This is the road where the Marines in the name of America served notice
on the German war lords that they could not capture Paris.]
“It was a clear, bright day. At that season of the year it did not
get dark till about 8.30, so we had three hours of daylight ahead of us.
“As soon as I received the orders I got Holcomb and Sibley together at
the former’s headquarters, some 500 yards back of the line.
“With map in hand, I explained the situation to them without trying to
gloss over any of its difficulties, and gave them their orders. The men
seemed cool, in good spirits and ready for the word to start. Some one
has asked me what I said, what final word of inspiration I gave those
men about to face sudden death.
“I am no speech maker. If the truth must be told, I think what I
said was, ‘Give ’em Hell, boys!’ It was the sort of thing the Marine
understands. And that is about what they did.