June 1944

Western Front

In the US 1st Army area, the VIII Corps (Maj-Gen Troy H. Middleton) becomes operational and has the mission of establishing defensive positions from Carentan westward across the Cotentin Peninsula and protecting the southwest flank of the VII Corps. The 101st Airborne Division is transferred to the VIII Corps from the VII Corps in its current positions.

In the VII Corps area, Gen Collins decides that the main effort of the corps will be to cut off the Cotentin Peninsula as soon as possible. The 357th Infantry of the 90th Division completes the capture of Gourbesville, but the division makes little progress elsewhere. A battalion of the 358th Infantry is committed on the right flank. In the 9th Division's sector, the 47th Infantry is committed on the right and moves quickl to the high ground west of Orglandes. The 60th Infantry is forced back to the line of departure by a strong counterattack, the last east of the Douve, but recovers about half of the lost ground. Against decreasing resistance, the 82nd Airborne Division's 505th Parachute Infantry, after relieving the 507th, drives to positions south of Reigneville. The 325th Glider Infantry advances to within 1,000 yards of St Sauveur-le-Vicomte.

The XIX Corps begins limited attacks to improve its defensive positions. The 30th Division, which has not yet landed all of its components, attacks with the 120th Infantry and takes Montmartin-en-Graignes. The 29th Division's 175th Infantry--upon relief during the night of the 15th, north of the Elle River by the 119th Infantry, 30th Division--moves to a line of departure south of the river.