The 4th Marine Brigade, with roughly 10,000 men, was the only large Marine unit to see major action in World War I. Dubbed “Devil Dogs” by the Germans, the 4th was part of the 2nd Division of the American Expeditionary Forces, nicknamed the “Race Horse Division” for its rapid and devastating pursuit of the enemy. The 4th Brigade fought at Verdun, Soissons, St. Mihiel, Blanc Mont, and the Meuse-Argonne, and its signature victory at Belleau Wood saved Paris from falling into German hands. It was also one of the major reasons that the 2nd Division advanced more miles, captured more territory, and amassed more casualties than any other in the war. George Clark, a former Marine and expert on Marine Corps history, here draws upon memoirs, diaries, letters, and post-war interviews—most of which have not been seen since the war ended—to create a chorus of voices chronicling the 4th Brigade’s experiences. Through the words of these Marines, Clark captures the rigours of training at Paris
