Allied (British, Canadian and Polish) and German flotillas fought off the coast of Brittney in what started as a nighttime action. The German effort was to relocate their remaining destroyer fleet to a port with better anti-aircraft protection following the invasion in Normandy. The message was intercepted, and accordingly the flotilla was as well. The Germans lost two destroyers.
The 7th Corps took Azeville. The 5th Corps took Trevieres. The British and Canadians were engaged in heavy fighting around Caen, which the Germans were reinforcing.
Actions resulting in Medals of Honor to two of the airborne, one a glider infantryman and the other a paratrooper, occured.
PFC CHARLES N. DEGLOPPER
Medal of Honor Action: June 9, 1944
On 9 June 1944 DeGlopper was advancing with the forward platoon to secure a bridgehead across the Merderet River at La Fiere, France. Shortly after penetrating the outer line of defense, the platoon was surrounded by German forces. DeGlopper volunteered to support his comrades by fire from his automatic rifle while they attempted a withdrawal. He leveled his heavy weapon against the enemy fire upon them, killing many until he was cut down.
PVT JOE GANDARA
Parachuted into France as part of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment
Medal of Honor Action: June 9, 1944
Gandara distinguished himself during combat operations against an armed enemy in Amfreville, France on June 9, 1944. Gandara’s detachment was pinned under heavy German fire for four hours. Gandara voluntarily advanced alone and destroyed three hostile machine guns before he was fatally wounded.
The Germans killed 99 civilians in Tulle in reprisal for attacks by the French Resistance.
The Fifth Army took Tarquinia and Viterbo.
Regrouping, partially in contemplation of Operation Dragoon, commenced for Allied forces in Italy.
A new Italian government was formed.
The Soviets launched a massive assault on the Finnish front, but did not achieve a first day breaktrough.
The Matsukaze was sunk by the USS Swordfish and the Tanikaze by the USS Harder.
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