Breakout from Normandy required tough fighting through a dense and difficult perimeter of marshes and bocage to reach ground suitable for mechanized warfare.
Redeploying from the grueling battle for Cherbourg, the 9th Infantry Division attacked along the east side of the flooded Taute River to secure the Périers - Saint-Lô Highway, push German artillery out of range of the coastal highway through Carentan, and achieve more open ground for further offensive operations.
On 11 July this offensive collided with a German counterattack by the Panzer Lehr Division.
In a confused day of fighting the 9th Infantry Division contained the German attack, and then stalked the newly scattered German armor with tank destroyers and bazooka teams.
Returning to the attack, the division progressed slowly against determined resistance in the difficult bocage terrain.
Intermittent foul weather diminished visibility and air support.
It cost the division 2,500 casualties to advance eight miles to the Périers - Saint-Lô Highway.