Normandy
Early morning of June 7th, 1944, the 325th makes first combat use of their gliders, landing far inland with supplies and fresh troops. Over the next month, the 325th participates in four main missions; the first, upon landing, is the capture of Chef du Pont, which the 2nd Battalion did not participate actively in, having been assigned to support the 505th PIR.
The second mission, set for June 14th, the 325th GIR joins an assault to capture St Sauveur le Vicomte. The 2nd Battalion was guarding the flanks for most of this assault, with F Company being stationed between the Douve River and the 1st Battalion. While difficult, the assault was a success. The third mission was set only three days after, when the 325th was set to establish a bridgehead on the Douve River, and force the Germans out. The 2nd Battalion, under the cover of night, moved across the river and cleared machine gun nests, while the 1st and 3rd Battalions attacked from head on, crushing German forces between the twin-headed assault. After being stationed in this location for quite some time, the 325th finally recieved their final mission. Set for July 3rd, the 325th was set to assist in the capturing of Haye du Puits, specifically set to capture Hill 95 in the heights surrounding the city. However, weather conditions caused air support to be called off, and the 90th Infantry Division failed to move with the 325th GIR, causing the 325th to sustain major casualties and be redirected to capturing the city of Pottery rather than the original target. Here, they held out until July 7th, when they were finally relieved and began to return to England. |