Introduction:The term Gueules cassées or broken faces emerged during World War I (WWI) to describe soldiers who suffered severe maxillofacial injuries from modern industrial warfare. This paper examines the historical context and clinical significance of the Gueules cassées , focusing on revolutionary surgical innovations that arose and their enduring impact on contemporary reconstructive surgery. Discussion:WWI combat, with high-explosive artillery, machine guns and extensive trench warfare, significantly increased complex maxillofacial injuries. These unprecedented injuries challenged conventional surgical techniques and demanded innovative approaches. The Gueules cassées were a measure of the violent conflict, and mirrors of the war. The war became a crucible for surgeons, forcing rapid advancements in techniques and the emergence of pioneering figures in reconstructive surgery. Key innovations included staged procedures, preservation of vascular integrity, and innovative techniques for cartilage and mandibular reconstruction. Additionally, the concepts of local and regional flap design, tissue expansion, and aesthetic unit preservation laid the foundation for modern facial reconstruction. Conclusion:The surgeons of the Gueules cassées revolutionized reconstructive surgery, establishing principles still integral to modern practice. Their innovations addressed not just functional and aesthetic restoration, but also the psychosocial importance of reconstructive efforts in restoring identity and dignity.