The Battle of Belleau Wood was a major battle fought between the United States and Germany from June 6 to June 26, 1918, in World War 1, near the town of Château-Thierry, France. The battle was part of the German Spring Offensive, and it was a major victory for the Allies.
The Germans had captured the wood at the end of May, and they were using it as a base for their offensive against Paris. The Americans were sent to recapture the wood, and they fought a fierce battle that lasted for three weeks.
The Americans were outnumbered and outgunned, but they were determined to win. They fought their way through the woods, and they eventually drove the Germans out.
Here are some additional details about the battle:
- The Americans were supported by the French, who provided air cover, artillery, and flamethrower teams.
- The Americans used twelve French tanks to support their infantry attack.
- The Americans suffered 9,777 casualties, including 1,811 fatal.
- The Germans suffered 9,500 casualties, including 1,600 who were captured.
The Battle of Belleau Wood was a significant victory for the Allies. It showed that the Americans were capable of fighting and winning on the Western Front. It also boosted Allied morale and helped to convince the Germans that they could not win the war.
The French name for the wood, Bois Belleau, was subsequently officially renamed Bois de la Brigade de Marine in honor of the Marine Corps's tenacity in its re-taking.