CAMPAIGN OF NORTHERN FRANCE
n the 25th, the Regiment, relieved from its defensive position by the 358th, moved to the
east and made preparations to attack through elements of the 329th Infantry, 83rd
Division, the following morning. On this day, the largest bombing mission ever made in
support of ground operations was carried out. Three thousand planes blasted a two mile path
through the German defenses to the west in preparation for the general offensive which was to
crack the German line wide open.
During the first day of the attack, the 26th, stiff opposition was met in the Regimental
sector. When the attack was resumed on the following morning, however, the enemy had
withdrawn, leaving all roads to the south mined. Picking their way through the mined areas, the
battalions moved forward rapidly against no opposition. By nightfall, an advance of nearly 10
miles had been made. The Germans, realizing what was happening to their line to the west, were
faced with a choice of withdrawing or being encircled. This was the first time in over 50 days of
combat that the men of the Regiment had advanced such a distance into virgin enemy territory
without having to fight for every foot of ground.
On the following day, the advance continued and it was learned that Coutances 10 miles
to the south, was in Allied hands and that only isolated enemy groups would be encountered.
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Armored Divisions were operating far to the south, slicing their way
forward. The Regiment was now out of contact with the enemy. The war of pursuit was on.
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