Cantigny in Somme, Hauts-de-France, France — Western Europe
28th Infantry Regiment Monument
Cantigny
Photographed By Michael Manning, June 26, 2015
1. 28th Infantry Regiment Monument Marker - English Side
On the morning of May 28th, 1918, the 28th Infantry Regiment, U.S. First Division, American Expeditionary Force, commanded by Colonel Hanson E. Ely, conducted the first major American offensive of World War I here at Cantigny. The rest of the First Division, French aircraft, artillery, tanks and flamethrowers, supported the attack. The seizure and defense of Cantigny against determined German opposition proved the worth of the American soldier and bolstered Allied morale at a critical time. Almost 900 members of the regiment were killed or wounded during the four-day battle. The regiment earned the French Croix de Guerre with palm and designation of "The Lions of Cantigny." The regiment's crest bears a lion derived from the coat of arms of Picardy.
Erected 2007 by 28th Infantry Regiment Association, McCormick Tribune Foundation, Cantigny First Division Association, Village of Cantigny.
Topics. This monument and memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World I. A significant historical date for this entry is May 28, 1939.
Location. 49° 39.78′ N, 2° 29.523′ E. Marker is in Cantigny, Hauts-de-France, in Somme. Memorial is on Rue Saint Aignan (Route D26). Located in Cantigny adjacent to the Cantigny American Monument. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. McCormick's Cantigny Artillery Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Cantigny American Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); First U.S. Division (approx. 0.8 kilometers away).
Regarding 28th Infantry Regiment Monument. The opposite side presents the French translation.
Also see . . .
1. 28th Infantry Regiment Association. Website homepage:
The 28th Infantry Regiment Association provides its history. On Cantigny and beyond: The Regiment distinguished itself by conducting the first offensive operation by US troops in WWI at Cantigny, where, in a viciously fought three-day battle, the 28th Infantry captured the town of Cantigny and then withstood five determined German counterattacks. Here the‚ Lions of Cantigny‚ were born and the prestige of the American fighting man was upheld before the world. The Regiment also fought in the battles of Soissons, the Argonne and Sedan. It suffered more than 5000 casualties in this war. Three of its members were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for their heroism: SGT Michael B. Ellis of Co B, PVT Sterling Morelock of Co M and 2LT Samuel I. Parker of
Photographed By Michael Manning, June 26, 2015
2. 28th Infantry Regiment Monument Marker - French Side
(Transcription not provided due to poor legibility. Click on photo to enlarge.)
2. 28th Infantry Regiment (United States). Wikipedia entry (Submitted on February 20, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Michael Manning, June 26, 2015
3. 28th Infantry Regiment Monument Marker
Photographed By Michael Manning, June 26, 2015
4. 28th Infantry Regiment Monument Marker
Photographed By Michael Manning, June 26, 2015
5. Cantigny in Area of Monument
Photographed By Michael Manning, June 26, 2015
6. Fields of Cantigny
Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2015, by Michael Manning of Woodlawn, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 433 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 22, 2015, by Michael Manning of Woodlawn, Tennessee. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
