Battle of Cantigny

The Battle of Cantigny took place on May 28, 1918, and was an important early battle for American soldiers in World War I. It was the first big fight where American troops led an attack. The battle involved the U.S. 1st Division, which was one of the most experienced American units in France at that time. They were helping the French Army near a small village called Cantigny.

The goal of this battle was two-fold. First, the American soldiers aimed to push back a small bulge, or salient, in the front lines that had been created by the German Army. Second, and perhaps just as important, the attack was meant to show the French soldiers and people that the Americans could fight well and were reliable allies. This battle helped build confidence and showed that American forces were ready to play a big role in the war.

Capture of Cantigny

On May 28, 1918, American soldiers from the 28th Infantry Regiment began their attack at 06:45. They followed an hour of artillery fire that targeted German positions. As they moved forward, artillery continued to fire, creating a moving wall of smoke to protect the troops. With help from the French, including tanks and aircraft, the soldiers quickly captured the village of Cantigny in just 30 minutes. The village was important because it sat on high ground, giving the Germans a good view for their artillery. After taking the village, the soldiers continued to their final goal, which was about half a kilometer further ahead.

Defense against German counterattacks

The first German counterattack happened early in the day and was easily stopped. Later, a bigger counterattack occurred, and a company led by Major Theodore Roosevelt Jr. helped strengthen the American line. More counterattacks followed, but the American soldiers successfully defended their position. They held their ground and captured many German soldiers. This victory showed the French that they could trust American troops to help protect against German attacks.

Monuments

Battle

In 1923, a special group called the American Battle Monuments Commission put up 25 monuments to remember important battles. One of these monuments is in the village of Cantigny and was finished on August 9, 1937. A man named Colonel Robert R. McCormick, who helped lead soldiers in that battle, gave a speech at the unveiling. One side of the monument says:

"ERECTED BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO COMMEMORATE THE FIRST ATTACK BY AN AMERICAN DIVISION IN THE WORLD WAR."

Another side says:

"THE FIRST DIVISION UNITED STATES ARMY OPERATING UNDER THE X FRENCH CORPS CAPTURED THE TOWN OF CANTIGNY ON MAY 28 1918 AND HELD IT AGAINST NUMEROUS COUNTERATTACKS."

There are also French translations of these words on the other sides of the monument.

First Division

There is another monument close to Cantigny for the First Division. It was put up in 1919 by the soldiers themselves. The names of soldiers who died near Cantigny are written on bronze plates. The monument looks like a small concrete tower with a stone eagle on top.

McCormick

In the middle of Cantigny, a small monument was put up in 2005 to honor Colonel Robert R. McCormick. He was part of the oldest American military unit, which goes back to the American Revolutionary War. In 1960, a place called the Cantigny War Memorial of the First Division was opened, where memories of soldiers from Chicago were kept.

Black Lions

On May 28, 2008, which was the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cantigny, a statue called "The Lion of Cantigny" was dedicated. It shows a soldier from the 28th Infantry Regiment moving through the village. This regiment was the main group in the First Division’s attack, making it the first big battle for American troops in World War I. The regiment’s symbol is based on the lions from the arms of Picardy, the area where Cantigny is located. Their nickname is Black Lions.