Fix Bayonets: The Indomitable Spirit of the Marines at Belleau Wood

In the annals of military history, certain battles stand as testaments to the unwavering courage, resilience, and determination of soldiers. One such conflict is the Battle of Belleau Wood, a pivotal engagement during World War I that cemented the legendary reputation of the United States Marine Corps. John Thomason's "Fix Bayonets!" captures the essence of this epic encounter, providing a gripping and evocative account of the valor and sacrifice that defined the Marines' triumph.

The Setting: Belleau Wood

Belleau Wood, a sprawling forest located in northeastern France, became the site of a fierce struggle between American and German forces in the summer of 1918. The wood was a strategic location, as it offered a vantage point over the surrounding terrain and controlled access to Paris.

Fix Bayonets!

by John W. Thomason

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	37822 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	170 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Contenders

The American Expeditionary Forces (AEF),led by General John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, included a contingent of Marines that had recently arrived in France. These Marines were eager to prove their mettle and eager to support their allies.

Opposing the Americans was the formidable German army, led by General Erich Ludendorff. The German forces were well-trained and battle-hardened, having fought on the Western Front for years. They were determined to stop the American advance and drive them back to the coast.

The Battle

On June 6, 1918, the American forces launched an attack on Belleau Wood. The Marines, led by Brigadier General James Harbord, faced intense resistance from the German defenders. The wood was thick with undergrowth and heavy machine gun fire, making it difficult to advance.

Despite the challenges, the Marines pressed on, determined to capture their objective. They fought their way through the dense forest, clearing out German positions and inflicting heavy casualties. The battle raged for days, as the Marines slowly but surely gained ground.

Fix Bayonets

During one particularly fierce assault, the Marine battalion commanded by Lieutenant Colonel George Van Horn Moseley was pinned down by heavy machine gun fire. In a desperate attempt to break the stalemate, Moseley Free Downloaded his men to "Fix bayonets!"

With fixed bayonets, the Marines charged into the German positions, screaming their war cry, "Ooh-rah!" The Germans were caught off guard by the ferocity of the attack and fell back in disarray. The Marines pursued them relentlessly, driving them out of the wood.

The Aftermath

The Battle of Belleau Wood was a decisive victory for the American forces. The Marines had successfully captured Belleau Wood and stopped the German advance. American casualties were heavy, but the victory boosted the morale of the AEF and helped to turn the tide of the war.

In recognition of their valor, the Marines at Belleau Wood were awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French government. The battle also cemented the Marines' reputation as one of the most elite fighting forces in the world.

John Thomason's "Fix Bayonets!"

John Thomason, a former Marine who fought in the battle, captured the essence of the Marines' experience in his book "Fix Bayonets!" Published in 1926, the book is a gripping and evocative account of the battle, told from the perspective of the Marines who fought in it.

Thomason's writing is vivid and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the horrors and triumphs of war. He captures the camaraderie, humor, and indomitable spirit of the Marines, as well as the sheer brutality of the fighting.

Through the eyes of his characters, Thomason explores the complex nature of war, the bonds of brotherhood that are forged in combat, and the devastating impact of loss. "Fix Bayonets!" is not only a historical account but also a timeless meditation on the human experience of war.

John Thomason's "Fix Bayonets!" is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, the history of the United States Marine Corps, or the human experience of war. It is a powerful and moving testament to the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of the Marines who fought at Belleau Wood and a timeless reminder of the indomitable spirit that defines the American fighting man.

Fix Bayonets!

by John W. Thomason

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	37822 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	170 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE