| The
Battle of Belleau Wood was fought during the German
offensive that began on 27 May 1918 which captured
Soissons and then drove a deep salient towards Paris.
At the point of the German advance the 2nd US Div,
including the 4th Marine Brigade, was rushed down
to help the French. There, in Belleau Wood, the American
Division stood firm for 4 days under intense pressure
and then in a series of counter attacks cleared the
Wood by 25 June.
It
is a Battle Honour fiercely claimed by the US Marine
Corps which is commemorated each year by Corps representatives
who drink from the 'Devil Dogs' fountain in the village.
The
book describes a tour that also takes in the battles
of the River Ourcq and Chateau Thierry and can last
around six hours. |
|
