Days of Perfect Hell: The U.S. 26th Infantry Regiment in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, October-November 1918

by Peter L. Belmonte

Nearly 100 years ago, on October 4, 1918, on a muddy, poison gas-soaked hillside in France, the U.S. 26th Infantry Regiment jumped-off amidst a hail of shell fire and machine-gun fire to begin the final push to end World War I. For the next 39 days, with little respite, the regiment fought desperately against a determined, well-armed foe. This is the story of a single regiment in a successful, highly acclaimed Regular Army division, during the greatest American battle to date. This is not a dry recitation of facts, but an in-depth examination of a single regiment that allows the reader to appreciate the intricacies of small-unit action and the problems associated with leading platoons, companies, and battalions in battle during the Great War, while at the same time depicting the human drama associated with the terrible carnage"

240 pages, Hardcover

First published October 28, 2015

Reviews

[Dan. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent focus on seminal WW I American battle through one Reginent's experiences. My wife's great uncle died there and his grave was never found, but the author's research was so thorough he even discusses this lost family member. We contacted him and he graciously forwarded us his primary documents. Amazing kindness!

[Craig Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belmonte did an excellent job recreating the hell the doughboys of the 26th division certainly endured during the historic and final battle of WWI. His commitment to detail made my grandfathers story come alive in vivid detail. Thank You!

[CathyMW · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author didn't state why he chose this particular regiment. I'm glad that he did--my great uncle was a part of this regiment and died during this offensive.

[Kges1901 · Rating 4 out of 5]

detailed history of the regiment during the period described