While the Battle of Belleau woods was the first large scale battle fought by the USA the battle of Argonne was one of the longest and most costly battles commanded by USA forces. It began on September twentyfifth, nineteen ninety eight with with a six hour bombardment to weaken the German line, including approximately eight hundred mustard gas and phosgene gas shells which killed about two hundred eighty Germans, and incapacitated ten thousand more. After the shelling, a wave of tanks were sent in, followed by infantry. The objective of the battle was to cut the German second army off from railroad support by capturing a railroad hub at Seden. The offensive was temporarily called off on September thirtieth, and continued on October forth. Due the unexpectedly stiff German resistance, the offencive was drawn out until a general armistice was called on November eleventh, nineteen ninety eight.