 To the north , the 2nd Panzer Division attacked several hours later , aiming south @-@ west toward Avranches . It managed to penetrate several miles into the American lines , before being stopped by the 35th Infantry Division and a combat command of the 3rd Armored Division only 2 mi ( 3 @.@ 2 km ) short of Avranches . The German High Command ordered the attacks to be renewed before the afternoon , so that Avranches could be taken . 
