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Breakout and the Race Across France

"They bomb and strafe every movement, even single vehicles and individuals ... [causing a] feeling of helplessness against enemy aircraft ... the effect on inexperienced troops is literally 'soul shattering.'"
- Gen. Freiherr Heinrich von Luttwitz, 2nd Panzer Division commander, July 17, 1944, near St. Lo

On July 25, Allied aircraft, including those of the 9th Air Force, rained bombs down on the line near St. Lo to punch a hole in the German lines. Ninth Air Force fighter-bombers roamed behind enemy lines, not only keeping German reinforcements out, but preventing the escape of those caught in the Allied attack.

The Germans were reduced to moving at night in dispersed units because moving in daylight was too dangerous -- even individual motorcyclists were attacked. Roads clogged with retreating troops, tanks and vehicles presented perfect tactical targets, and the enemy suffered heavily from the air. In a few instances, units of German troops surrendered to 9th Air Force fighter-bombers rather than be bombed and strafed. In one notable event, the threat of 9th Air Force attack contributed to the surrender of nearly 20,000 Germans near Beaugency, France, on Sept. 10.

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