Operation Cobra: A WWII Offensive

Operation Cobra was a WWII offensive led by Lt. Gen. Omar Bradley to break through German lines in Normandy. Despite initial setbacks due to bombing errors and poor visibility, the operation ultimately succeeded, leading to a significant Allied victory. The plan involved a massive aerial bombardment, but miscommunication and weather issues caused friendly fire incidents. However, the bombardment weakened German defenses, allowing US forces to advance and secure a victory by July 31, 1944.

Who was the commander of the First US Army during the development of Operation Cobra?

• Lieutenant General Leslie McNair

• Lieutenant General Omar Bradley

• General Dwight D. Eisenhower

• General George S. Patton

What was the primary goal of Operation Cobra?

• To defend the Normandy beaches

• To break through the German lines into more favorable terrain

• To capture Berlin

• To launch a naval attack on Germany

What was the intended approach of the bombers during the initial bombardment on July 24th?

• From the south

• From the west

• Parallel to the highway

• Perpendicular to the highway

What caused the initial failure of the bombardment on July 24th?

• Strong German defenses

• Poor weather and miscommunication

• Lack of ammunition

• Mechanical failure of the bombers

How many soldiers from the 30th Infantry Division were killed due to the miscommunication on July 24th?

• 10

• 75

• 25

• 50

Who was the senior American officer killed during the disaster on July 25th?

• General Dwight D. Eisenhower

• Lieutenant General Omar Bradley

• Lieutenant General Leslie McNair

• General George S. Patton

What was the impact of the bombardment on the German defenders?

• It devastated their defenses

• It had no significant impact

• It strengthened their defenses

• It caused them to advance

Which US Corps pushed south of the highway on July 25th?

• US 7th Corps

• US 3rd Corps

• US 1st Corps

• US 5th Corps

By what date did the German front line disintegrate?

• July 31st

• July 29th

• July 27th

• July 25th

What was the final outcome of Operation Cobra?

• A retreat by both sides

• A comprehensive Allied victory

• A German victory

• A stalemate