35 Infantry Division (USA) to Orleans
With its mission complete at Mortain, the 35th Infantry Division sped east to catch up with the advance of General George S.
Patton’s Third Army.
The pace of the advance dictated the integration of infantry and armor, and flying columns from the 35th Infantry Division soon paired up with 4th Armored Division counterparts.
The two divisions raced 35 towards Orleans, historically regarded as a gateway to Paris.
The Germans had already destroyed the bridges en route, but energetic reconnaissance revealed alternative crossing sites.
Converging attacks forced their way into Orleans on 16 August, and overwhelmed the disorganized opposition within a few hours time.
After an all-night march, another regimental combat team from the 35th Infantry Division forced its way into Chateaudun on the following day.
After a brief but fierce fight, this town fell to the Americans as well.
Meanwhile Patton’s Third Army was closing the Falaise Pocket, capturing over 50,000 German prisoners in the process.
The Battle of France was becoming a rout.