. The shadow cast by the eagle gnomon in relationship to the lead Roman ARCHITECT numerals set in the flat surface of the base indicates the time of day. Architect for the memorial chapel and Around the circular base of the sun­ other architectural features was dial is carved the inscription: Thomas Harlan Ellett of New York. TIME WILL NOT DIM GENERAL LAYOUT THE GLORY OF THEIR DEEDS The formal entrance, with its orna­ From this point one can view the mental grill gates and fencing and its beautiful perspectives along the two gem-like buildings, is of striking axes of the cemetery. At the west end beauty and offers an excellent view of of the transverse axis is a sculptured the cemetery. To the right of the en­ stone figure of a youthful American trance is the Superintendent's Office; officer, executed by Paul Manship of to the left is the Visitors' Building. New York, standing in front of a Both are constructed of Euville lime­ stone cross in his field uniform, with stone. Directly behind these buildings trench helmet in hand and side arms is the cemetery proper. Here, in a and map case. Above his head is en­ beautifully landscaped setting, are the graved: graves area and the memorial. The pristine whiteness of the headstones is IL DORT in striking contrast to the immacu­ LOIN DES SIENS lately maintained emerald green lawn. DANS LA DOUCE At the intersection of the central TERRE DE FRANCE mall and transverse axis in the center (Translation: He sleeps far from his of the cemetery is a large sundial of at­ family in the gentle land of France.) tractive design consisting of a carved and on the pedestal below him: 8 BLESSED ARE THEY THAT On the opposite facade appears the HAVE THE HOME LONGING same lamp symbol and the same in­ FOR THEY SHALL GO HOME scription in French. The memorial rests on a slightly At the opposite end of the trans­ raised circular terrace and is enclosed verse axis is an ornamental urn on a by a stone faced wall. On the lawn in semi-circular platform flanked by two front of it are two large flagpoles with beautiful yews. From this platform, stone and bronze bases. Large chest­ facing the east, an excellent view of nut trees frame it on the sides and rear the surrounding rural countryside and immediately behind the memorial may be seen. are two large weeping willows. The memorial is constructed of THE MEMORIAL Rocheret limestone. On the inside sur­ face of the lintel is carved in the stone: At the north end of the cemetery stands the memorial, an open circular colonnade or peristyle flanked by a THIS CHAPEL HAS BEEN chapel room on the left and a museum ERECTED BY THE UNITED room on the right. On the left front STATES OF AMERICA IN facade of the memorial is engraved a GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE OF lamp representing an eternal flame HER SONS WHO DIED IN and under it the inscription: THE WORLD WAR

1914 1918 These words emphasize that the TO THOSE memorial and, indeed, the entire ceme­ WHO DIED tery were erected not to commemo­ FOR THEIR rate the glory of battle won or the COUNTRY triumph of victory achieved, but to pay homage to those American servicemen who made the supreme sacrifice for their country. The large rose-granite urn with its carved drapery at the center of the peristyle resembles an ancient fune­ real vase. One of its decorative fea­ tures is a winged horse, Pegasus, sym­ bolizing the flight of the immortal soul to its resting place in the life beyond. To the left of the peristyle, bronze doors, decorated with stars and two miniature soldier heads, lead to the impressive interior of the chapel room. The carved white Italian mar­ ble altar holds a lighted bronze lamp symbolic of an eternal flame. Above the altar is a richly colored mosaic depicting the "Angel of Victory" sheathing a sword and "Doves of Peace" bearing olive branches. At the Sculpture of a Young American Officer top of the wall, carved in white mar­ in Field Uniform ble with gold letters, is the inscription: 9 On the side walls of the museum are black marble panels, at the tops of which are engraved:

IN MEMORY OF THOSE AMERICAN SOL­ DIERS WHO FOUGHT IN THIS REGION AND WHO SLEEP IN UNKNOWN GRAVES. Listed below the inscription in gold letters are the names of the 284 Ameri­ can soldiers who gave their lives in this area, but whose remains were not recovered or identified.

THE GRAVES AREA The graves area consists of four burial plots, lettered from A to D, separated by the central mall and the transverse axes. The 4,153 headstones are arranged in parallel rows across the green lawns which carpet the Sculpture at the Center of the graves area. One hundred and seven­ Peristyle Representing an teen of these headstones mark the Ancient Funereal Vase graves of "Unknowns". The cemetery contains no multiple burials. Each of the Dead has his own headstone of white marble, a Star of David for I GIVE UNTO THEM those of the Jewish faith and a Latin ETERNAL LIFE AND THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH The mosaics on the end walls have as their main features large shields displaying the national colors of the United States and of France. The coffered ceiling is decorated in gold and blue, while the floor and lower wall-paneling are of inlaid marble with light and dark green markings. Dispersed about the chapel in appropriate places are graceful can­ delabra, cushioned seats and kneeling benches. Crossing to the right side of the me­ morial one enters the museum through a similar set of bronze doors. On the wall directly opposite the doorway is a beautiful map of the St. Mihiel region inlaid with various col­ ored marbles. This map shows the boundaries of the salient, the German lines before the offensive, the Allied lines after the battle and the progress of the campaign. Wall of the Missing 10 — The Memorial Peristyle cross for all others. The precise align­ transverse axes in the center of the ment of clean, polished marble head­ cemtery is surrounded by beds of stones on clipped green grass assures flowering annuals and bordered with the visitor that no feature of the ceme­ dwarf boxwood hedge. tery receives more respectful care than does the graves area. VISITORS' BUILDING

PLANTINGS Located to the left of the entrance gate is the Visitors' Building. Here vi­ At the entrance gate to the cemetery sitors may obtain information, sign is a large bed of flowering annuals. the register and pause to refresh them­ The main paths of the cemetery are selves. During visiting hours a mem­ bordered by square-trimmed Euro­ ber of the cemetery staff is available in pean linden trees, their low overhang­ the building to answer questions and ing boughs furnishing a canopy. provide information on burials and Flower beds of polyantha roses are memorializations in the Commis­ planted along the transverse axes. The sion's cemeteries, accommodations in base of the decorative sundial at the the vicinity, travel, local history and intersection of the center mall and other items of interest.

View of the Sculptured Eagle and Graves Area 12 W Ornamental Urn at Overlook — 4-

Visitors' Building J i Interior of Visitors' Building (jftcmtsrc Jftumtmmt

On a high isolated hill, 12 miles/19 SALIENT BY THE TROOPS km. from the St. Mihiel American OF HER FIRST ARMY AND Cemetery, stands the Montsec Monu­ TO RECORD THE SERVICES ment. It commemorates the capture of OF THE AMERICAN the St. Mihiel salient by the American EXPEDITIONARY FORCES ON First Army, the operations of the THE BATTLEFRONT IN THIS American Second Army on 9-11 No­ REGION AND ELSEWHERE IN vember 1918, and other combat serv­ LORRAINE AND IN ALSACE. ices of American divisions both in this IT STANDS AS A LASTING region and in Alsace and Lorraine. SYMBOL OF THE FRIENDSHIP The monument consists of a large AND COOPERATION circular colonnade, at the center of BETWEEN THE FRENCH AND which, on a raised platform, is a AMERICAN ARMIES. bronze relief map of the St. Mihiel salient. Its size, its commanding site, The same inscription is repeated in and the perfection of its proportions French on the left side of the flight of combine to make it one of the most steps. Near the top of the monument impressive in Europe. on the outside lintel are engraved the On the right side of a flight of steps names of villages and towns where leading to the monument is engraved: battles were fought in this region: THIAUCOURT - VIGNEULLES - FRESNES THIS MONUMENT HAS BEEN - VIEVILLE - ST. BENOIT - NORROY - ERECTED BY THE UNITED BENEY - JAULNY - FRAPELLE - HAU- STATES OF AMERICA MONT - ST. HILAIRE — XAMMES - TO COMMEMORATE THE NONSARD - VILCEY - ST. BAUSSANT - CAPTURE OF THE ST. MIHIEL VANDIERES. 16 Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, Belleau, Aisne, France

AMERICAN MEMORIALS and OVERSEAS MILITARY CEMETERIES

The AMERICAN BATTLE MONUMENTS regulations for the erection of COMMISSION was created by act of monuments, markers and memo­ Congress in March 1923 to erect and rials in foreign countries by other maintain memorials in the United United States citizens and organiza­ States and foreign countries where tions, public or private. It was later the United States Armed Forces given responsibility for establishing have served since 6 April 1917, and or taking over from the Armed to control as to design and provide Forces permanent burial grounds in 17 on foreign soil; and cooperating with foreign countries and designing, After World War I, the American Armed Forces. In 1934 the World American citizens, states, municipali­ constructing and maintaining per­ Battle Monuments Commission War I oversea cemeteries were trans­ ties or associations desiring to erect manent cemetery memorials at these erected a memorial chapel in each of ferred to the Commission by Execu­ war memorials outside the continental burial sites; controlling as to design the eight military cemeteries over­ tive Order. limits of the United States. It is not and materials, providing regulations seas already established by the War The names and locations of these responsible for construction, main­ for and supervising erection of all Department, as well as eleven World War I cemetery memorials, tenance or operation of cemeteries in monuments, memorials, buildings monuments and two bronze tablets the continental United States or its ter­ the number of burials and the and other structures in permanent on the battlefields and elsewhere, to number of Missing recorded at their United States cemetery memorials ritories and possessions. record the achievements of our memorials are: 18 19 World War 1 Burials Missing Known Unknown Commemorated Aisne-Marne, Belleau, France 2,039 249 1,060 Brookwood, England 427 41 563 Flanders Field, Waregem, Belgium 347 21 43 Meuse-Argonne, Romagne, France 13,760 486 954 Oise-Aisne, Fere-en-Tardenois, France 5,415 597 241 St. Mihiel, Thiaucourt, France 4,036 117 284 Somme, Bony, France 1,707 137 333 Suresnes (See WW II also), France 1,535 6 974 Totals 29,266 1,654 4,452

World War I monuments erected cemeteries in Honolulu, Sitka and by the Commission are located at or Puerto Rico (which are now adminis­ near: Audenarde, Belgium; Bel- tered by the National Cemetery Sys­ licourt, France; Brest, France; Can- tem, Veterans' Administration). As tigny, France; Chateau-Thierry, was the case after World War I, some France; Gibraltar; Kemmel, Belgium; remains were left in isolated graves Montfaucon, France; Montsec, outside of the cemeteries by request France; Sommepy, France; and of the families who then became re­ Tours, France. World War I tablets sponsible for their maintenance. are at Chaumont and Souilly, Fourteen sites in foreign countries France. were selected as permanent By the end of World War II several cemeteries in 1947 by the Secretary hundred temporary cemeteries had of the Army and the American Battle been established by the American Monuments Commission in concert. Graves Registration Service of the Their locations reflect the progress of United States Army. During the the military operations and were years 1947 to 1954 that Service, com­ selected with consideration of their plying with the expressed wishes of accessibility, aspect, prospect, the next of kin, and by authority of drainage and other practical factors. law, repatriated the remains of some The World War II cemeteries with 172,000 recovered bodies. The re­ numbers of burials, including Un­ mainder were given final interment knowns, and the numbers of Miss­ in the permanent military cemeteries ing recorded at their memorials and on foreign soil, in private cemeteries at three separate memorials on overseas and in the national United States soil are:

World War U Bu rials Missing Known Unknown Commemorated Ardennes, Neupre (Neuville-en-Condroz) Belgium . 4,536 741 462 4,313 47 497 3,787 24 5,126 5,186 64 424 4,189 213 1,409 7,895 44 450 10,338 151 444 Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg 4,975 101 370 13,462 3,744 36,280 Netherlands, Margraten, Holland 8,195 106 1,722 Normandy, St. Laurent-sur-Mer, France 9,079 307 1,557 2,601 240 3,724 799 62 293 7,372 440 3,095 Suresnes (See WW I also), France 24 20 East Coast Memorial, New York City, New York ...... 4,596 Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii ...... 18,094 West Coast Memorial, San Francisco, California ...... 413

Totals 86,727 6,513 78,956 World War II cemeteries maintained by the National Cemetery System, Veterans' Administration National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (See Honolulu, Hawaii 11,597 2,079 Honolulu Memorial) Puerto Rico 69 Sitka, Alaska 67 5 Other Missing in Action Commemorated by ABMC Korean War, Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii ...... 8,195 Vietnam War, Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii ...... 2,489

In every case, use of the perma­ American Battle Monuments Com­ nent cemetery sites on foreign soil mission by Presidential Executive was granted in perpetuity by the Order. Thereupon the remaining host government to the United portions of the architects' designs States free of cost, rent and taxation. were carried out, step by step — The temporary cemetery sites not grading; installation of a system of selected as permanent cemeteries reinforced concrete beams on piles reverted to the landowners. to maintain the levels and align­ In 1947, an outstanding American ments of the headstones; fabrication architect was selected to design each and installation of the headstones; of the World War II cemeteries, con­ construction of water supply and ceiving its grave plots, a chapel and a distribution systems, utilities build­ museum as complementary ele­ ings, roads and paths; plantings; ments of an integral memorial to the and erection of the memorials, vis­ services and sacrifices of the Ameri­ itors' buildings and flagpoles. can Armed Services who fought in For design of the various memo­ the particular region. Upon approval rials, no specific limitations were of their general schemes by the imposed upon the architects other Commission and by agreement with than budgeted cost and a require­ the Secretary of the Army, the ar­ ment that each was to embody these chitects' plans of the grave plots features: were followed by the American A small devotional chapel; Graves Registration Service in mak­ inscription of the names and ing the permanent burials of those particulars of the Missing in the remains which by decision of the region; next of kin were to be interred over­ a graphic record, in permanent seas. The timely cooperation be­ form, of the services of our troops tween these two agencies contrib­ (WW II only; however, Oise- uted appreciably to the coherence of Aisne, Meuse-Argonne and St. the development of the cemetery de­ Mihiel WW I American Cemeter­ signs. ies also have battle maps). Beginning in the latter half of 1949, These requirements have been in­ the permanent interments having terpreted in a wide and interesting been virtually completed, the World variety of forms. War II overseas cemeteries were An important motive for the con­ progressively transferred for con­ struction of the memorials is the im­ struction and maintenance to the plied undertaking by our Govern- 21 ho ho

Suresnes American Cemetery, Suresnes, Seine, France Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial, Cambridge, England ment to record by monuments the Against Germany" and "The War achievements of our Armed Ser­ Against Japan." Each set consists of vices, since the erection of memo­ three maps, each covering about rials by the troops (which in the past one-third of the period of our par­ unfortunately had all too often been ticipation in the war. By these key- found to be poorly designed, poorly maps any major battle may be re­ constructed and lacking provision lated to the others in time and space. for maintenance) was expressly for­ With each architect, an American bidden by the military services. The landscape architect, an American permanent graphic record takes the sculptor and an American muralist form of military maps, usually large or painter usually collaborated. murals, amplified by descriptive Their combined talents produced texts in English as well as in the lan­ the beauty and dignity of the memo­ guage of the country in which the rials, all of which are dedicated to the cemetery is located. The historical memory of the achievements of data for these maps were prepared those who served and of the sac­ by the American Battle Monuments rifices of those who died. The con­ Commission. The maps themselves struction of the cemeteries and were rendered by experienced ar­ memorials and the execution of most tists in tasteful presentation using of the works of art, were performed various media: layered marbles, by local contractors and artists under fresco, bronze relief, mosaic con­ the supervision of the Commission. crete or ceramics. Another feature of At each cemetery there is a vis­ interest at each memorial is the two itors' building or room, with com­ sets of "key-maps": "The War fortable furnishings. Here visitors 23 Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial, St. James, Manehe, France may learn the grave locations (or in­ Tablets of the Missing (which also scriptions of the Missing) at any of include the names of those whose the oversea cemeteries. remains could not be identified and Each grave in the oversea those lost or buried at sea) give cemeteries is marked by a headstone name, rank, organization and state; of white marble—a Star of David for the circumstances under which those of Jewish faith, a Latin cross death occurred often precluded the for all others. Each headstone bears possibility of determining the exact the deceased's name, rank, service, date. organization, date of death and state These cemeteries are open every or territory from which he entered day of the year. Photography is the military service. permitted without special authoriza­ In the World War I cemeteries, tion, except when it is to be used for headstones of the Unknowns, i.e., commercial purposes—in such those remains which could not be cases, permission must be obtained identified, bear the inscription: from the Commission. Unlike National cemeteries under HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERI­ jurisdiction of the Veterans' Ad­ CAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD. ministration, there can be no further burials in the American military In the World War II cemeteries, the cemeteries overseas except of those inscription reads: remains which may, in the future, be found on the battlefields. Essen­ HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY A COMRADE tially, these graves with their memo­ IN ARMS KNOWN BUT TO GOD. rials constitute inviolable shrines. 24 Rhone American Cemetery and Memorial, Draguignan, Var, France

25 In addition to the eight World War Monuments Commission con­ I cemeteries, the 14 World War II structed a memorial therein, incor­ cemeteries, 11 World War I monu­ porating the features of the memo­ ments and two tablets, the American rials in its oversea cemeteries. The Battle Monuments Commission names of 18,094 Missing of World program of commemoration in­ War II who gave their lives in the cludes the following: Pacific areas (except the Southwest and the Palau Islands which are SURESNES commemorated at the Manila Ceme­ tery Memorial) are recorded here as At the Suresnes Cemetery Memo­ well as 8,195 Missing of the Korean rial, senior representatives of the War and 2,489 Missing from the French and United States Govern­ Vietnam War. ments pay homage to our military Dead on ceremonial occasions. Ac­ AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY cordingly, 24 Unknown Dead of FORCES MEMORIAL, located on World War II were buried in this Penn. Ave. between 14th and 15th World War I cemetery, and two log­ Streets, NW in Wash. DC, com­ gias were added to its chapel by the memorates the two million Ameri­ Commission, thereby converting it can military personnel and their into a shrine commemorating our CinC, Gen. John J. Pershing, who Dead of both wars. made up the AEF of WWI. It consists of a stone plaza 52 ft. by EAST COAST MEMORIAL 75 ft., an 8 ft. statue of Gen. Pershing To commemorate those 4,596 on a stone pedestal, a stone bench Americans who, in or above the facing the statue and two 10 ft. high waters off the east coast of North and walls, one along the south side of the South America, but outside the ter­ memorial area and one along the ritorial limits of the United States, east. The south wall contains two gave their lives in the service of their battle maps with appropriate in­ country, the Commission erected a scriptions. Inscribed upon the re­ memorial in Battery Park, New York verse face of the east wall is Gen. City, upon which their names and Pershing's tribute to the officers and particulars are inscribed. men of the AEF: "IN THEIR DEVOTION, THEIR VALOR, AND IN THE LOYAL FUL­ FILLMENT OF THEIR OBLIGATIONS, THE WEST COAST MEMORIAL OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE AMERICAN Similarly, the names and particulars EXPEDITIONARY FORCES HAVE LEFT A of those 413 Americans who gave HERITAGE OF WHICH THOSE WHO FOL­ their lives in the service of their LOW MAY EVER BE PROUD." country off the west coast of the Americas but outside the territorial SAIPAN MONUMENT is situated limits of the United States, are re­ near the beach overlooking Tanapag corded at the memorial erected by Harbor on the Island of Saipan, the Commission at the Presidio of Commonwealth of the Northern San Francisco. Mariana Islands. It is part of an American memorial park com­ memorating the American and HONOLULU MEMORIAL Marianas Dead in the Marianas Although the National Memorial Campaign of World War II. The Cemetery of the Pacific at Honolulu monument honors specifically the is administered by the Veterans 24,000 American marines and sol­ Administration, the American Battle diers who died recapturing the vol-

26 Honolulu Memorial (WW II, Korea and Vietnam), National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii canic islands of Saipan, Tinian and French and English. It was officially Guam during the period of 15 June turned over to the American gov­ 1944-11 August 1944. ernment for operation and mainte­ It is a twelve-foot rectangular nance in perpetuity on 11 January obelisk of rose granite in a land­ 1979. scaped area of local flora. Inscribed upon the monument are these UTAH BEACH MONUMENT words: "THIS MEMORIAL HAS BEEN The Utah Beach Monument is lo­ ERECTED BY THE UNITED STATES OF cated at the termination of Highway AMERICA IN HUMBLE TRIBUTE TO THE N-13D, approximately 3 kilometers SONS WHO PAID THE ULTIMATE SAC­ northeast of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont RIFICE FOR LIBERATION OF THE (Manche), France. This monument MARIANAS 1941-1945." commemorates the achievements of POINTE DU HOC MONUMENT the American Forces of the VII Corps who fought in the liberation of the Following World War II, the French Cotentin Peninsula from 6 June to 1 erected a monument at Pointe du July 1944. It consists of a red granite Hoc overlooking the right flank of obelisk surrounded by a small, de­ Omaha Beach, France honoring the veloped park overlooking the his­ elements of the 2nd Ranger Battalion toric sand dunes of Utah Beach, one under the command of LTC James of the two American landing Rudder who scaled the cliff, seized beaches during the Normandy Inva­ the position, and defended it against sion of 6 June 1944. German counter-attacks at a high cost of lives. The monument consists of a simple pylon on top of a concrete MEXICO CITY bunker at the edge of the cliff and NATIONAL CEMETERY appropriate inscriptions at its base in The Mexico City National Cemetery 27 is at 31 Calzada Melchor Ocampo, COROZAL AMERICAN about 2 miles west of the cathedral CEMETERY, COROZAL, and about one mile north of the U.S. REPUBLIC OF PANAMA Embassy. This cemetery was estab­ lished in 1851 and contains a small The Corozal American Cemetery is monument over the grave of 750 of located approximately three miles our unidentified Dead of the War of north of Panama City, just off Gail- 1847. In this one acre area there are lard Highway between the Corozal 813 remains of Americans and others Railroad Station and Fort Clayton. in wall crypts. Care of the cemetery To reach the cemetery, follow Gail- was transferred from the Depart­ lard Highway north from Panama ment of the Army to this Commis­ City, turn right on Rybicki Road, and sion on 16 July 1947. This cemetery proceed about one-half mile to the was closed to burials in 1923. cemetery. Taxi and bus service to the 28 cemetery are available from Panama Florence, Sicily-Rome and North Af­ City. There are 4,844 identified rica cemeteries, where the Mediter­ "Known" Dead interred here. In ranean office is responsible and agreement with the Republic of Manila cemetery, where the Philip­ Panama, care and maintenance of pine office is responsible. the cemetery in perpetuity was as­ Orders for flowers for all sumed by the Commission on 1 Oc­ cemeteries may also be placed tober 1979. through any local florist who is a member of the "Florists Telegraph FLORAL DECORATIONS Delivery Association." In such In the oversea cemeteries, the deco­ cases, the name of the deceased, his ration of graves or the Tablets of the rank, service number, name of the Missing with natural cut flowers cemetery, country in which located only is permitted. The Commission and the location by plot, row and is always ready to help arrange with grave should be provided, if known. local florists in foreign countries for placement of such decorations. Re­ ADDITIONAL quests should be mailed so as to ar­ INFORMATION rive at the appropriate Commission office at least thirty days before the Further information regarding date of decoration and should be ac­ cemeteries and memorials may be companied by check or U. S. Postal obtained at the Commission's offices Money Order in dollars. Deposits in Washington, Garches (near may be made for a single decoration Paris), Rome or Manila. Visitors on a particular day—birthday, passing through these cities are in­ Memorial Day, Christmas Day, for vited to call. The Commission's example—or for several decorations representatives there may be of on particular dates within a year or assistance in verifying travel routes over a period of years. Checks and schedules and also in furnishing should be made payable to "ABMC information concerning overnight Flower Fund," money orders to accommodations. These offices are "The American Battle Monuments not open on Saturdays, Sundays or Commission." Requests should be holidays, but essential information addressed to the Commission's may be obtained overseas through European office, except in the case of our Embassy telephone operators.

SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC AVAILABLE THROUGH THE AMERICAN BATTLE MONUMENTS COMMISSION Name, location and general information concerning the cemetery or memorial; plot, row and grave number if appropriate; best routes and modes of travel in-country to the cemetery or memorial; general infor­ mation about the accommodations that may be available in the vicinity; escort service within the cemetery memorial for relatives; letters au­ thorizing fee-free passports for members of the immediate family traveling overseas to visit a grave or memorial site; black and white photographs of headstones and sections of the Tablets of the Missing on which the servicemen's names are engraved; large color lithographs of World War I and II cemeteries and memorials to which the appro­ priate headstone or section of the Tablets of the Missing photographs are affixed; and arrangements for floral decoration of grave and memo­ rial sites. Photographs of graves in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (in Honolulu) are not available through the Commission. 29 Decorated Gravesite of an "Unknown" THE AMERICAN BATTLE MONUMENTS COMMISSION

ESTABLISHED BY CONGRESS MARCH 1923

Membership

Andrew J. Goodpaster Armistead J. Maupin Chairman Deputy Chairman Francis J. Bagnell William E. Hickey Kitty D. Bradley Preston H. Long Joseph W. Canzeri John C. McDonald Aubrey O. Cookman Freda J. Poundstone Rexford C. Early A. J. Adams, Secretary

UNITED STATES OFFICE MEDITERRANEAN OFFICE

Casimir Pulaski Building Street Address: 20 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. American Embassy Washington, D.C. 20314-0300 Via V Veneto 119A Telephone: (202) 272-0533 Rome, Italy 00187 272-0534 Mailing Address: APO New York 09794-0007 Telephone: 4674, Ext. 2033 06-475-0-157 Telegrams: ABMC AMEMBASSY EUROPEAN OFFICE Rome, Italy

Street Address: PHILIPPINE OFFICE 68, rue du 19 Janvier 92380 - Garches, France Street Address Mailing Address: American Military Cemetery APO New York 09777 Manila, R. P. Telephone: 4-701-1976 Mailing Address: Telegrams: ABMC APO San Francisco 96528 AMEMBASSY Telephone: Manila 88-02-12 Paris, France Telegrams: AMBAMCOM, Manila, R.P.

31 Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France