79 Infantry Division (USA) near Picanville
The 79th Infantry Division joined the 4th and 9th Infantry Divisions in an attack towards Cherbourg. Cherbourg was a vital strategic objective important as a port, as a fortified enclave, and as a base for German submarines.
The Americans had secured a line across the Cotentin Peninsula from Carteret to Quineville by 18 June, and attacked north from this line with the 9th Infantry Division on the left, the 79th Infantry Division in the center, and the 4th Infantry Division on the right. German resistance outside of the fortifications of Cherbourg was collapsing, and the American attack progressed quickly.
On the first day the 79th Infantry Division advanced more than five miles to secure the Bois de la Brique, and on the second again exceeded five miles to clear the road running from Saint- Martin-le-Greard through Delasse.
Shortly beyond this point the division encountered the main German defensive perimeter around Cherbourg, and began probing it in the anticipation of further attacks.