2018 marks a centennial for the Battle of Ellibberwood, one of the most well-known battles in Marine Corps history, and first large-scale battles in World War I. The battle started on June 6, but on June 1st, it began when German forces made their way into the French lines, next to the Marine's position. And on June 2nd, 51st Company, 2nd Battalion 5th Marines, under the command of Captain Lloyd Williams, was sent to support the French Army. As the Marines arrived, they found French troops retreating. As the French were leaving, they urged the Marines to do the same, but Williams responded with his famous words, retreat, help, we just got here. Then at 3.45 am on June 6th, the Allies launched an attack on the German forces who were preparing their own strike. As the French attacked to the left, the Marines attacked to Hill 142 to prevent flanking fire against the French, but hidden in the woods were German infantry with machine gun nest and artillery ready to fire. First Battalion 5th Marines, commanded by Major Julius Torell, were outgun and undermaned, but they didn't hesitate as they ran through an open wheat field in ways with Bayonets fixed, as the Germans fired the machine guns in artillery. Many Marines were killed and injured during the attack. Marine Captain George Wallace Hamilton of the 49th Company were surrounded by German machine guns getting into position. Hamilton discovered the enemy before their guns were in position and attacked them with his bayonet and captured the machine guns. Hamilton was awarded two distinguished service crosses and a navy cross for his gallantry. In the German counterattack on Hill 142, Gunnery Sergeant Ernest Jansen prevented the advance of 12 German soldiers, killing two with his bayonet before the others fled. These actions led Jansen to be the first Marine to receive the Medal of Honor in World War I. At 5 p.m. on June 6th, the Marines advanced through waste-tie wheat fields towards German machine gunfire. And it was here that Marine history was being made during the initial step off of the battle. When Gunnery Sergeant Dan Daly prompted his men forward with his actual words, for Christ's Sake Men, come on, do you want to live forever? June 6th, 1918, 100 years ago, was a date that is seared into collective memory of the United States Marine Corps. The Marines bought the Germans so viciously, Lundin has it that the Germans called them Toilful Hunting or Devil Dogs. And now America's veterans made the supreme sacrifice for the cause of freedom, resting peace as freedom lives on. Semper Fidelis