right the French had, by similar stages, conquered
a series of woods and swamps of Meuniere Woods, to the east of St.
Gilles, and were on the plateau of Bonne Maison Farm. To the left
another American unit had been able to advance upon the Vesle to the
east of St. Thiebault.

"On Aug. 5th the artillery prepared for the attack on Fismes by a
bombardment, well regulated, and the final assault was launched. The
Americans penetrated into the village and then began the mean task of
clearing the last point of resistance. That evening this task was
almost completed. We held all the northern part of the village as far
as Rheims road, and patrols were sent into the northern end of the
village. Some even succeeded in crossing the Vesle, but were satisfied
with making a reconnaissance, as the Germans still occupied the right
bank of the river in great strength. All that was left to be
accomplished was to complete the mopping up of Fismes and the
strengthening of our positions to withstand an enemy counter attack.

"Such was the advance of one American division, which pushed the enemy
forward from Roncheres on July 30th a distance of eighteen kilometres
and crowned its successful advance with the capture of Fismes on Aug.
5th."

The German line on the Vesle river fell shortly after the capture of
Fismes. The enemy was forced to fall back to his next natural line of
defence on the Aisne. Between the Vesle and the Aisne, the Americans
assisted the French in the application of such persistent pressure that
the enemy's stubborn resistance was overcome and in many places he was
forced to withdraw before he had time to destroy his depots of supply.

On August 9th, General Degoutte, commanding the Sixth French Army,
issued the following order:

"Before the great offensive of July 18th, the American troops, forming
part of the 6th French Army, distinguished themselves by clearing the
'Brigade de Marine' Woods and the village of Vaux of the enemy and
arresting his offensive on the Marne and at Fossoy.

"Since then they have taken the most glorious part in the second
battle of the Marne, rivalling the French troops in ardour and valour.

"During twenty days of constant fighting they have freed numerous
French villages and made, across a difficult country, an advance of
forty kilometres, which has brought them to the Vesle.

"Their glorious marches are marked by names which wi