General Pershing meets with Foch to discuss the American offensive in St. Mihiel, but Foch changes plans due to the circumstances on the ground, wanting American divisions to be used in the Meuse-Argonne sector. Pershing argues that removing the St. Mihiel salient will strengthen the Allied offensive, and Foch agrees, allowing the operation to continue with the caveat that American troops must be in position to attack the Meuse-Argonne by September 26th.
The St. Mihiel offensive begins with an artillery barrage and air support, led by Billy Mitchell, and the Allies have massive numbers, including 550,000 men, 3,700 artillery pieces, 300-plus tanks, and nearly 1500 aircraft. The operation is successful, with the Americans inflicting casualties and the Germans retreating out of the salient, but not without suffering significant losses.
The battle is effectively over after two days, with the Americans meeting less resistance than anticipated. The success of the operation sets the stage for the American troops to support the larger Allied offensive in the Meuse-Argonne sector.
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Salient | A protruding part of a line of defense or a territory that is largely surrounded by enemy territory | The St. Mihiel salient was a key target for the Allied forces to remove in order to strengthen their offensive |
| Artillery Barrage | A prolonged and intense attack using artillery fire, often to weaken or destroy enemy defenses | The St. Mihiel offensive began with an artillery barrage that lasted for several hours, weakening the German defenses |
| Offensive | A military operation where one side takes the initiative to attack and gain territory or achieve a strategic objective | The Allied forces launched a massive offensive in the Meuse-Argonne sector, with the American troops playing a key role |
| Casualties | Personnel who are killed, wounded, or missing in action during a military operation | The Americans inflicted significant casualties on the German forces during the St. Mihiel offensive |
| Retreat | The act of withdrawing from a position or location, often due to enemy pressure or a change in circumstances | The German forces retreated out of the St. Mihiel salient, abandoning their defensive positions |
| Air Support | The use of aircraft to support ground operations, often by providing reconnaissance, bombing, or close air support | The Allies had significant air support during the St. Mihiel offensive, led by Billy Mitchell |
| Meuse-Argonne Sector | A region in northeastern France where a major Allied offensive took place during World War I | The American troops were tasked with supporting the larger Allied offensive in the Meuse-Argonne sector |
| Artillery Pieces | Weapons such as cannons, howitzers, and mortars used to fire projectiles at enemy positions | The Allies had over 3,700 artillery pieces at their disposal during the St. Mihiel offensive |
| Tanks | Armored vehicles used for military purposes, often to break through enemy lines or provide supporting fire | The Allies used over 300 tanks during the St. Mihiel offensive to support the infantry advance |
| Infantry | Ground troops who engage in combat on foot, often using small arms and other portable weapons | The American infantry played a key role in the St. Mihiel offensive, advancing behind the artillery barrage and air support |
| Vocabulary Quiz | |
|---|---|
| 1. What does the word “salient” mean in the context of the text? |
A protruding part of a territory or a bulge in a line of defense
A type of military strategy or tactic A term used to describe a type of artillery piece A type of aircraft used in the battle |
| 2. What is the meaning of the word “caveat” in the text? |
A warning or a condition that must be met
A type of military vehicle A term used to describe a type of military formation A type of artillery barrage |
| 3. What does the word “barrage” mean in the context of the text? |
A type of military uniform
A concentrated and intense attack using artillery A type of military strategy or tactic A term used to describe a type of aircraft |
| 4. What is the meaning of the word “inflicting” in the text? |
To impose or cause something, especially harm or damage
To avoid or prevent something To surrender or retreat To negotiate or compromise |
| 5. What does the word “anticipated” mean in the context of the text? |
Expected or predicted to happen
Unexpected or surprising Unimportant or insignificant Impossible or unlikely |
| Answer Key: | |
|
1. a) A protruding part of a territory or a bulge in a line of defense
2. a) A warning or a condition that must be met 3. b) A concentrated and intense attack using artillery 4. a) To impose or cause something, especially harm or damage 5. a) Expected or predicted to happen |
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Modal Verbs of Obligation and Permission
| Modal verbs such as “must” and “allow” are used to express obligation and permission. In the context of the provided text, Foch agrees to let the American operation continue, but with the condition that American troops must be in position to attack the Meuse-Argonne by September 26th. This indicates a strong obligation. On the other hand, the use of “allowing” indicates that Foch gives permission for the operation to continue, but with certain conditions. |
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Quiz Time!
Choose the correct answer for each question:
1. Foch ____________ the American operation to continue with certain conditions.
A) must
B) allows
C) permit
D) obliged
2. American troops ____________ be in position to attack the Meuse-Argonne by September 26th.
A) may
B) can
C) should
D) must
3. The success of the operation ____________ the stage for the American troops to support the larger Allied offensive.
A) sets
B) set
C) has set
D) was setting
4. The Americans ____________ massive numbers, including 550,000 men, during the St. Mihiel offensive.
A) have
B) had
C) has
D) have had
5. The battle ____________ effectively over after two days, with the Americans meeting less resistance than anticipated.
A) was
B) is
C) were
D) has been
Answer Key:
1. B) allows
2. D) must
3. A) sets
4. B) had
5. A) was
