"Belleau Wood is located on the heights behind the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, south of the village of Belleau (Aisne), France. In the center of the road through the woods is a flagpole and monument commemorating the bravery of the U.S. Marines who captured this area in 1918.
It commemorates the actions of the 4th Marine Brigade of the 2nd Division of the United States Army. The 2nd Division attacked German positions starting June 6, 1918. The 4th Marine Brigade liberated Bouresches that day. His 5th and 6th Marine Regiments fought in Belleau Wood for most of June 1918.
Their courageous actions resulted in the end of the Battle of Belleau Wood on June 26. On June 30, 1918, the general commanding the 6th French Army officially renamed Belleau Wood “Marine Brigade Wood.”
The 2nd Division suffered losses of 8,100 officers and men during intense fighting in these surroundings in June 1918. Remains of trenches, shell holes and relics of the war, including weapons found in the surrounding area , can be seen near the marine monument, which was erected by the United States Marine Corps."