Overview
The World War I Sommepy American Monument commemorates the achievements of the American units that served in combat with the French Fourth Army during the summer and fall of 1918. More than 70,000 Americans served in the region during this time.
The monument, situated on Blanc Mont Ridge, is surrounded by vestiges of World War I trenches, dugouts and gun emplacements. It is essentially a tower of golden-yellow limestone with an observation tower on top affording an excellent view of the battlefields. Inside the entrance to the monument is an inscription describing American operations in the vicinity. The monument's site was captured by American troops.
42nd Division, July 15-18, 1918: Upon learning of a German offensive planned for mid- July, the French requested reinforcements. The U.S. 42nd Division entered the line near Souain. The German offensive struck after midnight July 14-15. Soldiers of the 42nd Division held fast against German attacks until the offensive ceased on July 17.
369th, 371st, and 372nd Infantry Regiments, Sep. 26-Oct. 8: These regiments of the U.S. 93rd Division were attached to French divisions serving west of the Argonne Forest. When the Allied offensive began on September 26, the 369th Infantry liberated the town of Ripont. The 371st and 372nd Infantry fought from September 28, advancing slowly northward. The 372nd Infantry held a position near Monthois from October 2 to 7.
2nd and 36th Divisions, Sep. 29-Oct. 28: The U.S. 2nd and 36th Divisions were attached to the French Fourth Army for the offensive starting on September 26. On October 2, the 2nd Division entered the line slightly north of Sommepy. The division’s attack against Blanc Mont Ridge on October 3 was made by its Marine Brigade on the left and the Infantry Brigade on the right. Within three hours they seized the crest. For seven days they held on while advancing northward against German counterattacks.
The 36th Division relieved the 2nd Division on October 10. Its units advanced to Machaut on October 11, continuing to the Aisne River by October 13. On October 27, the 36th Division drove the Germans north of the Aisne River. It passed into reserve status on October 28.
Photos
Cemetery Information
Visiting Hours
Access to the inside of the monument is weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the summer. The monument is open on French and American holidays. The visiting hours apply only to access inside the monument. The exterior of the monument and trenches are open to the public during daylight hours year round.
Contact Us
Sommepy Monument
Sommepy-Tahure
France
Directions
GPS Coordinates:
49°
17'
3"
N
,
4°
32'
10"
E
This monument stands on Blanc Mont Ridge about three miles northwest of Sommepy-Tahure (Marne).
Travel via Car
The site is 11 miles north of Suippes and it is situated 200 yards east of Highways D 23 and D 320.
It can be reached via Chalons-sur-Marne or Reims.
Travel via Airplane
Paris is approximately 124 miles west of the monument.
Travel via Public Transportation
Public transportation to the monument is not available.
Publications
News & Events
Download this infographic to see where ABMC sites are located throughout the world.
Experience the history of World War I, “The Great War,” through an interactive timeline and map.
More than 500,000 Americans lost their lives in World War I and World War II defending democracy on soil and water far from the United States. The sacrifice of these men and women will be honored during ceremonies at America’s military cemeteries overseas, where more than 200,000 of these individuals are buried and memorialized.
Memorial Day–the federal holiday in which we honor our veterans and remember those who died while in the armed services–originated in the aftermath of the Civil War.