Evening star., 1918-06-08
American Troops Beat Back
Much Larger Enemy Force
Than Was First Supposed
ny the Associated Press.

ny the Associated Press.
LONDON. June 7-Reuter's Limited
correspondent with the American
Army in Picardy sends the following
dispatch concerning the fighting
northwest of Chateau Thierry in
which the Americans were victorious:
"The American force operating
northwest of Chateau Thierry ap-
pears to have been involved in a much
larger affair than was at first be-
lieved. This force now has been en-
gagged for three days in serious and
determined fighting in which our
allies held the upper hand through
out.
The Americans themselves believe
they have been holding up German
advance that was intended to extend
the front along the valley Of the
Marne. but the German methods
rather suggest reluctant acceptance
of fight that was forced on them
unexpectedly. The Germans doubtless
believed that the Americans here, as
fensiyely in order to gain experience.
The American action, however, has
been on the offensive throughout. and
they daily wrested ground from the
NIlCHy WHICH he ndu Deen COmDelle0
unwillingly to defend and forced to
attempt its recapture.
Force Three Divisions Into Action.
According to the statements of
prisoners. 1t appears that single
American unit forced three German
divisions into action, making a
serviceable example Of the first two
and taking ground from the third in
a bitter, struggle lasting a whole
night. With this last-named division
the Americans were still employed
at which time the omens were favor
able to the Americans.
Judging from further statements
OF prisoners, the Germans were badly
in need of rest and, according to the
appetites Of the prisoners. they were
artillery backing given to the first
two German divisions supports the
idea that the enemy did not expect
an offensive. and that the guns they
used last night and this morning
were hurried back to a point where
needed. On the other hand. 1t was
largely owing to the superior gun
merry of the Americans that the first
two enemy divisions were compelled
to give ground and had to suffer
severe casualties.
Enemy Machine Guns Plentiful.
But II the enemy was short Of ar
tillery he appeared to have an unlim-
tied number of machine guns. which
were used with great skill and effect.
The Germans evidently extended their
practice of sacrificing a machine or
two In untenable positions in order to
bring the captors under a deadly flank
fire. This maneuver took toll of the
Americans, as indicated by the num-
Der of machine gun bullet wounds. and
the surgeons explained that . major.
ity of such wounds had been received
at very close quarters.
Nothing hindered the Americans,
determined to reach their objcctives.
Indeed. their eagerness carried one
meters beyond the assigned positions.
I'm the river valley. which contains
a railroad, the stiffest fighting of the
night occurred. the enemy showing
great determination to hold the rail-
way station Of Boureschos. This sta
tion. with the entire village, ultimate
ly fell into the hands Of the Americans
and the French.
"One reason why the fighting last
evening was SO desperate was because
the German counter attack was
launched at the very moment our
fresh advance began. the men thus
coming into close grips. in which the
American casualties were not out of
proportion to the magnitude Of tho
operation. but owing to the unfalter-
ing courage Of tho marines, the losses
largely have fallen on that fne regi-
ment Of redoubtable fighters"