History of Sommepy American Monument

Background

The World War I Sommepy American Monument commemorates the achievements of the American units that served in combat with the French Fourth Army during the summer and fall of 1918.

More than 70,000 Americans served in the region during this time.

The monument, situated on Blanc Mont Ridge, is surrounded by vestiges of World War I trenches, dugouts, and gun emplacements. It is essentially a tower of golden-yellow limestone with an observation tower on top affording an excellent view of the battlefields. Inside the entrance to the monument is an inscription describing American operations in the vicinity. The monument’s site was captured by American troops.

This monument stands on Blanc Mont Ridge about 3 miles northwest of Sommepy-Tahure (Marne).

42nd Division, July 15-18, 1918: Upon learning of a German offensive planned for mid-July, the French requested reinforcements. The U.S. 42nd Division entered the line near Souain. The German offensive struck after midnight July 14-15. Soldiers of the 42nd Division held fast against German attacks until the offensive ceased on July 17.

369th, 371st, and 372nd Infantry Regiments, Sep. 26-Oct. 8, 1918: These regiments of the U.S. 93rd Division were attached to French divisions serving west of the Argonne Forest. When the Allied offensive began on Sept. 26, the 369th Infantry liberated the town of Ripont. The 371st and 372nd Infantry fought from Sept. 28, advancing slowly northward. The 372nd Infantry held a position near Monthois from Oct. 2 to 7.

2nd and 36th Divisions, Sep. 29-Oct. 28, 1918: The U.S. 2nd and 36th Divisions were attached to the French Fourth Army for the offensive starting on Sept. 26. On Oct. 2, the 2nd Division entered the line slightly north of Sommepy. The division’s attack against Blanc Mont Ridge on Oct. 3 was made by its Marine Brigade on the left and the Infantry Brigade on the right. Within three hours they seized the crest. For seven days they held on while advancing northward against German counterattacks.

The 36th Division relieved the 2nd Division on Oct. 10, 1918. Its units advanced to Machaut on Oct. 11, continuing to the Aisne River by Oct. 13. On Oct. 27, the 36th Division drove the Germans north of the Aisne River. It passed into reserve status on Oct. 28.