On Saturday september 30 the attack begins. Immediately, Combat Command A experiences heavy opposition near Stevensbeek, but Sunday afternoon they are able to cross this line of defense. On Sunday morning CCB attacks, but with less success: a strong line of defense in Vortum, amongst other things consisting of the SS-Panzerjägerabteilung of major Roestel, resists and inflicts heavy losses on the onrushing Shermans and halftracks. The Americans even have to withdraw. Aware of the impending attack, the night before the Germans mined many of the passable roads. The Americans do not have flailtanks and are forced to call in the aid of the engineer corps.