The story
The 29th Infantry Division cycled out of the front line to rest and refit in anticipation of a major breakthrough offensive, codenamed COBRA.
The plan envisioned “carpet bombing” by 2,500 planes dropping 5,000 tons of bombs within a six-square-mile sector of the German front west of Saint-Lô.
Following this massive bombardment a corps consisting two armored divisions and four infantry divisions would attack the shattered remnants of the enemy within the sector and open a breach through them.
Should breakthrough occur, capable reserves of uncommitted American units would be necessary to exploit the opportunities presented.
The 29th Infantry Division, now considered hardened and veteran, was positioned for such a role.
There's more to discover
You have arrived at just one small part of Back to Normandy — a personal project dedicated to preserving stories, images, music and memories of the Second World War.
Every record is a doorway to a larger story. Explore Back to Normandy to discover more, or visit Fred Vogels' personal website to learn about the person and the projects behind it.