May 1944

Italy

In the US 5th Army area, the II Corps rapidly pursues the enemy. In the 85th Division sector, the 339th Infantry, after clearing Scauri and Monte Scauri, is pinched out by the 338th, which drives along the Ausonia road to Highway 7 and to Acquatraversa Creek. The 337th Infantry, driving west from Castellonorato, meets opposition at Monte Campese and halts in the valley below it. The 349th Infantry, 88the Division, advances in conjunction with the 337th Infantry. Continuing toward Itri, the 351st reaches Monte Ruazzo and Monte Mesola.

In the FEC area, one column of the Mountain Corps completes a difficult trek, almost unopposed, to Monte Revole. Another column reaches positions south of Esperia. Elements of the Algerian 3rd Division secure the junction of the San Giorgio and Esperia roads and hold it against a counterattack. On the right flank, the 1st Motorized Division silences the fire on San Giorgio and drives westward, pinching out the Moroccan 2nd Division.

In the British 8th Army area, the Canadian I Corps takes over the sector to the left of the XIII Corps and relieves the Indian 8th Division. In the XIII Corps area, the 78th Division, assuming the burden of the assault, pushes northwest through the last defenses of the Gustav Line in an effort to isolate Cassino in conjunction with the Poles. The Polish II Corps, which has been reorganizing after its initial defeat, is ordered to renew the offensive on the 17th.