The Battle of Argonne Forest was a pivotal component of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the final battle of World War I. This massive assault encompassed the entire front line, with the immediate objective of capturing the railroad junction at Sedan. The United States had mobilized over one million troops for the battle, despite their limited battle experience. However, the introduction of these well-armed troops into a conflict that had depleted armies for four years proved decisive.

General Pershing commanded the US forces, while Colonel George Marshall oversaw logistics. The American offensive commenced on September 26, 1918, north of Verdun. It commenced similarly to all World War I battles with a colossal artillery barrage. While the initial stage of the battle, lasting until October 3rd, yielded mixed results, German resistance was formidable. Nevertheless, the sheer numerical superiority of the Americans gradually compelled the Germans back. Concurrently, French and British forces in the northern sector achieved similar, albeit gradual, advances. By the conclusion of the second stage of the battle, spanning from October 6th to 26th, the American forces had advanced over 10 miles and cleared the Argonne Forest.

In the final stage of the battle, which persisted until the Armistice of November 11, 1918, American forces advanced towards Metz, while French forces secured the campaign objective of Sedan. The American forces incurred a heavy toll of 192,000 casualties, including 26,277 fatalities. The French suffered 70,000 casualties, while the German forces endured 126,000 casualties, including 56,000 captured.