July 1943

Sicily

The port of Palermo is now operating at 60 percent of its normal capacity.

In US 7th Army area, the enemy continues their withdrawal eastward across the army front. In II Corps area, the 45th Division is strongly opposed by enemy rear guards in the San Stefano area during day. The Germans counterattack at 4:30pm without artillery preparation which surprises the troops of the 45th Division. The attack is halted at 1:00pm with help from the divisional artillery. Gen Walter Fries realizes the counterattack has failed and orders a retreat. The enemy withdraws from the town and from Reitano, to the south during the night. On Highway 120, the 1st Division advances toward Troina, its patrols reaching Cerami.

In the British 8th Army's XXX Corps area, the 78th Division takes Catenanuova in the morning and renews their attack during the night securing heights to the north and northeast from which to attack Centuripe. The 231st Brigade, leading the eastward drive on Regalbuto, is meeting severe resistance near this objective.