As in the two preceding volumes of “Americans in the Great War,” no
attempt is made in this third volume to describe the military
engagements in great detail. It was thought better to illustrate the
ruin and devastation caused by the great struggle, rather than to dwell
too long on the actual hostilities. This object has been attained by
securing a great number of carefully selected and exclusive photographs
and maps, all of which are published in this volume, together with
necessary descriptive text. Like its predecessors this volume is not a
military treatise but a guide book.
Nevertheless, it is the duty of the author as well as a great pleasure
to hesitate long enough at this moment to say a word in appreciation of
the invaluable service rendered to France and to civilization by the
valiant American soldiers.
It was during the period covered in the pages following that the
American Army reached its maximum fighting strength, and achieved its
greatest military triumphs.
The splendid fighting spirit of the troops was remarked by all, and
their fine comradeship, both on the firing line and at rest, won the
widest possible admiration. Furthermore, the seasoned military experts
who had been engaged in the war for four long years were amazed to
discover with what remarkable rapidity the American soldiers and their
high spirited officers had adapted themselves to the art of war.
In the words of Marshal Foch: “As for the American troops you may tell
your people that they are admirable. They can be reproached only with
going ahead too fast!”
The Meuse-Argonne campaign ended with the signing of the Armistice on
November 11, 1918. Marshal Joffre in a speech of thanksgiving said: “I
am proud to have been the sponsor of the noble American Army, which has
been the determining cause of our present victory.”
[Illustration: THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE AMERICAN FORCES, JOHN J.
PERSHING]