Front Lines of 3rd Division as of 24 hrs on the Marne [and] 3rd Division Meuse-Argonne Offensive

Memorializing the operations of ‘The Rock of the Marne’ during World War I.

This pair of maps was likely published shortly after the Armistice as part of a commemorative volume celebrating the wartime achievements of the Third U.S. Infantry Division. The unit’s dogged defense of Paris along the Marne River in July of 1918 earned it a unique nickname – ‘The Rock of the Marne.’

Between the time it entered the line on May 30th and the declaration of peace on November 11, the division endured 99 days on the front line and suffered over 16,000 total casualties (‘normal’ strength is usually about 25,000). Two members, 1st Lieut. George Hays and Corporal John Barkley, were awarded the Medal of Honor.

The first map, about 23.3″ x 18.2″, shows the operations along the Marne from May 31st to July 29th. The positions of various units are identified with letters A-J, with some uncertainty reflected in the presence of accurate and doubtful front lines. Chateau-Thierry, Hill 204, and other prominent features of the battle are labeled. The second map, smaller at approximately 13.2″ x 12.1″, shows the 3rd’s activities during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive of September 30th to October 27th.

Source: USO;