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resistance in the vicinity of the town of Amfreville. The 358th's elements made an attempt to
capture Etienville [Pont l'Abbe], but a strong German counter-attack forced a platoon, which had
entered the town to withdraw. Fighting slowed down at 2300. Verbal orders were given to
continue the attack the following day.
11 June (D+5): Both Regiments supported by affective Artillery barrage continued to press the
attack in their respective sectors during the day. The 358th, with two Battalions abreast, made an
assault against the town of Pont l'Abbe (Etienville) from the East. One Battalion served as a
holding force on the Northwest side of town. The Division Artillery supported this attack. The
359th (-1 Battalion) was released from assignment to the 4th Infantry Division and reverted to the
control of the 90th Division on 10 June. It moved to an alert area and was committed to action in
the vicinity of Picauville to the East of Pont l'Abbe. Units of the Regiment received a severe
shelling during the move to that sector. By nightfall, the entire Regiment had been committed.
Elsewhere, the units adjusted their lines and made preparation for a continuation of the attack on
the morrow. [Page 3]
12 June (D+6): The two regiments continued to push forward upon the opening of the new day.
The 357th Infantry pressed its attack at 0800 with the mission of capturing the high ground in the
vicinity of Amfreville. It then planned to reorganize and attack in the general direction of
Gourbesville. The 358th Infantry continued its attack upon Pont l'Abbe with the plan of
eventually pushing on to occupy the high ground beyond town. The 359th Infantry was ordered to
continue its offensive in the vicinity of Picauville. The 1st Battalion, 359th Infantry was kept in
readiness for Division Reserve. The 357th Infantry fought fiercely throughout the day, but due to
the ferocity of the enemy, they were able to make very little gain. The 359th Infantry encountered
severe resistance in its sector and was forced to press the enemy back in hedgerow-to-hedgerow
combat. American planes bombed Pont l'Abbe at 1700. Their attack was very effective. It
greatly aided the 358th Infantry in its approach to Pont l'Abbe. A coordinated attack preceded by
the support of all available artillery was launched on the town at 1900. By 2030, patrols of the 1st
and 2nd Battalions had entered the town. By 2130, the two Battalions had mopped it up
completely and had begun the move to occupy the high ground to the north and northwest. At
nightfall, and under the cover of darkness, unit commanders regrouped their forces in preparation
for the continuation of the attack on 13 June. Major General Eugène M. Landrum assumed
command of this Division on this day.
13 June (D+7): At 0500 the Division continued its attack, concentrating on the capture of the town
of Gourbesville. The main attack was preceded by the attempts on the part of a task force
consisting of an Engineer Company to capture the town. This failed to materialize due to the
severity of the enemy resistance. The 357th Infantry then attempted to force their way forward
only to meet strong resistance, which lasted throughout the rest of the day. In the 358th's sector,
the Division's units were successful in capturing and occupying the high ground to the north and
west of Pont l'Abbe. Effective patrolling was conducted by the 359th Infantry covering a three-
mile sector.
14 June (D+8): Corps order called for elements of the 82nd Airborne Division and the newly
arrived 9th Infantry Division to pass through the 90th Division and secure the line Douve River in
our zone. The 358th Infantry was ordered to make a limited attack in order to mask the move.
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