July 1944

Western Front

In the US 1st Army area, the VIII Corps joins in Operation COBRA, attacking at 0530 on the western flank of the army with the 8th, 90th, and 83rd Divisions, from west to east. The 8th Division cuts the Lessay-Périers road about midway between the 2 towns. The 90th establishes a bridgehead across the Sèves River as the 83rd makes only minor gains. At night the 79th Division begins crossing the Ay River behind the 8th Division.

The VII Corps commits additional units to exploit the breakthrough. Passing through the 9th Division, the 1st Division seizes Marigny. CCB, 3rd Armored Division, then drives through to positions west and southwest of Marigny. The 4th Division moves quickly south to La Conviniere. The 2nd Armored Division attacks through the 30th Division on the left flank of the corps and takes St Gilles and Canisy. Meanwhile, the 9th and 30th Divisions broaden and deepen positions on the flanks of the penetration.

In the XIX Corps area, the 28th Division is attached to the corps.

The V Corps attacks east of St Lô at 0600 after an artillery preparation by both the British and US guns. The 5th Division on the right and the 2nd on the left push forward to the Vidouville-Rouxeville road.