To the Trenches: The Marines Arrive in France

This episode marks the beginning of the Marine Corps' legendary role in World War I. After months of training and frustration, the 4th Marine Brigade was finally called into action. We follow them through the trenches near Verdun, into the chaos of the German Spring Offensive, and up to the doorstep of Paris. Outnumbered and outgunned, Marines held the line against Germany's elite forces. As the Germans pushed hard toward Paris, the Marines dug in and counterpunched. What followed was Hill 142 and the opening of Belleau Wood, a brutal fight that would forever define the Marine Corps.