Battle of Belleau Wood, the Battle that made the U.S. Marines Famous/Infamous
Now while today the United States Marine Corps. is one of the more well-known and respected military organizations, that was not always the case.
Formation and Early Years of the U.S. Marine Corps
Originally formed in 1775 as the “Continental Marines”, the USMC was basically seen as “Navy Soldiers”, which really isn’t too far from the truth. But although they had been involved in many engagements following the War of Independence, they didn’t really get that much attention when compared to the Army or Navy. But that would soon change.
The U.S. Marines Enter World War I
Following America’s entry into World War I, elements of the 6th Marine Regiment and 1st Battalion, 5th Marines landed in France and were instantly sent to the front lines. With the Russian Empire out of the War, Imperial Germany rushed as many units as they could to the Western Front. The Germans hoped that with these extra units available, they would be able to punch through the enemy lines well before American troops could be fully mobilized.
Initial German Advances and Marine Resistance
On the evening of 1st June, German forces punched a hole in the French lines. But elements of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines and the Marine 6th Machine Gun Battalion marched to the front and had effectively stopped the German advance in its tracks. They had plugged the hole made by the Germans and held the line north of the Paris-Metz Highway, near the Town of Belleau.
Over the next few weeks, the German army attempted to break the newly established American lines and every single time the Marines held them back. But the Marines didn’t just stay in the trenches, as they took part in/conducted offensive operations of their own. Much to the shock of many German officers and regular soldiers, who could not believe that despite everything, the Marines continued to advance. Sometimes devolving into hand-to-hand combat, with fixed bayonets and fists.
Ferocity of the Marines and the “Devil Dogs” Nickname
Needless to say, many of the Germans were just taken aback by just how ferocious the Marines fought, and it was said this was where the Corps got its most well-known nickname, “Teufelshunde” — DEVIL DOGS. Though it has never been confirmed.
At the end of the battle, the Marines suffered 1,811 killed in action and 7,966 wounded. But they held the line and successfully secured Belleau Wood. This was one of the first major battles the U.S. won in WWI and made the Marines famous, as many people didn’t even know who or what the Marines were. To this day, the battle is seen as a key component in the lore of the United States Marine Corps.
