Anzio (CG 68) - Naval Cruise Book

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A Time to Remember Anzio Beachhead Invasion Commemoration, 25 May 200g n early 1944, the Allied campaign to liberate Italy frolpi the hands of the Germans was at a standoff along t G Gustov Linen, a natural stronghold of mountainous terrain stretching across the country north of NapleS. Lieutenant General Mark Clark, commandingthe AH1Cf1C3U Fifth Army, ordered Operation Shingle- amph1b1OUS 2155311115 at the beachheads at ANZIO and Nettuno, north of the Gustov line, to bypass the main German force and clear the road to Rome. 40,000 Allied troops landed on 22 January 1944. The landing force at ANZIO was the most diverse group of forces assembled during the war. American strength was equaled or exceeded by a mixture of British, French, Italian, Canadian, New Zealand, South African, Brazilian, and Indian contingents. It included the African American 92nd Infantry Division and the Nisei battalions of Japanese Americans. Banding this force together as a combat team presented one of the most unique leadership challenges of the war. After initial success and a brief drive toward Rome, the Allies were driven back and pinned on the beachhead by a greatly superior German force. Hitler made the decision to keep his hold in Italy, whatever the cost. Germany eventually committed 80,000 additional troops to the ANZIO front to Hpush the Allies back into the sea . Through sheer bravery and heroism the Allies held the beachhead. During the all out offensive waged against the German forces on February 18-22, the Allies fought off four frontal and three flank assaults, while withstanding Luftwaffe strikes and howitzer barrages, U.S. Navy destroyers and gunboats were grounded to bring their guns within range for beachhead support. The Germans realized they would be unable to drive the smaller force from the beachhead and reorganized their forces to hold the Allies in place, cut off their supplies, and break their will to fight. German air and howitzer strikes continuously bombarded the beachhead and sea basin. A steady stream of propaganda was broadcast over radio waves and dropped from the sky in the form of leaflets. The Allies fought the elements also. Thousands suffered from frostbite, pneumonia, and dysentery. Despite heroic efforts, medical personnel were unable to treat the illnesses without proper facilities and supplies. I The Allied will never wavered- and finally, wi long awaited reinforcements, they broke out on May 25p and ultimately stepped the victory march through R0 It in June 1944. N The strategic importance of ANZIO in if liberation of Italy is well documented. The campaign contribution to the overall Allied effort in Europe ho ever, is often overlooked. The two German COIPS incalculable tons of supplies occupied on the ANZIO fl were destined for Normandy. The successful Allt landings there in June 1944 are due largely to the herol of the ANZIO forces. I In six months of fighting, nearly 28,000 casualties were suffered. 22 Americans were 21W2lfdQ ' the Medal of Honor, the greatest number of alll' Smgle battle of the war. On 25 May 2000, the 5601 anniversary of thxj Allied break-through at ANZIO, the OfficerS and plete Of USS ANZIO stood in silence to remember the Ultima sacrifice of our fallen comrades.

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Medal of Honor Citations at the Battle of Anzio Sgt. Sylvester Antolak PFC John W. Dutko Capt. William W. Galt PFC Lloyd C. Hawks Staff Sgt. George J. Hall Pvt. Elden H. Johnson lst Lt. Beryl R. Newman Pvt. James H. Mills Sgt. Truman O. Olson Pvt. Furman L. Smith 2nd Lt. Van Barfoot Cpl. Paul B. Huff Pvt. Herbert F. Christian 2nd Lt. Thomas W. Fowler 2nd Lt. Ernest H. Dervishian Tech 5th Eric G. Gibson PFC Patrick L. Kessler PFC William J. Johnson PFC Alton W. Knappenberger lst Lt. Jack C. Montgomery PFC Henry Schauer PFC John C. Squires Opposite: Lt. Gen. Clark at ANZIO. Above: ANZIO color guard renders a 21-gun salute, as the wreath they have just laid floats by. Right: All Hands observe a moment of silence. Stand and F ight! The order by Lt.Gen. Mark Clark to the embattled Allied army at ANZIO. ---ADOPTED AS THE MOTTO OF USS ANZIO ---