July 1944

Italy

In the US 5th Army's IV Corps area, the 135th Infantry of the 34th Division, jumping off at 0100, seizes Hill 232 and Monte Maggiore (Hills 449 and 413), southeast of Leghorn. The 168th Infantry takes Lorenzana and pushes on to the vicinity of Fauglia. The 2nd Battalion of the 133rd Infantry seizes Usigliano and drives to within 3 miles of the Arno Valley. The 91st Division continues an attack in the IV Corps center with the 361st Infantry on the left and the 362nd on the right. The 361st gets within the sight of the Arno Valley floor against diminished resistance and holds its gains against armored counterattacks. The 362nd gets almost to Capannoli. The 88th Division continues steadily northward on the right flank of the corps, accelerating its advance as opposition weakens suddenly during the day.

The plan for the relief of the FEC by the British is completed. The FEC goes on the defensive until the relief can be accomplished.

In the British 8th Army's XIII Corps area, the British 6th Armored Division captures Arezzo, where the enemy's delaying action has gained time for him to improve the Gothic Line. Elements of the corps push to the Arno, take the bridge intact, and establish a bridgehead. The next objective of the corps is Florence.

In the X Corps area, the fall of Arezzo menaces German positions on the Alpe di Poti. The Corps is now able to concentrate on its drive toward Bibbiena. On the right flank, German forces at Scheggia, on Route 3, are threatened.