Transitioning from Small-Scale Skirmishes to Fighting Armies
The Battle of Belleau Wood forced the Marine Corps into the "industrialized world of massive firepower and wholesale slaughter." This battle would forever change the purpose of the Corps, and they were no longer a force that specialized in small-scale skirmishes against light infantry units, rebel groups, and pirates. They were now facing armies.
This sudden change came at a cost, and the Marine Corps had a hard time transitioning to the new battlefield. Marines were outnumbered, outflanked, and faced an enemy who dominated the field with trench mortars and machine guns. The Germans also used the natural terrain wisely and dug deep into the forest, making it impossible for any sizeable military unit to stay organized. Despite the impenetrable defenses, the Corps had two skills that surprised the Germans – a superb ability to adapt to new challenges and hardcore aggressiveness. This skillset ultimately resulted in a victory over the Germans, but it came at a substantial loss.
1st Battalion, 5th Marines, commanded by Major Julius Turrill, led the advance on Hill 142. The plan was to bombard the hill for 30 minutes with artillery while supplementing his command with Major Edward Cole's machine gun company and two of his rifle companies detached from his main unit. Due to poor communication and inadequate coordination, the rifle and machine gun companies never showed up. Turrill had to advance with half of his men. During the initial attack, the French protected his left flank, and Marine Major Benjamin Berry defended his right.
The German's saw Turrill's understaffed unit heading in their direction and concentrated heavy artillery fire on the flanking forces, stopping their advance. The exposed flanks, missing companies, horrible maps, infrequent artillery support, and lack of supplies left the Marines in a tough spot. Captain George Hamilton sent a status report to Turrill six hours into the battle, "Our casualties are very heavy. We need medical aid badly. We will need artillery assistance to hold this line tonight. Ammunition of all kinds is needed. All my officers are gone." The morning of June 6 alone saw over 400 Marine casualties.
The total losses for the Marine Corps during the Battle of Belleau Wood were 31 officers and 1,056 enlisted killed, wounded, or missing - the highest casualty rate in their 143 years of existence. Hundreds of U.S. troops were admitted to field hospitals that day, and the battalion surgeon stated that the wounds he treated on June 6 mainly were "tearing, lacerating, crushing and amputating types."
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