Many may find this hard to believe, but my Uncle Ernest was killed in this offensive 99 years ago. Astonishing, yes. My Grandfather was nearly 45 when my father was born and my dad was 45 when I was born. I am now 74. My uncle, a machine gunner is buried at Meuse-Argonne Cemetery in France.
My father was in this battle. He got shot twice and was later awarded two medals for valor, from the French government. I'm only 64, but our dad was born in 1899, and I'm the last of the kids from his second marriage. He went on to become the founder & 1st Post Commander of two different VFW's, one in North Dakota and one in Minnesota. He died in 1975, about a month before his 76th birthday.
My good friend Lindsey Ralph was a medic in the U.S. Army who was at the battle of the Meuse Argonne. I am a Vietnam vet, and he was a WW1 vet. We had a lot in common, and had many good conversations. He was in his late 90s back then, and still sharp as a tack.
Before they cry out for their mother, before they cry out for God, they cry out for me. I will always come for them... Fellow 68W. Different place. Different times Same you know what. God bless.
I have a BA in history and had many fine teachers. However, I wish they could have been succinct like you are. You explain complicated, overarching concepts in a very clear way. Kudos to you! (I will be visiting some of these sites this summer, particularly Belleau Wood. Can't wait.)
I agree. Need more teachers who can explain complicated subject matter in a brief understandable manner. History not remembered will be repeated, because lazy and ignorance tends to follow similar thought patterns. Your history is taught in a memorable format. Thank You Sir and your wife I understands helps you. Bless you Both.
One of older guys in our town had been a Red Cross Driver in WW 1 from 1914 to 1918. He never talked about it. When he died they found a diary which he wrote down everyday. The horrors and terrible things he saw and come across WAS incredible. He was a hero saving many soldiers and civilians risking his life. He was wounded several times and gassed several times.
Thank you! My g-grandfather (Edward C. Quick, 313th Infantry) was wounded in this battle. It changed him forever. Thank you for preserving our history, especially this largely forgotten part of it!
From France : very interesting point of view, well supported by figures. Pity there are so few viewers. The French and British (and Canadians and all those who fought on the Western front since 1914) could argue that, due to their colossal sacrifices in the first three years, the German army in 1918 was not quite it was at the beginning. Anyway, the sacrifices and also the gallantry of the Yankees have to be remembered. In France the famous American battles of WWI are Bois Belleau and St Mihiel, maybe you could elaborate on these specific combat areas. And to conclude, in June 2018, my family will gather in Northern France to commemorate the death of NCO Bruge, my great grandfather, a professional soldier that died in the last German offensive after four years of hell, leaving two orphans and a widow. May his soul be at rest, as well as those of the dead from other nations.
RemzofFrance I agree. The American sacrifice cannot be forgotten, but it doesn't compare to that of France or Britain or Italy. And yes, I plan to do more episodes on the Great War. Thank you for watching!
I think we shouldn't Forget All the soldiers on both sides who gave the ultimate sacrifice. It was the Aristcratic inbreeders of All those nations, particularly russian, british, german, austrian, and ultimately Serbian royals that led to this stupid conflict, that has led to ALL problems in the world today. But to be quite honest, the black hand of Serbia and serbian militarism is the one to blame, if it wasn't for there longing of a United Slavic nation or sphere there would have been no war, they should have had to pay the highest price for War! They should have been hit with the treaty of Versailles
@@rickmoreno6858 no, austria. The black hand was a small terrorist group. Austria were the ones who used it as a feeble excuse to invade a country with strong defence treaties knowing it could domino the way it did and being stupid enough to thibk they could avoid it, and Germany's fault for not just letting austria collapse under its own mistakes
@@TP-tc7vp so the soon to be king was killed on Austrian territory And your telling me that austria had no justification for war. Are you serious? How the hell, do you figure they had no justification for war?
I think the important item to realize here besides the most lethal battle for the American Army is that 1.5 Million Americans tipped the balance between the Allies and Germany. The Americans did not win the war, BUT they certainly helped the Allies to finally win the war and for that and the 25K killed in this battle alone not forgetting the other 90K Americans that died in WW1. A good question is would the Allies had won the war if America had not came into it? That is a question that nobody can really answer. France, England, and Germany after 4 years of hell were all on their last legs, who would have folded first. I know the 115K American deaths are just a drop in the bucket compared to all the other countries but they died fighting for freedom as they saw it. One of my uncles fought in WW1 and suffered from Mustard gas, he died before I was born. Heck my father was a baby during WW1 and he was 41 when I was born.
The very BEST thing about "The History Guy" channel, is that most of the people who watch the episodes actually know something about history. You don't get all the inane comments that you see elsewhere.
@a-_- Wow thats crazy. I just found out my grandmpas uncle died in this battle on Oct. 16 1918. He was an Italian immigrant who signed up to fight for America and was promised naturalization when he came back to New York. His wife was still in Abruzzi Italy and he was supposed to bring her over when he came home. Never happened. He died in this theatre and was buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in Northern France.
Thank you for this post! My grandfather's name was Irvin Lawrence. He fought in that battle and there's a buck private he was made in charge of his company because everyone above and was dead. And it's 70 is a girl came with the tape recorder and ask him as a school project about his battle. All I could do was cry. I can't tell you how proud of my grandfather I am.
And everyone of those who died was once someones the pride and joy. The fear and loneliness many must have felt in those last moments. God bless them all.
No one knows the last moments of a soldiers life on a battlefield except sometimes the soldiers beside them and even then if they are lost there is no one to share the story of how they died. There are no goodbyes only the past memories and grief of not knowing. The fallen become history that others honor and ponder on.
My grandfather, Lt. (later Capt.) George Benjamin Faulder Jr., was a surgeon with the 6th Evacuation Hospital during the Meuse-Argonne Campaign. I honor his memory.
My great-grandfather served as a lieutenant or captain in the famed, "Rainbow Division" during WW1. I haven't researched the division or what he did during the war much but I do know that he did get the purple heart and he did survive WW1 mentally scared. At night he'd have terrible nightmares that he was back on the front in France along with terrible panic attacks. I even think that when my grandfather was a kid he'd get terrorized by hearing and/or seeing his father like that, although I don't know. I just wanted to share the little I know about my ancestor who fought in the "War to End All Wars".
42nd Infantry Division, the Rainbow Division lost approximately 2/3 of their personnel. That is why is 1/3 of a 🌈 on the patch. New York Army National Guard.
My grandfather fought in the Muesse Argonne and was wounded. He was in the 35th Infantry Division.We have a little memorial to him at the WWI Museum in Kansas City.
My grandfather was there early morning of September 26 at the start of the offensive: Company M, 361st Inf. Reg., 181st Battalion, 91st Division. I have his journal, in Swedish, describing the events of the day including the horrific effects of the artillery barrage on the Germans. He was wounded and spent the night of the 26th in the forest among the wounded, dying, and dead. He shared some of his wartime experiences but never said much about the actual battle, death, and destruction he witnessed. I plan to visit the battlefield on the 100th anniversary on September 26th.
Wow, My grandad fought with the 18th US infantry. He was gassed, burned up a water cooled a machine gun, was involved in hand to hand combat and was captured. He escaped to fight again and lost a lung due to more gas. He received the Purple Heart and Silver Star. He died before I was born but stories told of him was he would change the subject on the horrors he saw.
robost Hats off to your grandfather and all the other men who were in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, on both sides, that was a knock down drag out fight if there ever was one, I'm glad I got my military service in without having to go through a nightmare like that, but they're all at peace now, your grandfather and all the rest.
My maternal grandfather fought at the Meuse Argonne. He killed himself in 1940, fourteen years before my birth. My grandmother told me that he'd listen to the news on the radio around the time of the fall of France, uttering "that god damn Hitler, that god damn Hitler". He already knew what was yet to come. Of course he would have been too old to serve by then, but his experiences had burned a hole in him. I am so sorry that I never met him.
My great uncle was also wounded in this battle and died when the Spanish Flu went through the British hospital he was recuperating in. He was the son of a German immigrant.
My grandfather, PFC Harry George Greaves was a young combat engineer with the 4th Infantry Division, and a participant in this battle, among others. Thankfully, he made it home in one piece. Thanks for reminding us of this remarkable chapter in American military history.
THANKS SO MUCH to your Daddy and ALL that sacrificed their lives for us! For America 🇺🇸!!! I’m SO SAD and embarrassed that SO MANY have taken advantage of their lives… their deaths… and their sacrifices! God Bless You and your family!!!
You always get an enthusiastic "thumbs up" from me, History Guy. Keep up the good work. You are, by far, the best Historical bang for the Patreon buck. Thank you for the immense amount of research and preparation that brings your pinches of historical salt to my (our?) day.
The saying those who don’t know their history are bound to repeat it. I’ve learned more from your videos than any history classes I’ve taken. I appreciate that your view is not skewed to fit an agenda. You have made me a history buff. Thank you
My dad's uncle died in this battle on 10-03-1918. He was in Company K 9th infantry 2nd Division, and his LT was 2nd Lt. Samuel T. Williamson the first editor-in-chief of Newsweek magazine. He is buried in Calvery Cemetery in Mt. Olive, IL. Keep up the good work.
My GGF participated in the MA Offensive with the U. S. Army 307th FA - 78th Division, and suffered effects from sulfur mustard gas. Thankfully, he survived to carry on our family line. He enlisted as a non-naturalized Italian immigrant. Thanks for sharing this info!!
My grandfather survived the Muese Argonne. My father and uncle survived WWII. My father fought in the battle of the bulge and was instrumental in blowing up the Remagen bridge. So grateful to our God. Thank you for your history lessons. Will you be covering the civil war?
This is the best episode you’ve had yet. And you’ve had some gems. Thank you for teaching me about this woefully under appreciated piece of American history.
I spent several days around this area last year, including the American cemetery (over 14,000 graves, much larger than the one at Normandy). There is a tremendous monument and observatory on the hilltop where the village of Montfaucon (@4:06, if I'm not mistaken) used to be. It's about eight stories high, with a spiral staircase inside that takes you up to observation balconies at the top looking out in all directions across the countryside, with markings to indicate the battle sites you're seeing. Nearby there's Butte de Vauqois, with its massive mine craters where the Germans and French kept digging underneath each other and blowing each other up, with war debris and bits of orange brick from the destroyed village still scattered everywhere. That's not even counting the main battlefields of Verdun a few miles away. Absolutely fascinating and sobering place to visit.
In memory of my uncle Howard who was wounded by a German sniper in WWI and had a huge scar on his face for the rest of his life. He was a quiet man who didn’t talk much about the war but did finally tell me about what happened to him when I was older.
My grandfather and his brother-in-law (my uncle Don) were in the 42nd Infantry (Rainbow Division) and fought in this and other engagements. They politely, but firmly refused to talk about any of it. I understand that they saw and did some pretty horrendous things and these guys were anything but wimps. (My grandfather was shop foreman for Kaiser Steel and my uncle was a logger).
I know what you mean about the guys not wanting to talk about it. My father fought in Korea and earned a bronze star with a valour insignia. He died in 2001 (not long after 9-11). He only spoke of Korea twice my whole life, once when I was a boy and once right before he died. No matter how much we cajoled him he would just go silent when we asked him about it.
There are some places no one ever wants to go back to, even in memory. The phrase “war is hell” may be almost trite, but it is none the less true for those who experience it.
Really love this channel. The interesting shorts on forgotten experiences is informative and entertaining. As it seems the Korean war is all but skipped over, I humbly request anything you would have to share on this subject.
William Hutchinson Perhaps you need to let the Congressional Medal of Honor Society know that their name is incorrect? The Medal of Honor is awarded by Congress, so one could assume that gives the distinguished group of legislators the right to have the C-word lead off in designating from whom the Medal of Honor is received. It is indeed known as the Congressional Medal of Honor. This has more to do with semantics than history, doesn’t it?
@@johnnyllooddte3415 Its ok. William was just going from what he learned playing video games. And on the disc sleeve the game reads Medal of Honor. It should have had "Congressional" but then there wouldn't have been enough room for the "Not suitable for children under 14". Blame the censors
My granddad was Rupert Powell and he arrived in France in late 1917. I've tried with much difficulty to determine which division and company he was attached to. All I know is he was at Muse Argonne and was wounded by gas attack. He survived the war. Anyone with any knowledge about how to secure information on his war service would be greatly appreciated. This was a great video sir and I enjoy the information you share!
A month ago, I'd never heard of you. Now I find myself watching several of your videos a day. I've loved history for more than 55 years. (Before that, it was dinosaur.) Now that I'm retired, I have time to binge on it. Thanks for your fine work.
Great video! Lately I have been spending a lot of time researching my 2nd-great Uncle who fought with the 79th Division in the third wave of the offensive from October 28th to November 11th.
Good luck with your research. My grandfather was also in it. (When I was a child, he gave me his campaign decoration, that included this battle and St. Mihiel.) He was in the Signal Corp, but I don't know which division.
My great grandfather was nearly killed in this battle on 10-18-18. He was part of 1st Battalion, 58th infantry Regiment. 11 days before he was injured the 58th was supposed to get some rest and this is what was written of them. "From: Denver 1 To: G-l (Copies to G-3 and Dixon 1) Date: 10-7-18 Hour: 9:30 A. M. The 58th Infantry is moving by marching to its rest area. In my opinion no troops in the history of the world have gone through greater grilling than has the troops of the 58th and 59th Infantry in the last three and a half days. Everything that can be done for them should be done for them. There are several little things that can be done for them as follows: (a) Have their mail in the camp for them when they get there. (b) Arrange to have daily papers in the camp for them when they get there. (c) Assist them with transportation as much as it is possible for you to do so. They are simply worn out. (d) Endeavor to get them some fuel so that they can have fire to dry their clothes and warm themselves. (e) Arrange to have clean underclothes and socks there available for them and uniforms if possible. Their uniforms are filthy dirty and should be cleaned up. Please give this matter your personal attention. Denver 1 " Unfortunately the 58th had to be redeployed so they never got that rest. My great grandfather was actually thought be KIA for what injury I have yet to discover partially because he would not speak to the family about what happened to him during the war.
My grandfather was with Co. C, 116th battalion of the 29th Division. Horrible fighting in September 1918. Lots of gas shells used by the Germans and my GF was a casualty.
I'm glad you did a piece about WW1 and the Battle of the Argonne. I've been a WW1 buff since was a boy. There were still old vets walking around and I got to know some of them. You might have mentioned one of the reasons for so many casualties was the swaggering hubris of U.S. troops and their officers early on. I reference this in a fond way. The Sammies were out to show how New World bravery would take objectives Old World armies couldn't. In other words, they made the same mistake Europeans made in 1914--French elan, British fortitude, German Kultur--with the same result. After several months they settled down and learned smart ways to fight by finally absorbing lessons from their allies. Another thing--U.S. troops were seldom in trenches. Most of the fighting took place in fields, gullies, woods and little towns. As I had an old doughboy tell me, most of the marching was done at night because the Germans had artillery zeroed in on various map coordinates; they'd had 3-4 years to get it set.
Thanks for the perspective. I'm visiting the Meuse-Argonne Cemetery with the Boy Scouts to prepare for ceremonies this weekend. My great grandfather was a conscript in the German Army, and he fought in this battle.
Great video! My grandfather was in the 39th Infantry, 4th Division and was in many of the major engagements of this period. He told great stories about the Vesle, Bois de Foret, St. Mihiel, St. Thibaut, etc . I have his regimental history, brigade history (7th) published in Cologne in 1919, his regimental history published in 1919. I also have his helmet (painted with sectors in Germany), spurs, leggings, full dress uniform (now in a museum shadowbox), aluminum dog tags partially melted by gas, and other memorabilia on display in my home. I will be in France retracing his major engagements at the end of October --mid-November this year. On the eve on November 10 I will be in Heudicourt, at the Bois de la Belle Ozieres, where he was encamped in preparation for the planned drive in the direction of Briey, which never occurred. From there, it's off to Paris to see Macron lay a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de'Triomphe on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
At the battle of Belleau Wood, the United States Marine Corps made its charge against advancing Germans. The American Army General in charge of the 5th and 6th Regiments of the Marines fighting in the battle was told by his French counter part to have his men start digging trenches to keep the Germans who had and were going to keep crossing the Marne River from advancing further. Army General Habbord commanding the USMC forces, after being begged and pleaded with to withdraw the Marines or they would all die, told the Marines to "stand their ground" and kill everything that came at them. The Marines routed the German advance and moved ahead. "The Germans dug in along a defensive line from Hill 204, just east of Vaux, to Le Thiolet on the Paris-Metz Highway and northward through Belleau Wood to Torcy" "After Marines were repeatedly urged to turn back by retreating French forces, Marine Captain Lloyd W. Williams of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines uttered the now-famous retort "Retreat? Hell, we just got here". The Battle of Belleau Wood is an integral part of U.S. Marine Corps history.
My history professor this semester used to teach a history class in the 90's at an retirement home and one of her "students" was a ww1 vet that was a doughboy in France.
@@andresbernardino1343 hey buddy pay attention to what I said 2 years ago. I said "my teacher" ok taught a history class to an old folks home ok follow so far? One of those old men she taught was a dough boy in France. Ok still with me? She then told us in the class the stories this gentleman was gracious enough to pass onto her before passing. So don't you ever call me a liar for not understanding what I wrote.
Thank you so much for making this video. The Lost Battalion from Sabaton is one of my favorite songs and I'm surprised how few videos about those men explain their story.. Great job and thanks again!
Thank you for this great educational video.The lesson I learned today provided me with the most significant knowledge of American history I've acquired since college 40 years ago !
It doesn't matter if America entered the first or second wars 'late'. What matters is that they did enter them. Without America, with its man and industrial power, it's pretty certain that the allies would have lost. I think what galls though is the view of some Americans, particularly Hollywood, that the American services almost singlehandedly won both wars. For me, the truth is, without any one of the allies the wars would have been lost.
Chris, I agree with your other points but the Germans tried to knock the British (including Canada, Australia etc) and French out of the war in Spring 1918 - and failed. This was timed to be just before the US entered the war in any numbers and it shows that the Germans couldn't beat Britain et al anyway. Plus the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires were beaten largely without US involvement and (just) before the German armistice. I think that the US WAS the decisive factor (thanks!) in the entente victory over Germany, but if the US hadn't entered the war, the military stalemate on the western front would have continued but the German "homefront" may have collapsed instead (due to the British naval blockade).
It's not certain at ALL that the Entente would've lost - rather, it would've been a bloody stalemate that eventually saw long peace talks like in Korea. There would've been a settlement not advantageous to either side. That's it. The Americans helped them win; not survive.
@@fuzzydunlop7928 the blockade forced the highcommand in to that gamble and even if they did not attack at all in spring of 1918 and we got in to the line in full strength the difference would be only by 11ish or so divisions and the german high command can't afford another year of costly defencive battles like pashendale etc eventually they would have been forced out of france altogether. even if they held out till 1919 when the effects of winning the eastern front came in with fresh supplies there was no will left there to continue the war.
The British and French stopped the Germans 1918 offensive with but a tiny bit of US help. The thing is - if Ludendorff hadn't been the idiot that he was - he would have attacked France - not Britain. Lloyd George had stopped letting replacements cross the channel thinking that would stop the British Commander from getting them killed. What this did though - was to create a giant reserve in Britain all ready to go that were sent right across when the Germans attacked. Thus - the British were able to absorb the German attack. The Attacks Ludendorff sent against the French were diversions designed to keep the French from helping the British - which didn't work as the French did help the British. One of the reasons for that though was that Ludendorff sent his attack against the French into an empty pocket. Where the Germans hit - the French were weak - because - there was no where you could go from there because there was no routes of supply for any troops that went into the pocket - and the French had heavily fortified the point where there were supply routes. So, the French saw where Ludendorff was attacking, shrugged and sent the British help. Now - France had suffered terribly at Verdun and other battles. It's Army had mutinied. It would defend but it refused to attack. The reason the Germans didn't win the war right then and there - was that they didn't believe it. If Ludendorff had hit the French the way he hit the British - France might have collapsed. Since Ludendorff was stupid - we'll never know but France was much more vulnerable to being knocked out of the a war than Britain. The Biggest thing a million American troops did was - ensure the French that - they could not lose. The Second thing it did - was ensure the Germans that they WOULD lose. A million fresh troops - was not something they could resist. France and Britain by themselves - may not have been able to beat Germany. All that land the Communists had ceded to Germany in Poland and the Ukraine - would have been able to feed the Germans and WWI tanks were highly vulnerable to light artillery. The Germans just needed to work out the tactics to employ it. So - yes - the thing that Americans did in WWI - was tilt the Balance irrevocably in favor of the Allies. As to WWII - besides all the troops we sent the US was able to send substantial amounts of Lend Lease to Britain and the USSR. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lend-Lease#US_deliveries_to_the_Soviet_Union The Germans couldn't even supply their own Army - much less any of the nations in their alliance.
My Grandfather served in the 11th Machine Gun Battalion, 4th Army Division in this battle and marched into Germany after the Armistice. Thank you for covering this largely underreported important battle. In 2001 I traveled to Verdun, France and retraced the general area the 4th Division fought. My trip culminated at the American Military Cemetery in Romagne, France. It was incredibly interesting.
Great video, subscribed! Its a shame that this battle is forgotten with American culture to some degree. Here in Australia, Gallipoli practically forged our concept of 'mateship', I think you may find it interesting :)
facehighfive indeed but americans have operation overlord/neptune in normandy as their most memorable operation, remember they did not have any real motivation to fight there, in ww2 you had hitler executing millions of innocent people and german submarines in the caribbean
@Bruce Parkes Visited Hamel in October, along with other WWI battlefields where my great grandfather and great uncle fought as part of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Actually Hamel was a battle organised by Australian General John Monash who had Americans under his command. He set the day of battle as July 4 1918 in their honour. When Pershing found out that the Americans were to be included in an offensive action rather than just getting some trench experience with the Australians, he demanded that they be withdrawn. Monash told his superior, the commander of the British 4th army, 'no Americans, no battle'. So the troops in the front line went in, although their reserves were held back. Monash's battle plan was a brilliant set piece co-ordinating artillery, infantry tanks and aircraft. The latter were used to drop supplies to the advancing troops. Monash was an engineer by profession, not a soldier and organised battles like an engineer planning a major construction project. The battle was planned to take 90 minutes. It took 93. Monash praised the performance of the Americans, and no doubt Pershing was surprised when people began congratulating him, but was in no position to complain. The American flag flies alongside the Australian on the monument at the top o the hill, where remnants of the German trenches remain. Monash's innovative tactics were repeated on a larger scale at the battle of Amiens, August 8 1918, which was spearheaded by the Australian and Canadian Corps and advanced 8 miles on the first day. Ludendorff called August 8 the black day of the German army. It began the 100 day advance of the British armies which ended with the armistice.
@18tangles I think it was more than a company but I would have to check. In their enthusiasm some Americans got too far ahead too fast and suffered casualties from their own creeping barrage. Their inexperience meant that they did not make sure all the Germans were cleared from forward trenches they took before moving on, and so took fire from behind.
I love it when I search the internet for info on a particular battle and a podcast from The History Guy is in the results... it's always my first choice.
One word "PHEEE-NOMINAL". Well done sir.very descriptive and yet unbiased. And covered alot of ground in a short time. Perfect history lesson. On a specific topic.
Thank you for this informative history lesson. On September 27th 1918 my great Uncle Pvt. Claude Dallas Fleming who was a member of the 139th infantry company L died in battle. He was a member of National Guard solder from Missouri.
@@dennismartin5821 The actions that led to him receiving the Medal of Honor have been confirmed by evidence found on the battlefield. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvin_York
@@raydunakin Did they find any evidence on the battlefield proving that he wasn't a blow hard, and a out right opportunist? I live not far from where he did, and know many of his relatives. My Grandfather was also in the Great War, and didn't ever speak very highly of Mr. York. Much like Mr. York's own family. Sir I would highly advice knowing what it is, that you are supposed to be talking about, before you go out talking about it. In York's day they called it "telling tales, out of school." One will find that York himself told many tales "out of school."
@@dennismartin5821 It's possible the tales you've been told are true, but it's also possible you've been fed some "tales out of school" by people who have some ax to grind. Personally I put more trust in historians than in random people on the internet.
@@raydunakin That's fine man. He was from an area called Pall Mall in Fentress county TN. My Grandfather and Cordell Hull were second cousins. Hull was a State Rep. during the war, and he pulled the strings behind alot of the Alvin York hype. I mean just look at that movie, and tell me that's not straight propaganda. You can believe whatever you want, man.
This was good. Thanks! I am currently studying WWI for my college class, and this video helped me to really understand the significance of the Meuse Argonne battle.
As always, you've done an excellent job. I hope there is, or will be, an expanded version. I think there is plenty more history from that battle that deserves to be remembered.
I recently found a gold mine of info on the formation & movements of the WWI 36th Division. Based on "Panthers to Arrowheads" & sponsored online by the The Texas Military Forces Museum.. LINK ARCHIVE... then ... History of the 36th Division. IT'S ALL THERE.
Since there's not as much on The Great War, it was nice to have seen, "They Shall Not Grow Old" at the movie theater's. There were a lot of elderly people who may have had grandparents in the war. It being in 3D was a bonus as well. Great film.
If you ever get to Verdun Region of France, go to the little village of Malancourt. It is in a little valley. If you look north from the Center of town, it rises up. In WWI, the rise was lined by German machine Gunners. By the time the 79th made it to village, only the NCOs were left. All the officers were wounded or killed. The NCOs of the 79th led the Soldiers (in that area of France, they call us "Sammies" after Uncle Sam) it to the German nests under withering fire, and took the positions.
Just two things At 4:00, it shows footage of an Austrian Hungarian soldier, not a German one At 4:06 for some reason it shows Japanese troops with the hinomaru flag, while the dialogue is about frenchmen
I noticed that too haha. I wonder if he puts these videos together on his own or if he has a team helping him. If it's a team of people who don't know any better that might explain the mistakes.
It looks like footage from the Battle Khalkin Gol as the Soviets called it (the Nomanhan Incident by the Japanese) in 1939 on the Manchurian/Mongolian border. Not too many people are aware of it. It would be a good subject for the History Guy to do a video on it.
My Great Uncle was killed in the offensive. He was in the 77th Division, E Company, 308th Infantry. Part of his company was part of the infamous “Lost Battalion” incident. He for some reason was not caught in the pocket. He survived the Argonne Forest and was killed in the assault on Saint Juvin on October 15, 1018. I’m in France right now retracing his path to mortality. The stories of sacrifice and suffering are lost on today’s generation. Having walked the battle fields in peace and in beautiful weather only makes me appreciate the sacrifice of this generation even more. This Great War was beyond scale and the relatively short duration of U.S. involvement measured against losses only further emphasizes this great sacrifice. Walking the impressive cemetery in Romagne Montfaucon will nearly bring you to tears. With the state of our media today, the 100 year anniversary of this great sacrifice will only get a minute of time. Freedom is costly and this generation should always be remembered.
Good eye! If I remember correctly Germany had made some expansion around the pacific in hope of staying competition with France, and Britain. Japan had a treaty with Britain and made good on the deal while at the same time solving a problem closer to home. I think at first they sent military observers and officers. It is almost funny how things continuously flip flop through history.
Very instructive presentation of the U.S. contribution to ending the war. I read a quote little of which I can recall, but its’ core point was that if there was a battle and you were the only soldier killed, your side suffered the worst possible loss.
Excellent video my grandfather's uncle was an artillery man during this battle. He was a Polish immigrant & he was proud to serve in the US Army & saw it as a chance to prove he was an American.
My grandfather and great uncle were there...My great uncle John Foley was gassed at Verdun and died in a military hospital in San Fran a couple of years later-I have a letter written in pencil from him from a hotel? in Paris 1918---
Excellent Video, and lesson! My granddad was over there with the Engineers from Connecticut. He, like other veterans in my family, didn't talk much about that War. This part of US History shouldn't be glossed over, because it defined a generation both here and in Europe.
Grandpa was an Army Engineer..wounded at Chateau Thierry..he was bald as a cue ball..he said all his hair fell out when he was gassed and it never grew back..He was quite a joker, I often wonder if he was pulling my leg..
My grandfather was one of five men who survived from his original training group. the rest were wiped out when a shell hit their trench in this battle. HE walked away with the buttons on his uniform shorn off by the shrapnel.He was with the Red Arrows, 128th Infantry. Suffered from PTSD for most of his life after that but came back to have three kids and go on to serve in the CB's in the Aleutians in WWII. God bless the man, but I miss him.
As a Brit, I would say that the threat of American forces that were due to arrive in 1919 in WW1 was decisive in forcing the Central Powers to surrender. In WW2, the USA was able to neutralize Japan. The USA allowed the Western allies to invade Europe, destroy the Nazis, and stop the Red Army from advancing further West. Not bad. Thanks to you, from the UK. I'm not old enough to remember, but my aunt was. She met Canadians and Yanks who came to Britain to fight. My Dad saw dogfights over London. They loved to see them.
Neil--My grandfather and great uncle were there and at Verdun! My g-uncle died from a mustard gas attack in a hospital in San Fran years later-Thanks for remembering------
Yes yes the history guy. Such sadness that we have history like this but as always it deserves to be remembered. I love history and study physchology and social science in college. I hope one day i can teach history to a bunch of people that are as interested in it as i am. Like you!
Anywhere I can find a book of the 18th US Infantry Company E and the battles they fought? My grandfathers discharge said he fought at Montdidier-Noyon Aisne-Marne St. Mihiel Meuse-Argonne Lorraine 1917 Lorraine 1918 Picardy 1918
I never heard of the Meuse Argonne. Thank you for making this video. My grandfather singed a World war 1 draft card in 1917, though he never actually enlisted.
Hi! I'm new to your channel and I got to say great video! I do have one question, however, and please note I'm not trying to contradict you as I seriously don't know or thought I knew. How large was the Battle of Normandy/Operation Overlord in 1944? I previously thought that was the largest/deadliest battle fought by the American army. Again, great video!
Stefanos Nickoloff that is a fair question. Part of the issue is whether Operation Overlord is seen as a single battle. Still, overall there were less than a million US forces involved in Operation Overlord, while 1.2 million were involved in the Meuse Argonne offensive.
Great video! My great great Grandfather fought in that Battle. Are there any resources that I can find about what his specific company did during the battle? Co A, 323rd Inf, 81st Division.
Jake Weston I agree. Early on in the channel I was focused on trying to stay short- closer to five minutes- and that was too short to tell the whole story here. I might do a revised version.
I love how so many, especially Europeans, bristle at the idea that the US "saved their butts", in both WW I & WW II. Their claim is that we "came late". It is also interesting that so many, again largely Europeans, claim that the US government/ US in general is a "war-mongering nation". Despite being an isolationist nation before WW I & WW II. Then shouldering the majority of Western Europe's and Asia's defense during the Cold War. Only to be labeled "Imperialist American's" or worse, while entitled/socialist Europeans's marched in protest to the USA, then enjoying month long holidays on the Mediterranean. OUR 'bristling" at these criticisms must be obviously justifiable. No American should EVER apologize for being the last to join the fight instigated by tyrants and monarchies, then finishing those fights, especially when we were ourselves attacked. Our legacy is not love of war but willingness to forgive and rebuild. Just study the Marshall plan if you know nothing about American character.
VALHALLAXE - not every European thinks of America and Americans this way. You're falling into the same trap you claim for 'Europeans' in general. Once you categorise entire peoples by the actions and words of smaller groups you invite the same kind of broadbrush comparisons you bridle against. Also, I'm neither entitled nor socialist, I never marched in protest against the USA and (unfortunately) I've never been in the position to enjoy month-long holidays in the Mediterranean:) But as a US Marine General once said 'War is a Racket' - yes, be proud of your nations contribution (I am! - and grateful) but don't be blind to other, perhaps less inspiring (but more fiscally rewarding) reasons for US intervention?
Val Hallaxe - Good points that are often overlooked and rarely recognized by historians - however , the charge of US as War-Mongering nation which was untrue in the 20th century is now a self-evident fact since 2000 . The current US military and foreign policy is a belligerent , aggressive , unlawful colonial World occupation army - that does not serve the interests of the American people or humanity .
Roy Perkins - I am not anti-America . I love USA and because I care I call a spade a spade . You forget [ or maybe never knew ] that the US is only in Iraq and Afghanistan because we invaded both of those countries . Both on grounds that proved later to be errors and downright lies from the Bush administration - neither country was connected to 9/11 , there were no WMD;s , never were , OBL was not hiding in a super cave-fortress , never was . American soldiers died in these false-flag wars , American money was wasted . I agree with you about the Liberals destroying Democracy , you should be aware though that there are Globalist/NWO Zionist puppets in all the parties .
@@gosforthlad As a veteran of Afghanistan I tend to agree with most of what you are saying. The New Deal is what led to the great expansion of the Fed, and ultimately the modern Military Industrial Complex, what a colossal failure our government is today, near inescapable debt, meanwhile they blow tax dollars to study the effects of cocaine on geese I think it was... what a gdamn waste... but sure, let's just keep feeding them $$$ and electing the same family names and expecting some sort of dramatic shift back to sanity and reason.
@@gosforthlad We are not war mongering if you trade freely and give us your resources we will not kill you. Then again if you attack one of our largest cities in a cowardly manner killing many thousands of innocents then you will die along with many of your kind.
My granddad, born in 1894, was also in this campaign, however I never heard him speak of it in all my life before he died. We only have some photos of him from his army days in 1917 - 18 from training and in france. I believe he was so traumatized by the senseless killing on such a scale that he wanted nothing more to do with it. one of My grandmothers most prized possessions was a portrait of him in his doughboy uniform taken before he shipped out for france, given to her when they were engaged. they were married in 1919 after he returned. One of the lucky ones!
Great video. Thanks. My grandfather was a cannoneer with the 18th Field Artillery Battery C. I have his original certificate which lists all the battles he was in.
BP444 - Your comment is so moving. I am the grandson of a Canadian WW1 and 2 vet. His 3 brothers were all over. He was just amazed- and saddened when on a hot day in August, he recalled a memory. His Question, was Why? Why did all 4 come home and so many never did. I realize now, I was his age - or close to it, that summer. I never asked him about it. I just listened. I sit here weeping and just wish you well. We will not forget them.
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Many may find this hard to believe, but my Uncle Ernest was killed in this offensive 99 years ago. Astonishing, yes. My Grandfather was nearly 45 when my father was born and my dad was 45 when I was born. I am now 74. My uncle, a machine gunner is buried at Meuse-Argonne Cemetery in France.
Much respect to your Uncle.
I have a similar story my grandfather inlisted 1914 aged 40 had my dad aged 53 I never knew him he died 1950
+BushPilot444: Why would we find it “hard to believe” ? Please explain your statement...
BushPilot444
Well your uncle Ernest was a bad ass if he was in the Meuse-Argonne, RIP to him👏👏👏👍👍👍
My father was in this battle. He got shot twice and was later awarded two medals for valor, from the French government. I'm only 64, but our dad was born in 1899, and I'm the last of the kids from his second marriage. He went on to become the founder & 1st Post Commander of two different VFW's, one in North Dakota and one in Minnesota. He died in 1975, about a month before his 76th birthday.
My good friend Lindsey Ralph was a medic in the U.S. Army who was at the battle of the Meuse Argonne. I am a Vietnam vet, and he was a WW1 vet. We had a lot in common, and had many good conversations. He was in his late 90s back then, and still sharp as a tack.
Before they cry out for their mother, before they cry out for God, they cry out for me. I will always come for them... Fellow 68W.
Different place. Different times
Same you know what. God bless.
I have a BA in history and had many fine teachers. However, I wish they could have been succinct like you are. You explain complicated, overarching concepts in a very clear way. Kudos to you! (I will be visiting some of these sites this summer, particularly Belleau Wood. Can't wait.)
Kevin Sadaj How did your visit go Kevin? Gary UK.
Z
I agree. Need more teachers who can explain complicated subject matter in a brief understandable manner. History not remembered will be repeated, because lazy and ignorance tends to follow similar thought patterns. Your history is taught in a memorable format. Thank You Sir and your wife I understands helps you. Bless you Both.
Can a person find work with a degree like that?
@@michaelsmith8028 BA History. Now a retired civil engineer. That should answer your question.
One of older guys in our town had been a Red Cross Driver in WW 1 from 1914 to 1918. He never talked about it. When he died they found a diary which he wrote down everyday. The horrors and terrible things he saw and come across WAS incredible. He was a hero saving many soldiers and civilians risking his life. He was wounded several times and gassed several times.
Thank you! My g-grandfather (Edward C. Quick, 313th Infantry) was wounded in this battle. It changed him forever. Thank you for preserving our history, especially this largely forgotten part of it!
I have been to the American Meuse Argonne Cemetery. It was very sobering and I will never forget it.
From France : very interesting point of view, well supported by figures. Pity there are so few viewers. The French and British (and Canadians and all those who fought on the Western front since 1914) could argue that, due to their colossal sacrifices in the first three years, the German army in 1918 was not quite it was at the beginning. Anyway, the sacrifices and also the gallantry of the Yankees have to be remembered. In France the famous American battles of WWI are Bois Belleau and St Mihiel, maybe you could elaborate on these specific combat areas.
And to conclude, in June 2018, my family will gather in Northern France to commemorate the death of NCO Bruge, my great grandfather, a professional soldier that died in the last German offensive after four years of hell, leaving two orphans and a widow. May his soul be at rest, as well as those of the dead from other nations.
RemzofFrance I agree. The American sacrifice cannot be forgotten, but it doesn't compare to that of France or Britain or Italy.
And yes, I plan to do more episodes on the Great War.
Thank you for watching!
I think we shouldn't Forget All the soldiers on both sides who gave the ultimate sacrifice. It was the Aristcratic inbreeders of All those nations, particularly russian, british, german, austrian, and ultimately Serbian royals that led to this stupid conflict, that has led to ALL problems in the world today. But to be quite honest, the black hand of Serbia and serbian militarism is the one to blame, if it wasn't for there longing of a United Slavic nation or sphere there would have been no war, they should have had to pay the highest price for War! They should have been hit with the treaty of Versailles
@@rickmoreno6858 no, austria. The black hand was a small terrorist group. Austria were the ones who used it as a feeble excuse to invade a country with strong defence treaties knowing it could domino the way it did and being stupid enough to thibk they could avoid it, and Germany's fault for not just letting austria collapse under its own mistakes
@@TP-tc7vp so the soon to be king was killed on Austrian territory And your telling me that austria had no justification for war. Are you serious? How the hell, do you figure they had no justification for war?
I think the important item to realize here besides the most lethal battle for the American Army is that 1.5 Million Americans tipped the balance between the Allies and Germany. The Americans did not win the war, BUT they certainly helped the Allies to finally win the war and for that and the 25K killed in this battle alone not forgetting the other 90K Americans that died in WW1. A good question is would the Allies had won the war if America had not came into it? That is a question that nobody can really answer. France, England, and Germany after 4 years of hell were all on their last legs, who would have folded first. I know the 115K American deaths are just a drop in the bucket compared to all the other countries but they died fighting for freedom as they saw it.
One of my uncles fought in WW1 and suffered from Mustard gas, he died before I was born. Heck my father was a baby during WW1 and he was 41 when I was born.
The very BEST thing about "The History Guy" channel, is that most of the people who watch the episodes actually know something about history. You don't get all the inane comments that you see elsewhere.
Yes, daffodils and other narcissus are beautiful. So are hyacinth, but where I live they are early spring flowers. So, inane for the wrong reason.
@@HemlockRidge Keep it relevant. Plant poppies.
@@jameshorn270 Poppies bloom around July here
@@jameshorn270 I do see what you did there
@@jameshorn270 Very good response! And I do get it! XD
My father in law survived this and a troop train wreck in France. He lived to be 93. Thanks for the video.
How old is he
@@kamikazekyre6101was 93
@a-_- Wow thats crazy. I just found out my grandmpas uncle died in this battle on Oct. 16 1918. He was an Italian immigrant who signed up to fight for America and was promised naturalization when he came back to New York. His wife was still in Abruzzi Italy and he was supposed to bring her over when he came home. Never happened. He died in this theatre and was buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in Northern France.
Thank you for this post! My grandfather's name was Irvin Lawrence. He fought in that battle and there's a buck private he was made in charge of his company because everyone above and was dead. And it's 70 is a girl came with the tape recorder and ask him as a school project about his battle. All I could do was cry. I can't tell you how proud of my grandfather I am.
And everyone of those who died was once someones the pride and joy. The fear and loneliness many must have felt in those last moments. God bless them all.
No one knows the last moments of a soldiers life on a battlefield except sometimes the soldiers beside them and even then if they are lost there is no one to share the story of how they died. There are no goodbyes only the past memories and grief of not knowing. The fallen become history that others honor and ponder on.
My grandfather, Lt. (later Capt.) George Benjamin Faulder Jr., was a surgeon with the 6th Evacuation Hospital during the Meuse-Argonne Campaign. I honor his memory.
My great-grandfather served as a lieutenant or captain in the famed, "Rainbow Division" during WW1. I haven't researched the division or what he did during the war much but I do know that he did get the purple heart and he did survive WW1 mentally scared. At night he'd have terrible nightmares that he was back on the front in France along with terrible panic attacks. I even think that when my grandfather was a kid he'd get terrorized by hearing and/or seeing his father like that, although I don't know. I just wanted to share the little I know about my ancestor who fought in the "War to End All Wars".
42nd Infantry Division, the Rainbow Division lost approximately 2/3 of their personnel. That is why is 1/3 of a 🌈 on the patch. New York Army National Guard.
@@RS-jh2kl New Jersey National Guard for awhile too.
My grandfather fought in the Muesse Argonne and was wounded. He was in the 35th Infantry Division.We have a little memorial to him at the WWI Museum in Kansas City.
My grandfather was there early morning of September 26 at the start of the offensive: Company M, 361st Inf. Reg., 181st Battalion, 91st Division. I have his journal, in Swedish, describing the events of the day including the horrific effects of the artillery barrage on the Germans. He was wounded and spent the night of the 26th in the forest among the wounded, dying, and dead. He shared some of his wartime experiences but never said much about the actual battle, death, and destruction he witnessed. I plan to visit the battlefield on the 100th anniversary on September 26th.
Wow, My grandad fought with the 18th US infantry. He was gassed, burned up a water cooled a machine gun, was involved in hand to hand combat and was captured. He escaped to fight again and lost a lung due to more gas. He received the Purple Heart and Silver Star. He died before I was born but stories told of him was he would change the subject on the horrors he saw.
robost
Hats off to your grandfather and all the other men who were in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, on both sides, that was a knock down drag out fight if there ever was one, I'm glad I got my military service in without having to go through a nightmare like that, but they're all at peace now, your grandfather and all the rest.
Wow. I love these stories about you people's grandfathers. Thank you.
My grandfather was a motorcycle currier, he received a stomach wound in this battle and crawled back to the Allied lines 3 days later.
@@JohnP538 Cavalry men are horse curriers. What kind of comb is used for motorcycles??(JOKE!!)
My maternal grandfather fought at the Meuse Argonne. He killed himself in 1940, fourteen years before my birth. My grandmother told me that he'd listen to the news on the radio around the time of the fall of France, uttering "that god damn Hitler, that god damn Hitler". He already knew what was yet to come. Of course he would have been too old to serve by then, but his experiences had burned a hole in him. I am so sorry that I never met him.
My great uncle was severely wounded in this battle eventually dying of his wounds in 1920 at Walter Reed Hospital
Ray Nagel I am sorry for your loss.
My great uncle was also wounded in this battle and died when the Spanish Flu went through the British hospital he was recuperating in. He was the son of a German immigrant.
Ray Nagel
My great uncle was wounded just hours before the armistice took effect and died from disease six weeks later in Italy.
Good grief after reading this grim thread ...war really is hell...
@@BonyFingers1969 Indeed
My grandfather, PFC Harry George Greaves was a young combat engineer with the 4th Infantry Division, and a participant in this battle, among others. Thankfully, he made it home in one piece. Thanks for reminding us of this remarkable chapter in American military history.
My father fought in that battle, 131st infantry, company A.
aneimn more than a million Americans did. Heroes all.
How old are you 😂
@@Wahatoyas 87
@Clinton Lewis great 👍
THANKS SO MUCH to your Daddy and ALL that sacrificed their lives for us! For America 🇺🇸!!!
I’m SO SAD and embarrassed that
SO MANY have taken advantage of their lives… their deaths… and their sacrifices!
God Bless You and your family!!!
You always get an enthusiastic "thumbs up" from me, History Guy. Keep up the good work. You are, by far, the best Historical bang for the Patreon buck. Thank you for the immense amount of research and preparation that brings your pinches of historical salt to my (our?) day.
The saying those who don’t know their history are bound to repeat it. I’ve learned more from your videos than any history classes I’ve taken. I appreciate that your view is not skewed to fit an agenda. You have made me a history buff. Thank you
My distant uncle died in this battle his name was James Nathaniel Bond dies October 25th 1918
I guess he was more than just shaken and stirred.
@@johnanon6938 you seem like a pun and reference guy Ie not funny or clever
My dad's uncle died in this battle on 10-03-1918. He was in Company K 9th infantry 2nd Division, and his LT was 2nd Lt. Samuel T. Williamson the first editor-in-chief of Newsweek magazine. He is buried in Calvery Cemetery in Mt. Olive, IL. Keep up the good work.
My GGF participated in the MA Offensive with the U. S. Army 307th FA - 78th Division, and suffered effects from sulfur mustard gas. Thankfully, he survived to carry on our family line. He enlisted as a non-naturalized Italian immigrant. Thanks for sharing this info!!
Thanks for teaching us about so many young men who gave their lives but fail to be adequately remembered.
my grandfather was a muleskinner in the battle. 19 year old farm boy.
My grandfather was a caisson driver, yep, a mule skinner...
My grandfather survived the Muese Argonne. My father and uncle survived WWII. My father fought in the battle of the bulge and was instrumental in blowing up the Remagen bridge. So grateful to our God. Thank you for your history lessons. Will you be covering the civil war?
This is the best episode you’ve had yet. And you’ve had some gems. Thank you for teaching me about this woefully under appreciated piece of American history.
I spent several days around this area last year, including the American cemetery (over 14,000 graves, much larger than the one at Normandy). There is a tremendous monument and observatory on the hilltop where the village of Montfaucon (@4:06, if I'm not mistaken) used to be. It's about eight stories high, with a spiral staircase inside that takes you up to observation balconies at the top looking out in all directions across the countryside, with markings to indicate the battle sites you're seeing. Nearby there's Butte de Vauqois, with its massive mine craters where the Germans and French kept digging underneath each other and blowing each other up, with war debris and bits of orange brick from the destroyed village still scattered everywhere. That's not even counting the main battlefields of Verdun a few miles away. Absolutely fascinating and sobering place to visit.
This is hands down one of the best channels on TH-cam
In memory of my uncle Howard who was wounded by a German sniper in WWI and had a huge scar on his face for the rest of his life. He was a quiet man who didn’t talk much about the war but did finally tell me about what happened to him when I was older.
My grandfather and his brother-in-law (my uncle Don) were in the 42nd Infantry (Rainbow Division) and fought in this and other engagements. They politely, but firmly refused to talk about any of it. I understand that they saw and did some pretty horrendous things and these guys were anything but wimps. (My grandfather was shop foreman for Kaiser Steel and my uncle was a logger).
I know what you mean about the guys not wanting to talk about it. My father fought in Korea and earned a bronze star with a valour insignia. He died in 2001 (not long after 9-11). He only spoke of Korea twice my whole life, once when I was a boy and once right before he died. No matter how much we cajoled him he would just go silent when we asked him about it.
There are some places no one ever wants to go back to, even in memory. The phrase “war is hell” may be almost trite, but it is none the less true for those who experience it.
Just me my father served in the 42nd also. During WW2 captured in France during the battle of the bulge.May God bless all of our service people.
My uncle Dan fought with the Rainbow division as well.
42nd div.?. Wasn't Douglas Mac Arthur's Division?.
Really love this channel. The interesting shorts on forgotten experiences is informative and entertaining. As it seems the Korean war is all but skipped over, I humbly request anything you would have to share on this subject.
This is also the battle that Alvin York and Samuel Woodfill (I believe) committed acts that earned them The Congressional Medal Of Honor.
Yep, October 8, 1918, it will be 100 years for the action that would see Alvin York receive the Medal of Honor.
My grandfather knew York.
William Hutchinson
Perhaps you need to let the Congressional Medal of Honor Society know that their name is incorrect? The Medal of Honor is awarded by Congress, so one could assume that gives the distinguished group of legislators the right to have the C-word lead off in designating from whom the Medal of Honor is received. It is indeed known as the Congressional Medal of Honor. This has more to do with semantics than history, doesn’t it?
@William Hutchinson youre an idiot
@@johnnyllooddte3415 Its ok. William was just going from what he learned playing video games. And on the disc sleeve the game reads Medal of Honor. It should have had "Congressional" but then there wouldn't have been enough room for the "Not suitable for children under 14". Blame the censors
My granddad was Rupert Powell and he arrived in France in late 1917. I've tried with much difficulty to determine which division and company he was attached to. All I know is he was at Muse Argonne and was wounded by gas attack. He survived the war. Anyone with any knowledge about how to secure information on his war service would be greatly appreciated. This was a great video sir and I enjoy the information you share!
I would love to hear about the Marines who also served in france and are mainly remembered for their action in Belleau Wood.
A month ago, I'd never heard of you. Now I find myself watching several of your videos a day. I've loved history for more than 55 years. (Before that, it was dinosaur.) Now that I'm retired, I have time to binge on it. Thanks for your fine work.
Great video! Lately I have been spending a lot of time researching my 2nd-great Uncle who fought with the 79th Division in the third wave of the offensive from October 28th to November 11th.
Good luck with your research. My grandfather was also in it. (When I was a child, he gave me his campaign decoration, that included this battle and St. Mihiel.) He was in the Signal Corp, but I don't know which division.
GeneaVlogger ob
My great grandfather was nearly killed in this battle on 10-18-18. He was part of 1st Battalion, 58th infantry Regiment. 11 days before he was injured the 58th was supposed to get some rest and this is what was written of them.
"From: Denver 1
To: G-l (Copies to G-3 and Dixon 1)
Date: 10-7-18 Hour: 9:30 A. M.
The 58th Infantry is moving by marching to its rest area. In my opinion no troops in the history of the world have gone through greater grilling than has the troops of the 58th and 59th Infantry in the last three and a half days. Everything that can be done for them should be done for them. There are several little things that can be done for them as follows:
(a) Have their mail in the camp for them when they get there.
(b) Arrange to have daily papers in the camp for them when they get there.
(c) Assist them with transportation as much as it is possible for you to do so. They are simply worn out.
(d) Endeavor to get them some fuel so that they can have fire to dry their clothes and warm themselves.
(e) Arrange to have clean underclothes and socks there available for them and uniforms if possible. Their uniforms are filthy dirty and should be cleaned up.
Please give this matter your personal attention.
Denver 1 "
Unfortunately the 58th had to be redeployed so they never got that rest. My great grandfather was actually thought be KIA for what injury I have yet to discover partially because he would not speak to the family about what happened to him during the war.
My grandfather was with Co. C, 116th battalion of the 29th Division. Horrible fighting in September 1918. Lots of gas shells used by the Germans and my GF was a casualty.
I'm glad you did a piece about WW1 and the Battle of the Argonne. I've been a WW1 buff since was a boy. There were still old vets walking around and I got to know some of them. You might have mentioned one of the reasons for so many casualties was the swaggering hubris of U.S. troops and their officers early on. I reference this in a fond way. The Sammies were out to show how New World bravery would take objectives Old World armies couldn't. In other words, they made the same mistake Europeans made in 1914--French elan, British fortitude, German Kultur--with the same result. After several months they settled down and learned smart ways to fight by finally absorbing lessons from their allies. Another thing--U.S. troops were seldom in trenches. Most of the fighting took place in fields, gullies, woods and little towns. As I had an old doughboy tell me, most of the marching was done at night because the Germans had artillery zeroed in on various map coordinates; they'd had 3-4 years to get it set.
My grandfather, William A. Anderton, was a Private in the 77th Division, and fought in the Meuse-Argonne.
Thanks for the perspective. I'm visiting the Meuse-Argonne Cemetery with the Boy Scouts to prepare for ceremonies this weekend. My great grandfather was a conscript in the German Army, and he fought in this battle.
Respect for you honoring your grandfather.
Great video! My grandfather was in the 39th Infantry, 4th Division and was in many of the major engagements of this period. He told great stories about the Vesle, Bois de Foret, St. Mihiel, St. Thibaut, etc . I have his regimental history, brigade history (7th) published in Cologne in 1919, his regimental history published in 1919. I also have his helmet (painted with sectors in Germany), spurs, leggings, full dress uniform (now in a museum shadowbox), aluminum dog tags partially melted by gas, and other memorabilia on display in my home. I will be in France retracing his major engagements at the end of October --mid-November this year. On the eve on November 10 I will be in Heudicourt, at the Bois de la Belle Ozieres, where he was encamped in preparation for the planned drive in the direction of Briey, which never occurred. From there, it's off to Paris to see Macron lay a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de'Triomphe on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
At the battle of Belleau Wood, the United States Marine Corps made its charge against advancing Germans. The American Army General in charge of the 5th and 6th Regiments of the Marines fighting in the battle was told by his French counter part to have his men start digging trenches to keep the Germans who had and were going to keep crossing the Marne River from advancing further. Army General Habbord commanding the USMC forces, after being begged and pleaded with to withdraw the Marines or they would all die, told the Marines to "stand their ground" and kill everything that came at them. The Marines routed the German advance and moved ahead. "The Germans dug in along a defensive line from Hill 204, just east of Vaux, to Le Thiolet on the Paris-Metz Highway and northward through Belleau Wood to Torcy" "After Marines were repeatedly urged to turn back by retreating French forces, Marine Captain Lloyd W. Williams of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines uttered the now-famous retort "Retreat? Hell, we just got here".
The Battle of Belleau Wood is an integral part of U.S. Marine Corps history.
My grandmother's oldest brother died there on 24 OCT 1918. He was originally buried there but was brought home and buried in Arlington in 1921.
My history professor this semester used to teach a history class in the 90's at an retirement home and one of her "students" was a ww1 vet that was a doughboy in France.
Your lying bro no woman fought as a Doughboy and she was a student ha uou gake
@@andresbernardino1343 hey buddy pay attention to what I said 2 years ago. I said "my teacher" ok taught a history class to an old folks home ok follow so far? One of those old men she taught was a dough boy in France. Ok still with me? She then told us in the class the stories this gentleman was gracious enough to pass onto her before passing. So don't you ever call me a liar for not understanding what I wrote.
Ohh makes sense when I read slower with more detail
Thank you so much for making this video. The Lost Battalion from Sabaton is one of my favorite songs and I'm surprised how few videos about those men explain their story.. Great job and thanks again!
Agree. As Europeans we owe the Americans so much for helping us against the tyranny we experienced.
Thank you for this great educational video.The lesson I learned today provided me with the most significant knowledge of American history I've acquired since college 40 years ago !
It doesn't matter if America entered the first or second wars 'late'. What matters is that they did enter them. Without America, with its man and industrial power, it's pretty certain that the allies would have lost. I think what galls though is the view of some Americans, particularly Hollywood, that the American services almost singlehandedly won both wars. For me, the truth is, without any one of the allies the wars would have been lost.
Chris, I agree with your other points but the Germans tried to knock the British (including Canada, Australia etc) and French out of the war in Spring 1918 - and failed. This was timed to be just before the US entered the war in any numbers and it shows that the Germans couldn't beat Britain et al anyway. Plus the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires were beaten largely without US involvement and (just) before the German armistice.
I think that the US WAS the decisive factor (thanks!) in the entente victory over Germany, but if the US hadn't entered the war, the military stalemate on the western front would have continued but the German "homefront" may have collapsed instead (due to the British naval blockade).
It's not certain at ALL that the Entente would've lost - rather, it would've been a bloody stalemate that eventually saw long peace talks like in Korea. There would've been a settlement not advantageous to either side. That's it. The Americans helped them win; not survive.
@@fuzzydunlop7928 the blockade forced the highcommand in to that gamble and even if they did not attack at all in spring of 1918 and we got in to the line in full strength the difference would be only by 11ish or so divisions and the german high command can't afford another year of costly defencive battles like pashendale etc eventually they would have been forced out of france altogether. even if they held out till 1919 when the effects of winning the eastern front came in with fresh supplies there was no will left there to continue the war.
but don't tell the Americans that .... they will not understand.
The British and French stopped the Germans 1918 offensive with but a tiny bit of US help. The thing is - if Ludendorff hadn't been the idiot that he was - he would have attacked France - not Britain. Lloyd George had stopped letting replacements cross the channel thinking that would stop the British Commander from getting them killed. What this did though - was to create a giant reserve in Britain all ready to go that were sent right across when the Germans attacked. Thus - the British were able to absorb the German attack.
The Attacks Ludendorff sent against the French were diversions designed to keep the French from helping the British - which didn't work as the French did help the British. One of the reasons for that though was that Ludendorff sent his attack against the French into an empty pocket. Where the Germans hit - the French were weak - because - there was no where you could go from there because there was no routes of supply for any troops that went into the pocket - and the French had heavily fortified the point where there were supply routes. So, the French saw where Ludendorff was attacking, shrugged and sent the British help.
Now - France had suffered terribly at Verdun and other battles. It's Army had mutinied. It would defend but it refused to attack. The reason the Germans didn't win the war right then and there - was that they didn't believe it. If Ludendorff had hit the French the way he hit the British - France might have collapsed. Since Ludendorff was stupid - we'll never know but France was much more vulnerable to being knocked out of the a war than Britain.
The Biggest thing a million American troops did was - ensure the French that - they could not lose. The Second thing it did - was ensure the Germans that they WOULD lose. A million fresh troops - was not something they could resist.
France and Britain by themselves - may not have been able to beat Germany. All that land the Communists had ceded to Germany in Poland and the Ukraine - would have been able to feed the Germans and WWI tanks were highly vulnerable to light artillery. The Germans just needed to work out the tactics to employ it. So - yes - the thing that Americans did in WWI - was tilt the Balance irrevocably in favor of the Allies.
As to WWII - besides all the troops we sent the US was able to send substantial amounts of Lend Lease to Britain and the USSR.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lend-Lease#US_deliveries_to_the_Soviet_Union
The Germans couldn't even supply their own Army - much less any of the nations in their alliance.
My Grandfather served in the 11th Machine Gun Battalion, 4th Army Division in this battle and marched into Germany after the Armistice. Thank you for covering this largely underreported important battle. In 2001 I traveled to Verdun, France and retraced the general area the 4th Division fought. My trip culminated at the American Military Cemetery in Romagne, France. It was incredibly interesting.
Great video, subscribed! Its a shame that this battle is forgotten with American culture to some degree. Here in Australia, Gallipoli practically forged our concept of 'mateship', I think you may find it interesting :)
facehighfive indeed but americans have operation overlord/neptune in normandy as their most memorable operation, remember they did not have any real motivation to fight there, in ww2 you had hitler executing millions of innocent people and german submarines in the caribbean
I never heard of Gallipoli either. American history classes often leave things out.
@Bruce Parks, thanks. I'll look that up.
@Bruce Parkes
Visited Hamel in October, along with other WWI battlefields where my great grandfather and great uncle fought as part of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Actually Hamel was a battle organised by Australian General John Monash who had Americans under his command. He set the day of battle as July 4 1918 in their honour. When Pershing found out that the Americans were to be included in an offensive action rather than just getting some trench experience with the Australians, he demanded that they be withdrawn. Monash told his superior, the commander of the British 4th army, 'no Americans, no battle'. So the troops in the front line went in, although their reserves were held back.
Monash's battle plan was a brilliant set piece co-ordinating artillery, infantry tanks and aircraft. The latter were used to drop supplies to the advancing troops. Monash was an engineer by profession, not a soldier and organised battles like an engineer planning a major construction project. The battle was planned to take 90 minutes. It took 93. Monash praised the performance of the Americans, and no doubt Pershing was surprised when people began congratulating him, but was in no position to complain. The American flag flies alongside the Australian on the monument at the top o the hill, where remnants of the German trenches remain.
Monash's innovative tactics were repeated on a larger scale at the battle of Amiens, August 8 1918, which was spearheaded by the Australian and Canadian Corps and advanced 8 miles on the first day. Ludendorff called August 8 the black day of the German army. It began the 100 day advance of the British armies which ended with the armistice.
@18tangles I think it was more than a company but I would have to check.
In their enthusiasm some Americans got too far ahead too fast and suffered casualties from their own creeping barrage. Their inexperience meant that they did not make sure all the Germans were cleared from forward trenches they took before moving on, and so took fire from behind.
I love it when I search the internet for info on a particular battle and a podcast from The History Guy is in the results... it's always my first choice.
I always share these because people should know.
One word "PHEEE-NOMINAL".
Well done sir.very descriptive and yet unbiased. And covered alot of ground in a short time. Perfect history lesson. On a specific topic.
I learn something "worth remembering" with every episode. Thanks History Guy.
Thank you for this informative history lesson. On September 27th 1918 my great Uncle Pvt. Claude Dallas Fleming who was a member of the 139th infantry company L died in battle. He was a member of National Guard solder from Missouri.
I believe that's where Alvin York won his Medal of Honor...great movie by the way starring Gary Cooper.
Alvin was a propaganda stunt.
@@dennismartin5821 The actions that led to him receiving the Medal of Honor have been confirmed by evidence found on the battlefield.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvin_York
@@raydunakin Did they find any evidence on the battlefield proving that he wasn't a blow hard, and a out right opportunist? I live not far from where he did, and know many of his relatives. My Grandfather was also in the Great War, and didn't ever speak very highly of Mr. York. Much like Mr. York's own family. Sir I would highly advice knowing what it is, that you are supposed to be talking about, before you go out talking about it. In York's day they called it "telling tales, out of school." One will find that York himself told many tales "out of school."
@@dennismartin5821 It's possible the tales you've been told are true, but it's also possible you've been fed some "tales out of school" by people who have some ax to grind. Personally I put more trust in historians than in random people on the internet.
@@raydunakin That's fine man. He was from an area called Pall Mall in Fentress county TN. My Grandfather and Cordell Hull were second cousins. Hull was a State Rep. during the war, and he pulled the strings behind alot of the Alvin York hype. I mean just look at that movie, and tell me that's not straight propaganda. You can believe whatever you want, man.
This was good. Thanks! I am currently studying WWI for my college class, and this video helped me to really understand the significance of the Meuse Argonne battle.
Great, simple, explanation.
As always, you've done an excellent job. I hope there is, or will be, an expanded version. I think there is plenty more history from that battle that deserves to be remembered.
My grandfather, Samuel Rourke, fought in this battle. Thanks for this excellent video.
Thank you for creating these clips. You are correct, history should not be forgotten.
thanks for covering the subject. hard to find info on the muse arggon battle
I recently found a gold mine of info on the formation & movements of the WWI 36th Division. Based on "Panthers to Arrowheads" & sponsored online by the The Texas Military Forces Museum.. LINK ARCHIVE... then ... History of the 36th Division. IT'S ALL THERE.
Check out "The Great War" channel. It covers WW1 in its entirety. With Indy Nidel.
Since there's not as much on The Great War, it was nice to have seen, "They Shall Not Grow Old" at the movie theater's. There were a lot of elderly people who may have had grandparents in the war. It being in 3D was a bonus as well. Great film.
My Grandfather served in the 79th Division in WW1 His unit was hit hard in this campaign.
Never forget Little Gibraltar.
If you ever get to Verdun Region of France, go to the little village of Malancourt. It is in a little valley. If you look north from the Center of town, it rises up. In WWI, the rise was lined by German machine Gunners. By the time the 79th made it to village, only the NCOs were left. All the officers were wounded or killed. The NCOs of the 79th led the Soldiers (in that area of France, they call us "Sammies" after Uncle Sam) it to the German nests under withering fire, and took the positions.
Just two things
At 4:00, it shows footage of an Austrian Hungarian soldier, not a German one
At 4:06 for some reason it shows Japanese troops with the hinomaru flag, while the dialogue is about frenchmen
I noticed that too haha. I wonder if he puts these videos together on his own or if he has a team helping him. If it's a team of people who don't know any better that might explain the mistakes.
Question : what was the Japanese flag and soldiers doing in the photo ( 4:03 ) ???
Not sure myself.. but they were on the allied side in this war. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_during_World_War_I
Thought I saw that.
If you look carefully, you will notice Japanese bolt action rifle. Probably a WWII picture.
It looks like footage from the Battle Khalkin Gol as the Soviets called it (the Nomanhan Incident by the Japanese) in 1939 on the Manchurian/Mongolian border. Not too many people are aware of it. It would be a good subject for the History Guy to do a video on it.
History Guy, Iove your little history vingnettes,keep them coming.An English fan.
I really wish there were more documentaries and footage about the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. It always seems to get overlooked by World War 2.
My Great Uncle was killed in the offensive. He was in the 77th Division, E Company, 308th Infantry. Part of his company was part of the infamous “Lost Battalion” incident. He for some reason was not caught in the pocket. He survived the Argonne Forest and was killed in the assault on Saint Juvin on October 15, 1018. I’m in France right now retracing his path to mortality. The stories of sacrifice and suffering are lost on today’s generation. Having walked the battle fields in peace and in beautiful weather only makes me appreciate the sacrifice of this generation even more. This Great War was beyond scale and the relatively short duration of U.S. involvement measured against losses only further emphasizes this great sacrifice. Walking the impressive cemetery in Romagne Montfaucon will nearly bring you to tears. With the state of our media today, the 100 year anniversary of this great sacrifice will only get a minute of time. Freedom is costly and this generation should always be remembered.
At 4:01, a Japanese company time travels to the Western Front. 8)
Good eye! If I remember correctly Germany had made some expansion around the pacific in hope of staying competition with France, and Britain. Japan had a treaty with Britain and made good on the deal while at the same time solving a problem closer to home. I think at first they sent military observers and officers. It is almost funny how things continuously flip flop through history.
Very instructive presentation of the U.S. contribution to ending the war. I read a quote little of which I can recall, but its’ core point was that if there was a battle and you were the only soldier killed, your side suffered the worst possible loss.
Very interesting. Cheers from New Zealand.
Excellent video my grandfather's uncle was an artillery man during this battle. He was a Polish immigrant & he was proud to serve in the US Army & saw it as a chance to prove he was an American.
My grandfather and great uncle were there...My great uncle John Foley was gassed at Verdun and died in a military hospital in San Fran a couple of years later-I have a letter written in pencil from him from a hotel? in Paris 1918---
Thomas Foss
You should make a video showing and reading the letter
Excellent Video, and lesson! My granddad was over there with the Engineers from Connecticut. He, like other veterans in my family, didn't talk much about that War. This part of US History shouldn't be glossed over, because it defined a generation both here and in Europe.
Grandpa was an Army Engineer..wounded at Chateau Thierry..he was bald as a cue ball..he said all his hair fell out when he was gassed and it never grew back..He was quite a joker, I often wonder if he was pulling my leg..
My grandfather was one of five men who survived from his original training group. the rest were wiped out when a shell hit their trench in this battle. HE walked away with the buttons on his uniform shorn off by the shrapnel.He was with the Red Arrows, 128th Infantry. Suffered from PTSD for most of his life after that but came back to have three kids and go on to serve in the CB's in the Aleutians in WWII. God bless the man, but I miss him.
As a Brit, I would say that the threat of American forces that were due to arrive in 1919 in WW1 was decisive in forcing the Central Powers to surrender. In WW2, the USA was able to neutralize Japan. The USA allowed the Western allies to invade Europe, destroy the Nazis, and stop the Red Army from advancing further West. Not bad. Thanks to you, from the UK. I'm not old enough to remember, but my aunt was. She met Canadians and Yanks who came to Britain to fight. My Dad saw dogfights over London. They loved to see them.
Neil Wilson Thank you for remembering. And thanks for keeping things warm until we got there.
Neil--My grandfather and great uncle were there and at Verdun! My g-uncle died from a mustard gas attack in a hospital in San Fran years later-Thanks for remembering------
This is something that should be remembered. As always great content.
*FAR FROM THEIR LAND AS THEY MADE THEIR STAND*
*THEY STOOD STRONG AND THE LEGEND STILL LIVES ON*
Thank You for bringing the TRUTH forward and keeping History ALIVE!
From Scotland.
Thanks for a fresh view on the American entry to the conflict.
Yes yes the history guy. Such sadness that we have history like this but as always it deserves to be remembered. I love history and study physchology and social science in college. I hope one day i can teach history to a bunch of people that are as interested in it as i am. Like you!
Anywhere I can find a book of the 18th US Infantry Company E and the battles they fought? My grandfathers discharge said he fought at
Montdidier-Noyon
Aisne-Marne
St. Mihiel
Meuse-Argonne
Lorraine 1917
Lorraine 1918
Picardy 1918
Search for their unit history online. I found one about the regiment my grandfather was in during WW1.
I never heard of the Meuse Argonne. Thank you for making this video. My grandfather singed a World war 1 draft card in 1917, though he never actually enlisted.
Hi! I'm new to your channel and I got to say great video! I do have one question, however, and please note I'm not trying to contradict you as I seriously don't know or thought I knew. How large was the Battle of Normandy/Operation Overlord in 1944? I previously thought that was the largest/deadliest battle fought by the American army. Again, great video!
Stefanos Nickoloff that is a fair question. Part of the issue is whether Operation Overlord is seen as a single battle. Still, overall there were less than a million US forces involved in Operation Overlord, while 1.2 million were involved in the Meuse Argonne offensive.
Operation overlord was the largest amphibious assault in history. So maybe that is what you remember hearing.
Wow just when I think I know something you teach me something new and a whole new perspective. Great video.
Great video! My great great Grandfather fought in that Battle. Are there any resources that I can find about what his specific company did during the battle? Co A, 323rd Inf, 81st Division.
National Archives.
This is a great video but not long enough. Thanks History Guy
Jake Weston I agree. Early on in the channel I was focused on trying to stay short- closer to five minutes- and that was too short to tell the whole story here. I might do a revised version.
I'm not even American but I heat it when the importance of the roll and sacrifice of the US army is questiond both in WWI and WWII
Thank you. My uncle, Arlington Squire, was in this battle. He was a PFC in CO H 313 Massachusetts.
I love how so many, especially Europeans, bristle at the idea that the US "saved their butts", in both WW I & WW II.
Their claim is that we "came late".
It is also interesting that so many, again largely Europeans, claim that the US government/ US in general is a "war-mongering nation".
Despite being an isolationist nation before WW I & WW II.
Then shouldering the majority of Western Europe's and Asia's defense during the Cold War.
Only to be labeled "Imperialist American's" or worse, while entitled/socialist Europeans's marched in protest to the USA, then enjoying month long holidays on the Mediterranean.
OUR 'bristling" at these criticisms must be obviously justifiable.
No American should EVER apologize for being the last to join the fight instigated by tyrants and monarchies, then finishing those fights, especially when we were ourselves attacked.
Our legacy is not love of war but willingness to forgive and rebuild.
Just study the Marshall plan if you know nothing about American character.
VALHALLAXE - not every European thinks of America and Americans this way. You're falling into the same trap you claim for 'Europeans' in general. Once you categorise entire peoples by the actions and words of smaller groups you invite the same kind of broadbrush comparisons you bridle against.
Also, I'm neither entitled nor socialist, I never marched in protest against the USA and (unfortunately) I've never been in the position to enjoy month-long holidays in the Mediterranean:)
But as a US Marine General once said 'War is a Racket' - yes, be proud of your nations contribution (I am! - and grateful) but don't be blind to other, perhaps less inspiring (but more fiscally rewarding) reasons for US intervention?
Val Hallaxe - Good points that are often overlooked and rarely recognized by historians - however , the charge of US as War-Mongering nation which was untrue in the 20th century is now a self-evident fact since 2000 . The current US military and foreign policy is a belligerent , aggressive , unlawful colonial World occupation army - that does not serve the interests of the American people or humanity .
Roy Perkins - I am not anti-America . I love USA and because I care I call a spade a spade . You forget [ or maybe never knew ] that the US is only in Iraq and Afghanistan because we invaded both of those countries . Both on grounds that proved later to be errors and downright lies from the Bush administration - neither country was connected to 9/11 , there were no WMD;s , never were , OBL was not hiding in a super cave-fortress , never was . American soldiers died in these false-flag wars , American money was wasted . I agree with you about the Liberals destroying Democracy , you should be aware though that there are Globalist/NWO Zionist puppets in all the parties .
@@gosforthlad As a veteran of Afghanistan I tend to agree with most of what you are saying. The New Deal is what led to the great expansion of the Fed, and ultimately the modern Military Industrial Complex, what a colossal failure our government is today, near inescapable debt, meanwhile they blow tax dollars to study the effects of cocaine on geese I think it was... what a gdamn waste... but sure, let's just keep feeding them $$$ and electing the same family names and expecting some sort of dramatic shift back to sanity and reason.
@@gosforthlad We are not war mongering if you trade freely and give us your resources we will not kill you. Then again if you attack one of our largest cities in a cowardly manner killing many thousands of innocents then you will die along with many of your kind.
My granddad, born in 1894, was also in this campaign, however I never heard him speak of it in all my life before he died. We only have some photos of him from his army days in 1917 - 18 from training and in france. I believe he was so traumatized by the senseless killing on such a scale that he wanted nothing more to do with it. one of My grandmothers most prized possessions was a portrait of him in his doughboy uniform taken before he shipped out for france, given to her when they were engaged. they were married in 1919 after he returned. One of the lucky ones!
Great video. Thanks. My grandfather was a cannoneer with the 18th Field Artillery Battery C. I have his original certificate which lists all the battles he was in.
I found your site last week and have been binging ever since!
Too true. Thanks from Canada.
BP444 - Your comment is so moving. I am the grandson of a Canadian WW1 and 2 vet. His 3 brothers were all over. He was just amazed- and saddened when on a hot day in August, he recalled a memory. His Question, was Why? Why did all 4 come home and so many never did. I realize now, I was his age - or close to it, that summer. I never asked him about it. I just listened. I sit here weeping and just wish you well. We will not forget them.