Hotel
St. Paul
Verdun,
France
August
19, 2015
Today
in the Bois de Brulee we walked in German and French trenches just 80
or so feet apart. German trenches just 18 inches wide, maybe two
feet. Corrugated metal, posts, cement, built to last. The French
trenches were wider, wooden supports and chicken wire holding the
banks back.
We
found loose barbed wire and sharp metal protrusions all over the
area.
We peacefully picnicked again today before we immersed in war again. This was an emotional afternoon, viewing the area where the 90th Division, 357th Infantry Regiment was engaged in the St. Mihiel Offensive. The scope of the scene was astounding. I could imagine the rain and the mud, hear the sound of artillery, the voice of command, but most of all I saw Americans accepting their mission and overcoming challenges. Archie was a part of this and I am proud.
According
to literature the St. Mihiel Offensive held the record for the
largest battle ever fought by Americans, a record that only lasted
for two weeks. The American Army filled the valley, more than
550,000 Americans and 110,000 French fought in the offensive from
September 12-16.
Monument dedicated to the St. Mihiel Offensive
Today
there is peace in this valley, farms, trees are growing, fields of
corn and hay. Cattle and sheep graze. Many villages are rebuilt. If
Archie were to see land today he would feel at home in farm country,
but in September 1918, I can only imagine how these men felt as
they faced their first big battle.
Mike
narrated the scene through each village, Monauville, Maidieres,
Vieville-en-Haye, Frappelle, Fey-en-Hay, Villers sur Preny,
Vilcey-en-Trey--the village captured by the 357th. The
Moselle River, the Valley of Death, miles of advancement until the
fighting stopped. Archie was there, the Company Scout.
The
day's final stop was the St. Mihiel American Cemetery and Memorial in
Thiaucourt, France. The cemetery covers 40 acres with 4,153
headstones, either a Cross or Star of David, mostly of carrera
marble. Second Lt. J. Hunter Wickersham, who received the Medal of
Honor posthumously for his conspicuous gallantry on September 12,
1918, is buried here. We learned that about 7000 Americans lost their
lives in this 3 day offensive.
Our
U.S. Veterans, Tim (U.S. Navy), John (U.S. Army--not pictured), and Larry (U.S. Army) lowered the two American flags
that stand proudly above the cemetery and crisply folded them while
Taps was being played. That was an honor for all of us.
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