Middlesex Township near Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Tough Nut To Crack
As World War I progressed, German strategy took a defensive posture. While Allied trenches were designed for the purpose of launching attacks and raids, German trenches were developed with strongly prepares 2nd and 3rd tier defensive lines. These defensive lines were interlocked with strong points made of steel reinforced concrete bunkers. Usually placed in commanding positions on the battlefield, these bunkers or pillboxes were often armed with multiple machine guns. Built with concrete walls measuring in excess of two feet the bunkers could withstand heavy artillery barrages that preceded attacks. A well placed concrete machine gun bunker could hold up an advance for hours or days and taking it usually meant high casualties as infantry would try to get close enough to insert grenades through the small machine gun openings.
In World War II the Germans capitalized on the techniques of concrete bunker construction creating massive systems from the coasts of France to the very heart of Berlin. Today many of these structures from both wars are still standing bearing scars in their concrete as testimony to the struggles to take each position.
"Corporal Hugh F. Cox, Company C, 314th Infantry, 79th Division crawled upon his stomach to within a few yards of a nest and hurled a grenade, killing the gunner and silencing the gun.”
From the History of the 79th Division American Expeditionary Force, of the battle to take Mountfaucon
Erected by U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World I.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 40° 12.367′ N, 77° 9.442′ W. Marker was near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. It was in Middlesex Township. Marker could be reached from Army Heritage Drive. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A Tough Nut to Crack (here, next to this marker); Loyalty (a few steps from this marker); New And Improved But Not Soon Enough (a few steps from this marker); The Mortar Pit (within shouting distance of this marker); Meet Mechanic Donald D. Kyler (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to the World War I Trench System Exhibit (within shouting distance of this marker); The Front (within shouting distance of this marker); Selfless Service (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carlisle.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker which has different erecting organization information.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 184 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 13, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.