The Battle of the Ourcq River
Details:
On the outer wall of the farm.
Plaque
Bronze plaque explaining the Battle of the Ourcq River.
Monument Text:
The Battle of the Ourcq River
July 25 - August 3, 1918
La Croix Rouge Farm / Seringes et Nesles / Meurcy Farm / Sergy
In memory of those gallant men of the French and American Armies who gave their lives here in the defense of freedom.
Late in the afternoon of July 26, 1918, units of the American 42nd Rainbow Division attacked heavily defended enemy positions at La Croix Rouge Farm, south of the Ourcq River. As the enemy retreated to fortifications north of the river, the Rainbow formed up on a 3000 yard front just south of the Ourcq. Under constant enemy machine gun and artillery fire, the Ourcq was crossed on July 28, and in six days of hand to hand combat, key positions at Hill 212, Sergy, Meurcy Farm, Bois Colas, and Seringes et Nesles were captured. The Rainbow Division, including attached units, suffered 6,459 casualties; 5,049 wounded and 1,410 killed.
Comrades, true, born anew, peace to you!
Your souls shall be where the heroes are
And your memory shine like the morning-star.
Brave and dear,
Shield us here.
Farewell!
From "Rouge Bouguet" by Sgt. Joyce Kilmer 165th Infantry
Dedicated May 27, 2001 at Meucry Farm
Rainbow Division Veterans Memorial Foundation, Inc.
Commemorates:
People:
Units:
165th Infantry Regiment, 42nd Division
42nd (Rainbow) Division
42nd Infantry Division
United States Army
Wars:
WWI
Battles:
The Ourcq River