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Bouresches, the village where Axel was killed on June 13th. He arrived on June 9th. On June 6th 1918, the USMC 6th Regiment attacked Bouresches. After a fierce battle, resulting in considerable loses, it was taken by the Americans. The German had two machine guns in the church tower, and from there had an excellent view of the hill the Americans passed during their attack. The village was taken and held against the superior forces of the Germans, by only 1-2 platoons (about 20 soldiers) until they were relieved a few days later.
Two soldiers drove from Lucy-le-Bocage in a truck containing ammunition and supplies, along the southern part of Bois de Belleau to Bouresches. Most of the wood was still held by the Germans (Only the south-western part towards Lucy-le-Bocage was held by the Americans), but the two soldiers managed, under heavy fire, to get through to Bouresches with the much needed supplies. Both soldiers were awarded medals for their achievement.
The Germans held the railway station 200 metres outside of the village, and with the Americans inside the village, this was the front line for almost two months.
We think Peter Christoffersen may have got the distances and places mixed up, when he wrote that Axel was killed 20 yards north of Maison Blanche, which was used by the Americans, but is relatively far from the front line and Axels unit. 200 yards outside of Bouresches was a temporary cemetery, where the Americans were buried. This must be the cemetery where Axel was temporarily buried. Axels present place of burial is unknown (Perhaps someone has a letter or an idea. Was he returned to the USA, perhaps Meadow, Virginia ??), but he's not buried at the American cemetery north of Bois de Belleau.
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