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82nd Airborne completed the occupation of all portions of its sector and organized for the defensive. On
the 6-7 July, the 8th Division was moved to position southeast and west of St. Sauveur Le Vicompte
[Vicomte], to place it in a more favorable position for future employment.
The 79th Division at 071130 July passed the 313th Infantry through the 315th, while the 314th
Infantry continued its attack on La Haye du Puits. The 90th Division sustained counter-attacks against
the position of the 359th in the Foret de Mont Castre, and against the 357th Infantry west of Les Plesis,
bringing the division to a standstill.
It was evident by the evening of the 7th July that the attack was slowing down to such an
extent that there was danger that it might come to a standstill. The 79th Division was tiring after nearly
a month of continuous Hedgerow fighting and its ranks were filled with about 40% replacements. The
82nd had already accomplished more than its intended tasks and it was so depleted that little more could
be expected of it. On the east, the 90th Division's attack was virtually stopped by tough resistance on
the part of the Germans. That night, decision was made to employ the Corps reserve to give impetus to
the attack and consequently, it was passed through the 82nd Airborne and the 79th Infantry Divisions.
Its mission was to secure a jump-off line through La Haye du Puits and the Foret de Mont Castre and
attack south, making the main effort of the Corps. This operation was intended to subsequently pinch
out the 90th Division.
The 8th Division had been rated as one of the best trained divisions prior to coming into this
theater. Unfortunately, its initial performance did not reflect this. The division made exceedingly slow
progress from the beginning. The 121st Infantry on the left of the division attacked from the Hill line
held by the 82nd Airborne and attempted to advance to the West nose of the Foret de Mont Castre and
relieve elements of the 90th Division, which were holding in this high ground. Much confusion and loss
of control was experienced by this regiment and it failed to advance. On the right of the division front,
the 28th Infantry attempted to advance, but its attack soon bogged down. While this regiment failed to
make any progress, at least some semblance of control was maintained. On the 9th of July, the Assistant
Division Commander, Brig. Gen. Nelson M. Walker was killed while attempting to organize the leading
elements of Company E, 121st Infantry, and the Chief of Staff, VIII Corps, Colonel Cyrus H. Searcy
was sent down to take his place. The regimental commanders of the 28th and 121st Infantry Regiments
were relieved and, as the command of the divisions failed to improve, the division commander was
relieved on the 12th July. His place was taken by Brig. Gen. Donald A. Stroh.
The next few days saw slow progress along the entire Corps front. The 79th Division punched
its way down west of La Haye du Puis and captured the high ground in the vicinity of Montegardon.
The 8th Division captured Hill 92 and on the 13th July, this division advanced to about 2000 yards
southeast of Vesly. The 90th Division cleared the southern part of the Foret de Mont Castre of German
forces on the 11th and the remainder of its sector by the 14th. On the 14th, the Corps was occupying a
line generally along the north bank of the Ay River, where it held up its advance on First Army order.
See Map "D".
The 82nd Airborne Division was passed to the defensive after completing its mission on 5 July.
Through the period of 5 July to 10 July, it remained in position, continuing active patrolling to its front
and flanks, and rendering invaluable service as a badly needed Corps reserve during the time when the
Corps center was highly vulnerable. At 111145, the division was released from Corps and moved to an
assembly area to the north, preparatory to its return to the United Kingdom.
Air effort in support of the Corps, during the first days of this period was characterized by
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