History of St. Mihiel American Cemetery

Background

The World War I St. Mihiel American Cemetery and Memorial in France, 40.5 acres in extent, contains the graves of almost 4,200 of our military dead.

The majority of these died in the offensive that resulted in the reduction of the St. Mihiel salient that threatened Paris. The burial area is divided by Linden alignment trees and paths into four equal plots. At the center is a large sundial surmounted by an American eagle. To the west is a statue of a World War I soldier and at the eastern end is a semi-circular overlook dominated by a sculpture representing a victory vase.

Beyond the burial area to the south is the white stone memorial consisting of a small chapel, a peristyle with a large rose-granite funeral urn at its center, and a map building. The chapel contains a beautiful mosaic portraying an angel sheathing his sword. On the walls of the museum are recorded the names of almost 300 of the missing. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified. On the wall facing the door is a large map of inlaid marble depicting the St. Mihiel Offensive.

St. Mihiel American Cemetery is situated at the west edge of Thiaucourt, France.

By mid-1918, Allied counteroffensives had eliminated most German salients on the Western Front, except for the St. Mihiel salient, which had protruded into Allied lines since 1914.

Its elimination was crucial for Allied plans, and the American Expeditionary Forces were prepared to lead the attack.

On Aug. 10, 1918, the U.S. First Army was officially activated under Gen. John J. Pershing. It included 14 American divisions and four French divisions and was tasked with reducing the St. Mihiel salient. This operation also featured the largest use of airpower in World War I, with nearly 1,500 aircraft participating.

The St. Mihiel Offensive, launched on Sept. 12, 1918, consisted of a main assault on the southern face of the salient, a secondary attack on the western face, and holding attacks near St. Mihiel itself. The offensive was a resounding success, and by Sept. 16, 1918, the U.S. First Army had closed the salient. This victory prepared American forces for the larger Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which began on Sept. 26, 1918.

The St. Mihiel Offensive.

• Aug. 10, 1918: The U.S. First Army was officially activated under Gen. John J. Pershing. The army included 14 American divisions and four French divisions.
• Early September 1918: Final plans for the St. Mihiel Offensive were completed, including:
  • A main attack against the southern face of the salient.
  • A secondary assault on the western face.
  • Holding attacks and raids near St. Mihiel.
• Sept. 12, 1918:
  • 1 a.m. – Allied aerial and artillery bombardment of German positions began.
  • 5 a.m. – The U.S. main assault began on the southern face of the salient.
  • 8 a.m. – The secondary assault on the western face commenced.
  • Throughout the day, raids were conducted against the tip of the salient, including St. Mihiel itself.
  • The U.S. 2nd Division liberated Thiaucourt, while the 89th Division fought across the ground that later became the site of the St. Mihiel American Cemetery.
• Sept. 13, 1918:
  • At 2 a.m., the U.S. 26th Division reached Vigneulles.
  • By dawn, patrols from the 1st Division met the 26th Division, effectively closing the St. Mihiel salient.
  • Offensive actions continued for three more days, ensuring total control of the area.
• Sept. 16, 1918: The U.S. First Army completed its mission, successfully eliminating the St. Mihiel salient.
• Sept. 26, 1918: Most units involved in the St. Mihiel Offensive transitioned to the larger Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which would continue until Nov 11, 1918.

Vintage Poster

Vintage posters convey the beauty, tranquility, and solemnity of the place as a sign of respect for those who fought so that we can live free today.