When in October, 1918, the Allied High Command desired to reinforce the French Army by American troops of great offensive worth, by real “shock troops,” you were loaned to Gen. Gouraud’s Fourth French Army and delivered your famous assault on Blanc Mont Ridge, releasing from German menace the historic city of Rheims.
In the closing phase of the Meuse-Argonne operations, certainly no troops contributed more to the enemy’s destruction than your division. After taking Landres-et-St. Georges, Bayonville-et-Chennery, and the Bois-de-la-Folie, you pierced the Bois-de-Belval, and by skillful night fighting and marching you cleared the enemy from the left bank of the Meuse and forced a crossing of the river.
Your brilliant exploits in battle are paralleled by the splendid example of soldierly bearing and discipline set by your officers and men while a part of the Army of Occupation. That spirit and dash which carried your men through the enemy’s defenses still predominated when the Army was recently concentrated, preparatory to a further advance into unoccupied Germany.
Officers and soldiers of the Second Division, your achievments and sacrifices have earned for you and for your fallen comrades the praise and gratitude of our Nation.
SUMMARY OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE FOURTH BRIGADE.
A summary of the operations of the Fourth Brigade of Marines is set forth below:
The Fourth Brigade of Marines as a unit of the Second Division participated in actual battle in France in the following sectors between the inclusive dates set down (as published in General Orders No. 37, Second Division, April 25, 1919):
Toulon sector, Verdun: From March 15 to May 13, 1918.
Aisne defensive, in the Chateau-Thierry sector: From May 31 to June 5, 1918.
Chateau-Thierry sector (capture of Hill 142, Bouresches, Belleau Wood): From June 6 to July 9, 1918.