Unveiling the Legacy: A Fascinating Dive into the 'Rock of the Marne' - The 3rd Infantry's Captivating Motto History

Introduction

The 3rd Infantry Division of the United States Army is one of the most storied and celebrated units in American military history. Since its formation in 1917, the division has been at the forefront of some of the most significant conflicts in which the United States has been involved, from World War I to the present day. One of the most enduring symbols of the 3rd Infantry Division is its nickname, "Rock of the Marne," which has become synonymous with the division's courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to victory.

Motto History

Battle of the Marne

The origins of the 3rd Infantry Division's nickname can be traced back to the Battle of the Marne, which took place in France on July 14th, 1918. During this battle, French and British forces were able to stop a German advance towards Paris, leading to a strategic victory for the Allied forces. The battle was marked by intense fighting and heavy casualties on both sides, but the Allied victory marked a turning point in the war and prevented the Germans from achieving a quick victory.

German soldiers advancing past a captured French position, between Loivre and Brimont, Marne department, 1918.

The 3rd Infantry Division played a pivotal role in the Battle of the Marne, holding a critical position along the Marne River that prevented the German army from crossing and advancing on Paris. At midnight on 14 July 1918, the division earned a lasting distinction. Engaged in the Aisne-Marne Offensive as a member of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) to Europe, the division was protecting the French capital of Paris with a position on the banks of the Marne River.

The 8th Machine Gun Battalion of the 3rd Division rushed to Château-Thierry amid retreating French troops and held the Germans back at the Marne River. While surrounding units retreated, the 3rd Division, including the 4th, 30th, and 38th Infantry Regiments, remained steadfast throughout the Second Battle of the Marne, and Colonel Ulysses G. McAlexander's dogged defense earned the 38th Infantry Regiment its nickname as the "Rock of the Marne”.

38th Infantry Regiment repelled the German attack near Mézy, France, across the Marne River in July 1918. This defense checked the Germans' assault and made an Allied offensive possible, thus earning 38th Infantry Regiment's nickname "Rock of the Marne".

During the massive attack, the 3rd Infantry Division's commanding officer, Major General Joseph T. Dickman, famously cried out "Nous Resterons La" (We Shall Remain Here). Their Blue and White insignia also earned them the nickname The Blue and White Devils." The rest of the division was absorbed under French command until brought back together under the command of Major General Joseph T. Dickman and by 15 July 1918 they took the brunt of what was to be the last German offensive of the war. General John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing, Commander-in-chief of the AEF on the Western Front, called this stand "one of the most brilliant pages in the annals of military history".

Postcard showing the ruins of the village of Chateau-Thierry in 1918.

The division's actions at the Battle of the Marne earned it the nickname "Rock of the Marne," a tribute to the division's steadfastness and determination in the face of adversity. The nickname has become a source of pride and inspiration for the soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division, who see it as a symbol of their commitment to duty, honor, and country.

Legacy

The "Rock of the Marne" nickname has endured throughout the division's history, and has been passed down from generation to generation of soldiers. It has become a symbol of the division's fighting spirit and a source of inspiration for soldiers facing difficult and dangerous missions. The division's soldiers wear the nickname with pride, knowing that they are part of a long and storied tradition of service and sacrifice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 3rd Infantry Division's nickname, "Rock of the Marne," is a testament to the division's bravery, determination, and unwavering commitment to victory. It is a symbol of the sacrifices that the division's soldiers have made in service to their country, and a source of inspiration for future generations of soldiers who will continue to uphold the division's proud legacy. The "Rock of the Marne" will always be a part of the division's identity, reminding the soldiers who wear its patch of the challenges they have overcome and the victories they have achieved.