ver
flanking movement troops of the 91st Division captured Spitaals Bosschen,
a difficult wood extending across the central part of the division
sector, reached the Escaut, and penetrated into the town of Audenarde.
These divisions received high commendation from their corps commanders
for their dash and energy.

On the 23d, the 3d and 5th Corps pushed northward to the level of
Bantheville. While we continued to press forward and throw back the
enemy's violent counter attacks with great loss to him, a regrouping of
our forces was under way for the final assault. Evidences of loss of
morale by the enemy gave our men more confidence in attack and more
fortitude in enduring the fatigue of incessant effort and the hardships
of very inclement weather.

With comparatively well-rested divisions, the final advance on the
Meuse-Argonne front was begun on Nov. 1. Our increased artillery force
acquitted itself magnificently in support of the advance, and the enemy
broke before the determined infantry, which, by its persistent fighting
of the past weeks and the dash of this attack, had overcome his will to
resist. The 3d Corps took Ancreville, Doulcon, and Andevanne, and the
5th Corps took Landres et St. Georges and pressed through successive
lines of resistance to Bayonville and Chennery. On the 2d, the 1st Corps
joined in the movement, which now became an impetuous onslaught that
could not be stayed.

On the 3d, advance troops surged forward in pursuit, some by motor
trucks, while the artillery pressed along the country roads close behind.
The 1st Corps reached Authe and Chatillon-sur-Bar, the 5th Corps, Fosse
and Nouart, and the 3d Corps, Halles, penetrating the enemy's line to a
depth of twelve miles. Our large-calibre guns had advanced and were
skillfully brought into position to fire upon the important lines at
Montmedy, Longuyon, and Conflans. Our 3d Corps crossed the Meuse on the
5th, and the other corps, in the full confidence that the day was theirs,
eagerly cleared the way of machine guns as they swept northward,
maintaining complete co-ordination throughout. On the 6th, a division of
the 1st Corps reached a point on the Meuse opposite Sedan, twenty-five
miles from our line of departure. Their strategical goal which was our
highest hope was gained. We had cut the enemy's main line of
communications, and nothing but surrender or an armistice could save his
army from complete disaster.

In all forty enemy di