The American 1st Army & the St. Mihiel Offensive - Mark E. Grotelueschen

Nothing in American military history had ever come close in size or complexity as the 1918 St. Mihiel Offensive—and yet, no greater battle in American history is less well-known or misunderstood. With the support of approximately 550,000 Americans and over 100,000 French, British and Italian personnel, and the employment of 3,000 artillery pieces, over 1,000 aircraft, hundreds of tanks and the electromagnetic spectrum, the First Army decisively defeated Armee-Abteilung C in just a few days – liberating over 200 square miles of French territory and suffering just 10,000 casualties itself. In the spirit of Pershing’s claim – that “time will not dim the glory of their deeds” – this talk seeks to shine some light on the deeds and achievements involved with the creation the First Army and its victory at St. Mihiel.

Presentation given as part of the National WWI Museum and Memorial's 2023 Symposium Milestones & Cornerstones

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