316th Infantry Memorial tree removal

If you have had the pleasure of visiting the Meuse Argonne battlefields, you've likely seen the monument atop the Borne de Cornouiller (or, as the Doughboys called it, Corn Willy Hill), a bald hill above the village of Sivry-sur-Meuse. It was erected to honor the men of the 316th Infantry Regiment, 79th Division. The Germans had an expansive view over most of the battlefield from there, which enabled them to direct artillery strikes against the US and French troops in the area. The task of taking this hill fell to the 316th. In several days of severe fighting, they fought through shattered forests and enemy trenches before finally driving the Germans off the top. They accomplished the mission, but it came at a terrible cost.

 

After the war, the monument was erected by a wealthy veteran of the 316th. The limestone column and lines of spruce trees have become an iconic spot in the Meuse Argonne, and the view is unparalleled. Sadly, things have taken a turn. The bark beetle that has been attacking the spruce trees throughout the region has infested the trees that line the road to the monument. There is no cure. More than half of the trees are now dead, and those that are not soon will be. The 316th Infantry Association established a bank account many years ago to maintain the monument. However, there have been no additional funds added to the bank since the 1990s. The cost of removing these trees, which currently number 57, is far more than remains in the account.

 

If you have ever had tree work done at your home, you know how expensive it is. My goal is to raise $20,000, which will be added to the balance of the bank account. This will allow these trees to be removed. Future plans will include planting new trees that are resistant to the bark beetle. The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) is aware of this fundraising effort, and has given their enthusiastic approval. ABMC has an agreement with the association to oversee the maintenance of this memorial, and 100% of your donation will be transferred to this account so that ABMC can arrange to have the work done.

 

Please consider a donation of any amount to help with this effort.

 

I appreciate your help in honoring and remembering our boys who went to France so long ago.