Book Description

Recent historiography has almost universally denounced the tactical prowess of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF). However, a detailed analysis of the performance of the 42nd Division's 165th Infantry Regiment tells a surprisingly different story. Despite the challenges of the WWI battlefield, the 165th Infantry Regiment compiled a remarkable record of tactical effectiveness in its 180 days of combat. During its six campaigns, the regiment repeatedly held the line and seized objectives against veteran German units in a variety of situations and under various conditions. At the regimental level, a de facto adoption of trench warfare doctrine enabled the unit to synchronize the combined arms and avoid the doctrinal dysfunction that plagued the majority of the AEF. At the tactical level, the Irish platoons and companies rapidly became adept at using Indian-style or infiltration tactics to advance, seize terrain, and destroy German positions. In addition, superb leadership throughout the regiment and stellar unit cohesion played significant roles in the unit's superior tactical proficiency. In sum, these four factors enabled the 165th to achieve a level of tactical effectiveness second to none among the non-regular regiments of the AEF and equal to the best units within the German Army. A bibliography of 38 books, 11 journal articles, 18 government documents, and 9 other sources is included. Appendixes provide a table showing the organization of the 42nd Division, a chronology and casualties of the campaigns, and maps of the following 1918 campaigns: the Irish defensive sector at Luneville, France, 21 Feb-21 Mar; the 165th's defensive sector at Ancerville, France, 31 Mar-21 Jun; the Irish defensive sector at St. Hilaire, France, 15-20 Jul; the 165th's attack across the Ourcq River, near Seringes-et-Nesles, France, 25 Jul-6 Aug; the 165th's axis of advance during the St. Mihiel offensive, 12-16 Sep; and the Irish sector at St. Georges, France, 12-19 Oct. (4 figur7.