THE LOST BATTALION Tribute Tee

AEF TRIBUTE TEES... 1918-2018 The Centennial of Courage! The Lost Battalion is the name given to the nine companies of the United States 77th Division (The Liberty Division), roughly 554 men, isolated by German forces during World War I after an American attack in the Argonne Forrest in October 1918. Roughly 197 were killed in action and approximately 150 missing or taken prisoner before the 194 remaining men were rescued. They were led by Major Charles Whittlesely. On 2 October, the 77th launched an attack into the Argonne, under the belief that French forces were supporting their left flank and two American units including the 92nd Infantry Division were supporting their right.  Within the 77th sector some units including Whittlesey's 1-308th Infantry were making significant headway. Unknown to Whittlesey's unit, the units to their left and right had been stalled. Without this knowledge, the units that would become known as the Lost Battalion moved beyond the rest of the Allied line