Battle of Belleau Wood

Part of the Western Front of World War I

U.S. Marines in Belleau Wood (1918).

Date	1–26 June 1918
Location	Belleau Wood near Marne River, France Coordinates: 49°04′23″N 3°17′24″E / 49.073°N 3.290°E / 49.073; 3.290
Result	Allied victory

Belligerents

United States

France

British Empire

German Empire

Commanders and leaders

John J. Pershing

James Harbord

Crown Prince Wilhelm

Strength

2 U.S. Army divisions (including 1 brigade of United States Marines)
French 6th Army (elements)
British IX Corps (elements)

5 German divisions (elements)

Casualties and losses

1,811 killed
7,966 wounded

Unknown dead or wounded
1,600 captured

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.

In March 1918, with nearly 50 additional divisions freed by the Russian surrender on the Eastern Front, the German Army launched a series of attacks on the Western Front, hoping to defeat the Allies before U.S. forces could be fully deployed. A third offensive launched in May against the French between Soissons and Reims, known as the Third Battle of the Aisne, saw the Germans reach the north bank of the Marne River at Château-Thierry, 95 kilometres (59 mi) from Paris, on 27 May. On 31 May, the 3rd Division held the German advance at Château-Thierry and the German advance turned right towards Vaux and Belleau Wood.

On 1 June, Château-Thierry and Vaux fell, and German troops moved into Belleau Wood. The U.S. 2nd Division—which included a brigade of U.S. Marines—was brought up along the Paris-Metz highway. The 9th Infantry Regiment was placed between the highway and the Marne, while the 6th Marine Regiment was deployed to their left. The 5th Marine and 23rd Infantry regiments were placed in reserve.

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