Historian discusses battle of Cantigny

Military historian and author Matthew J. Davenport will discuss the Battle of Cantigny next month at Cantigny Park in Wheaton.

Davenport's free program will focus on his new book, "First Over There: The Attack on Cantigny, America's First Battle of World War I," at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, in the Visitors Center at 1S151 Winfield Road.

Davenport's work tells the story of America's first modern military battle and its first victory during the Great War. Fought in 1918, the Battle of Cantigny liberated the hilltop village of Cantigny, France, from German occupation.

The courageous "doughboys" fighting the battle belonged to the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division, or Big Red One. One of them was Robert R. McCormick, Cantigny Park's benefactor, who commanded an artillery battalion supporting the successful attack. The experience made such an impression on McCormick that he renamed his Wheaton estate Cantigny after returning home.

A book signing will follow Davenport's talk, and copies of "First Over There" will be available for purchase in the Cantigny Shop. From 6:30 to 7:30, guests are invited to enjoy a cash bar and limited food menu. Coffee is free.

This event is part of the First Division Museum's Date with History, a monthly series featuring discussions with authors, panelists, historians and special guests. Information about upcoming programs is online at firstdivisionmuseum.org.