By: HISTORY.com Editors

1918

Battle of Belleau Wood begins

Published: February 09, 2010Last Updated: January 24, 2025

The first large-scale battle fought by American soldiers in World War I begins in Belleau Wood, northwest of the Paris-to-Metz road.

In late May 1918, the third German offensive of the year penetrated the Western Front to within 45 miles of Paris. U.S. forces under General John J. Pershing helped halt the German advance, and on June 6, Pershing ordered a counteroffensive to drive the Germans out of Belleau Wood. U.S. Marines under General James Harbord and Allied forces led the attack against the four German divisions positioned in the woods and by the end of the first day suffered more than 1,000 casualties.

For the next three weeks, the Marines, backed by U.S. Army artillery, launched many attacks into the forested area, but German General Erich Ludendorff was determined to deny the Americans a victory. Ludendorff continually brought up reinforcements from the rear, and the Germans attacked the U.S. forces with machine guns, artillery, and gas. Finally, on June 26, the Americans prevailed but at the cost of nearly 10,000 dead, wounded, or missing in action.

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Citation Information

Article Title: Battle of Belleau Wood begins
Author: HISTORY.com Editors
Website Name: History
URL: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/june-6/battle-of-belleau-wood-begins

Date Accessed: October 21, 2026
Publisher: A&E Television Networks
Last Updated: January 24, 2025
Original Published Date: February 09, 2010

Battle of Belleau Wood begins

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