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The U. S. Marine Corps' 2nd Battalion, 5th Regiment adopted the motto: "Retreat, hell!", in honor of Major Williams. Fighting since 1914, 2/5 is the most highly decorated battalion in Marine history.
America entered World War I to reinforce the battered French and British troops waging a desperate fight against Germany. On June 2, 1918, a division of Marines was sent to support the French army at Belleau Wood. As the Marines arrived, they found French troops retreating through their lines.
Jun 2, 2021 · A Marine officer showed up to the front lines of combat on this day 103 years ago and uttered one of the most badass and enduring quotes of all time: “Retreat? Hell! We just got here!”
Jun 3, 2013 · R Lee Ermey telling the story of the famous quote by Marine and Virginia Tech alumnus Major Lloyd Williams at the Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918.
2/5 is the most highly decorated battalion in the Marine Corps, and their motto, "Retreat, Hell!", comes from the French trenches of World War I, when a Marine officer named Lloyd W. Williams was advised by a French officer to retreat and replied, "Retreat? Hell, we just got here!"
A story describing the legendary battles fought by the U.S. Marine Corps at Belleau Wood and Blanc Mont during World War I.
When a French officer advised withdraw to a more defensive line Williams reportedly replied: "Retreat Hell! we just got here!" Days later, on June 11, 1918, Williams led an assault that routed the German defenders at Belleau Wood near Chateau-Thierry.
