Meuse-Argonne offensive Strategic Map
The Meuse-Argonne offensive was the final part of the Allied offense of World War 1. It was fought from September 26th-November 11th 1918 when the Germans conceded to the Armistice. This battle involved 1.2 million soldiers which 26,000 killed and 95,000 wounded. The American attack started at 5:30 a.m. on September 26 with mixed results. The Americans were supposed to push through the Argonne Forest and clear it of all German opposition. Although it was easier said than done. The terrain of the Argonne and the Meuse river provided excellent defensive positions for the Germans. The Americans had to break through two major defensive lines. The Germans had excellent defensive positions and the terrain slowed the attackers and halted the offensive. On October 4th, Pershing ordered an attack on all American fronts during this the 77th battalions "Lost Battalion" made its stand. Between October 13-16 American forces broke through the German line and captured multiple towns and strategic sites because of these victories the French were able to capture the Sudan and destroy the German rail network. Forced into retreat the German weren't able to form new lines due to the continuous American advance. American forces continued to push forward and fight through German defenses until news of the Armistice reached them. America suffered 26,277 killed, and 95,876 wounded. France had 70,000 dead or wounded. While the Germans sustained 126,000 causalities either dead or captured.