Short bombs killed more than 100 American ground troops during the bombardment, including Lt. Following bombers began to drift, uncertain of the location of a key road landmark. Soon, the ground became obscured by smoke and debris from bomb explosions.
On July 25, 1944, bombers of Eighth Air Force began attacks on the south side of the Saint-Lô road. Bradley said the risk was acceptable, as long as a hole could be opened in German lines. Even so, the airmen warned Bradley there would undoubtedly be casualties, with 1,500 bombers hitting a relatively small area near friendly troops. Crews would use special care not to drop short. This would allow the bombers to penetrate the German AAA belt quickly, without diminishing the effectiveness of the air strikes. Instead, they wanted to bring bombers in on a wide front perpendicular to the target: a major east-to-west road out of Saint-Lô. He thought this approach would lower the chances of “short bombs”-the tendency of some crews to release loads early in order to avoid enemy anti-aircraft fire over targets.Īirmen argued that such a long, narrow bomb run-the target area was seven miles by one mile-would unduly expose aircraft to enemy artillery. Bradley wanted bombers to fly parallel to the front lines during the run. But ground commanders insisted so the airmen began planning. Spaatz, the air commander, was not keen on the use of heavy bombers in a tactical support role his crews were not trained for the mission. The situation near the Normandy beaches was in stalemate a breakout would permit maneuver. Eisenhower wanted heavy bombers to blow a hole in German defenses, allowing American ground troops to pour through. Bradley’s turn at the strategic town of Saint-Lô.īradley and Gen.
Montgomery, attempted breakouts near Caen, but had no success. (US Army photos)Īllied forces landed in Normandy on June 6, 1944, but quickly bogged down, unable to push through to open country. Disastrous friendly fire incidents there killed more than 100 American ground troops. A US convoy moves through Saint-Lô, France, in July 1944.
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