Posted on 06/26/2015 6:44:55 PM PDT by Brad from Tennessee
To really understand Marines, you need to know something about Belleau Wood. On June 6, 1918, the 4th Marine Brigade began its offensive into Belleau Wood in France, marking arguably the most significant day in the history of the U.S. Marine Corps. More Marines died that day than in the 143 years of Marine Corps history that had preceded it — combined. But it is not the magnitude of that sacrifice, or even the military objectives that were accomplished, that define the significance of that day; rather, it was the cultural impact that event had on the Marine Corps.
The Marines did not belong in an organization made up almost entirely of U.S. Army troops, but their commandant, Major General George Barnett, and the Secretary of the Navy, Josephus Daniels, had worked hard to find a way to get them there, often by going around the War Department. Ultimately, two regiments’ worth of well-trained professional troops was not something the Army could afford to pass up, for it was struggling to quickly mobilize and deploy a massive force for war. The 5th and 6th Marine Regiments had been assembled from a blend of experienced Marine veterans and new recruits, and were ready to go. Arriving in France, they were assigned to the 2d Division, alongside the Army’s 3rd Brigade, and designated the 4th Brigade. They insisted on referring to themselves as the 4th Brigade (Marine).
The Marine Corps had placed a premium on marksmanship skills in recruit and pre-deployment training…
(Excerpt) Read more at realcleardefense.com ...
FROM ARTICLE:
The real significance of the 6th of June was that it established that Marines would prevail, regardless of cost, even when called to serve in places far outside of their traditional roles, and despite having every reason to stop and reconsider the wisdom of what they had been tasked to do. Belleau Wood provided a convincing narrative to reinforce not only Marines’ self-conception as elite warriors, but also a public image that further enhanced the Corps’ ability to find quality recruits and train them to high standards. Unfortunately, this elite image also came by means of implicit, if not explicit, comparison with the U.S. Army, contributing to a long pattern of interservice hostility.
Excellent ...Thanks for posting.
Belleau Wood was, arguably, the turning point of WWI.
No mention that the Germans called the US Marines devil dogs because of this battle. They respected and feared the marines because of their fighting abilities proven at this battle.
There are still a few institutions worthy of respect and reverence.
I’m 53, but in great shape. Bolt action 30-06 and a 9. Let’s go.
That was the battle in which the Marines stopped being “State Department Troops”.
Because it never happened, that was made up.
When told to retreat by a French officer, Lloyd Williams replied, “Retreat Hell! We just got here!
The Marines fought for almost a month but secured the woods. After their victory, the French General declared the Wood to be known hereafter as “The Wood of the United States Marines.” Each year there is a magnificent ceremony there.
The cemetery is impressive and Memorial Chapel quite lovely.
I had the pleasure of visiting Belleau last August.
If someone will give me instructions on posting pictures, I can post a few of Belleau Wood.
Because you say so or because the de-constructionists at Wikipedia say so?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Belleau_Wood
Battle Of Belleau Wood
By EDGAR A. GUEST
IT was thick with Prussian troopers, it was foul with German guns;
Every tree that cast a shadow was a sheltering place for Huns.
Death was guarding every roadway, death was watching every field,
And behind each rise of terrain was a rapid-fire concealed
But Uncle Sam's Marines had orders: “Drive the Boche from where they're hid.
For the honor of Old Glory, take the woods!” and so they did.
I fancy none will tell it as the story should be told—
None will ever do full justice to those Yankee troopers bold.
How they crawled upon their stomachs through the fields of golden wheat
With the bullets spitting at them in that awful battle heat.
It's a tale too big for writing; it's beyond the voice or pen,
But it glows among the splendor of the bravest deeds men.
It's recorded as a battle, but I fancy it will live,
As the brightest gem of courage human struggles have to give.
Inch by inch, they crawled to victory toward the flaming mounts of guns;
Inch by inch, they crawled to grapple with the barricaded Huns
On through fields that death was sweeping with a murderous fire, they went
Till the Teuton line was vanquished and the German strength was spent.
Ebbed and flowed the tides of battle as they've seldom done before;
Slowly, surely, moved the Yankees against all the odds of war.
For the honor of the fallen, for the glory of the dead,
The living line of courage kept the faith and moved ahead.
‘They'd been ordered not to falter, and when night came on they stood
With Old Glory proudly flying o'er the trees of Belleau Wood.
Circa 1922
I read where the Marines were picking off Germans at 800 yards. The Germans didn’t realize that that was normal for our Marines. They were trained to shoot at least that far.
History ping.
Because it never happened, it was made up.
It is a myth.
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| "I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces guarding our country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense." |
As no consequence, then there is no need to treat it as truthful.
Fake history doesn’t help anyone.
If you go back to the beginning marines serving on ships were riflemen who in battle focused on shooting enemy seamen on the opposing ship, including the riggers whose loss would hinder the vessel's ability to maneuver. Such shots were difficult if you take into account the rifleman is firing from a deck that is moving forward and simultaneously rolling while his target is also in motion.
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