Belleau Wood

One of the most inspiring things ever said.......

Double Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Sergeant Major Daniel Joseph Daly
Belleau Wood - 6 June 1918, the casualties were the highest in Marine Corps history up to that point in history. They would remain so until the capture of Tarawa in November 1943. Overall, the woods were taken by the Marines (and the US Army 3rd Infantry Brigade) a total of six times before they could successfully expel the Germans. They fought off more than four divisions of Germans, often reduced to using only their bayonets or fists in hand-to-hand combat. In order to rally his platoon of pinned-down Marines, Gunnery Sergeant Dan Daly encouraged them with what would become a famous phrase
"Come on, you sons of bitches, do you want to live forever?"
On 26 June, a report was sent out simply stating, "Woods now U.S. Marine Corps entirely," ending the bloodiest and most ferocious battle U.S. forces would fight in the war.