Belleau Wood Marine Memorial - Belleau, Hauts-de-France
Posted by: Don.Morfe
N 49° 04.392 E 003° 17.456
31U E 521248 N 5435633
In recognition of the courageous action of the 4th United States Marine Brigade in the seizure of this wood in the face of determined German resistance.
Waymark Code: WM16HAZ
Location: Hauts-de-France, France
Date Posted: 08/03/2022
Views: 9
TEXT on historical marker:
Bois de Belleau
officially renamed
Bois de la Brigade de Marine
by the
Commanding General
French Sixth Army
on 30 June 1918
In recognition of the courageous action of the 4th United States Marine Brigade in the seizure of this wood in the face of determined German resistance. On 27 May, 1918, the Germans launched a major surprise offensive which crossed the Chemin des Dames and captured Soissons. By 31 May, their armies were advancing rapidly down the Marne Valley toward Paris. The 2nd United States Army Division, of which the 4th Marine Brigade formed a part, was rushed into the deepest point of penetration to assist the French forces in stopping the advance of the enemy. Rapidly occupying defensive positions south and west of Belleau Wood. The 4th Marine Brigade, comprised of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments and the 6th Machine Gun Battalion, stood firm under unremitting enemy attacks from 1 to 5 June. On 6 June the Marines began a series of attacks which culminated on 25 June with the capture of the entire Belleau Wood area, and the defeat of the German offensive in this sector. May the gallant Marines who here gave their lives for Corps and Country Rest In Peace.
Francais:
Bois de Belleau
officiellement nommé
Bois de la Brigade de
Marines par le
Général Commandant
la VIe Armée française
le 30 juin 1918
Cette plaque commémore la glorieuse action de la 4e Brigade de Marines des Etats-Unis d’Amérique qui s’emparèrent de ce bois, brisant une résistance acharnée des Allemands. Le 27 mai 1918, l’ennemi ayant lancé par surprise une puissante offensive sur le Chemin des Dames s’emparait de Soissons. Le 31 mai, l’armée allemande fonçait sur Paris et sur la vallée de la Marne. Afin d’aider les Troupes françaises, la 2e Division d’Infanterie américaine dont faisait partie la 4e Brigade de Marines fut lancée à l’extrême pointe de l’avance ennemie occupant rapidement des positions défensives au sud et à l’ouest du bois de Belleau. La 4e Brigade, composée des 5e et 6e Régiment de Marines et du 6e bataillon de mitrailleurs tint sous d’incessantes attaques du 1er au 5 juin. Le 6 juin, la 4e Brigade passe à l’attaque et le 25 juin, après une série d’actions héroïques, le bois de Belleau est repris a l'ennemi et l'offensive allemande brisée dans ce secteur. Aux glorieux Marines qui donnèrent leur vie pour leur corps et pour leur Patrie.
Qu’ils reposent en Paix
Date the Monument or Memorial was built or dedicated: 01/01/1955
Private or Public Monument?: Government
Name of the Private Organization or Government Entity that built this Monument: United States Marine Corps.
Geographic Region where the Monument is located: Europe
Website for this Monument: [Web Link]
Physical Address of Monument: Rue Bois Belleau, Belleau,, Hauts-de-France France 02400
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