Crittenden record-press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1909-191?, 1918-08-08
HUNS FAIL TO CHECK
RUSH OF AMERICANS
HUNS COUNTER ATTACK AND
DESPERATE BATTLE WAGES
ALONG WHOLE FRONT.
SOME GROUND IS GAINED
Allies Progress 10 Confined to East
Side Of Salient-New German
Divisions Thrown In Worlds
Biggest Battle.

With the American Army on the
Aisne-Marne Front-Through bar
rage as deadly as any the Germans
have laid down on any sector for
months, the American soldiers, com
prsing men from the middle west and
eastern states, pushed their line for
ward little more and 1t forms the
apex OF the long allied front
Their progress was considerable
though less than two miles. but 1t is
regarded as a brilliant operation In
view OF the determined countering by
the Germans.
On either side French moved for.
ward. while steady pressure was main
tanned against east and west TANKS.
Information indicated the withdraw
al OF the fourth guards but II developed
that that renowned organization and
the Bavarlans were still on the 'front.'
and the strong opposition they offered
justified their reputation. But their
sacrifice was in vain
The Americans withstood two heavy
attacks during the night and at day
light began their operations which left
them well TO the north OF Sergy on
the long slopes approaching the heavy
woods beyond Nesles. a little town
directly east of Seringes ct Nesles
which the Germans bitterly opposed.
The Germans are holding positions
IN Nesles forest, from which thor guns
are Smelling ineffectively,
Hand.to.hand Fighting in Streets.
II was late In the day before the
whole OF Seringes was wholly cleared.
The Germans chung to the northern
part OF the town tenaciously and used
their machine guns murderously.
Neither side used artillery In this
particular battle There was handto-
hand fighting in the streets. In which
the Americans proved the masters,
driving the enemy before them.
The story OF the fight for the posses
sion OF Meurey farm. lying directly
south OF Seringes. will he long remem.
bered in the history OF these divisions.
The Germans on the withdrawal left
behind a strong force OF machine gun.
ners and infantry. The Americans
moved forward through the yellow
wheat fields. which were sprayed and
torn by bullets. But they advanced
as though on drill ground.
The American guns laid down q
heavy artillery fire. but no;wi.hstand.
ing this many OF the Germans re.
NAMED when Il came TO hand hand
fighting. In group OF farm buildings
the enemy had set up a strong defense.
Here the Germans stuck to their guns
and the Americans rushed them and
killed the gunners a, their posts
II was a little battle without mercy.
and typical OF similar engagements &C.
curing along the whole line. The
prussian Guards and Baynrians every.
where fought in accordance with their
training, discipline and traditions, but
we're outwit,ed and outfouHht.
To the north Of the farm, up the
long slopes leading TO the woods. the
Americans encountered the iierces,
exhibition OF Germany's war science
The Germans laid down barrage
whIch. Il Is said. was "a heavy as had
ever been employed The American
guns replied heavily
The order for the advance came. and
the line moved forward across the
grain fields directly through the bar
rage. on a nearby hillside the chief
staff officers watched the operation
They saw shells fall. in some cases
leaving long gaps in the line. but the
troops never halted.
On through the barrase the Ameri.
cans went into the German positions,
attacking fiercely the machine gun and
Infantry detachments. The barrags
died away. the Germans leaving the
work OF resistance 10 the men they
had failed to protect with their heavy
guns.
The Germans were "mopped up" and
The Americans held their new line Just
tast OF the forest. Not many prisoners
we're taken. but here and there n few
we're rounded up and brought In.
Sergt Louis Loetz, Of Sioux City. con.
tributed II. He attacked Is Germans
who had become separated from their
command. killing four Of them and
capturing the others. Awful execution
was done by the Americans. Eight
captured guards said they were all that
remained OF a company OF sc. Their
number had been reduced to 10 and a
lieutenant. Later the lieutenant and
oil but they were killed.