Today in World War II History—June 25, 1944

German coast artillery shell falling between battleships USS Texas (background) and USS Arkansas (foreground) off Cherbourg, France, 25 June 1944 (US National Archives)

French Maquis receiving supplies from US B-17s (US Air Force photo)
75 Years Ago—June 25, 1944: US battleships, cruisers, and destroyers bombard Cherbourg, France, in support of US troops besieging the port city.
US Eighth Air Force flies first “Zebra” mission: B-17s drop supplies and arms to French resistance fighters.
On Saipan, US Marines take Mt. Tapotchau, which dominates the island.