The Battalion That Stood Tall In Hell

Major Charles Wittlesey


 
In the annals of military history, few stories capture the blend of heroism, tragedy, and sheer misfortune as vividly as that of the "Lost Battalion" of World War I. This group of American soldiers, part of the 77th Infantry Division, found themselves isolated and surrounded by German forces in the dense Argonne Forest in October 1918. Their ordeal, marked by relentless enemy fire, dwindling supplies, and unwavering courage, stands as a testament to the resilience and sacrifice of the American Doughboys on the Western Front.
 
The 77th Infantry Division, composed largely of men from New York City, entered the Argonne Forest as part of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, a major Allied push aimed at breaking through the German lines. On October 2, 1918, nine companies of the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 308th Infantry Regiment, along with elements of the 306th Machine Gun Battalion, advanced into the forest under the command of Major Charles Whittlesey. The objective was to outflank the German positions, but due to a combination of factors—including difficult terrain, communication breakdowns, and the retreat of flanking units—Whittlesey's force soon found itself completely cut off.
 
As the German forces closed in, the situation for the Lost Battalion grew increasingly dire. Surrounded on all sides, the men faced constant sniper fire, artillery bombardments, and close-quarters attacks. Food and water quickly ran out, and medical supplies were scarce. The dense forest made it nearly impossible to evacuate the wounded, and the lack of communication prevented them from calling in accurate artillery support.
 
One of the most tragic episodes of the ordeal occurred when American artillery, unaware of the battalion's position, began shelling their location. In a desperate attempt to halt the friendly fire, Whittlesey ordered a message to be sent via carrier pigeon. The first pigeon was shot down, but a second, named Cher Ami, successfully delivered the message despite being severely wounded. Cher Ami's bravery saved the remaining men from further friendly fire, and the pigeon became a symbol of courage and sacrifice.
 
For five days, the Lost Battalion endured unimaginable hardships, clinging to their position against overwhelming odds. Despite repeated German attempts to break their lines, the American soldiers refused to surrender. Major Whittlesey's unwavering leadership and the determination of his men inspired them to hold out, even as casualties mounted and hope dwindled.
 
Finally, on October 7, 1918, elements of the 77th Division managed to break through the German lines and reach the Lost Battalion. Of the more than 500 men who had entered the Argonne Forest, only 194 were able to walk out unassisted. The rest were either dead, wounded, or missing.
 
The story of the Lost Battalion quickly became a symbol of American bravery and resilience during World War I. Major Charles Whittlesey was hailed as a hero and awarded the Medal of Honor. The survivors of the Lost Battalion returned home to a nation eager to celebrate their courage and sacrifice.
 
In conclusion, the ordeal of the Lost Battalion in the Argonne Forest serves as a poignant reminder of the brutal realities of war. The story of these American soldiers, trapped and isolated behind enemy lines, is a testament to the human capacity for endurance, courage, and sacrifice. Their legacy lives on as a symbol of the unwavering spirit of the American Doughboys who fought and died on the battlefields of World War I.

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