The Battle of Saint-Mihiel – America’s First Major WWI Offensive
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Show Notes
In this episode of pplpod, we dive deep into the muddy, trench-filled landscapes of World War I to explore the historic Battle of Saint-Mihiel. Fought between September 12 and 16, 1918, this battle is a massive milestone in military history, marking the first large-scale offensive launched primarily by the United States Army during the Great War.
Join us as we discuss how General John J. Pershing led the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) alongside 110,000 French troops to secure a decisive Allied victory against entrenched German positions. We break down the brilliant logistical planning of a young Major George Marshall, and the frontline audacity of leaders like Brigadier General Douglas MacArthur and Colonel George S. Patton, who famously commanded the newly formed tank battalions. You'll even hear about the artillery battery commanded by Captain Harry Truman, long before he became President of the United States.
Listen in to discover incredible WWI history trivia, including how the Saint-Mihiel offensive gave birth to the famous American military terms "D-Day" and "H-Hour". We also cover the staggering scale of the Allied air support, which utilized 1,481 aircraft to execute the largest air operation of the entire war.
Whether you are a dedicated military history buff or just looking to learn more about World War I battles, the American Expeditionary Forces, and the legendary commanders who shaped the 20th century, this episode has you covered!
"Source credit: Research for this episode included Wikipedia articles accessed 3/10/2026. Wikipedia text is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; content here is summarized/adapted in original wording for commentary and educational use."