The Sicilian Campaign, Operation Husky, Part 1

7/29/2019 The Sicilian Campaign, Operation Husky, Part 1

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T S I C I I A N C A IMF A I G N

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compiled from G-3 Journal forperiod July 10, 1943 - Aug 22, 1943.

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itsFICATION CHANGED TIO" CA, CELLED.

BY AUTHOITY OF THE ADJUTANT GUA__-sGHA-m-xaGp YEC

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JULY 10, 1943See Map No 1 (Opp page)

The division landed beginning at 0425 on beachesshown on Map No 1, under supporting Naval gunfire.Zones of advance and objectives as shown opposite.157TH RCT

Landed on beaches Green 2 and Yellow 2, againstlight opposition; advanced inland. 1st Battalioncaptured S CRUCE, CAMERINA at 1445. 2nd Battalioncaptured DUNNA FUGATA at 1715, 2nd and 3rd moved onCOMISO to positions shown on Map No 1.179TH RCT

Landed on beaches Yel'low and Green, 1st Battalioncaptured SCOGLITTI at 1400, 3rd Battalion advanced topositions west of VITTORIA, patrol of 45th CavalryReconnaissance Troop entered VITTORIA about 1335.180TH RCT

Landings scattered from GELA to points three milesnorth of Red beach. Elements were assembled late inafternoon and advanced to vicinity Highway 115.

Commanding General and G-2, G-3 and G-4 landed onbeach Green at 0830. CP established at 367159.

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JULY 11, 193Ma) Nor

The advance of the division continued on July11th. No contact was made with our adjacentunits,1st Division on the left and 1st Canadian. Divisionon the right.157TH INF

1st Battalion captured RAGJUSA at 0815B and the3rd Battalion captured COMISO at 1015B and assistedthe 179th Inf in the capture of COMISO airfield. In.the action at COMNISO, three Italian tanks were knockedout, our tanks received fire from 88mm guns.192T-H INF

Moved on COMISO airfield with two battalionsabreast from VITTORIA, capturing the airfield at1610B assisted by the 157th Inf.180TH INF

Met stiff resistance by elements of Herman GoeringTank Division and infantry elements and were unable toadvance until late afternoon, when Highway 115 -wascrossed. Positions northeast of the highway were heldat end of day.

Division Artillery supported the infantry advance.171st Field Artillery Battalion received counterbatterv fire without damape.

40th Engineer Regiment set up main beaches anddumps around SCOGLITTI.

19th Engineers began clearing COTMLISO airfield.Map No 2 shows moverent during the day and positions

held at 2400B July 11, 1943.f E-;'T


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JULY 12, 19lF3

157TH INFANTRf-1st Battalion moved to vicinity CHIARAMONTE. 2nd Battalion

patrolling from positions north of CHIARMONTE.3rd Battalion advanced from vicinity COMISO Airport to

positions north of CHIARMONTE-BISCARI road.During the morning the airport and regimental CP were

strafed.Contact was made with elements of the 1st Canadian inRAGUSA at 1145.179TH INFANTRY

Enemy strong point developed south of BISCARI-CHIARMONTEroad. 2nd Battalion reported surrounded at 1715B, but was outof trouble by 1755.180TH INFANTRY

Enemy resistance reported to have collapsed in zone of180th and the regiment advanced into BISCARI at 2000. OneM VI tank knocked out in BISCARI.

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JULY 13, 1943-----. ... i Map No 4

157TH INFANTRYAdvanced from vicinity of CHIARMONTE to oositions

south and west of VIZZINI against light resistance.179TH INFANTRY

Continued advance in direction GRAMAIICHILE topositions shown on Map No 4.180TH INFANTRY

Advance on BISCARI delayed by blown bridge onACATE River.00OOTH CA BN (AA) (AW)

Shot down two JU-87 airplanes attempting to landon COMISO airport.CO B, 753RD TANK BN

Supported advance of 180th Infantry.753RD TANK BN (MINUS CO B)

In assembly area ,in zone of 179th Infantry preparedto meet possible attack of reported enemy armored con-centration.

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JTLY 14, 1943Map No 5

157TH INFANTRYReached line yellow prepared to organize defensive

position. II Corps ordered 45th Division to hold linetwo miles short of Highway 124. Two British ArmoredDivisions to mtake attack direction VIZZINI - CALTAGIORONE.Contact made with British below--VIZjINI at 0900. Coor-dinated attack planned for 1200.

157th Inf received heavy artillery fire fromdirection GRAMMACHILE during night July 13-14.79NTT IN ANTRY

Continued advance against strong mechanized defenseto oosition two miles south Highway 124. Organized-positions.180TTI INFANTTRY

Moved to positions under Qover of darkness for day-light attack on BISCARI airport. Airport was taken at0630, complete surprise was obtained butstubborn hand-to-hand resistance was met. Counter-attack was drivenoff by fire of Heavy Weapons Company. Attack continuedto positions shown on Map No 5.

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CRA} ICPCs-Li INC IDENTJULY 11 1943

3rd Bn, 179th Inf (rei.nf) with: 1 plat Cn Go- plat-4.2 Cml Mtrs, 1 plat AT Co, and 1 plat 753rd Tk Bn - Qer-man counterattack at .0550, July 14 from North against "KtCo with flanking movement to our right supported by Mark

fixed bayonets supp orted bv plat of Cn Co forced enemywithdrawal to NE and N. "Ko Co successfully resistedcounterattack and enemy failed to penetrate position.Durir:ng action 1 Mark IV knocked out by rifle eprenade -1 4.2 phospherous she.l.l hit in open turr:et p barkV tanl-and destroyed crew.

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Organized defensive nositAlon. west of VIZZINI.Britslh took VIZZ1NI at 0600, tnd entered GRAIMJACHILEat 1200. At 1522 the CT wa al1erted to move to areasouth and west of 1VA7AHROl tonIght.

Organliz.d derfnglve positions two miles southof TmIIw-v; 12/

Advartnod to rnoitions, soujth CALTAGIROTTE. 2nd --'B3ttnliorn eornipel by three enemy tanks. durine themorrinr,. Co B, 753rd Tank Batt.elion in a fight threerniles fromr Bi'rCARI airport At 0900,

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Division bePren rr.oei o Ter': eat:, of '.'J.'I157th RCT and 189th F'A 3r i startl.nr ft , 0600. 1 79Wthand 180th CTs held pre--ent roajlt ion lJntl 1 urIov re 'by British passingr arofs front Prom ea ft to ' -IIt,

45th Cav Rcn Tr. and 753rd Tk rrn f'olowrevd 1i57thlInf. At 2130 verbal or]ersa were ilsuoded to 0C 1J57thInf to attack at 0400 17 July. Celz1 hlfh (- ou'lAlnorth of PIETRAPERZIA, supported by 15(8 thj iri(l 1 9tbhFA Bns and with Co 2nd Cml Bn; one Pl:t 451th CtivRcn Tr; Co A, 120th Enpr Bn and Co C, 753rdI [' ( I3nattached.

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JULY 17, 1943Map No 8

1$72 ANN\FANTRYAdvanced to vicinity PIETRAPER.IA without meetin-g

resistance. Advanpe delayed by blown bridge at pointshown on Map No 8. Organized position 800 yards northand west of PFITRAP RZIA. Oral orders were issued CO157th Inf to continue the attack during the hours ofdarkness, seize high ground north of CALTANISSETTA andto continue to S. CATERINA if not delayed by opposition.

Division CP moved forward at 1630 to H1258. Balanoeof division continued ooncentration In zone behind 157thInf.

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July 18, 193 .

CMTWTnSAcA TA t 0g wNIthofut romist noQ, noved onfeemokwi S* BATVINA wbleo wia nfewrtd at -1600B1, adv ale-

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July.19. 1943Ma No 10

'15, th INFAdvance wai held up North of S. CATERINA by enemy

tanks and artillery fire.

179th lINFIn assembly area S of CALTANISSETTA, one rifle platoon

sent to S. CATALDO to guard large Italian QM Warehouse.180th INF

Moved by motors to ass-embly area S of S CATERINA,passed thru 157th Inf. Attack jumped off at 2000B a-gainst tanks and artillery fire.

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fJuly 20, 1943-....--- Ma p No 11

157th IrNFIn assembly area S S. CATERINA.

179th INF-Moved by motors night of 20-21 July to assembly

area 9496.180th IHiF

Atk in column of Bns against light Arty fire, reach-ed obj at 1030B prepared defensive position along line 9295 -9297. Captured 15 prisoners, 1 90mm gun and 1 light Tk.Regt was ordered to continue atk to W prior to 1700B, secureRJ 7901.DIV CP

Moved from CALTANISSETTA, opened at new location at1725B.

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July 21, 1943~-/Iflap No 12

l57th INTFMoved by marching to assembly area SE VALLELUNGA

beginning at 1200B.179th INF

Moved by marching to position E of VALLELUNGA be-hind 180th Inf. Moved on CALTAVUTURO beginning at dark.18Oth INF.

Continued attack during night July 20-21, seizedobj RJ 8002 at 0440B, organized position. In the attackcaptured 12 Light Tanks, knocked out 2, captured 60pr'soners, including 1 Col, 2 Majs, 4 Capts, all Italian.Also destroyed 11 Scout Cars. Atk continued at dark withobjectives ALIA and ROCCAPALUMBA, one company seized VALLE-D LMO.DIV CP

Moved to 0082 opening at 1530B.

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Thly 22, 1943Map No 13

157th INFAt 1800B commenced movement by motors and marching

to cut coastal highway at junction with Hwy 120.179th INF

Moving on CALTAVUTURO against' light opposition, cap-tured that town t 1600B.180th INF

Captured ROCCAPALUBA at 0510B, 7 locomotives, 35cars in RR yard. Patrols sent N on Hwy 121 reached out-skirts of PALERo. T0t 1500B without resistance. Patrolsmade contact with 15;'th Inf at LERCARA. Captured 87 Italiansoldiers in VILLAFRATI. Btry D, 36th FA Regt interdictedcoastal Hwy during night.


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July 23, 1943fap No 14

!57th INFMovement commenced at 1800B July 22, passed thru

179th Inf continued adv at 0735B, leading Bn was pinneddown by small arms fire approximately 4 miles N of CERDA.After preparation by arti l lery, atk continued, Hwy 113was cut at 0900B. 2nd Bn moved E on 113, 1st Bn movingW on TERMINI IMERSE. Bridge at 809279 was blown whileelements of 2nd Bn were crossing. 2nd Bn was stopped byMG and 37mm fire near CAMPOFELICE.179th INF

Moved on CAMPOFELICE via CALTAVUTURO - SCILIATA -COLLESANO. Contact was made at COLLESANO at 1703B.Plat of Co B 120 Engrs working on bridge at 926190 cameunder small arms & mortar fire.180th INF

Marched at daybreak on MONTEMAGGIORE via ALIA. At1500B was ordered to resume adv to be in position vicCERDA by daylight July 24. Co C 120th Engr Bn clearedmine fields on CERDA - ALUMINSA road.DIV CP

Opened at 867152 at 1020B.

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July 24, 1943Map No 15

157th INFContinued atk E on coastal hwy No 113 from CAMPOFELICE

to position overlooking CASTLEBUNO station. Delayed byblown bridge at C0636. On Co reinf sent to CAMPOFELICE,responsible for beach security.179th INF

Advanced on CASTLEBU0ONO. Co L occupied CASTLEBUQNOat 2240B.180th INF

Moved by motor to detrucking point vic of CEFALUpassed through 157th Inf at dark. 1st Bn held at 9434 forbeach defense.DIV CP

Opened W of CEFALU at 1530B. Unidentified shipsof shore were reported at 1940B.

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157TH INFANTRY- 'Passed through by 2nd Battalion, 180th Infantry at CASTEL

BUONO Station during night. Established road. block on road toCASTEL BTUONO.

179TH INFANTRYOccupied CASTEL BUONO 0608 capturing 500 prisoners."- Initi-

.ated reconnaissance. in direction of S JIAUTRO. Patrols made contactwith 1st Division south of CASTEL BUONO.

180TH INFANTRY2nrd Battalion passed through 157th Infantry during night

Tuly 24 - 25, continued to East. A counterattack at 1440 causedno loss. of :ground.

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JUJY 26. 193Map No 17

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157TH INFANTRY1st Battalion responsible fo r beach defense from

TFERMINI IMERSE! east to GRANDE IMERA River. Was relievedof responsibility at 1500B. Balance of regiment inassembly area east of CEFALU, patrols made contact witth-179th Inf north of CASTELBUONO.179TH INFANTRY

Made reconnaissance in force of S. MATIRO area. Onecomnany reported north of S. MAURO at 1700, one companyin S. MAUTRO at 2200.180TH INFFANTRY

Resistance in front of 2nd battalion reported to havewithdrawn. Battalion prepared to move on at 0615.Patrols were at 1735 at 2000. 3rd battalion attack withinitial objective Hill 640, final objective TU3A. Hill640 was found to be unoccupied at 2030, attack on TUSAjumiped off at 2200.

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JULY 27, 1943Map No 18

157TH INFANTRYOrdered to relieve 180th Inf during night.

Movement of 2nd battalion started 1600. 1st battalion-to move to rear of 2nd battalion. 3rd battalion toclose on 2nd battalion by marching.179TH INFANTRY

Remainder of 3rd battalion infiltrated to S. MAUROarea via CASTELBUONO Station - Highway 113 - S. MkURO.Initiated reconnaissance in force from S. MAURO toCASTEL D. LUCIO.180TH INFANTRY

3rd battalion patrols entered TUSA at 0600, mainbody moved to east of TUSA at 1500. 1st battalionpassed through 2nd battalion. Co C crossed TUSA Riverbridge at 1250. At 1640 bridge over TUSA River wasreported blown. Enemy holding high ground east ofriver drove our forces back across river. Aoproachesto bridge were mined. Engineers reported it would beimpossible to remove mines until bridgehead had beensecured by Infantry.

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July 28l, Ei3%y'See Map No 19

157th Inf - Passage of 157 through 180th Inf delayed bylandslide at 1336 about 0100. Road was blocked when Engineersblasted cliff in attempt to widen road. Slide was clearedat 0530. 2d Bn moved on PEITINEO across country. 1st Bnpassed through 1st Bn 180th Inf at 1745. Leading elementswere on ridge East of Tusa River. An enemy counter-attackon the right flank was broken by artillery fire.179th Inf - 3d Bn in S. V'AURO area sent two companies acrosscountry to CASTEL di LUCIO.180th In f - Relieved by 157th- Inf. Assumed resoonsibilityfo r security of beaches and communications from. CEFALIT torear of 157th Inf.Div CP moved to point 1 mile South CASTELBUONO STATION.


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JULY 28 1943Mat No 20

157TH INFANTRYDuring night July 28-29, 1st battalion held part

of the ridge running northwest from MOTTA. During thenight they were subjected to intense artillery andsmall arms fire. 2nd battalion in PEITINEO came underartillery fire on attempting to push north.. At 2000were reported moving forward against no resistance.3rd battalion moved down to road east of TUSA River andadvanced up ridge on MOTTA from northeast. The attackagainst heavy automatic weapons fire reached positionsshort of crest of ridge at. dark.179TH INFANTRY

1st battalion moved into S. MAURO. 2nd battalionremained in CASTELBUONO. 3rd battalion closed inCASTEL di LUCIO.ISOTH INFANTRY

No change.

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JLTY 30, 1943Map No 21

157TH INFANTRY.1st and 3rd battalions mopped up ridge occupied

night 29-30. At 0620, 1st battalion moved south aloQngridge to coordinate move on MOTTA with 3rd battalion.1st battalion received no enemy fire during the morning.3rd battalion reported some snipers. Patrol enteredMOTTA at 1205 without meenting resistance. 2nd battalionoccupied high round southeast M A. One platoon2nd battalion was in REITANO at 2000 found townunoccupied,.179TH INFANTRY

Co K passed through MISTRETTA at 1705, took upposition north of town. 2nd battalion closed inoMSTRETTA area at 2000. 3rd battalion made contactwith 1st battalion 180th Inf on highway south ofMISTRfTTA at 2000.180TTI INFANTRY

No chance.

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JULY 31 , 1943Map No 22

157TH INPANTRY2nd battalion 1000 yards south S.'STEPHANO at

0800, in the town at 1425. 3rd battalion 4 milessouth S. STEPT-TANO at 1425, Many anti-personnel minesencountered around S. STEPHANO. -Reginlent was relievedby 30th Infantry at 2025B.179TH INFANTRY

3rd battalion north and 2nd battalion south ofMISTRETTA. 1st battalion in S. MAURO. Ordered tomove to bivouac in area west of CEFALU beginningmorning August 1st,180TH INFANTRY

Moved by truck to bivouac in vicinity CAMPOFELICE,completed movement at approximately 2000.

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AUGUSTT1 1993Ma No 3

157TH INFANTRYIn bivouac west of TERMINI IMERESE patrolling

beaches, guarding comrrunications in zone TI.RMTITYIMVIRSE - TARTO River.179TH IFTANTRY

Moving to bivouac area west of CEFALU. Re-sponsibil i ty for security in zone CAMPFELICE -CEFALU.180TH INFANTRY.

In bivouac vicinity CAMPOFELICE. Responsibil i tyfor security zone TARTO River - CAMPOFELICE.

Division CP moved to 965368 opening at_930 .

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)AUGLSEtIA118 S)lfJST ,sM , IN CLTSIVE

The division remained in bivouac shlown on. map, resting andresquipping, and was responsible for the security of communica-tions, beache-sand II Corps rear within the zone shown on themap,.

AUGUS 6, 1943 -The division area of responsibility was moved to the east

to S STEFANO exclusive.: The, O80th Combat Team moved to bivouacarea vioinity Of cAEOA and assumed security responsibility of:zone S S EANO--CARONA, both exclusive. The 179th zone of -re-;:ponsibility expanded to the east to: include S STEFANO.

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1920; :Batata li on 179thInfantry nmoved to bivouac vicnity oS STiANO,: as sumed s eour ty respons i blty for zone STNFincl.--CEFAL ;eoS0:

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Division OP moved 'to 0'379370 vioirnity of CARONA.'- N ohanle 'f. ... . . .n the-r- units.

No change.

AUGUST, _3 AND. UGUST ^ 1, 9t3

i80th Infantry moved to bivouac east of S AGATA9, t .dCtAzone of responsibility to approximately 65th grid, Divtsion OP

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moved to C06Q6443 east of S AGATA. No'change in other unti,ts,

AUGUST 5, 1923157th Combat Team reinforced passed to control of Command-

ing General, Seventh Army, on embarkation at TER&MINI IMERSSE oran amphibious operation to cut Coastal Road east of CAPE ORIANDO.179th assumed security responsibility formerly covered by 157thInfantry.

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: 7'th In3antiy la'ed or .po daylight on a igned beaches4aidf$W,-iro' :-iVoao . thirivision forward line had passed::_oi .of la'ndingo lpeviousy

'.'' :'i's .emained in bivoueo.

-; mvAs 9 1943.:: ivlioon began ovement to bivouac vioinity TRABIA. New

,0P opened at B690345 at 191150B August.

AUGUBT 20 AD 2, 143

:Movement of division continued.areas by 211200B August.

All units cleared in new

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Documents

The Sicilian Campaign, Operation Husky, Part 1