Battle of Saint-Mihiel
The Battle of Saint-Mihiel, fought in September 1918, was a significant military engagement during World War I, primarily involving American forces under General John J. Pershing and German troops led by Erich Ludendorff. The battle aimed to eliminate a German salient held since 1914 and to secure a vital railroad for strategic purposes. On September 10, as the Americans and their French allies launched their offensive, the Germans, already planning to withdraw, faced a swift and powerful attack that included 3,000 artillery pieces and 267 tanks. The U.S. forces employed innovative tactics, such as the use of phosgene gas, and executed the largest aerial operation to that point with nearly 1,500 aircraft. This aggressive approach resulted in the capture of 13,000 German prisoners and 200 guns, marking a notable success for the American military. Despite securing the salient and gaining access to the railroad, the offensive incurred approximately 8,000 U.S. casualties. The battle is historically recognized for solidifying the Americans' reputation as an effective fighting force in the war.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Battle of Saint-Mihiel
Type of action: Ground battle in World War I
Date: September 12-16, 1918
Location: St. Mihiel, France, thirty-five miles southwest of Metz, France
Combatants: 248,000 Americans and French vs. 85,000 Germans
Principal commanders:American, General John J. Pershing (1860–1948); German, General Erich Ludendorff (1865–1937)
Result: The victory gave the Americans recognition as a fighting force
In September, 1918, American forces attacked the salient at St. Mihiel. General John J. Pershing’s intent was to flatten the salient and seize a strategic railroad. The Germans, led by Erich Ludendorff, had held St. Mihiel since 1914 but could no longer afford to occupy the whole perimeter. On September 10, they began to withdraw, just as the Americans and French attacked nine depleted German divisions with 3,000 artillery pieces and 267 tanks. Although the Germans intended to withdraw, the speed of the American attack and the use of phosgene gas resulted in the capture of 13,000 prisoners and 200 guns. The offensive used nearly 1,500 aircraft under the command of Colonel Billy Mitchell, the largest concentration to that date.
Significance
The Americans gained access to a new railroad line but suffered 8,000 casualties in the process. The salient was cleared and the Americans received recognition as a fighting force.
Bibliography
Gilbert, Martin. The First World War. New York: Henry Holt, 1994.
Hallas, James H. Squandered Victory: The American First Army at St. Mihiel. Westport, Conn.: Praeger, 1995.
Keegan, John. The First World War. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1999.
Maslowski, Peter, and Allan Millett. For the Common Defense. New York: Free Press, 1984.