The story
The 30th Infantry Division attacked to force the Vire River and Vire – Taute Canal and seize the village of Saint-Jean-de-Daye.
Covered by darkness and a drizzling rain, the first several waves of infantry crossed in rubber boats and scrambled up the far side.
Soon engineers constructed pontoon bridges and repaired destroyed bridges, enabling the rest of the division and part of the 3rd Armored Division to cross.
On 11 July a German armored division counterattacked to preclude further American advances in the bocage between the Vire and Taute Rivers.
The 30th Infantry Division turned back this attack within its sector, destroying numerous enemy tanks.
Fighting was at close quarters and confused in the heavily vegetated terrain, allowing the Americans to make optimal use of antitank rifles and bazookas.
Pressing on in the aftermath of its successful defense, the 30th Infantry Division seized the ridgeline at Hauts-Vents and the bridge at Pont-Hebert.
Here they over watched the Périers - Saint-Lô highway, threatening Saint-Lô from the west.
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.