Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-22
Hand.tO-Hand Fighting
Marks Resumption of
Second Phase of Drive
on Argonne Front.
AMERICANS ARE SENT
TO AID FRENCH ARMY
Casualties Increase and
Influenza Takes Toll
in Midst of Hardest
Strain of War.
CHAPTER Xxx.


THE second phase Of the Meuse-
AIgonne operation, the period
from october TO IL, involved
4 the heaviest strain on me and
the Army.
justmentS among the troops, heavily
engaged, without giving the enemy a
respite in which to strengthen his de-
lenses and bring up reserves.
The battle could not be delayed
while roads were being built or re-
paired and supplies brought up. The
weather was cold and rainy and not
the kind to inspire energetic action by
troops unaccustomed to the damp, raw
climate.
A few commanders lacking in those
stern qualities essential to battle lead
ership or in physical stamina so
necessary under these conditions were
inclined to pessimisrn or inertia. An
exhibition of either of these tendencies
was quickly reflected IN the troops.
The real leaders, those indomitable
characters whoce spirits rose to mas
ter every difficulty, stood forth, a
tower Of strength to me during this
period. For the thing to do was to
drive forward with all possible force.
Enemy Strongly Fortified.
Our Army in the Meuse-Argonne
was confronted by the enemy strongly
fortified on his main position of de-
Tense, the Hindenburg line. Gen. Won
der Merwitz of the Germans, in an
order issued to his army October l.,
said: THE fate of a large portion
of the Western front, perhaps of our
nation, depends on the firm holding
of the Verdun front"
Romagne Heights was a part of this
defensive area, and its dominating fea-.
ture was Cote Dame Marie, west Of
the town of Romegne and southeast Of
Landres-et-St. Georges. The approaches
to the area were covered by enemy
fianking artillery and observation
points The Cunel Heights were fanked
by fire on the east from the Heights
Of the Meuse, and on the west from the
Heights of Romagne. The latter posi-
tions were supported by IRE from
Cunei Heights and the heights OF the
Argonne Forest about Chatei-Chehery
and Cornay.
In other words. the German posi-
tions then occupied afforded each other
mutual support all along their front.
The purpose Of our attack was TO
carry these important positions or make
gains that would lead to THAR capture
The Sd Corps (Bullard) and the
5th (Cameron), acting In concert,
were to take the heights Of Cunel and
Romagne. Their main effort was to
be made against the western tank OF
Cunel Heights. in order 10 avoid the fire
Of the enemy from east Of the Meuse
River. They we're also to move against
the eastern flank Of Rcmagne Heights.
Heavy counter battery fire with high
explosives and gas was to be maintained
and the observation stations beyond the
Meuse were to be blinded by similar
fire and smoke screens. The LIST Corps
Qiggett) was to Eeutralize the flank
ing FIRE from the Argonne and vas also
to assist the 5th Corps by capturing the
western portion Of Romagne Heights.
It's plans involved q drive against the
enemy east of Fleville to gain space for
an attack northwest through Cornay
and Chstel-C hehery. which would out
flank the Argonne Forest.
Orders Of Battle.
To correct certain defects disclosed
by our initial advance, special instruc-
tions were sent cut regarding fienking
maneuvers, mixing of units and close
cooperation between commanders.
Our order of battle to the west of the
Mouse from right to left was as follows:
Third Corps (Buliard). with the $3.50
Division (Bell), the 4th (HinesJ, and
the both (Cronkhite) in the front
line; the 5th Corps (Cameron), with
the Sd Division (Buck) and the 32d
(Haan), both fresh, in line, with the
42d (Menoher) and the 91st (Johnston)
In reserve; the lst Corps Oiggett)
with the 1st Division (SummeraID, the
28th Muir, and the nth (AlsYander)
in line, and the S2d (Duncan) ard the