Here it was that our soldiers confirmed the confidence placed in
them and won the admiration of the Allied High Command. Two days
later Americans were ordered to hold the road to Paris and the
crossing of the Marne at Château-Thierry.]
“The fighting kept up stubbornly. By one o’clock in the afternoon the
Germans had broken through and grabbed some of the advanced points held
by the 104th, and were filtering in through communication trenches. It
was apparent this was no mere raid. So the reserves were ordered up.
But before they arrived the enemy had been hurled back again, and by
six that night the heaviest of the fighting was over. On the 14th there
was further action; but the Boche had been licked, and he knew it. His
losses were tremendous; ours comparatively light.
“Many an act of heroism took place that day. The flags of the 104th
Infantry were later decorated by the French for the gallantry
displayed by its men. And the individual awards of American and French
decorations are eloquent.
“That was the first battle fought by Americans—any Americans—in France
in which they were not supported by French infantry.”