Belleau in Aisne, Upper France, France — Western Europe
Belleau Wood USMC Interpretive Panel #4
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 8, 2024
1. Belleau Wood USMC Interpretive Panel #4 Marker
On 11 June 1918, elements of the 5th Marines launched a pre-dawn attack on the western portion of Belleau Wood in order to link up with elements of the 6th Marines. Unfortunately, the plan did not survive the fog, friction, confusion and chaos of war. The Marines soon found themselves disoriented in the wood and exposed to heavy German rifle and machine gun fire. Despite heavy casualties, heavy artillery fire and use of poison gas, they were able to reorganize and push the battle forward. The fighting broke down to a battle of platoons, then squads, then finally to individuals, as the Marines took out the machine gun positions, one by one, by bayonet and hand-to-hand combat.
Le 11 juin 1918, des éléments du 5ème Régiment de Marines lancèrent avant l’aube un assaut dans la partie ouest de Bois de Belle pour établir le contact avec le 6ème Régiment. Ce plan ne devait pas survivre à la brume, à la tourmente, à la confusión et au chaos des amres. Les Marines perdant tout repère furent exposés à un feu nourri des mitrailleuses et fusils allemands. En dépit de pertes énormes, d'un feu d'artillerie intense
this page online
Erected 1998 by Company I, USMC Basic School.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World I. A significant historical date for this entry is June 11, 1918.
Location. 49° 4.399′ N, 3° 17.38′ E. Marker is in Belleau, Hauts-de-France (Upper France), in Aisne. It can be reached from D9. The marker is on a circular trail that leads from the west side of the Iron Mike monument area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Belleau, Hauts-de-France 02400, France. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a French colony and also the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Belleau Wood USMC Interpretive Panel #3 (a few steps from this marker); Belleau Wood USMC Interpretive Panel #5 (a few steps from this marker); Belleau Wood USMC Interpretive Panel #2 (a few steps from this marker); Belleau Wood USMC Interpretive Panel #1 (a few steps from this marker); Belleau Wood Medal of Honor Recipients (within shouting distance of
Photographed by Michael Manning, June 24, 2015
2. Belleau Wood USMC Interpretive Panel #4 Marker
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 8, 2024
3. Belleau Wood USMC Interpretive Panel #4 Marker
The five USMC markers are arranged in a semicircular pathway.
Photographed by Michael Manning, June 24, 2015
4. 5th Marines approach to Belleau Wood
Photographed by Michael Manning, June 24, 2015
5. 5th Marines approach to Belleau Wood
Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2015, by Michael Manning of Woodlawn, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 510 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 8, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on July 26, 2015, by Michael Manning of Woodlawn, Tennessee. 3. submitted on July 8, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 4, 5. submitted on July 26, 2015, by Michael Manning of Woodlawn, Tennessee. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
