The Battle of Cantigny was the first major American offensive of World War 1. It was fought on May 28, 1918, near the village of Cantigny, France.
The American 1st Division, under the command of Major-General Robert Lee Bullard, attacked the German Eighteenth Army, commanded by von Hutier. The Americans captured the village, which was a German advance observation point, and expanded their front by approximately a mile.
The battle was a minor success, but it was significant because it showed that the Americans were capable of fighting and winning on the Western Front.
The Americans also held their position in the face of seven fierce German counterattacks. The battle was followed by attacks at Chateau-Thierry and Belleau Wood in the first half of June.
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 1,067 casualties, including 173 killed.
- The Germans suffered 2,000 casualties, including 500 killed.
The Battle of Cantigny was a significant victory for the Americans. 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.