Combat· World War I
Saint-Mihiel Offensive
Saint-Mihiel was the first major attack planned and led by an independent American army under General Pershing, aimed at wiping out a long-standing German bulge in the line.
The 2d Division, including the 4th Marine Brigade, took part in the offensive. The Germans were already preparing to pull back from the salient when the attack hit, which helped the advance move quickly. The Marines pushed forward through wire, trenches, and shellfire, keeping pace with the overall assault and helping pinch off the bulge. Resistance was lighter than in some earlier battles, and the operation was considered a clear success that proved American forces could plan and run a large attack on their own. For the Marines, it was a sharp, fast-moving action sandwiched between two of their bloodiest fights, and it added to the brigade's growing record on the Western Front.
Podcast episodes on World War I
Record no. 122