In June 1944, the Americans left the Sainte-M re-Eglise and Utah Beach bridgehead and crossed the Merderet river to the Chauss e de la Fiere, taking Picauville on 10 June. Their advance was slowed following the failure of the 90th Infantry Division, but they were able to take Pont-l'Abbe on 12 June and Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte 16 June. Two days later they cut the Cotentin peninsula at Barneville, before heading north towards Cherbourg. As well as authentic eyewitness testimony, the book also acts as a field guide, including maps and both comtemporary and modern photographs.