http://www.onwar.com/chrono/1944/jun44/20jun44.htm#
Americans approaching Cherbourg
Tuesday, June 20, 1944 www.onwar.com
American soldier in position just outside Cherbourg [photo at link]
On the Western Front... Elements of the US 1st Army advance to about 5 miles of Cherbourg and begin to encounter heavier resistance.
In Italy... The British 8th Army continues to advance. British 6th Armored Division captures Perugia.
On the Eastern Front... Forces of the Soviet Leningrad Front capture Viipuri.
In the Philippine Sea... The Japanese fleet withdraws to refuel, believing that their aircraft have landed safely on Guam. US Task Force 58 (Admiral Mitscher) launches an air strike on the Japanese fleet in the late afternoon. The 216 American aircraft encounter 35 defending fighters and sink the carrier Hiyo. Two other Japanese aircraft carriers are damaged as are a battleship and a cruiser. US loses amount to 20 planes shot down and 72 crashing while attempting to land on their carriers in the dark. During the night, the Japanese fleet withdraws and are not pursued.
In New Guinea... On Biak, there is fighting among the Japanese-held caves in the west of the island. The airfields and villages at Borokoe and Sorido are overrun by American forces.
In the Mariana Islands... The US 5th Amphibious Corps continues operations on Saipan. The US 27th Division clears the south of the island while the US 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions advance northward.
“U.S. General Is Buried.”
General, a pioneer in glider forces, was killed in a glider crash in France. The article does not mention his name!