In all forty enemy divisions had been used against us in the Meuse-Argonne battle.  Between September 26 and November 6 we took 26, prisoners and 468 guns on this front.  Our divisions engaged were the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 26th, 28th, 29th, 32d, 33d, 35th, 37th, 42d, 77th, 78th, 79th, 80th, 82d, 89th, 90th and 91st.  Many of our divisions remained in line for a length of time that requires nerves of steel, while others were sent in again after only a few days of rest.  The 1st, 5th, 26th, 77th, 80th, 89th, and 90th were in the line twice.  Although some of the divisions were fighting their first battle, they soon became equal to the best.

OPERATIONS EAST OF THE MEUSE

On the three days preceding November 10, the 3d, the 2d Colonial and the 17th French Corps fought a difficult struggle through the Meuse Hills south of Stenay and forced the enemy into the plain.  Meanwhile my plans for further use of the American forces contemplated an advance between the Meuse and the Moselle in the direction of Longwy by the First Army, while, at the same time, the Second Army should assure the offensive toward the rich coal fields of Briey.  These operations were to be followed by an offensive toward Chateau-Salins east of the Moselle, thus isolating Metz.  Accordingly, attacks on the American front had been ordered, and that of the Second Army was in progress on the morning of November 11, when instructions were received that hostilities should cease at 11 o’clock A.M.

At this moment the line of the American sector, from right to left, began at Port-sur-Seille, thence across the Moselle to Vandieres and through the Woevre to Bezonvaux, in the foothills of the Meuse, thence along to the foothills and through the northern edge of the Woevre forests to the Meuse at Mouzay, thence along the Meuse connecting with the French under Sedan.

RELATIONS WITH THE ALLIES

Cooeperation among the Allies has at all times been most cordial.  A far greater effort has been put forth by the allied armies and staffs to assist us than could have been expected.  The French Government and Army have always stood ready to furnish us with supplies, equipment and transportation and to aid us in every way.  In the towns and hamlets wherever our troops have been stationed or billeted the French people have everywhere received them more as relatives and intimate friends than as soldiers of a foreign army.  For these things words are quite inadequate to express our gratitude.  There can be no doubt that the relations growing out of our associations here assure a permanent friendship between the two peoples.  Although we have not been so intimately associated with the people of Great Britain, yet their troops and ours when thrown together have always warmly fraternized.  The reception of those of our forces who have passed through England and of those who have been stationed there has always been enthusiastic.  Altogether it has been deeply impressed upon us that the ties of language and blood bring the British and ourselves together completely and inseparably.