=7th American Machine-Gun Battalion=: “_Prevented the enemy from crossing the Marne. In the course of violent combats, particularly on May 31 and June 1, this battalion disputed the northern suburbs of Château-Thierry foot by foot, inflicted severe losses on the enemy, and covered itself with glory by its bravery and ability._” [Illustration: MAJOR-GENERAL JOSEPH T. DICKMAN. Commanding the 3rd Division.] The German Offensive of June 12 and 18, against the Villers-Cotterets and Rheims Salients. The two flanks of the “pocket” which the German Offensive of May 27 had made, _i.e._ the Aisne salient around the Woods of Laigue, Compiègne, and Villers-Cotterets; and the Rheims salient backed by the Rheims Mountain, formed both an obstacle and a menace to the Germans, who accordingly decided to take them at all cost. The Aisne salient was attacked first. From June 9 to 11, Von Hutier’s Army tried to break through from the north, but failed after endeavouring in vain to take Compiègne. On June 12, an attack was made against the other side of the Aisne salient. After an exceedingly intense artillery preparation, which began at 2.30 a.m. and levelled the French lines, the enemy attacked in great force to the north and north-east of the Villers-Cotterets Wood along the Retz Stream. [Illustration: FROM JUNE 9 (9/6) TO JUNE 18 (18/6) THE GERMANS UNSUCCESSFULLY ATTACKED THE AISNE AND RHEIMS SALIENTS. _The Aisne Salient covered Compiègne and the road to Paris. The Rheims Salient covered the left wing of the Army of Champagne._] To the north, along the Aisne, in the neighbourhood of Amblény, the Germans, despite very heavy losses, were unable to make progress, being held in check by the Moroccan Division. To the south, in the region of Longpont and Corey, they advanced only 400 to 500 yards. In the centre, where the principal effort was being made, they succeeded, by means of violent bombardments, in driving the French from the plateau, west of Retz Ravine and, after capturing Cœuvres, St. Pierre-Aigle, and Vertes-Feuilles Farm, progressed in the direction of Montgobert. On the 13th, they entered Laversine, but could neither debouch from Cœuvres nor advance west of Vertes-Feuilles Farm. Once again they had failed. On the 15th, a spirited French counter-attack cleared the Retz stream, recaptured Cœuvres, and advanced the French line to the east of Montgobert, the outskirts of Chaffosse and to the west of Chavigny. The enemy unsuccessfully attacked the Rheims salient on June 18, from Vrigny to La Pompelle (see the Michelin Guide: “Rheims and the Battles for its possession”). The German Peace Offensive (“Friedensturm”) of July 15. The Germans, desirous of an early decision and hypnotised once again by the vision of Paris--threatened on the north from the Oise Valley and on the east from the Ourcq and Marne Valleys--decided on a new and still more powerful offensive, which they named the “Friedensturm” or “Peace Battle.”