3rd ID WWII Tour
WWII Anzio Battlefield Tour – In the Footsteps of the 3rd Infantry Division
A Division Forged in Fire
They came ashore before dawn, not only carrying weapons and gear, but the full weight of freedom’s burden. The men of the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division, seasoned by battles in North Africa and Sicily, led the assault on the beaches of Anzio on January 22, 1944. It was meant to be a swift breakthrough — instead, it became a long, bitter siege.
Composed of the 7th, 15th, and 30th Infantry Regiments, along with artillery, engineers, medics, and reconnaissance units, the 3rd Division fought for 531 consecutive days — more than any other U.S. division in World War II. They suffered over 25,000 battle casualties, including 4,922 killed in action.
At Anzio, the division stood firm through bombardment, trench warfare, and counterattacks, helping to break the German lines and open the road to Rome.
The 3rd Infantry Division Battlefield Experience
This historical journey retraces the steps of the 3rd Infantry Division across the battlefield landscapes of southern Lazio. It is a path of sacrifice, remembrance, and enduring honor.
Itinerary Highlights
WWII Museum – Preserving the Legacy
Explore rare artifacts and reconstructions telling the Italian campaign story.
Cisterna di Latina – Where Valor Was Tested
Walk the fields of fierce Anzio battles along the Mussolini Canal.
The Story of Sylvester Antolak – Courage Beyond Fear
Learn about his Medal of Honor heroism. He rests in Nettuno.
Field Headquarters – Echoes of Command
Visit a preserved wartime command post of the division.
Foglino Forest – First Footsteps of Liberation
Commemorative plaque at the landing site of the 3rd Division.
Anzio and Nettuno – Beaches of Fire
Walk the beaches where the division landed under fire.
Sicily–Rome American Cemetery – The Final Salute
Over 7,800 U.S. soldiers rest here, including nearly 1,000 of the 3rd Division.
Faces of Valor – Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division
Sgt. Sylvester Antolak – Medal of Honor recipient, killed May 24, 1944 at Anzio.
Pfc. Floyd K. Lindstrom – Repelled a German assault, killed February 3, 1944 at Anzio.
1st Lt. Garlin Murl Conner – Called artillery on himself to repel attack. Medal of Honor awarded posthumously.
Pvt. Carlos B. Perez – Killed May 23, 1944 in the Anzio breakout.
Cpl. Milton M. Nelson – Killed November 10, 1943 along the Volturno River.
Audie Murphy – The Division’s Immortal Legend
Audie Murphy served with the 15th Infantry Regiment, fighting in Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, and France. He earned the Medal of Honor after holding off a German attack. After the war, he portrayed himself in the film To Hell and Back. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Structure and Strength of the 3rd Division
Infantry Regiments:
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7th Infantry ("Cottonbalers")
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15th Infantry ("Can Do")
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30th Infantry ("Battle Boars")
Artillery Battalions:
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9th, 10th, 39th, 41st Field Artillery
Support Units:
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Engineers, Medics, Reconnaissance, Signal, Ordnance, Military Police
Commanders:
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Maj. Gen. Lucian Truscott
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Maj. Gen. John W. O'Daniel
The Cost of Victory
| Campaign | Killed in Action | Wounded | Total Casualties |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Africa & Sicily | ~830 | ~2,700 | ~3,700 |
| Salerno to Cassino | ~1,100 | ~4,100 | ~5,600 |
| Anzio Beachhead | ~1,500 | ~7,000 | ~8,500 |
| France to Germany | ~1,500 | ~4,900 | ~6,800 |
| Total (1942–1945) | 4,922 | 18,766 | 25,977 |
Why These Stories Matter
The hills, beaches, and forests of Lazio are more than peaceful scenery. They are hallowed ground. Here, young Americans fought to liberate a continent. Their stories live in the soil and in the silence of the cemeteries.
This is not just a tour. It is a pilgrimage. Walk where they walked. Stand where they stood. And remember them — not as names on stone, but as the guardians of freedom.
Book Your WWII Anzio Battlefield Tour
Interested in this tour?
Contact Dr. Danila Bracaglia for private and custom tours.
Email: danila.bracaglia@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +39 338 2458831
