On 6 June 1944, the 4th American Infantry Division landed in Normandy on Utah Beach, 2.5 km souther than expected. An under estimation of the strong tidal current and the loss of several control vessels were the main causes for this upset of the timetable. It turned out to be an advantage for the Landing Forces, since the zone was at limit range of Azeville and Saint-Marcouf batteries, and the shore defenses were less strong there. Shelled and isolated, the German positions were hit by the assault of the first American wave at 6:40 am, then the attack of the amphibious tanks. One hour later the beach was cleaned by the engineers and the Americans penetrated inland, a battalion moved westward in order to make the junction with the parachutists. Northward, along the coast, they neutralized several strongpoints and went through Les Dunes de Varreville.