Country France Department Ardennes Intercommunality Argonne Ardennaise Area 10.94 km² Population 78 (2007) | Region Grand Est Canton Grandpré Time zone CET (UTC+1) Local time Monday 1:39 PM Arrondissement Vouziers | |
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Weather 8°C, Wind W at 10 km/h, 73% Humidity | ||
Cornay is a commune in the Ardennes department in northern France.
Contents
Map of 08250 Cornay, France
World War I
On October 8, 1918, in the Argonne Forest (49.28558°N 4.95242°E / 49.28558; 4.95242). Cornay was the scene of particularly heavy fighting on October 8, 1918. The 82nd US Infantry Division launched a series of attacks in the area, with 1st Battalion, 328 Infantry regiment (82nd Division) attacking to liberate Cornay and 2nd Battalion, 328th Infantry Regiment attacking into the Argonne Forest through Chatel Chehery (south of Cornay). Around 10:30 am, the German 125th Landwehr Wuerttemberg Regiment and 212th Prussian Reserve Regiment launched a determined counterattack against the American forces, which inflicted heavy casualties on the Americans, with more than 100 being captured. The 82nd Division was forced to retreat from Cornay. The town was retaken by the Americans the next day. Three kilometers to the south, Cpl Alvin C. York from Company G, 328th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Infantry Division, with the aid of 7 other soldiers, captured 132 German soldiers. For his actions York was awarded the US Medal of Honor.