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Naval History and Heritage Command

National Museum of the U.S. Navy

Battle of Belleau Wood:   June 26, 1918

On June 16, 1918, the 4th Marine Brigade drove the Germans from Belleau Wood after a bitter month-long battle, involving bloody hand-to-hand combat.  The battle is known for the line reported back to headquarters following the successful conclusion, "Woods Now U.S. Marine Corps Entirely."   Although the operation cost the 4th Marine Brigade 4,719 casualties, including over 1,000 killed, the Marines proved their courage to both the French and the American Expeditionary Forces.   Heartened by the American performance, the French awarded the division's infantry brigades, including the 4th Marine Brigade unit citatations for "gallant action" and officially renamed the woods -- Bois de la Brigade Marine. 

Image:   NH 359:  Battle of Belleau Wood.   Copy of an artwork by Frank E. Schoonover from the U.S. Marine Corps Museum.    U.S. Naval History and Hertiage Command Photograph.