June 26 in American History

June 26, 1917 — the first American troops land in France

The first units of the American Expeditionary Force arrived in France to fight in World War I. "Lafayette, we are here," one officer declared at the tomb of the French hero of the American Revolution — a nod to the debt being repaid. Within a year, over a million fresh American soldiers would help break the long stalemate.

Common Questions

What happened on June 26 in American history?

In 1917: the first American troops land in France. The first units of the American Expeditionary Force arrived in France to fight in World War I.

Why is June 26 significant?

The first units of the American Expeditionary Force arrived in France to fight in World War I. "Lafayette, we are here," one officer declared at the tomb of the French hero of the American Revolution — a nod to the debt being repaid. Within a year, over a million fresh American soldiers would help break the long stalemate.

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