Although Ludendorff had obtained slight tactical advantages to the south-west of Rheims and on the Marne, he had entirely failed in Champagne (see the Michelin Guide: “Champagne and Argonne,” French edition). Abandoning his plan of outflanking Rheims from the east, he now sought to turn the Mountain of Rheims from the south. A striking success at all cost was considered necessary. Partly through temerity, partly through an underestimation of the French strength, he resorted to the dangerous manœuvre of concentrating his efforts against Epernay. Recklessly throwing masses of men into the battle in an attempt to reach his objective quickly by sheer weight of numbers, he launched five powerful attacks in five different places. Considered in the whole, these attacks were unsuccessful, while in the Ardre Valley the enemy was vigorously counter-attacked. Meanwhile, four French divisions began an offensive in the region of Dormans. In spite of protecting smoke screens, the bridges across the Marne were unceasingly bombarded by the Allied aviators and artillery, and sometimes destroyed. The Germans accordingly reduced the number of these bridges, and increased that of the less vulnerable foot-bridges. In this way, thirty foot-bridges were built between Treloup and Reuil-sur-Marne. The Allies’ resistance, so far from abating, stiffened, while each attempt of the enemy to advance was checked with heavy loss. The Germans were already beginning to show signs of exhaustion when on July 18 the Allies’ great counter-offensive, which the German press had declared to be impossible, was launched against the right flank and in the rear of the German divisions, who were struggling desperately to reach Epernay. [Illustration: THE ATTACKS AND COUNTER-ATTACKS OF JULY 17.] AMERICAN UNITS ENGAGED FROM THE END OF JUNE TO JULY 18, 1918. =2nd Division= (see composition, p. 12). Relieved on July 10 by the 26th Division, after fighting a month without intermission. Lost 1,250 killed, 8,500 wounded, captured Bouresches, Belleau Wood, Vaux, and 1,400 prisoners belonging to five German divisions. Mentioned in the French Army Order of the Day. =3rd Infantry Brigade=: “_During the operations south of the Marne from June 1 to July 2, 1918, under the energetic impulse of its commander, General Lewis, and brilliantly led by its officers, this brigade carried Vaux village and La Roche Wood, set a fine example of attacking spirit, abnegation and self-sacrifice, thereby playing an important part in the victorious offensive, which resulted in the evacuation of French territory and forced the enemy to sue for an armistice._” [Illustration: MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES G. HARBORD. Commanding the 4th Brigade (Marines) in June, and the 2nd Division during the offensive of July 18.] =3rd Division= (see composition, p. 13). Repulsed the “Friedensturm” on the Marne. Mentioned in the French Army Order of the Day.