Invasion of France |
Cherbourg
Otis, after participating in the invasion, traveled with his unit through Cherbourg and then into La-Haye-du-Puits. The assault for Cherbourg was a costly one, claiming over 2,000 casualties from the 79th Infantry Division. It lasted from June 6th to June 30th, 1944. The majority of the fighting in the large city was in the streets, and the Americans had to clear homes of German defenders. Close quarters fighting claimed many lives and the Germans, under the command of General von Schlieben, were going to make it hard for the Allies to advance.
Once the city was liberated after tanks busted through the German commander’s hideout, the 79th Infantry Division broke into the vast stores of stolen booze and took advantage. Otis fought during the assault, and after capturing the pivotal city, as it was a major port that allowed supplies to flow to the troops in France, they moved, hungover, deeper into Nazi territory.
Once the city was liberated after tanks busted through the German commander’s hideout, the 79th Infantry Division broke into the vast stores of stolen booze and took advantage. Otis fought during the assault, and after capturing the pivotal city, as it was a major port that allowed supplies to flow to the troops in France, they moved, hungover, deeper into Nazi territory.
Pictured Above: 314th Regiment, 79th Infantry Division Soldiers in France
La-Haye-du-Puits
When they reached La-Haye-du-Puits, the 314th Infantry Regiment led the assault. The approach to the city was mined, and German tanks and infantry were ready to give the Allies a fight. The siege of the city was particularly costly, and not a lot ground was gained after the first day of fighting. By the time the Americans took the city, most of the officers had been killed, and non-commissioned officers were taking the lead. The city was finally captured on July 9th.
The 314th Infantry Regiment then proceeded to the Ay River to take the town of Lessay which had an airfield. The Luftwaffe used it to launch aerial attacks on the Allies and thus there were many German defenders. After moving west of the city and attacking from the flank, the Germans retreated, but destroyed and mined the airfield.
The 314th Infantry Regiment then proceeded to the Ay River to take the town of Lessay which had an airfield. The Luftwaffe used it to launch aerial attacks on the Allies and thus there were many German defenders. After moving west of the city and attacking from the flank, the Germans retreated, but destroyed and mined the airfield.
Pictured Above: 314th Regiment, 79th Infantry Division Near La-Haye-du-Puits