The First and Second divisions of the First army led
the way. In the van of the Second division were the Marines, whose
heroism in Belleau Wood marked the beginning of Germany's end. The
famous Rainbow division made the most savage thrust of the action,
pursuing the foe for ten miles and sweeping the Freya Hills clear of
machine nests and German artillery.
The last action of the war for the Americans followed immediately on the
heels of the battle of Sedan. It was the taking of the town of Stenay.
The engagement was deliberately planned by the Americans as a sort of
battle celebration of the end of the war. The order fixing eleven
o'clock as the time for the conclusion of hostilities, had been sent
from end to end of the American lines. Its text follows:
1. You are informed that hostilities will cease along the whole front at
11 o'clock A. M., November 11, 1918, Paris time.
2. No Allied troops will pass the line reached by them at that hour in
date until further orders.
3. Division commanders will immediately sketch the location of their
line. This sketch will be returned to headquarters by the courier
bearing these orders.
4. All communication with the enemy, both before and after the
termination of hostilities, is absolutely forbidden. In case of
violation of this order severest disciplinary measures will be
immediately taken.
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