Mortain - Looking North
July 3, 1948
Patton's Breakout and Breakthrough brought the American 30th Division and a few tank squadrons of the 3rd Armored Division into Mortain August 3 (D-day + 58). The Germans launched a major counterattack westward five days later by passing Mortain to the north and south. Roadblocks at the towns' entrances slowed the attack. On the rocky prominence (top right) called Hill 317 the 2nd Battalion of he 120th Regiment held out for five days. Ammo, food and medical supplies were shot onto the hill unsuccessfully. French citizens using little known paths kept the Americans supplied. This is one of the most historically outstanding unit achievements in the Western Europe Campaign.