Germans were putting up fanatical resistance. Expenditure of ammunition on both sides was
tremendous. Every field was literally pocked with mortar and artillery shell holes, 88mm shells
whined down every road.
By the end of the 13th, the Regiment in 4 days of combat had suffered a total of 703
casualties, including 133 dead. It was during this time that the value of a steady stream of good
reinforcements was realized. Attacks were being launched toward Gourbesville against
unrelenting enemy resistance. On the 13th, Colonel Sheehy re-assumed command of the
Regiment.
On the 15th, the 3rd Battalion captured Gourbesville after overcoming fierce enemy
resistance. During this operation, the Regiment lost its beloved commander who had so recently
taken command of the unit which he had helped mold during training. Colonel Sheehy was
killed when his vehicle was ambushed as he was proceeding to front line positions. On the
following day, Colonel George B. Barth, former chief of staff of the 9th Infantry Division during
action in Africa, assumed command of the Regiment.
At this time, the 9th Division had driven across the Cotentin Peninsula to the coast and
the drive toward Cherbourg had begun. To prevent the Germans from leaving or entering the
peninsula was the mission assignment to the Regiment on the 18th. Following a 15 mile motor
movement, the battalions moved into position during the 18th and 19th. During this operation,
66 prisoners, including 5 officers, were taken as they were attempting to infiltrate to the south
through the 3rd Battalion lines.
The enemy immediately exerted pressure from the south in an attempt to break through to
the entrapped forces in the peninsula. Simultaneously, other large groups were attempting to
break out from the north and escape the trap. Sharp encounters resulted from these enemy
efforts which were often supported by armor, as well as heavy artillery and mortar fire. On the
21st, the 1st Battalion engaged a force of 160 Germans attempting to break out to the south, and
succeeded in accounting for the entire force, capturing 125 prisoners.
The Regiment remained in this position, holding firm against all enemy attacks and
patrolling aggressively to the south, until the 29th. By this time, the entire Cotentin Peninsula
had been cleared and elements of the 79th Division, which had taken part in the siege of
Cherbourg, moved to the south and relieved the Regiment from its positions. On the 30th, the
Regiment closed into an assembly area near Houteville for a day of rest, the first since landing.
On the 3rd of July, the 90th Division attacked to the southwest with the 357th in Division
reserve. Twelve additional battalions of field artillery were supporting the attacking elements,
and the enemy was forced to give ground. On the 5th, the 357th was committed and began its
advance on Beau Coudray, a small town whose capture was to develop into one of the toughest
engagements to the entire war. It was located forward of strategic high ground which dominated
the entire area and served as a excellent observation post for the crack German paratroop
defenders. The ensuing six days saw the type of slugfest which is so costly to both sides. The
Germans had mined and registered in with mortar and artillery fire all the approaches to the
town. Any movement brought down pulverizing barrages, and any coordinated assault was
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