eir first
sergeants, all of the officers having been killed or wounded.

I witnessed some of that fighting. I was with the Marines at the opening
of the battle. I never saw men charge to their death with finer spirit.
I am sorry that wounds prevented me from witnessing the victorious
conclusion of the engagement. In view of my subsequent absence from the
fight, I wish to give credit and thanks at this place to Major Frank E.
Evans, who as Adjutant of the 6th Regiment of Marines, provided me with
much of the foregoing material which occurred while I was in the
hospital.

The bravery of that Marine brigade in the Bois de Belleau fight will
ever remain a bright chapter in the records of the American Army. For
the performance of deeds of exceptional valour, more than a hundred
Marines were awarded Distinguished Service Crosses. General Pershing, in
recognition of the conduct of the Second Division, issued the following
order:

"It is with inexpressible pride and satisfaction that your commander
recounts your glorious deeds on the field of battle. In the early
days of June on a front of twenty kilometres, after night marches
and with only the reserve rations which you carried, you stood like
a wall against the enemy advance on Paris. For this timely action
you have received the thanks of the French people whose homes you
saved and the generous praise of your comrades in arms.

"Since the organisation of our sector, in the face of strong
opposition, you have advanced your lines two kilometres on a front
of eight kilometres. You have engaged and defeated with great loss
three German divisions and have occupied important strong
points--Belleau Wood, Bouresches, and Vaux. You have taken about
1,400 prisoners, many machine guns, and much other material. The
complete success of the infantry was made possible by the splendid
co-operation of the artillery, by the aid and assistance of the
engineer and signal troops, by the diligent and watchful care of the
medical and supply services, and by the unceasing work of the
well-organised staff. All elements of the division have worked
together as a well-trained machine.

"Amid the dangers and trials of battle, every officer and every man
has done well his part. Let the stirring deeds, hardships, and
sacrifices of the past month remain forever a bright spot in our
history. Let the sacred memory of our fallen comrades spur us on to
rene