A "BW" branded portion of oak, which was crafted from the branch of a tree that once grew on the battlefield of Belleau Wood in France, was presented to the Post by Legionnaire Val Valentine. The item was obtained by Valentine during his visit to France and to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial on June 11, 2012. That exact date marked the 94th anniversary of the death of Private Lester W. Mullins, USMC, who was killed at Belleau Wood during WWI. Mullins was Archuleta County's first war dead of WWI, and it was in honor of him that Post 108 was originally named.
The Battle of Belleau Wood was fought from June 1 through June 26, 1918. It occurred during the German 1918 Spring Offensive near the Marne River in France. The battle has become a deep part of the lore of the United States Marine Corps.
