Continuing their drive toward Paris, the Germans occupied Soissons on May 29, Fere-en-Tardenois May 30, and next day reached Chateau Thierry and other points on the Marne, where they were halted by the French.

In the early days of June several towns and villages fell to the Germans, but the French by counter-attacks recaptured Longpont, Corcy, and some other places.  On June 6 American marines by a spirited attack gained two miles on a two and a half mile front, taking Hill 142 near Torcy and entering Torcy itself.  The following day, with French aid, they completed the capture of Vilny, Belleau, and important heights nearby.  In another battle northwest of Chateau Thierry the Americans advanced nearly two and a half miles on a six-mile front, taking about 300 prisoners.

These battles confirmed the impression that the American troops as fighters were equal to their allies.

ANOTHER ENEMY OFFENSIVE

On June 9 the Germans began the fourth phase of their offensive, planned by their high command to enforce peace.  They attacked between Montdidier and the Oise, advancing about four miles and taking several villages.  On the next day they claimed the capture of 8,000 French.  The same day the American marines took the greater part of Belleau Wood.  On June 11 they completed the capture of Belleau Wood, taking 300 prisoners, machine guns and mortars.  The French at the same time defeated the Germans between Rubescourt and St. Maur, taking 1,000 prisoners.  Other battles followed on the 12th and 13th, but on the 14th the latest German offensive was pronounced a costly failure.

From this time to the end of the month the fighting was of a less serious character, though the Americans in the Belleau and Vaux region gave the Germans no rest, attacking them continually and taking prisoners at will.

JULY 4 CELEBRATED ABROAD

America’s Independence day, 1918, was officially celebrated in England, France, and Italy, as well as in the United States, making it a truly historic occasion.  On that day Americans assisted the Australians in taking Hamel with many prisoners.  On the 8th and 9th the French advanced in the region of Longpont and northwest of Compiegne, taking Castel and other strong points near the west bank of the Avre river.  July 14, the French national holiday, was generally observed in America and by the American soldiers in France.  Then, on July 15, the Germans began the fifth and disastrous last phase of the offensive which they started in the spring, on March 21.

STINGING DEFEAT FOR AUSTRIA