Battle of Anzio

Photo By Maj. Patrick Connelly | 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers landing at Anzio Beach in Italy on January 22, 1944 during Operation Shingle.  

FT STEWART, GA, UNITED STATES

01.17.2022

Courtesy Story

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

One of the bloodiest and most drawn-out battles experienced by the United States Army of the Second World War: The Battle of Anzio-Nettuno would forever live in infamy in the hearts of those that engaged in it. The 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) was fully committed to this Battle, from start to finish, for over four months.

Unfortunately, during the second world war, the 3ID experienced more casualties than any other United States Army Division, as they had the most engagements against Axis forces.

After months of preparation in North Africa, the 3ID had developed into one of the finest fighting forces of the United States Army. The famed “Truscan Trott” was mandated by Division Commander, Major General Lucian King Truscott Jr., for all Soldiers serving in the division. The Truscan Trott consisted of marching at a pace in full kit at four miles per hour. This was heavily criticized by many leaders at the time, but the conditioning prepared the Soldiers for the harsh conditions and ultimately to them being successful in their mission.

During the early morning hours on January 22nd, 1944, 3ID was the spearhead for the landing on the Anzio beachhead and was a central part of Operation Shingle. This operation was the Allied plan to move in swiftly and capture Rome, however, the battle would drag on longer and cost more than anticipated. After initially not encountering resistance from the Nazi forces during the landings, 3ID would move further inland and initiate brutal fighting with the Nazi Forces.

The initial landings on January 22nd, 1944 did not involve heavy fighting, however, it was the first day of one of the war's most important battles. The 3ID experienced heavy casualties, but eventually emerged victorious in the annals of Military History. The Battle of Anzio is mostly overshadowed in history by the more famous Allied Normandy landings (Operation Overlord). On June 5th, 1944, the Allies had captured Rome which effectively ended the Battle of Anzio and further liberated the Italian peninsula from Axis oppression. The details of the bloody fighting in the Italian countryside during these months are some of the most brutal experienced in the Second World War.

• Date Taken: 01.17.2022
• Date Posted: 01.17.2022 18:53
• Story ID: 412980
• Location: FT STEWART, GA, US