Back towards Utah Beach, the first town that the soldiers reached was Saint Marie du Mont. Near here the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment landed and advanced towards Utah Beach, to clear the way for the landing party. Other paratroopers from the 501st and 506th regiments liberated the village, which greatly assisted the swift advance of troops and vehicles destined for the next stage.
The landings at Utah Beach were a last moment decision. The main purpose of a landing was to press forward to the heavily defended port of Cherbourg. The Allies desperately needed this Port to bring in additional fuel, vehicles and troops and strengthen their ever growing supply lines to their advancing Army. There are two museums at Saint Marie du Mont which are on the way to Utah Beach museum.
Related posts:
