Discover the History of St. Mihiel American Cemetery

St. Mihiel American Cemetery

|

Discover the history

Share

Facebook

X

LinkedIn

Print

Email

Background

By mid-1918, Allied counteroffensives had eliminated most German salients on the Western Front, except for the St. Mihiel salient, which had protruded into Allied lines since 1914.

Its elimination was crucial for Allied plans, and the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) were prepared to lead the attack.

On August 10, 1918, the U.S. First Army was officially activated under General John J. Pershing. It included 14 American divisions and 4 French divisions and was tasked with reducing the St. Mihiel salient. This operation also featured the largest use of airpower in World War I, with nearly 1,500 aircraft participating.

The St. Mihiel Offensive, launched on September 12, 1918, consisted of a main assault on the southern face of the salient, a secondary attack on the western face, and holding attacks near St. Mihiel itself. The offensive was a resounding success, and by September 16, 1918, the U.S. First Army had closed the salient. This victory prepared American forces for the larger Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which began on September 26, 1918.

Timeline

August 10, 1918: The U.S. First Army was officially activated under General John J. Pershing. The army included 14 American divisions and 4 French divisions.
Early September 1918: Final plans for the St. Mihiel Offensive were completed, including:
- A main attack against the southern face of the salient.
- A secondary assault on the western face.
- Holding attacks and raids near St. Mihiel.
September 12, 1918:
- 1:00 a.m. – Allied aerial and artillery bombardment of German positions began.
- 5:00 a.m. – The U.S. main assault began on the southern face of the salient.
- 8:00 a.m. – The secondary assault on the western face commenced.
- Throughout the day, raids were conducted against the tip of the salient, including St. Mihiel itself.
- The U.S. 2nd Division liberated Thiaucourt, while the 89th Division fought across the ground that later became the site of the St. Mihiel American Cemetery.
September 13, 1918:
- At 2:00 a.m., the U.S. 26th Division reached Vigneulles.
- By dawn, patrols from the 1st Division met the 26th Division, effectively closing the St. Mihiel salient.
- Offensive actions continued for three more days, ensuring total control of the area.
September 16, 1918: The U.S. First Army completed its mission, successfully eliminating the St. Mihiel salient.
September 26, 1918: Most units involved in the St. Mihiel Offensive transitioned to the larger Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which would continue until November 11, 1918.