June 1944

Italy

In the Polish II Corps area, advance elements reach the Chienti River line, behind which the Germans are prepared to make a stand, and establish a small bridgehead.

In the US 5th Army area, the IV Corps commits the 1st Armored Division, reinforced by the 361st Infantry of the 91st Division, to the right of the 36th Division in the sector previously held by TF Ramey, since the IV Corps zone is widening and resistance is increasing. The 36th Division continues slowly along Highway 1. The FEC is held up by determined opposition along the Orcia River line.

In the British 8th Army area, the XIII Corps battles outlying positions of the enemy's Trasimeno line. The 78th Division takes Sanfatucchio after hard fighting but is unable to make any progress against the hamlet of Vaiano. The South African 6th Armored Division reaches the heights leading to Chiusi but cannot break into the town. The XIII Corps commander decides to commit his reserves--the 4th Division and the Canadian 1st Armored Brigade--and continue the advance on a 3-division front. The 4th Division is ordered to relieve the 78th Division of positions below Vaiano during the night and be prepared to relieve the rest of the 78th, which is scheduled to leave the theater at the end of June.