In the early morning hours of 7 August 1944, the Germans launched a counterattack against Allied forces in Normandy. American forces in the area were surprised but in a series of small unit actions held their ground, thwarting German plans. This roadblock, near Abbaye-Blanche, was north of Mortain, the initial German objective. Although the Germans succeeded in capturing the town, after almost a week of close combat American forces regained Mortain on 12 August. According to the artist, this roadblock held its ground during that period and destroyed more than twenty-five German vehicles.