Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-12-08
Well Done.


MO American worthy OF the name can read
' the preliminary report OF General Per-
shing on the activities of the American army
In France without feelings Of tremendous
pride. Despite its dispassionate tone and
soldicrikc terscness tho recital must always
stand as a glowing chapter i'll American his
tory.
1t is in no spirit of disparagement concern
ing the part played by our gallant allies in
those desperate days OF last spring and sum-
mer that General Pershing emphasizes the
fact now patent to all. that it was the refusal
OF the Americans at Chateau-Thierry TO give
ground against overwhelming odds that
marked the turning point in the war. Less
clearly understood, perhaps, but no less merit
Ing the stress laid upon 1t by General Per-
shing, is the fact that the achievements OF
the Americans in the Meusc campaign sealed
the fate OF the German army. Speaking OF
the capture Of Sedan, General Pershing says:
The strategical goal which was our highest
hope was gained. We had cut the cncmy's
main line of communications and nothing
out surrender or All armstice could save his
army from complete disaster"
When we consider the circumstances pre-
ccding that heroic stand a. Chateau Thicrry
it is easy to understand why its effect was
so tremendous. For four long years those
brave soldiers of England and France had
FsooA ouA H6dihSl tremendous OuuS. Time
and again they had hurled themselves against
the steer and concrete detenscs of the enemy
only TO be forced back inevitably by the
sheer weight of numbers. Bruised and bat
tered and well-nigh exhausted. they faced
now new and tremendous onslaught
launched by foe that had decided 10 stake
every ounce of strength on this last great
offensive. The allies had but one last card
10 play-the American army-untred yet in
Dattie, ana discounted by the enemy as neg
ilgiblc In that moment OF desperate outlook
the test came. Thrown into the breach. the
Americans held. All the dcvilish forces the
Germans could muster were hurled against
them and they held. And thc.. thew adj
S&hced. Instantly not only the military, but
the psychological aspects OF the situation
changed. The one hope oC the allies had
made good, and the force for which the Ger
mans protested only contempt rose up with
magnificent strength and blocked their way
to victory.
IN any appraisal of what tho American
army accomplished in France the service of
GeneralPcrshing himself never can be under
estimated. His was military problem. SO
Tar at least as supplies and re-cn forcements
were concerned, more difficult than those of
any OIL the allied commanders. Moreover he
had 10 maintain his forces in a land speak
ing foreign tongue, and, in the training of
ms troops, avail himself of instructions bor-
rowed from the British and French MANY
were the conflicting interests he had 10
adjust. Yet throughout he maintained
polse and patience that excited general adj
ihFatioh' anu III the final test. lie led his
troops with skill that won for him the high
est praise from the veteran commanders ~
France and England with whom no was as
sociated.
10 commander and TO men is owing the
lasting gratitude Of a nation-and of hu-
manty.