As a prelude to taking its place in the line for the great offensive, the American Army had already fought the brilliant action of September 12th-14th which reduced the Saint-Mihiel salient.
On September 26th, at the same time as the 4th French Army (General Gouraud) attacked the enemy in Champagne, the American Army under the command of General Pershing, took the offensive between the Argonne and the Meuse.
The artillery preparation was terrific but of short duration, lasting only three hours.
At 5.30 a.m. the Americans furiously assaulted the strong German positions on the left bank of the Meuse and captured the whole line from Avocourt to Forges right away. The artillery, keeping in close support, cleared the stream of Forges during the morning.
The woods which were strongly held were also cleared and by midday the Americans reached the south of Montfaucon.
During the afternoon a stubborn encounter took place on the positions covering Montfaucon, a formidable peak and the most valuable enemy observation post in the neighbourhood of Verdun.
The Americans wisely outflanked the peak on the right and advanced to Septsarges, so that by nightfall Montfaucon was encircled.
On the 27th and 28th, the advance was slower and continued westerly in spite of enemy counter-attacks; Montfaucon was captured.
The American spoils included 8,000 prisoners and 100 guns.
On October 4th, Pershing launched an attack on his whole army front. But the enemy stiffened their resistance by bringing up numerous reinforcements. On the right bank of the Meuse, the 17th French Army Corps (Claudel) and two American Divisions were then brought into the fray, reaching and quickly passing the famous line from which the Crown Prince, in February 1916, had launched his attack upon Verdun.