U.S. Marines Secure First Major WWI Victory at Belleau Wood

On June 25, 1918, the United States achieved its first major victory in World War I when American forces ended the Battle of Belleau Wood. The fighting, which took place northeast of Paris during Germany's last major offensive on the Western Front, saw U.S. Army and Marine units engage in intense close‑quarter combat to halt the German advance.

The battle was exceptionally bloody, with hand‑to‑hand fighting, artillery bombardments and stubborn resistance on both sides. Ultimately, American troops drove the Germans from the forest, stopping their momentum. After the victory, General John J. Pershing praised the Marines, saying, "The deadliest weapon in the world is a United States Marine and his rifle."

The success at Belleau Wood not only solidified America's standing among the Allies but also boosted morale across the U.S. armed forces, marking a turning point in the war.