ANZIO BEACHHEAD AMERICAN WWII BATTLEFIELD EXPERIENCE

The Battle of Anzio, part of the Allied campaign to liberate Italy, commenced on January 22, 1944, under the codename Operation Shingle. Designed as an amphibious assault to outflank the formidable German Gustav Line, the landings at Anzio sought to threaten Rome and force German troops to divert from the Cassino front. However, the operation quickly devolved into a grueling, four-month battle marked by fierce resistance, tactical missteps, and intense trench warfare. Many visitors associate the Battle of Anzio solely with the coastal beaches, but the true battlefield extended deep into the inland hills and towns, where some of the fiercest fighting occurred. Our tour not only covers the beachhead but also follows the inland routes where key battles unfolded, providing a more complete understanding of the campaign. We'll also highlight two extraordinary Medal of Honor recipients: Sylvester Antolak, whose heroism in Cisterna became legendary, and Audie Murphy, one of the most decorated soldiers of World War II.

Our comprehensive WWII battlefield tour begins with a visit to the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, located near the Anzio Beachhead – a crucial landing site during Operation Shingle. The cemetery is a solemn ground, commemorating the US soldiers who fought and fell during the Anzio landings and the Italian Campaign, offering a deeper perspective on the true cost of the battle. This solemn ground commemorates the US soldiers who fell from the landing in Sicily on July 9th, 1943, to the liberation of Rome on June 4th, 1944. The cemetery is the final resting place for 7,861 soldiers, a powerful reminder of the sacrifice made during the campaign.

ITINERARY – FROM THE BEACHES TO THE ALBAN HILLS:

1. The Port of Anzio & Landing Beaches

   • Discover the key landing points of Operation Shingle on January 22nd, 1944. Learn about the strategic objectives and the divisions involved, including the 1st Infantry Division, 3rd Infantry Division, 45th Infantry Division, and 36th Infantry Division.

2. Sicily-Rome American Cemetery

   • Visit the resting place of 7,861 American servicemen. The Visitor Center offers comprehensive exhibits on the Anzio landings, the Italian Campaign, and the ultimate liberation of Rome.

3. Headquarters of Generals Lucien Truscott and John W. Daniel of the 3rd Infantry Division at Borgo Montello

   • Explore the command post where General Lucas and the 3rd Infantry Division coordinated the initial assault. Learn about the crucial decisions that shaped the battle.

4. Isola Bella – Following the Route of Darby’s Rangers

   • Retrace the steps of the Rangers led by Major William Darby, whose units played a pivotal role in the assault on Cisterna.

5. Advancing Towards the Alban Hills & Cisterna Town Center

   • Trace the inland battlefield routes as the American forces advanced from the Anzio beachhead to the Alban Hills, encountering fierce German resistance along the way. Key stops include Lanuvio, Cori, and Velletri – strategic vantage points where the German forces monitored the Allied advances. This part of the tour delves into the tactical significance of these locations, allowing visitors to understand the broader strategic implications of the campaign.

   • Visit the WWII Museum "Piana delle Orme," featuring extensive dioramas and artifacts, vividly illustrating the Italian Campaign.

   • Visit the site of the fierce battle for Cisterna, a strategically significant town that saw some of the most intense fighting during the breakout. The WWII Museum "Piana delle Orme" features extensive dioramas and artifacts, vividly illustrating the Italian Campaign.

AMERICAN DIVISIONS IN ANZIO:

The following American divisions played a crucial role during the Anzio Campaign:

1. 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One)

2. 3rd Infantry Division

3. 36th Infantry Division (Texas Division)

4. 45th Infantry Division (Thunderbird Division)

5. 34th Infantry Division (Red Bull Division)

6. 1st Armored Division (Old Ironsides)

7. 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (82nd Airborne Division)

8. 6615th Ranger Force (Darby’s Rangers)

Each division played a pivotal role in the Anzio Beachhead and the inland advance to Cisterna, displaying exceptional tactical prowess and enduring some of the most brutal combat conditions of the Italian Campaign. This section of the tour will cover key battles involving these divisions, highlighting heroic acts such as those of Medal of Honor recipients Audie Murphy and Sylvester Antolak.

OPTIONAL:

• A personalized tour can include in-depth research into specific regiments, commanders, or battles upon request. Contact for pricing and itinerary customization.

THE CROSSES GROW ON ANZIO

Oh, gather 'round me, comrades; and listen while I speak Of a war, a war, a war where hell is six feet deep.

Along the shore, the cannons roar. Oh how can a soldier sleep? The going's slow on Anzio. And hell is six feet deep.

Praise be to God for this captured sod that rich with blood does seep. With yours and mine, like butchered swine's; and hell is six feet deep.

That death awaits there's no debate; no triumph will we reap. The crosses grow on Anzio, where hell is six feet deep.

By Audie Murphy, 1948 Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division

BACKGROUND: Audie Leon Murphy penned this poem in 1948, capturing the haunting memories of the Anzio campaign. Inspired by a phrase from World War I, "hell six feet deep," Murphy composed the poem to honor the men he fought alongside. It was published in his memoir, 'To Hell and Back.'