The regimental commanders of the 357th and 358th were also replaced. The division had to be sheparded by the 82nd Airborne Division for the rest of the campaign and fought reasonably well. However, serious damage had been done to gain division an unenviable poor reputation.
Saint-Germain-sur-Sèves
In late July, the Tough ’Ombres joined the fighting in the Normandy hedgerows. At Saint-Germain-sur-Sèves they ran into a counterattack by the German 6. Fallschirmjägerregiment (6th Parachute Regiment) on 18 July. In the surprise attack, the Germans took 265 of the Tough ’Ombres prisoner, killing or wounding another 400. The result was devastating and it stalled the US Army’s advance in the area for nine more days. General George Patton was furious and sacked Landrum and replaced him with Brigadier General Raymond McLain. The division was removed from the line as the ‘top brass’ debated about what to do. The 90th Infantry Division faced the possibility of being dismantled and used for replacements. Fortunately for the Tough ’Ombres, this was never done.
Back on Track
Brigadier General Raymond McLain’s leadership and a desire to clear the record gave the ’Ombres a reason to live up to their name and they’re fortunes soon improved. The 90th made an impressive stand at Sees and Bourg-Saint-Leonard on 15 August. They met up with the 10th Polish Dragoons in Chambois, effectively closing the Falaise Gap.
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