In the spring of 1918, with German forces only miles from Paris, the Allied cause was on the brink of collapse. Into this desperate fight were thrown the untested U.S. Marines.

This episode of "Stories of the Great War" explores the brutal, 26-day battle for Belleau Wood, the bloody crucible that forged the modern identity of the United States Marine Corps. Discover the savage, close-quarters fighting in the dark woods and across blood-soaked wheat fields that shocked veteran German soldiers and gave birth to legends. We'll delve into the stories behind the defiant cry, "Retreat? Hell, we just got here!" and the heroic acts of valor that earned multiple Medals of Honor. Learn how this pivotal battle helped halt Germany's final offensive, boosted Allied morale, and earned the Marines their enduring nickname: "Devil Dogs." - or did it?