May 1944

Italy

The US 5th Army takes direct control of the 36th Engineers Combat Regiment, with attachments, from the VI Corps and orders it to push southward to Littoria to link up with the II Corps. The VI Corps continues its attack toward Cisterna after a 30-minute artillery preparation. The 1st Armored Division drives well beyond Highway 7 with CCA moving toward Velletri against stiffening resistance and CCB toward Cori against weakening opposition. In the center, the 3rd Division's 30th and 7th Regiments close in on Cisterna. The 133rd Infantry, 34th Division, takes over the right flank attack toward Monte Arrestino from the 1st SSF and advances to the railroad beyond Highway 7.

In the II Corps area, elements of the 337th Infantry, 85th Division, take Terracina--from which the Germans have withdrawn--virtually completing the current mission of the corps. Engineers and reconnaissance elements are opening the road to the Anzio beachhead.

In the FEC area, some troops of the Mountain Corps are driven from the crest of Monte izzuto but recover it with aid from the 88th Division. Others fight a seesaw battle for Vallecorso. The Germans continue an effective defense of Pastena against the Moroccan 2nd Division. The Algerian 3rd Division makes little progress on the right flank of the FEC.

In the British 8th Army area, the Canadian I Corps takes Pontecorvo early in the day and reduces enemy positions as far north as Aquino, which the Germans retain. Attacking through the breach made by the infantry, the Canadian 5th Armored Division reaches the Melfa River and establishes a bridgehead across it during the night under heavy fire.