July 1944

Western Front

The US 1st Army orders the exploitation of the breakthrough and rapid pursuit of the disorganized enemy. The VII Corps, instead of continuing to move southwestward to the coast, is to drive southward to the left of the VIII Corps. The VIII Corps commits the 6th and 4th Armored Divisions through the infantry to spearhead the pursuit, the 6th on the west. CCA, 6th Armored Division, moves rapidly to the south through the 79th Division to positions southwest of Coutances. CCB, 4th Armored Division, moves quickly down the Périers-Coutances road and takes Coutances by 1700. With the fall of Coutances, COBRA has largely accomplished its purpose. Infantry of the VIII Corps move forward behind the armor. The 106th Cavalry Group protects the west flank of the corps, advancing along the coast to the mouth of the Sienne River west of Coutances. Many of the enemy are trapped as a junction is made with the VII Corps on the east flank. In the VII Corps area, the 3rd Armored and 1st Infantry Divisions make contact with the VIII Corps near Coutances. CCB of the 2nd Armored Division reaches St Denis-le-Gast.

The XIX Corps, attacking to exploit the breakthrough, extends to the west to include the 30th Division and CCA, 2nd Armored Division, in their current positions. CCA pushes southward through Villebaudon to the vicinity of Moyen. The 30th Division drives southward along the west side of the Vire River toward Tessy-sur-Vire.

In the V Corps area, the 35th Division continues southward along the east bank of the Vire to Ste Suzanne-sur-Vire. The 2nd Division, whose 9th Infantry has been relieved by the 10th Infantry of the 5th Division, takes St Jean-de-Baisants. The 5th Division straightens its line in a limited advance.