ON TO LE MANS
A breakthrough to the enemy’s rear had been made. The rapid exploitation of it would trap
thousands of Germans or make them withdraw across the entire front to their next defense line deep
inside of France. Task Force Weaver, consisting of the 357th Infantry Regiment, 712th Tank Battalion,
344th FA, 345th FA, and Company A, 607th TD Battalion was organized and given the mission of
securing the crossing of the Mayenne river at Mayenne and then to proceed to Le Mans. Company A,
reinforced by the second section of the 2nd Reconnaissance Platoon, was the Battalion’s contribution to
the Task Force.
On August 5th the Task Force left La Condonniere. The 2nd Platoon of Company A marched
with the flank guard through Buais, Fougevalle, Desartines, Goron and Mayenne. Light opposition was
encountered at Gorron, but no armor was engaged. Company A, less the 2nd Platoon, marched with the
main body and moved through St. Hillaire du Harcouet, Landivy, Ernee and Mayenne, a distance of
about 50 miles. One enemy vehicle was destroyed by the 3rd Platoon at Mayenne. The next day,
August 6th, the Task Force was ordered to march on Le Mans. Company A, less the 3rd Platoon,
marched with one column, the route being Mayenne, Moulay, Commer, Montsurs, St. Suzanne, Viviers,
St. Symphorien, Bernay, La Quinte and Le Mans. The 3rd Platoon, marching with the other column
proceeded via Avon, Jublains, Evron, St. Suzanne, St. Dennis, Coulons, Charvaun, and Le Mans. No
armor was engaged by Company A on this march.
The Battalion, less Company A reinforced, remained with the main body of the Division.
However, Company B was attached to the 358th Infantry and Company C to the 359th Infantry
throughout the drive. The TD companies supplemented the blocking of side roads leading to the main
axis of the advance. A reconnaissance platoon was attached to Company B and a reconnaissance section
to Company C. The reconnaissance platoon with Company B, cooperating with the Regimental I and R
Platoon, made continuous forward and flank reconnaissance. Company C destroyed two enemy half
tracks, the first armored vehicles hit by the Battalion, and killed or wounded four enemy troops at
Montsurs. The Battalion CP moved from Isigny to Landivy to La Bigottiere to La Chapelle Rainsouin
to La Quinte to the east edge of Le Mans, arriving there on August 8th amid cheering crowds.
Twenty eight prisoners had been taken and several Germans had been killed or wounded by the
Battalion. The companies remained in direct anti-tank support of the infantry regiments generally to the
north and east of the town.
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