THIRD DISPLACEMENT -- ST. MIHIEL

10 Sept through 2 Oct 1918

Tanks Move Out

The Germans occupied a strong position on the St. Mihiel salient. With rugged hills on both ends of the position the only feasible point of attack was in the center where the German lines ran across flat and swampy lowlands. This area was defended in depth with additional trenches and concrete positions. The Americans had assembled 16 divisions for the attack and planned to attack along two axis with 3 divisions on the left, 8 on the right and 5 in reserve. The 5th Division was on the right side of the right axis with a front of 2 kilometers. Additional artillery was brought in to provide one gun for each 15 meters of front. Tanks were also deployed to assist in the assault. Jumping off at 0430 on the 12 September with the 11th Regiment in the lead, troops of the 5th Division reached the first day’s objective by 0930 that day. Due to the tanks miring down and blocking the roads for the artillery ammunition trucks, supporting fire was limited. The attack continued. By evening the lead elements of the division were approaching the Hindenburg Line. On the 14th the 61st Regiment took the lead and the advance continued. By 1820 hours on the 16th all Division objectives had been taken and the St. Mihiel Salient had been removed.
On 2 October the 5th Division moved to the Souilly area near Verdun to prepare for the Meuse-Argonne Campaign.

Destroyed City Street FRENCH TOWN DESTROYED BY ARTILLERY. Actually a village on the outskirts of Verdun that came under heavy German fire in an attempt to break up an attack on their positions.


 

 Troops in Chow Line CHOW LINE, 1/61, NEAR CUNEL, MEUSE, FRANCE. This was a rock quary that had been used by the Germans and overrun the day before this picture was taken. It is being used as an ammo supply point and a chow line for a hot meal by troops of the 1st Bn, 61st Infantry.


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