Decorated Marines Of The Fourth Brigade In World War I

World War I found American soldiers overseas participating in unprecedented acts of bravery and valor. Faced with the need to recognize these outstanding deeds by soldiers of all ranks and creeds, the United States established the Silver Star citation, consisting of a small star which was placed on a Victory Medal Ribbon by the honored soldier. These citations were issued by each division as well as by the Armed Expeditionary Force. This sometimes resulted in duplicate honors for one feat of valor and contributed to the general lack of a consistent process for awarding such citations. Nevertheless, the Silver Star, along with more prestigious awards such as the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross, reflected the significant contributions U.S. soldiers made to the war effort. This volume contains a complete accounting of every member of the Fourth Marine Brigade who received an award of some kind during World War I. Beginning with an overview of the brigade’s contributions to the war effort, the book lists each individual and the honors he received. Citations, which were generally written by a superior (usually an officer), read as originally written and consequently do not always provide an accurate representation of the heroic act. Prewar and postwar experience is noted when available. The award entry site—designated as Verdun, Belleau Wood, Soissons, St. Mihiel, Blanc Mont or Meuse Argonne—is also listed. Foreign honors such as the French Croix de Guerre, the Montenegrin Silver Medal of Valor and Italian War Cross are denoted when applicable. An appendix contains detailed information on the inauguration of the Silver Star citation.

During World War I, the American Expeditionary Force Second Division saw more action and captured more ground and enemy combatants than any other, including the vaunted First Division. The 4th Marine Brigade, especially, earned a reputation as a steadfast unit of superb fighting men. Drawing on battle reports and other official documents, this volume follows those Marines through their service in France in 1917 and 1918, their postwar occupation of Germany, and their arrival in New York City in August 1919. Chapters covering each of the brigade’s seven battalions recount their role in some of the most intense battles of the war, including Belleau Wood, Soissons, St. Mihiel, Blanc Mont and the Meuse River. Descriptions of the Armistice, homecoming parades, and the brigade’s inactivation at Quantico complete this comprehensive chronicle of one of the American military’s most distinguished units.

"The United States Marine Corps in the World War provides succinct, factual, and historical information on the Marine Corps during the First World War. Published initially in 1920 as the first book from the newly created Historical Section of the Marine Corps, Major Edwin N. McClellan's history of Marines in the first global war has stood the test of time with its statistical and concise details of the growth, activities, and combat exploits of the Marines. During the 50th anniversary of the First World War, History Division provides an updated version that accounts for more accurate casualty numbers."--Description from page 2 of dust jacket.

During World War I, the American Expeditionary Force Second Division saw more action and captured more ground and enemy combatants than any other, including the vaunted First Division. The 4th Marine Brigade, especially, earned a reputation as a steadfast unit of superb fighting men. Drawing on battle reports and other official documents, this volume follows those Marines through their service in France in 1917 and 1918, their postwar occupation of Germany, and their arrival in New York City in August 1919. Chapters covering each of the brigade's seven battalions recount their role in some of the most intense battles of the war, including Belleau Wood, Soissons, St. Mihiel, Blanc Mont and the Meuse River. Descriptions of the Armistice, homecoming parades, and the brigade's inactivation at Quantico complete this comprehensive chronicle of one of the American military's most distinguished units.