,1

in T S I C I I A N as C A IMF P A I G N

compiled from G-3 Journal for period July 10, 1943 - Aug 22, 1943.

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BY AUTHOITY OF THE ADJUTANT GUA

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JULY 10, 1943 See Map No 1 (Opp page)

The division landed beginning at 0425 on beaches shown on Map No 1, under supporting Naval gunfire.

Zones of advance and objectives as shown opposite. 157TH RCT Landed on beaches Green 2 and Yellow 2, light opposition; advanced inland. captured S CRUCE, CAMERINA at 1445. against

1st Battalion 2nd Battalion

captured DUNNA FUGATA at 1715,

2nd and 3rd moved on

COMISO to positions shown on Map No 1. 179TH RCT Landed on beaches Yel'low and Green, captured SCOGLITTI at 1400, positions west of VITTORIA, 1st Battalion

3rd Battalion advanced to patrol of 45th Cavalry

Reconnaissance Troop entered VITTORIA about 1335.

180TH RCT

Landings scattered from GELA to points three miles north of Red beach. Elements were assembled late in 115.

afternoon and advanced to vicinity Highway

Commanding General and G-2, G-3 and G-4 landed on beach Green at 0830. CP established at 367159.

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JULY 11, 193

Ma) Nor

The advance of the division continued on July

11th. No contact was made with our adjacentunits,

1st Division on the left and 1st Canadian. Division

on the right. 157TH INF

1st Battalion captured RAGJUSA at 0815B and the 3rd Battalion captured COMISO at 1015B and assisted the 179th Inf in the capture of COMISO airfield. the action at COMNISO, In.

three Italian tanks were knocked

out, our tanks received fire from 88mm guns. 192T-H INF Moved on COMISO airfield with two battalions abreast from VITTORIA, capturing the airfield at 1610B assisted by the 157th Inf. 180TH INF Met stiff resistance by elements of Herman Goering Tank Division and infantry elements and were unable to advance until late afternoon, when Highway 115 -was crossed. Positions northeast of the highway were held

at end of day. Division Artillery supported the infantry advance. 171st Field Artillery Battalion received batterv fire without damape. 40th Engineer Regiment set up main beaches and dumps around SCOGLITTI. 19th Engineers began clearing COTMLISO airfield. Map No 2 shows moverent during the day and positions held at 2400B July 11,
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JULY 12, 19lF3 157TH INFANTRf-

1st Battalion moved to vicinity CHIARAMONTE.

patrolling from positions north of CHIARMONTE.

2nd Battalion

3rd Battalion advanced from vicinity COMISO Airport to

positions north of CHIARMONTE-BISCARI road. During the morning the airport and regimental CP were strafed. Contact was made with elements of the 1st Canadian in RAGUSA at 1145. 179TH INFANTRY Enemy strong point developed south of BISCARI-CHIARMONTE
road. 2nd Battalion reported surrounded at 1715B, but was out

of trouble by 1755. 180TH INFANTRY Enemy resistance reported to have collapsed in zone of One

180th and the regiment advanced into BISCARI at 2000. M VI tank knocked out in BISCARI.

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JULY 13, . -----. ... i 1943

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Map No 4

157TH INFANTRY Advanced from vicinity of CHIARMONTE to oositions south and west of VIZZINI against light resistance. 179TH INFANTRY Continued advance in direction GRAMAIICHILE to positions shown on Map No 4. 180TH INFANTRY Advance on BISCARI delayed by blown bridge on ACATE River. 00OOTH CA BN (AA) (AW) Shot down two JU-87 airplanes attempting to land on COMISO airport. CO B, 753RD TANK BN Supported advance of 180th Infantry. 753RD TANK BN (MINUS CO B) In assembly area ,in zone of 179th Infantry prepared to meet possible attack of reported enemy armored concentration.

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JTLY 14, '1943 Map No 5

157TH INFANTRY Reached line yellow prepared to organize defensive position. II Corps ordered 45th Division to hold line Two British Armored

two miles short of Highway 124.

Divisions to mtake attack direction VIZZINI - CALTAGIORONE. Contact made with British below--VIZjINI at 0900. Coordinated attack planned for 1200. 157th Inf received heavy artillery fire from direction GRAMMACHILE during night July 13-14.
79NTT IN ANTRY

Continued advance against strong mechanized defense to oosition two miles south Highway 124. positions.
180TTI INFANTTRY

Organized-

Moved to positions under Qover of darkness for daylight attack on BISCARI airport. Airport was taken at 0630, complete surprise was obtained butstubborn handCounter-attack was driven to-hand resistance was met. off by fire of Heavy Weapons Company. to positions shown on Map No 5. Attack continued

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ICPCs-Li INC IDENT JULY 11 1943

3rd Bn,

179th Inf (rei.nf) with: 1 plat Cn Go-

plat Qer-

-4.2 Cml Mtrs, 1 plat AT Co, and 1 plat 753rd Tk Bn -

man counterattack at .0550, July 14 from North against "Kt Co with flanking movement to our right supported by Mark

fixed bayonets supp orted bv plat of Cn Co forced enemy withdrawal to NE and N. "Ko Co successfully resisted

counterattack and enemy failed to penetrate position. Durir:ng action 1 Mark IV knocked out by rifle eprenade 1 4.2 phospherous she.l.l hit in open turr:et p and destroyed crew. IV bark tanl-

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Organized

defensive nositAlon. west of VIZZINI.

Britslh took VIZZ1NI at 0600, tnd entered GRAIMJACHILE at 1200. At 1522 the CT wa al1erted to move to area

south and west of 1VA7AHROl tonIght.

Organliz.d derfnglve positions two miles south of TmIIw-v; 12/

Advartnod to rnoitions, soujth CALTAGIROTTE. 'B3ttnliorn eornipel by three enemy tanks. durine morrinr,. rniles fromr

2nd -the

Co B, 753rd Tank Batt.elion in a fight three Bi'rCARI airport At 0900,

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of '.'J.'I 0600.
1 79Wth

157th RCT and 189th F'A 3ri startl.nr and 180th CTs held pre--ent

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urIov re'

by British passingr

arofs front Prom ea ft to ' W-IIt,

Tk rrn f'olo lwrevd 1i57thl to 0C 1J57th

45th Cav Rcn Tr. and 753rd Inf.

At 2130 verbal or]ersa were ilsuoded Celz1

Inf to attack at 0400 17 July. north of PIETRAPERZIA, FA Bns and with Co 2nd supported

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by 15(8 thj

1 9tbh

Cml Bn; one Pl:t

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Rcn Tr; Co A, 120th Enpr Bn and Co C, 753rdI'[' ( I3n

attached.

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JULY 17,

1943

Map No 8

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IN\FANTRY AN

Advanced to vicinity PIETRAPER.IA without meetin-g resistance. Advanpe delayed by blown bridge at point
Organized position 800 yards north

shown on Map No 8.

and west of PFITRAP RZIA.

Oral orders were issued CO

157th Inf to continue the attack during the hours of darkness, seize high ground north of CALTANISSETTA and

to continue to S. CATERINA if

not delayed by opposition. Balanoe

Division CP moved forward at 1630 to H1258.

of division continued ooncentration In zone behind 157th Inf.

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July 18, 193

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July.19. 1943

Ma No 10

7th INF '15, Advance wai held up North of S. CATERINA by enemy tanks and artillery fire.

179th lINF In assembly area S of CALTANISSETTA, one rifle platoon sent to S. CATALDO to guard large Italian QM Warehouse. 180th INF Moved by motors to ass-embly area S of S CATERINA, passed thru 157th Inf. Attack jumped off at 2000B a-

gainst tanks and artillery fire.

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July 20, 1943 -....--Ma p No 11

157th IrNF In assembly area S S. CATERINA.

179th INF -Moved by motors night of 20-21 July to assembly area 9496. 180th IHiF Atk in column of Bns against light Arty fire, reach-

ed obj at 1030B prepared 9297.

defensive position along line 9295 1 90mm gun and 1 light Tk. secure

Captured 15 prisoners,

Regt was ordered to continue atk to W prior to 1700B, RJ 7901. DIV CP Moved from CALTANISSETTA, 1725B.

opened at new location at

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July 21, ~-/Iflap

1943

No 12

l57th INTF Moved by marching to assembly area SE VALLELUNGA beginning at 1200B. 179th INF Moved by marching to position E of VALLELUNGA behind 180th Inf. 18Oth INF. Continued attack during night July 20-21, seized obj RJ 8002 at 0440B, organized position. In the attack Moved on CALTAVUTURO beginning at dark.

captured 12 Light Tanks, knocked out 2, captured 60 pr'soners, including 1 Col, 2 Majs, 4 Capts, all Italian. Also destroyed 11 Scout Cars. Atk continued at dark with

objectives ALIA and ROCCAPALUMBA, one company seized VALLED OLMO. DIV CP Moved to 0082 opening at 1530B.

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Thly 22, 1943 Map No 13

157th INF

At 1800B commenced movement by motors and marching to cut coastal highway at junction with Hwy 120. 179th INF
Moving on CALTAVUTURO against' light opposition, captured that town 180th INF t 1600B.

Captured ROCCAPALUBA at 0510B, 7 locomotives, 35 cars in RR yard. skirts of PALERo. Patrols sent N on Hwy 121 reached outat 1500B T0 without resistance. Patrols

made contact with 15;'th Inf at LERCARA. soldiers in VILLAFRATI. coastal Hwy during night.

Captured 87 Italian

Btry D, 36th FA Regt interdicted

July 23,

1943

fap No 14

!57th

INF

Movement commenced at 1800B July 22, 179th Inf continued adv at 0735B,

passed thru

leading Bn was pinned

down by small arms fire approximately 4 miles N of CERDA. After preparation by artillery, was cut at 0900B. atk continued, Hwy 113

2nd Bn moved E on 113,

1st Bn moving

W on TERMINI IMERSE.

Bridge at 809279 was blown while 2nd Bn was stopped by

elements of 2nd Bn were crossing. MG and 37mm fire near CAMPOFELICE. 179th INF

Moved on CAMPOFELICE via CALTAVUTURO - SCILIATA COLLESANO. Contact was made at COLLESANO at 1703B.

Plat of Co B 120 Engrs working on bridge at 926190 came under small arms & mortar fire. 180th INF Marched at daybreak on MONTEMAGGIORE via ALIA. 1500B was ordered to resume adv to be in position vic CERDA by daylight July 24. Co C 120th Engr Bn cleared At

mine fields on CERDA - ALUMINSA road. DIV CP Opened at 867152 at 1020B.

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July 24, 1943 Map No 15

157th INF Continued atk E on coastal hwy No 113 from CAMPOFELICE to position overlooking blown bridge at C0636. CASTLEBUNO station. Delayed by

On Co reinf sent to CAMPOFELICE,

responsible for beach security. 179th INF Advanced on CASTLEBU0ONO. at 2240B. 180th INF Moved by motor to detrucking point vic of CEFALU passed through 157th Inf at dark. beach defense. DIV CP Opened W of CEFALU at 1530B. of shore were reported at 1940B. Unidentified ships 1st Bn held at 9434 for Co L occupied CASTLEBUQNO

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157TH INFANTRY- -

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Passed through by 2nd Battalion, BUONO Station during night. CASTEL BTUONO.
179TH INFANTRY

180th Infantry at CASTEL

Established road. block on road to

- InitiOccupied CASTEL BUONO 0608 capturing 500 prisoners."

.ated reconnaissance. in direction of S JIAUTRO. with 1st Division south of CASTEL BUONO. 180TH INFANTRY 2nrd Battalion passed

Patrols made contact

through 157th Infantry during night A counterattack at 1440 caused

Tuly 24 - 25, continued to East.

no loss. of :ground.

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JUJY 26. 193 Map No 17

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157TH INFANTRY 1st Battalion responsible for beach defense from TFERMINI IMERSE! east to GRANDE IMERA River. of responsibility at 1500B. assembly area east of CEFALU, -179th Inf north of CASTELBUONO.
179TH INFANTRY

Was relieved

Balance of regiment in patrols made contact witth

Made reconnaissance

in force of S. MATIRO area.

One

comnany reported north of S. MAURO at 1700, in S. MAUTRO at 2200.

one company

180TH T INFFANTRY Resistance withdrawn. in front of 2nd battalion reported to have

Battalion prepared to move on at 0615. 3rd battalion attack with Hill

Patrols were at 1735 at 2000. initial objective Hill 640,

final objective TU3A.

640 was found to be unoccupied at 2030, attack on TUSA jumiped off at 2200.

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JULY 27,

1943

Map No 18

157TH INFANTRY Ordered to relieve 180th Inf during night. Movement of 2nd battalion started 1600. to move to rear of 2nd battalion. close on 2nd battalion by marching. 179TH INFANTRY Remainder of 3rd battalion infiltrated to S. MAURO
area via CASTELBUONO Station - Highway 113 - S. MkURO.

1st battalion-

3rd battalion to

Initiated reconnaissance in force from S. MAURO to CASTEL D. LUCIO. 180TH INFANTRY 3rd battalion patrols entered TUSA at 0600, main body moved to east of TUSA at 1500. passed through 2nd battalion. bridge at 1250. reported blown. 1st battalion

Co C crossed TUSA River

At 1640 bridge over TUSA River was Enemy holding high ground east of Aoproaches

river drove our forces back across river. to bridge were mined.

Engineers reported it would be

impossible to remove mines until bridgehead had been secured by Infantry.

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July 28l, Ei3%y'

See Map No 19 157th Inf - Passage of 157 through 180th Inf delayed by landslide at 1336 about 0100. blasted cliff in at 0530. Road was blocked when Engineers Slide was cleared 1st Bn

attempt to widen road.

2d Bn moved on PEITINEO across country.

passed through 1st Bn 180th Inf at 1745. were on ridge East of Tusa River.

Leading elements

An enemy counter-attack

on the right flank was broken by artillery fire.

179th Inf - 3d Bn in S. V'AURO area sent two companies across

country to CASTEL di LUCIO. 180th Inf - Relieved by 157th- Inf. Assumed resoonsibility

for security of beaches and communications from. CEFALIT to rear of 157th Inf. Div CP moved to point 1 mile South CASTELBUONO STATION.

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1943

Mat No 20

157TH INFANTRY During night July 28-29, 1st battalion held part During the

of the ridge running northwest from MOTTA.

night they were subjected to intense artillery and small arms fire. 2nd battalion in PEITINEO came under At 2000

artillery fire on attempting to push north..

were reported moving forward against no resistance. 3rd battalion moved down to road east of TUSA River and advanced up ridge on MOTTA from northeast. The attack

against heavy automatic weapons fire reached positions short of crest of ridge at. dark. 179TH INFANTRY 1st battalion moved into S. MAURO. remained in CASTELBUONO. CASTEL di LUCIO. ISOTH INFANTRY No change. 2nd battalion

3rd battalion closed in

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JLTY ,30,

1943

Map No 21

157TH INFANTRY. 1st and 3rd battalions mopped up ridge occupied night 29-30. At 0620, 1st battalion moved south aloQng

ridge to coordinate move on MOTTA with 3rd battalion. 1st battalion received no enemy fire during the morning. 3rd battalion reported some snipers. Patrol entered 2nd battalion

MOTTA at 1205 without meenting resistance. occupied high round southeast M A.

One platoon

2nd battalion was in REITANO at 2000 found town unoccupied,. 179TH INFANTRY Co K passed through MISTRETTA at 1705, position north of town. oMSTRETTA area at 2000. took up

2nd battalion closed in 3rd battalion made contact

with 1st battalion 180th Inf on highway south of

MISTRfTTA at 2000.

180TTI INFANTRY No chance.

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JULY 31,

1943

Map No 22

157TH INPANTRY 2nd battalion 1000 yards south S.'STEPHANO at 0800, in the town at 1425. south S. STEPT-TANO at 1425, 3rd battalion 4 miles Many anti-personnel mines -Reginlent was relieved

encountered around S. STEPHANO. by 30th Infantry at 2025B. 179TH INFANTRY

3rd battalion north and 2nd battalion south of MISTRETTA. 1st battalion in S. MAURO. Ordered to

move to bivouac in area west of CEFALU beginning morning August 1st, 180TH INFANTRY Moved by truck to bivouac in vicinity CAMPOFELICE, completed movement at approximately 2000.

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AUGUST T1 Ma No 2

1993 3

157TH INFANTRY In beaches, bivouac west of TERMINI IMERESE patrolling guarding comrrunications in zone TI.RMTITY

IMVIRSE - TARTO River.

179TH IFTANTRY Moving to bivouac area west of CEFALU. sponsibility for security in Re-

zone CAMPFELICE -

C EFALU.
180TH INFANTRY. In bivouac vicinity CAMPOFELICE. Responsibility

for security zone TARTO River - CAMPOFELICE.

Division CP moved to 965368 opening at _930.

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The division remained in bivouac shlown on. map, resquipping, tions,

resting and

and was responsible for the security of communicaCorps rear within the zone shown on the

beache-sand II

map,.

AUGUST 6,

1943

The division area of responsibility was moved to the east

to S STEFANO exclusive.: The, O80th Combat Team moved to bivouac

area vioinity Of cAEOA and assumed security responsibility of: zone S S EANO--CARONA, both exclusive. The 179th zone of -re-

;:ponsibility expanded to the east to:

include S STEFANO.

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AUGUST 7,

1943 1920

:Batata li on 179thInfantry

nmoved to bivouac vicnity o for zone STNF

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S STiANO,: as sumed s eour ty respons i blty

incl.--CEFAL

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Division OP moved 'to 0'379370 vioirnity of CARONA.'" N

.n othe-r- units.
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No change.

AUGUST, 1_3 AND.AUGUST

1,i9t3

i80th Infantry moved to bivouac east of S AGATA9, et.dCtA zone of responsibility to approximately 65th grid, moved to C06Q6443 east of S AGATA. Divtsion OP

No'change in other unti,ts,

AUGUST

5, 1923

157th Combat Team reinforced passed to control of Commanding General, Seventh Army, on embarkation at TER&MINI IMERSSE for
an amphibious operation to cut Coastal Road east of CAPE ORIANDO.

179th assumed security responsibility formerly covered by 157th Infantry.

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Division forward line thir had passed

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.emained in bivoueo.

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9 1943.
New

:: ivlioon began ovement to bivouac vioinity TRABIA.

,0P opened at B690345 at 191150B August.

AUGUBT 20 AD 2, 143

: Movement of division continued.

areas by 211200B August.

All units cleared in new

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