Existing comment:
During September 1918, the Allied Forces launched a general offensive on the Western Front. In this operation, the U.S. First Army was assigned the task of breaking through the extremely strong and vital defensive system between the Meuse River and the Argonne Forest. The attack started on 26 September, and after two days of intense fighting, the dominating hill of Montfaugon was captured. The German troops stubbornly defended each position, but by 30 September had been driven back six miles.
On 4 October, the assault was renewed. The resistance encountered was desperate, with the enemy rapidly pouring in more divisions from other battle fronts. Though subjected to furious counter attacks, the advance continued relentlessly. On the left flank, a brilliant attack in the Aire Valley made possible the capture of the Argonne Forest. On the right, U.S. and French troops crossed the Meuse where severe fighting ensued for possession of the heights beyond. Another assault on 14 October developed into a prolonged struggle against violent resistance; but these attacks, near Cunel and Romagne, broke through the German main line of defense and penetrated that line beyond the villages of St. Juvin and Grandpre.
The last great offensive began on 1 November with the capture of the formidable position on Barricourt Heights. Three days later, the enemy was in full retreat west of the Meuse. Continuously pursued on both sides of the river, these successes and those of our allies compelled the Germans to ask for an immediate armistice which became effective 11 November 1918. |