The Regiment had figured predominantly in the slugfest in Normandy and was now to
play an outstanding part in the pursuit and final annihilation of vaunted German Seventh Army.
After a two day rest and training period, the Regiment boarded trucks and moved 60 miles south
through Coutances and Avranches, thence southeast to the vicinity of St Hilaire du Harcouet.
The mission was to provide security for this area in general, and block all important road nets.
Armored spearheads had just sliced through the area, and many bypassed enemy troops were still
at large. Large numbers of these were taken prisoner while attempting to infiltrate to the south
and many more were captured as a result of their ignorance of the rapid advances made by the
Americans. Several panzer divisions were known to be in the pocket being formed to the
northeast and an attempt by these forces to break out to the south was not unexpected.
On 5th Aug., the 90th Division was ordered to attack to the south with the mission of
seizing and securing a crossing of the Mayenne River at Mayenne. To accomplish this mission,
a potent, mobile force was required that could slash through to Mayenne in record time. And so
the famous “Weaver Task Force” was organized, consisting of the 357th (Motorized), 712th
Tank Battalion, 90th Reconnaissance Troop, 343rd Field Artillery Battalion, Company “A”
315th Engineer Battalion, Company “A” 315th Medical Battalion, one company of the 607th
Tank Destroyer Battalion, and one battery of the 537th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion. Under
the able leadership of Brigadier Gen. William G. Weaver, Assistant Division Commander, this
force moved to Mayenne and succeeded in seizing and securing the town, as well as a bridge
which was stormed and taken intact before the surprised Germans could set off the charges they
had placed on the bridge. Some stiff resistance was encountered but was quickly beaten down as
the 1st Battalion surged into the town. Meanwhile, the 3rd and 2nd Battalions crossed the river
to the south of town, using pneumatic boats. That this well planned, swift thrust had achieved
complete surprise was evidenced by the number of enemy staff and troop laden vehicles which
were destroyed as they unsuspectingly drove into Mayenne during the night
Immediately following this action the 357th was selected to spearhead the Division attack
toward Le Mans. This attack was to form the southern arc of the giant pincers which was to
close around the German Seventh Army. The city of le Mans was to form the pivot point for
American forces which were to swing north and close the trap. Speed, therefore, was of
paramount importance. Task Force Weaver was now split into two columns, one commanded by
General Weaver and the other by Colonel Barth, Regimental Commander. These columns began
their advance on le Mans on the 6th, using different routes so as to converge on the city from
different directions. The advance of these forces through defended territory was almost
phenomenal in that it was one of the fastest advances in military history. The manner in which
opposition was battered down might be offered as an example of perfected coordination of all
forces and weapons in reducing resistance with a minimum loss of time and personnel. Enemy
obstacles which could not be neutralized by artillery were pounded from the air by P-47’s which
were available on call at all times. The 140 miles from Mayenne to le Mans were covered in less
than three days, and scores of the enemy vehicles and guns were destroyed and more than 300
prisoners captured.
It was now time to swing north and snap the trap shut around a huge German force facing
the British and American units to the north and northeast. On the 11th, the 90th Division
followed by the 2nd French Armored Division, began its movement to the north. During the
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