The 29th Infantry Division continued to attack in the direction of Saint-Lô, beginning 16 June.
German efforts to reinforce their lines in Normandy had been greatly hindered by air strikes and an Allied deception plan that fixated their attention on the Pas de Calais, but they had managed to accumulate significant armored forces near Caen, and sufficient forces to effectively defend elsewhere.
Anticipating German counterattacks and focusing resources on seizing the port of Cherbourg, First Army Commander General Omar N.Bradley directed limited attacks in the 29th Infantry Division’s sector.
These were intended to fix and attrite enemy forces, and to position the Allied front lines onto ground suitable for mechanized warfare when an eventual breakout occurred.
The 29th Infantry Division pushed forward through the difficult bocage and thickening German opposition to secure positions within five miles of the strategic town of Saint-Lô.