D-Day objectives for paratroopers of the 2nd Battalion, 501st Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division included destruction of the road and railroad bridges across the Douve River north of Carentan. Following an extremely disorganized landing, only a small number of men could be collected. The battalion commander, Lt. Col. Robert Ballard, believed the number sufficient to capture and hold the bridges long enough to destroy them. Heading southwest from the rally point, Ballard planned to turn south at St. Come-du-Mont. The troopers spotted Germans in the town and the colonel decided to clear them out before proceeding.

Ballard's battalion scattered badly during its drop. Prepared for just such an eventuality, he had prepared two different methods to rally his troops: a green electric lantern, and a large bell. But the troopers carrying them were both lost in the jump along with all the radios but one, and only about 125 men could be gathered. Unable to contact his regimental or divisional headquarters, Ballard pushed on anyway. With none of his rifle company commanders having been found he formed his companies and sent two of them against St. Come-du-Mont with the third in reserve. After several unsuccessful attempts to take the town, Ballard finally heard from regimental headquarters, which ordered him to disengage and turn south. The Americans withdrew and the battle ended.