July 1944

Western Front

In the US 1st Army area, the VIII Corps is hampered more by delaying obstacles than by enemy opposition as it moves forward on the west flank of the army. The 79th Division overruns Lessay, and the 8th Division pushes southward between there and Périers. The 90th Division occupies Périers and crosses the Taute just east of there. The 83rd Division gets patrols across the Taute on the left flank of the corps. The first elements of the 6th Armored Division (Troop A of the 86th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, mechanized) are committed through the 8th Division and clear the heights near Le Bingard. The 13th Infantry, 8th Division, is attached to the 4th Armored Division.

In the VII Corps area, the 1st Infantry and the 2nd and 3rd Armored Divisions make the main effort southward while other elements of the corps facilitate their movement and expand positions on the flanks of the salient. The 1st Divisiion and CCB, 3rd Armored Division, drive southwestward toward Coutances, reaching Comprond. The 2nd Armored Division pushes spearheads to Notre Dame de Cenilly and Fervaches.

The XIX Corps commits the 28th Division to the line in preparation for an attack.

The V Corps extends to the west during the day to include the 35th Division, which is now attacking in the St Lô area, and takes the high ground just west and south of St Lô. The 5th and 2nd Divisions make limited progress against strong opposition, overrunning Notre Dame d'Elle.