May 1944

Italy

In the US 5th Army area, the II Corps makes progress all along the line against rearguard opposition. The 338th Infantry, 85th Division, clears Hill 131 on South Ridge, previously and enemy strongpoint, and outposts on the Formia-Ausonia road. The 2nd Battalin, 337th Infantry, then continues toward the next 85th Division objective, Castellonorato, reaching Hill 108 north of the Spigno-Santa Maria Infante road junction, and patrolling beyond there. The 351st Infantry, 88th Division, seizes Hill 126, at the east end of South Ridge, and the village of Santa Maria Infante, its initial objectives. The 88th Division, with 3 regiment in assault, begins a drive on Spigno. The 350th Infantry advances westward across Ausente Creek to the northern slopes of Monte dei Bracchi. The 349th Infantry occupies Monte dei Bracchi and, in conjunction with the 351st, clears Monte la Civita.

In the Mountain Corps area, two groups advance westward to positions just east of the Ausonia road, where they are stopped by the enemy. A third group reaches the base of the Fammera escarpment, leaving a containing force at Ausonia. On the left flank of the FEC area, the 4th Mountain Division and the Algerian 3rd Division mop up the region west of Monte Majo. In the center, the Moroccan 2nd Division, thrusting toward San Giorgio, reaches Castellone and Cantalupo Hills. Elements are also pushing toward Castelnuovo. On the right flank, the 1st Motorized Division, advancing along the Liri, reaches San Giorgio.

In the British 8th Army area, the XIII Corps continues to expand and strengthen the Rapido bridgehead. Preparations are made for the next phase of the attack, to isolate Cassino in conjunction with the Polish II Corps, on the 15th. However, the delay of the 78th Division in crossing the Rapido forces a postponement of the planned assault.