Trip to Belleau Woods Battlefield & American Memorial Ceremony

Join Outdoor Recreation on a trip to the Belleau Woods Battle Field and Cemetery in France!

The Battle of Belleau Wood (1–26 June 1918) occurred during the 1918 German Spring Offensive in World War I, near the Marne River in France. The battle was fought between the U.S. Second Division (under the command of Major General Omar Bundy) and Third Division along with French and British forces against an assortment of German units including elements from the 237th, 10th, 197th, 87th, and 28th Divisions.

After the battle, the French renamed the wood "Bois de la Brigade de Marine" ("Wood of the Marine Brigade") in honor of the Marines' tenacity. The French government later awarded the 4th Brigade the Croix de Guerre. An official German report classified the Marines as "vigorous, self-confident, and remarkable marksmen..."General Pershing—Commander of the AEF—even said, "The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle!"[citation needed] Pershing also said "the Battle of Belleau Wood was for the U.S. the biggest battle since Appomattox and the most considerable engagement American troops had ever had with a foreign enemy."

Departure: 3 a.m. from Wagon Wheel Theater

What to bring:

• Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes and clothing
• Euro
• Military ID
• Passport (required)