Bois Saint Martin and Bois de Belleau

MAP

On June 6th Axel and the 3rd Battalion where moved to a nearby part of the wood, towards the east and Bois de Belleau. An attack was started on the Germans in Bois de Belleau, but as it forms an arch around part of the forrest the Americans attacked from, they were shot at from two sides, and hundreds were killed. On June 6th, the Marines lost more men than in the wars they'd taken part in before, combined !! - Axel was in the 5th USMC, 3 Battalions 45 Company, and of the more than 200 men from the Company, sent towards the Germans that day, only 20 came back, incl. Axel, though a few is believed to have come back, wounded, during the night. Axel stayed in this area until June 9th, when he was sent to Bouresches.

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