1-26 June 1918: The Battle of Belleau Wood—A German breach of the French lines was halted by the stubborn resistance of United States Marines, who refused French orders to retreat & later counterattacked, retaking the wood after a months' fierce fighting; the battle has entered the lore of the U.S. Marine Corps, whom the Germans purportedly nicknamed "Teufel Hunden" ("Devil Dogs").
Commentary: When advised by the French to withdraw, a Marine officer, Major Lloyd W. Williams (1887-1918), replied with the famous words, "Retreat, Hell! We just got here!" Major Williams died at Belleau Wood a captain, but was posthumously promoted to major.
Lest we forget.
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