The story
The 4th Infantry Division continued to advance against collapsing German resistance.
By 27 July it was more than a dozen miles from its starting position, and in the next few days added several miles more.
It also cleared routes for the passage of armored divisions through it, and began mopping up residual enemy resistance in the breakthrough area as the armored divisions assumed the lead.
Some of its elements were temporarily attached to the exploiting armored columns and saw further significant action with them.
4th Infantry Division units assisted the 2nd Armored Division in beating back concerted German efforts to escape the closing trap in the Cotentin Peninsula, for example, and others weighted armored spearheads penetrating deep into enemy lines.
By 31 July the division was once again back together and prepared for further offensive operations, this time in the vicinity of Villedieu-les-Poêles.
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.