About Sommepy American Monument

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Sommepy American Monument

Discover the history

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Beginning August 1, 2024, the platform on top of the Observation Bunker at Pointe du Hoc will be closed to the public due to visitor safety and preservation concerns. Access to the interior of the Observation Bunker and path around the front of the structure will be permitted.

Overview

The World War I Sommepy American Monument commemorates the achievements of the American units that served in combat with the French Fourth Army during the summer and fall of 1918.

More than 70,000 Americans served in the region during this time.

The monument, situated on Blanc Mont Ridge, is surrounded by vestiges of World War I trenches, dugouts and gun emplacements. It is essentially a tower of golden-yellow limestone with an observation tower on top affording an excellent view of the battlefields. Inside the entrance to the monument is an inscription describing American operations in the vicinity. The monument’s site was captured by American troops.

Dedicated

1937

Location

France

Getting There

This monument stands on Blanc Mont Ridge about three miles northwest of Sommepy-Tahure (Marne).

Directions

Access to the inside of the monument is weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the summer. The monument is open on French and American holidays. The apply only to access inside the monument. The exterior of the monument and trenches are open to the public during daylight hours year round.

Admission is FREE and does not require booking in advance.

Sommepy-Tahure

France

Download the Sommepy American Monument brochure.

Travel via car

The site is 11 miles north of Suippes and it is situated 200 yards east of Highways D 23 and D 320. It can be reached via Chalons-sur-Marne or Reims.

Travel via airplane

Paris is approximately 124 miles west of the monument.

Travel via public transportation

Public transportation to the monument is not available.

Timeline

42nd Division, July 15-18, 1918: Upon learning of a German offensive planned for mid- July, the French requested reinforcements. The U.S. 42nd Division entered the line near Souain. The German offensive struck after midnight July 14-15. Soldiers of the 42nd Division held fast against German attacks until the offensive ceased on July 17.

369th, 371st, and 372nd Infantry Regiments, Sep. 26-Oct. 8: These regiments of the U.S. 93rd Division were attached to French divisions serving west of the Argonne Forest. When the Allied offensive began on September 26, the 369th Infantry liberated the town of Ripont. The 371st and 372nd Infantry fought from September 28, advancing slowly northward. The 372nd Infantry held a position near Monthois from October 2 to 7.

2nd and 36th Divisions, Sep. 29-Oct. 28: The U.S. 2nd and 36th Divisions were attached to the French Fourth Army for the offensive starting on September 26. On October 2, the 2nd Division entered the line slightly north of Sommepy. The division’s attack against Blanc Mont Ridge on October 3 was made by its Marine Brigade on the left and the Infantry Brigade on the right. Within three hours they seized the crest. For seven days they held on while advancing northward against German counterattacks.

The 36th Division relieved the 2nd Division on October 10. Its units advanced to Machaut on October 11, continuing to the Aisne River by October 13. On October 27, the 36th Division drove the Germans north of the Aisne River. It passed into reserve status on October 28.

Burial Search

More than 200,000 fallen service members are honored at an ABMC site. Search the burial database.

NEWS & EVENTS

The latest happenings at Sommepy American Monument

Featured Event

ANZAC Day Ceremony at Clark Veterans Cemetery in coordination with RSL Australia – Angeles City Sub Branch.

April 25, 2025

Before you visit

Etiquette, FAQs, and other trip planning resources

Etiquette

Please remember that ABMC cemeteries are sacred burial grounds, honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We ask that you conduct yourself with the utmost respect and solemnity during your visit. Kindly refrain from any behavior that might disturb the peace and dignity of this hallowed place. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.