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The St. Mihiel Offensive took place between September 12-16. The objective of this offensive was to reduce the St. Mihiel salient so that French rail communications could be regained between Paris and areas lying to the east. Although divisions of the AEF attacked all sides of the salient, the U.S. 2nd Division (containing the 4th Brigade) would attack the southeast area of the salient. Due to a well devised plan, which allowed small unit commanders to make decisions, the offensive was a huge success. The 2nd Division was able to contribute to 15,000 captures along with numerous captures of enemy guns and ammunition. A good example of small units making decisions was that of Colonel George Patton, who made decisions with his tank brigades, which contributed an advance of six miles, while capturing a number of German machine gun nests. The AEF was able to reduce the salient with little resistance. This battle was important because it not only opened up French rail communications, but it also gave U.S. commanders a new way of allowing small unit officers to make decisions in the field, a practiced that is still used today in our military. |
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