Mimrod T. Frazer, 80, whose father – Sgt. William Johnson Frazer was awarded a Purple Heart, created a memorial on the site, to pay tribute to the 167th Alabama Infantry Regiment and the 42nd Infantry (Rainbow) Division.
Six miles northwest of Château-Thierry is the site of the Battle of Belleau Wood, where the Allies tried to stop the Germans from advancing towards Paris. They captured the whole area by June 26, but lost more men during the attack then they did throughout the war.
Near the village of Belleau is the German Cemetery. Most of the graves contain 4 soldiers with 2 names written on each side of the German cross. There is also a mass grave where over 4,000 soldiers are buried.
Another monument has been made where Charles de Gaulle celebrated 50 years since the victory of the Secon Marne, at Les Fantômes in Fère-en-Tardenois. Around the town you can also find memorials dedicated to Quentin Roosevelt (Teddy Roosevelt’s son), Second Lt. Oliver Ames II, the Seringes American Memorial Church and the 42nd Rainbow Division at Meurcy Farm, The New York Times reports.
6,012 soldiers are buried at the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, one of the largest American World War I cemeteries in Europe. Among those buried at the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery is Joyce Kilmer, who died in the Battle of the Ourcq.
Another good place to visit and learn about the war is the Musée de la Grande Guerre, in Meaux, northeast of Paris and opened in 2011 during Armistice Day. The museum might not be as much about history, but about objects and the lives of the soldiers. You can find German, French, British and American recruitment posters, photos, toys and a 1917 tank.
All the information necessary to start your journey around the impressive monuments, cemeteries and museums, can be found in books like “Major & Mrs. Holt’s Battlefield Guide to Western Front-South” as well as on the American Battle Monuments Commission website.
Reports written on the Croix Rouge Farm Battle can be found at croixrougefarm.org/visiting and for the Musée de la Grande Guerre, Pays de Meaux, you should visit museedelagrandeguerre.eu.
Among other online guides, you should see theworldwar.org for the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial, centenaire.org, centenarynews.com and Europeana1914-1918.eu for news, articles, projects, documents and personal stories.