The Elbert County tribune., 1918-12-13
STORY Of WAR IS
TOLD BY PERSH|NG
Detailed Report of How U. S. Men
Won Battles.
CRISIS CAME ON MARCH 81
Says American Operations Previous to
That Date Were Only Part OF
Their Training - Pays Su-
prene Tribute to Army.


as commander of the American expe-
dItionary forces was given to the pub
lie Wednesday by Secretary Baker.
1t is in the form of preliminary re-
port to the secretary, covering opera
tons up to November 20. after the
German collapse. 1t closes with these
words from the leader of the great
army in France. expressing his feeling
for those who served under him:
~ pay the supreme tribute TO our
officers and soldiers of the line. When
think of their heroism, their patience
under hnrdships, their unfiinching spir-
1t OF offensive action, l am filled with
emotion which l am unable to express.
Their deeds are immortal and they
have earned the eternal gratitude of
our country"
The report begins with General
Pershing's departure for France to
pave the way for the army that was to
smash German resistance on the
Meuse and give vital aid to the allies
in forcing Germany to its knees 10
months later.
Crisis on March 21.
General Pershlng views the encoun-
ters before March 81 of this year. in
which American troops participated as
part of their training, and dismisses
them briefly. On that date, however,
the great German offensive was
launched and a crucia, situation quick
ly developed in the allied lines which
called for prompt use of the four
American divisions that were at the
time equal to any demands of battle
action"
'The crisis which this offensive de-
veloped was SUCH" General Pershing
says, "thut on March % / placed at
the disposal of Marshal Foch, who had
been agreed upon as commander in
chief of the allied armies, all of our
forces. At his request the First divi-
sion was transferred from the Toul
sector to a position in reserve at Chau-
mont en- Vexin.
"As German superiority in numbers
required prompt acticn, an agreement
was reached ut the Abbevile confer
ence of the allied premiers and com
mapders and myself on May . by
Nnitii pllllcn HlllDllhG VAS "
port ten American divisions to the
British army area, where they We're to
be trained and equipped, and addition
al British shipping was 70 be provided
for as many divisions rs possible for
use elsewhere.
Men Eager for Test.
"On April 90 the Fi,st division had
gone into the line il, the Montdidier
salient, on the Picsrdy battle front
Tactics had been Suddenly revolution
ized to those of open warfare, and our
men, confident of the results of their
training. were eager for the test. On
the morning Of May 2S this division
attacked the commanding German po-
sitIon In its front. taking with splendid
dash the town of Cantigny and all
other objectives, which were organized
and held steadfastly against vicious
counter-attacks and CALLING artillery
fire.
although local, this brilliant action
had an electrical effect, as it demon
strated our fighting qualities under
extreme battle conditions and also that
the enemy's troops were not altogether
invincible."
Hold Foe at Chateau Thierry.
There followed Immediately the Ger
man thrust across the Aisne river to-
ward Paris. He continues:
"The Third division. which had just
come from its preliminary training In
the trenches. was hurried to the
AIarne. Its motorized machinegun
battalion preceded the other units and
successfully held the bridgehead at
the Marne. opposite Chateau Thierry.
''The Second division. in reserve
near Montdidier. was sent by motor
trucks and other available transport
30 check the progress of the enemy
coward Paris. The division attacked
and retook the town and railroad sta
lion at BOuresches and sturdily held
its ground against the enemys best
guard divisions.
in the battle of Belleau wood. which
followed. our men proved their SUI
periority and gained strong tactical
position, with far greater loss to the
enemy than to ourselves. On July l.,
before the Second was relieved. 1t cap
tured the village of vaux with splen-
did precision.
Stand Between Paris and Foe.
Meanwhile our Second corps, under
Maj. Gen. George w. Read, had been
organized for the command of our
disiScns with the British. which were
held back in training areas or as
signed to second-line defenses. Five of
the ten divisions We're withdrawn from
the British area in June. three to re
lieve divisions in Lorraine ana the
vosges and two were sent to the Paris
area to join tho group of American
divisions which stood between the city
and any further advance of the enemy
in that direction"