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BATTLE // 28 May 1918

Cantigny

France · 49.657, 2.489

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Overview

The Battle of Cantigny, fought May 28, 1918, was the first major American battle and offensive of World War I. The U.S. 1st Division, the most experienced of the five American divisions then in France and in reserve for the French Army near the village of Cantigny, was selected for the attack. The objective of the attack was to reduce a small salient made by the German Army in the front lines but also to instill confidence among the French.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Significance

First major U.S. offensive action

Result

U.S. tactical victory

Forces & casualties

Troop strength

  • United States4,000
    medium

Casualties

  • United States1,603
    medium40% loss rate
  • German Empire1,400
    medium

Commanders (2)

German Empire

United States

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Related

6 sibling battles · 4 factions

Last verified May 2026
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