Map to Illustrate the Offensive of the St. Mihiel Salient
29th Engineer Regiment, United States Army 1918 Map
The Battle of Saint-Mihiel was the first and only offensive carried out solely by the United States. The objective of the attack was to break through the German lines and capture the French city of Metz. German forces had used Metz as a resupply and transportation hub since they took the city early in the war.
The battle took place September 12 through September 15, 1918. Several days of rain prior to the battle made the road nearly impassible by mud and ultimately prevented the capture of Metz. However, the battle was considered an Allied victory and demonstrated the efficacy of the United States forces.
Just 11 days later, the Allies began the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The United States forces from the Battle at Saint-Mihiel marched ten days straight, often through knee-deep mud, to be in place for their part in the offensive.
Gift from the John G. McDonald Collection
