| This was the toe-hold. In the days and
nights to follow the enemy would attempt frantically to break that hold,
resorting to every means including suicidal "Banzai" charges. But the noose
was knotted on the Foret. It would not, it must not slip. By the day's end
2,000 yards had been conquered. July 6th, and action flared to new heights of violence. Elements of the 1st Battalion, 357th, forced an entry into Beau-Coudray, later to be reinforced by the 3rd Battalion. But this was the hinge of the German line, and the Boche entertained no thought of allowing it to fall. Into the breach came the 15th German Parachute Regiment attacking their outnumbered opponents (three companies) with hitherto unequaled ferocity. One company was forced back out of the town. Two remained to face the onslaught and found themselves cut off. The two companies of the 3rd Battalion fought stubbornly against the mounting, hopeless odds. Those few who escaped the trap and made their way to friendly lines told harrowing tales of the "Lost Battalion's" heroic stand. Every effort was made to relieve the isolated defenders of Beau-Coudray, but every effort was hurled back with heavy losses. In one such attempt, every officer and non-commissioned officer in the attacking force was killed or wounded. On the evening of the 7th the last word came from Beau-Coudray. The gallant defenders, weakened and ravaged by the most intense fire, exposed to continuous armored blows, hemmed in on every side, had been over-run. The Mahlman Line, though threatened, remained intact. Elsewhere along the front, the 79th Infantry and 82nd Airborne Divisions were meeting equally stiff resistance on the 90th's right. The 83rd Infantry Division, on the 90th's left, had gained only a few hedgerows. On the fifth day the 315th Engineer Battalion was thrown into the battle, taking front line positions side by side with infantry. Casualties had been heavy, and every available unit was put into action to stem the counterattacks and to add just another straw which might conceivably break the enemy's back. Observation from Artillery Liaison planes disclosed that the enemy was about to launch new and powerful counterattacks from the south. Immediately Division and Corps artillery went into action. Five times the enemy attacked in strength and five times the artillery sent them reeling back. As the day ended, the German line had been bent, but not by any means broken. July 8th was characterized by counterattacks and counter-counter-attacks. The 8th Infantry Division, which had been until recently in Corps reserve, now pushed slowly southward relieving the enemy pressure from the west. Lines were adjusted, the artillery of both sides played pounding serenades. |
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