South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-03-18
AMERICANS IN
TRENCHES At
FIVE POINTS
Raid on March II, Undertaken
on Own Initiative and With
out Allied Support, is
Successful.
International News Service


WASHINGTON March is. -
American troops now are in the
front lire trenches at hve different
points in France.
They are constantly in action and
acquitting themselves creditably.
il can now be revealed for the
first time That in their raid on March
H. not only did they act on their
own initiative, but they penetrated
the enemy trenches TO a depth Of
300 yards. They had no French
support in this movement.
The general situation is improv-
ing along the western front from
the allied viewpoint. British and
French successes took place during
the last week.
Inactivity Prolonged.
All this is distinctly emphasized in
the weekly war review issued by the
war department today. Throughout
it breathes most optimistic spirit.
The review follows:
The period Of inactivity in the
west is being prolonged. Though
the raids now taking place would in
the past have been considered i'm
portant engagements nevertheless
owing 10 the fact that they are
merely of minor tactical value. they
cannot be held 10 be major opera
uons.
Preparations Go Ahead.
While hostile preparations for
au offensive i'm the west are not
~lackening. it is becoming more evil
dent that the enemy will launch this
offensive only If compelled to do So
by the eNigencies OF the general
strategic situation. While fresh
German divisions are reported as
mo,mg in the west it is important
to note that the density of enemy
forces. has nearly reached a point
beyond which 10 will be impractic-
able TO go. for should any large adj
Iitjonal body of men be massed the
chances are that the congestion OF
the lines OF communication will he
come SO great as 90 make it inn
possible TO maintain the fiexibility of
maneuver which is so essential.
SantmicS i'm Action.
"Our own forces iu France have
tcen constantly i'm action.
our troops are now in the
trenches at 1--WE different points
This week we undertook our first
assault against German positions
unas~istcd by any allied contingent.
AT dawn on March II. after a
preliminary hombardment lasting
rurce-quarters OF am hour. we drove
highly successful raid AGAINST a
German trench segment
"Dur men penetrated the German
lime 20 depth of 500 Yards The
enemy was driven off after "a hand
to-hand dght whereupon our contin-
sent returned 90 our lines
AT three places i'm Lorraine
American troops. acting i'm coopera-
lion with small French detachments
raided German trenches. Two of
these operations were carried out
-IuuItaneousIy. each ON frontage
81 some 600 Yards
Reach Obicctive~
"After prolonged uombardment
The attacking units We're able %
reach their objec-ives Few or the
enemy were found in the first line
trenches and the attackers swept
forward into the German second
ne
-Our men remained for nearly ar
hour I'M the German positions and
retired after iunictine much damas,
and capturing con~iders bile quantity
~ material
There has been decided increaS,
.u snipiuc. owing to more favorable
weather conditions.
"Our artillery was also very ac
tive
We kept up q vigorous lombard
uert on the rear areas opposite ou'
foul sector.
Near the swiss border where am
other detachment of our men is ir
fle trenches hostile commandments
we-e frequent
Secretary an France.
"The arrival Of our secretary o.
war in France Is noted.
"puring the past week the secre
,,rv has had interviews with tn
rradlu- French authorities and d
shout to undertake careful inspec
tfan of our schools. trs.uins areas
re-t camps a~ weu s- those sector
us the front where ouI forces ase in
acEon.