Name/Title
StereographEntry/Object ID
2023.055.3.0163Description
A black and white stereograph. Image is of the inside of a church that is in ruins, an undamaged crucifix hangs above the alcove. Above the image "W231 (Star)" is printed, below the image "V18943 "Miracle of Lucy," France - Unharmed Crucifix Amidst Toatl Ruins." is printed, to the left of the image "Keystone View Company Copyrighted, Underwood & Underwood, Inc. Manufacturers MADE IN U.S.A. Publishers" is printed, to the right of the image "Meadville, Pa., New York, N. Y., Chicago, Ill., London, England." is printed. On the reverse the following is printed:
V18943
UNHARMED CRUCIFIX AMID TOTAL RUINS, LUCY-LE-BOCAGE, FRANCE
The ruined church of Lucy-le-Bocage is an object which will always dwell vividly in the minds of the thousands of American soldiers of the 2nd and 26th Divisions who were accustomed to pass by it on their way to or from the front lines in Belleau Wood or around Bouresches during the never to be forgotten days of June and July, 1918. Lucy was the nearest village behind the American battle front.
Before the Germans borke through to the Marne in May it had lain in a peaceful region, far behind the fighting line. So it was althogether during the American occupation of little more than six weeks that its destruction was accomplished by the German artillery, which sought to destory in its streets and houses the American convoys of food and ammunition, posts of command and bullets, and columns of marching troops.
In the venerable little parish church of Lucy hung unscathed through all the bombardments the touching symbol of the crucified Christ which we see. Many a doughboy, weary and soiled from battle, has paused to gaze as the two before us are gazing, with awe and reverence upon this "miracle of Lucy."
In the open space before the church of Lucy there was erected after the armistice by the men of the 2nd Division a great boulder bearing upon a metal shield the famous "Indian Head" insignia of the division. This stone stands today and will stand for many years to come, an enduring memorial to the brave men who fought and many of whom died in the woods and over the fields just beyond the confines of the village.
Copyright by The Keystone View CompanyCollection
Photograph Collection