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Map of the Second Operation of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, 1923

Top-secret map showing the second operation of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive published with "The Report of the First Army Expeditionary Forces Organization and Operations", by General John J. Pershing and Lieutenant General Hunter Liggett.

In the Society's government publications stacks sits a small book in a dark green binding. Next to it is a small box in matching finish. Though inconspicuous, the small box contains once secret details about U.S. Army operations in World War I.

The book is General John J. Pershing's report on the American First Army Expeditionary Force operations in France. Pershing was supreme commander of the U.S. Army in France during World War I. The box contains 14 original campaign maps held secret until the report was published in 1923.

On September 12, 1918, General Pershing began an offensive at St. Mihiel with the goal of breaking through the German lines and capturing the French town of Metz. Although the American army failed to capture Metz, the Germans were stunned by the powerful attack.

After that, Pershing immediately turned his attention to the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. With one million French and American troops under his command, his objective was to isolate the German Army in France and Flanders by capturing the railroad hub at Sedan. This attack was part of a massive offensive all along the Western Front with British, French and Belgian advances in the north and the French-American advances through the Argonne forest. This concerted effort is often credited with leading to the Armistice on November 11, 1918.

Pershing's report gives us insight into operational details of the First Army. It focuses particularly on the St. Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne offensives. The 14 maps that accompany the report provide details of the German defensive positions and the phases of U.S. Army attacks.

One map labeled "Strictly Secret" reveals German defensive positions at St. Mihiel. A second map, labeled "Secret Operation Map", discloses details of the second operation in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

As I skimmed through the report, a brief passage at the end of the section on the battle of St. Mihiel caught my attention. I was struck by arrogance reflected in General Pershing's summary of the battle's impact.

After recounting that they had captured 16,000 prisoners, General Pershing wrote:

More important still was the moral effect on the enemy and on our Allies. An American Army had suddenly appeared on the front and crushed the enemy in one of his strongest positions. Hitherto, the enemy had encountered Americans under French and British leadership, and no doubt expected this condition to continue. His sudden defeat by an American Army must have brought keen realization of the situation that confronted him ... The organization and initial operation of the First Army fully justified our belief in the natural initiative, resourcefulness, and adaptability of the American.

Learn More

• Report of the First Army, Expeditionary Forces. Organization and Operations

  By General John J. Pershing and Lieutenant General Hunter Liggett, 1923, General Service Schools Press. Accompany maps can be found under call number W95.2:F52.

• World War I Publications in the Wisconsin Historical Society Library

  The Society's Library has over 2,500 books, pamphlets and government publications about the role of the United States in World War I. To search for topics, start with this search results list of items about World War I and the United States from the University of Wisconsin-Madison library catalog. Then select items on the left hand side of the page to refine your search. Most materials can be checked out or borrowed through interlibrary loan.

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The North American History and Genealogy blog is written by staff and highlights the world class collections, recent research, acquisitions, and services available through the Wisconsin Historical Society's Library and Archives.