Following the capture of Bouresches came the fierce fighting for
the possession of Belleau Wood to the north. This wooded hill was a
stronghold of German infantry and machine gunners, and the only way to
attack it was by advancing to the other side. The American infantry had
the assistance of the artillery in clearing the wooded heights, and in
the biggest artillery engagement in which the Americans had yet been
engaged more than 5,000 high explosive and gas shells were thrown into
the German machine gun nests in the woods. Meanwhile German attacks
against Hill 204, west of Château-Thierry and commanding the town, were
repulsed.
The United States marines attacked again on the morning of June 10
and penetrated the German lines for about two-thirds of a mile on a
600-yard front in Belleau Wood, with the result that the Germans were
driven from all but the northern fringe of the wood. On June 11 the
wood was captured and 300 prisoners were taken.