Seizing Bouresches

When French General Joseph Degoutte ordered an attack on Belleau Wood, the American Marines were eager to oblige. Two days earlier, they had succeeded in stopping the German advance at Mares Farm and elsewhere. Starting at positions west of the …

1918-06-06

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When French General Joseph Degoutte ordered an attack on Belleau Wood, the American Marines were eager to oblige. Two days earlier, they had succeeded in stopping the German advance at Mares Farm and elsewhere. Starting at positions west of the Wood, Marine companies now moved forward through the wheat fields. Fierce German fire held them up, and several units went off course. A few entered the Wood, only to mix up directions and hit defending machine guns. To the east, men of the 96th and 97th Companies, 6th Marines, saw a golden opportunity. They clawed their way toward Bouresches, a village outside the eastern knob of the Wood. Using a ravine approach for shelter, they crossed more fields and assaulted the place. A reinforced German company, from the reputable 10 lnfanterie-Division, was in the vicinity. Marines and the first-class German defenders took the battle house-to-house. A pocket war for Bouresches ensued.

Bouresches, France

The Battle of Belleau Wood (1–26 June 1918) occurred during the German spring offensive in World War I, near the Marne River in France. The battle was fought between the U.S. 2nd (under the command of Major General Omar Bundy) and 3rd Divisions along with French and British forces against an assortment of German units including elements from the 237th, 10th, 197th, 87th, and 28th Divisions. The battle has become a key component of the lore of the United States Marine Corps.

Wikipedia: Battle of Belleau Wood

German

American