May 1944

Italy

In the US 5th Army area, the 36th Division begins movement to the Anzio beachhead. In the II Corps area, the 338th Infantry, 85th Division, mops us Formia and pushes northward to Monte di Mola and westward to Monte Conca against rear-guard resistance, while the 337th, swinging southwestward, reaches Highway 7 between Formia and Itri from which they are protecting the fland of the 338th. The 339th Infantry moves forward along Highway 7 during the night of the 18th. In the 88th Division sector, the 351st Infantry remains in place under intense fire that abates with the arrival of US supporting artillery. The 349th Infantry reverts to the control of the 88th Division.

The FEC meets strong resistance as it attacks toward Pico. While one Mountain Corps column continues to clear the left flank, another reaches the heights commanding Sant' Oliva. The Algerian 3rd Division reduces the opposition on the Monte Oro feature in conjunction with the 1st Motorized Division on its right and drives the enemy from Monticello and Sant' Oliva. The 1st Motorized Division continues along the south bank of the Liri to Forma Qesa Creek.

The British 8th Army completes the reduction of the Gustav Line in Liri Valley with the capture of Cassino. The Canadian I Corps continues toward the Hitler Line at Pontecorvo. In the XIII Corps area, Cassino, now in ruins, falls to the 4th Division. A detachment of the 78th Division moves to the outskirts of Aquino, a key position in the Hitler Line. In the Polish II Corps area, the 3rd Carpathian Division takes the Cassino Monastery.