BELLEAU WOOD, a tract of forest land, in area less than a square mile, 5m. N.W. of Chateau-Thierry, and 42m. E. of Paris, notable for the second clash between U.S.A. and German troops in the World War. When the German offensive of May 27, 1918, was launched on the Aisne, the 2nd Division of the Ameri can Expeditionary Force under Gen. Bundy was rushed to the assistance of the French VI. Army and deployed across the Paris Chateau-Thierry road west of the latter town. On its front lay Belleau wood and the villages of Torcy, Bouresches and Vaux, all occupied by the enemy. The Germans had been halted at Chateau-Thierry but were consolidating themselves at Vaux and in Belleau wood in preparation for a renewed advance west of Chateau-Thierry. The task of dislodging them was entrusted to the marine corps brigade under Gen. Harbord.
The attack was made on June 6, and the woods were penetrated but could not be held. The ground was extremely difficult, almost impenetrable underbrush covering a rugged outcrop of rock. Three days later the attack was renewed. The fighting was bitter, but, after a struggle lasting over a fortnight, the woods were finally taken by the 2nd Division; Bouresches and Vaux were also captured, and the German advance—at a most dangerous point—was effectively blocked. In this engagement the Germans lost 24 guns and 1,654 prisoners, but the United States losses were severe, amounting to 285 officers and 7,585 men killed, wounded and missing. The battleground was in 1923 dedicated as a permanent memorial to the United States officers and men who lost their lives there, and the French Government ordered the name to be changed to that of Bois de la Brigade de Marine. (See SolssON-RHEIMS and WORLD WAR.)