Spearhead of the Fifth Army: The 504th Parachute Infantry

Spearhead of the Fifth Army: The 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment in Italy, from the Winter Line to Anzio

This work is the third book by Frank Van Lunteren on the 504th P.I.R. in World War II, focusing on their role in the Italian theater. Upon the completion of the Sicily and Salerno Campaigns in 1943, the paratroopers of Colonel Reuben Tuckerâ€™s 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment were among the first Allied troops to enter Naples. A ghost town at first sight, the residents soon expressed their joy at being liberated. Four weeks later the 504thâ€•upon the special request of General Mark Clarkâ€•spearheaded Fifth Armyâ€™s drive through the notorious Volturno Valleyâ€•the Germansâ€™ next stand. January 1944 seemed to promise a period of rest, but the landing at Anzio meant deployment for the paratroopers again, this time by ship. A bombing raid during their beach landing was a forecast of eight weeks of bitter fighting. Holding the right flank of the beachhead along the Mussolini Canal, the paratroopers earned their nickname â€œDevils in Baggy Pantsâ€ for their frontline incursions into enemy lines, as well as their stubborn defense of the Allied salient. In this work H Companyâ€™s attachment to the British 5th Grenadier Guards are painted in comprehensive light for the first time. Using war diaries, personal journals, letters and interviews with nearly 80 veterans, a close-in view of the 504th P.I.R. in the Fifth Armyâ€™s Italy Campaign is here provided in unsurpassed detail. This work is the third by Van Lunteren on the 504th P.I.R. In World War II following The Battle of the Bridges and Blocking Kampfgruppe Peiper. As readers will see, however, the Italian theater held second place to none in terms of grueling combat and courage against formidable odds, and an extremely expert enemy.
Country USA
Brand Casemate
Manufacturer Casemate
Binding Hardcover
ReleaseDate 2016-09-16
UnitCount 1
EANs 9781612004273

Country	USA
Brand	Casemate
Manufacturer	Casemate
Binding	Hardcover
ReleaseDate	2016-09-16
UnitCount	1
EANs	9781612004273

Spearhead of the Fifth Army: The 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment in Italy, from the Winter Line to Anzio

You might also like...