Battle of Belleau Wood

Significance

The Battle of Belleau Wood was fought during the German spring offensive of World War I near the Marne River in France. U.S. 2nd and 3rd Divisions, alongside French and British forces, engaged multiple German divisions including elements of the 237th, 10th, 197th, 87th, and 28th. Combined casualties exceeded 19,000, with the United States sustaining 9,777 and Germany approximately 10,000. The engagement marked a significant test of American combat capability in the war's decisive year, placing U.S. forces directly in the path of Germany's offensive drive toward Paris. The battle demonstrated that American divisions could absorb and inflict heavy losses alongside Allied partners during a critical phase of the spring offensive.

Forces & casualties

Commanders (5)