"Retreat, Hell! We Just Got Here"
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By Ken Riege USAF 1985 – 1993 his statement was made famous by then Captain Lloyd Williams of the 51st Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines during the Battle of Belleau Wood on 3 June 1918. A French Colonel had advised Captain Williams to retreat, but this was not going to happen. Sadly though, Captain Williams made the ultimate sacrifice 9 days later during the same battle. He was posthumously promoted to Major. This battle was not only the turning point of the war, but also established the Marine Corps as the premiere ground fighting force for the United States. I have written about this battle before because of my connection with the “Battle of Belleau Wood.” My very own grandfather, Pvt. Paul Emerson Riege served with the 17th Company, 1st Battalion/5th Marines and was one of the first Marines to arrive in France in 1917. He would fight in this battle along with many others during WW1, earning two Purple Heart Medals along with the French Croix de Guerre and Forager for being a member of this elite unit. Even today, members of the Marine Corps Units that fought at Belleau Wood are authorized to wear the French Fourragere and you better believe they wear these with great pride and honor. I am so honored to have my grandfather’s medals and decorations on display in my office at the Comfort Suites in Gallup. I am also honored to have several other exhibits that have been presented to me over the years in honor of my grandfather and his service during WW1.
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June 2020
This is a picture of a recruitment poster used during WW1 to entice young men to join the Marines.
These are some pictures of the displays I have at the Comfort Suites honoring my grandfather and the Battle of Belleau Wood. Another legendary saying that came from this battle (some say it in use before the battle too) is a badge of honor that the Marine Corps carry to this day and it serves as their nickname. In English it’s “Devil Dogs” but in German it’s “Teufel Hunden.”
There are a lot of books written about this battle, but there are two that I always recommend: “Miracle at Belleau Wood, The Birthplace of
