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Exhibition Echoes of the Great War: American Experiences of World War I

Echoes of the Great War: American Experiences of World War I

Hard Fought Victory

"German machine gunners retreating, Belleau Woods," June 1918. Photograph. Joel T. Boone Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress (135.00.00)
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Hard Fought Victory

As Marines fought their way into Belleau Wood, the Germans retreated. By the end of June, the 2nd Division's mixed Marine-Army force had retaken the wood. The hard won victory demonstrated that the Marines could fight successfully as large units on land next to the Army, marking the emergence of the modern Marine Corps.