At Rest Abroad

Across the French landscape, in massive cemeteries and in remote locations, America's sacrifices are still not forgotten.

Flowers decorate the grave of Marine 2nd Lt. Thomas W. Ashley, who was killed at Chateau Thierry, France, on June 6, 1918, and buried in the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery. American Legion Post 229 in South Deerfield, Mass., bears his name.
A Marine reflects on service and sacrifice before a Memorial Day ceremony at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in Belleau, France.
An American monument to the fallen soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division stands at Buzancy. Nearly 7,000 of the “Big Red One” were killed or wounded in the Battle for Soissons in July 1918.
The Franco-American Memorial Museum in Sommepy-Tahure has a large collection of World War I memorabilia. Located on the second floor of the town hall, it commemorates the village’s liberation by U.S. Marines on Sept. 26, 1918.
A monument at Chateau Thierry honors the soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division, whose defense of the Marne River during World War I earned them the motto “Rock of the Marne.” The division also fought with distinction in World War II.
An oak tree from his Greek homeland grows in memory of Pvt. 1st Class George Dilboy, who was killed July 18, 1918, in a battle with the Germans near Bouresches. With his knee nearly severed and his body riddled with bullets, Dilboy silenced a machine gun nest and posthumously received the Medal of Honor.
On the lecturn of the American Memorial Church at Chateau Thierry is a Bible given by Theodore Roosevelt’s wife, Edith, in memory of their son, Quentin, who was shot down by a German airplane July 14, 1918. Nearly every part of the church and its fixtures were gifts from American families who lost loved ones in World War I.
A monument commemorates the achievements of the 5th Infantry Division, which fought at Alsace, Lorraine, St. Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne in the first world war. During World War II, the “Red Diamond” engaged in all five of the European theater’s major campaigns.
French World War I re-enactors attend a Memorial Day ceremony at Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, dressed as American Doughboys.
The Ferme de Navarin Monument is a pyramid-like memorial and ossuary for 10,000 soldiers who fell on the plains of Champagne during World War I. Atop it is a sculpture of three soldiers; the figure on the right represents Lt. Quentin Roosevelt, who was killed in the Cambrai area.
A stained-glass window depicts a U.S. soldier in the church of Belleau. In July 1918, the 26th “Yankee” Division was to advance and capture the village, but the Germans were using the church’s tower as an observation post and machine gun position. After they destroyed it, the division’s soldiers vowed to rebuild the church and raised the funds themselves.
A memorial at Meurcy Farm marks the spot where 2nd Lt. Oliver Ames of the 42nd “Rainbow” Division was killed during the Battle of the Ourcq River on July 29, 1918. He was shot by a German sniper hidden behind a dead horse.
U.S. and French flags decorate the white marble headstones of Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, where 6,012 Americans are buried.

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