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APPROACH TO THE APENNINE SECTOR
On November 5, 1944, the 45th AAA (Anti-Aircraft Artillery) Brigade was again alerted by the Corps Commander, Major General Willis D. Crittemberger, for a new mission by Task Force 45 to occupy and improve the position of the Apennine sector between BAGNI DI LUCCA (2597) and CAMPO TIZZORO (4999). This sector had been held by the 107th AAA Group with the 39th, 47th and 74th British LAA (Light Anti-Aircraft) Regiments retrained as infantry and the 80th British HAA (Heavy Anti-Aircraft) Regiment retrained as artillery, but the mission was one that required the staff and services of the entire Task Force 45 Headquarters.
Operational Instructions No. 65 dated November 6, 1944, issued by IV Corps assigned the following missions to Task Force 45:
a) Occupy the line CAMPO TIZZORO (493992) - CUTIGLIANO (405064) - BAGNI DI LUCCA (259969) and prevent any enemy movement south of it.
b) Continue patrol activities and prepare plans to follow any enemy retreat.
c) Prepare plans to completely take over the 47th and 74th LAA Regiments by 082400A November 1944. Move units to the CASTELNUOVO area on orders from IV Corps.
d) Maintain contact with the Brazilian FEB [meaning the 1st Brazilian Infantry Division of the Força Expedicionária Brasileira or FEB] and the 92nd American Infantry Division (colored).
e) Protect the left flank of IV Corps
At 061600 November 1944, the Headquarters and Artillery Battery of Task Force 45 Headquarters were moved to CAMPO TIZZORO, simultaneously assuming command of the 107th AAA Group sector.
This sector was arbitrarily limited by 25 Easting and, on the right, approximately by State Road 6629 leading from Ponte Petri (4899) to Ponte della Venturina (5909) where it joined State Road 67. Task Force 92 was adjacent on the left and the FEB, supported by Company B of the 1st Armored Division, was adjacent on the right. The sector was extremely mountainous and dominated by rough terrain. The enemy had carried out demolition work on the roads. State Road 66, which led from Pistoia to Ponte Petri (5099) to the intersection with State Road 12 at La Lima (4102), was the main supply route. State Road 12, which led from LUCCA, BAGNI DI LUCCA, LA LIMA to SASTAIONE (3906), had suffered extensive demolition used by the enemy as roadblocks and was only open to jeep traffic from BAGNI DI LUCCA to LA LIMA. State Road 6629 was also only open to jeep traffic. Due to the demolition, the road from MONTECATINI to LA LIMA was also impassable. There were no other roads north of the BAGNI DI LUCCA - CAMPO TIZZORO line and only a few difficult mule tracks. To the east and west of State Road 12 from LA LIMA to SESTAIONE were impassable mountain ranges.
The Task Force 45 sector was logically divided into three sub-sectors:
a) The left or BAGNI DI LUCCA sector, which bordered on its left with 25 Easting, which was the border between Task Force 45 and Task Force 92, and on its right with the mountain ridge that ran from Monte GOMITO to Monte CALIGI (3704) and the peak northwest of LA LIMA (4102).
b) The central or SESTAIONE - CUTIGLIANO sector, which bordered on the left with the mountain ridge running from Monte GOMITO to Monte CALIGI (3704) and the north-western peak of LA LIMA, and on the right with the ridge from Monte SPIGOLINO (4309), Monte GENNAIO (4706) to Monte ORSIGNA (5005).
c) The right sector or VIDICIATICO sector, which bordered on the left with the SPIGOLINO - GENNAIO - ORSIGNA mountain ridge and on the right with the Task Force 45 and FEB border line.
The IV Corps reinforced Task Force 45 Headquarters with an engineer officer and a photographic interpretation officer. At that point, the operations section did not procure any additional officers or soldiers but economized on personnel by drawing on sections S2 and S3 so that the members of those sections would be available to work in other sections when circumstances required it.
THE ATTACK ON MONTE BELVEDERE
On November 18, 1944, IV Corps issued Operational Instructions No. 68, which assigned the following additional troops to Task Force 45:
2nd Battalion of the 370th Regiment of the 92nd Infantry Division (coloured)
3rd Battalion of the 6th Regiment of the 1st Brazilian Infantry Division (FEB)
Reconnaissance Troops of the 1st Brazilian Infantry Division (FEB)
Headquarters and Company. Command of the 751st Tank Battalion (excluding assault guns)
Company B, 751st Tank Battalion
Company D, 751st Tank Battalion (excluding 2 platoons)
4 wire communication teams from the 62nd Signal Battalion
and placed in direct support of Task Force 45:
2 Companies of the 1108th Engineer Group (C)
68th Armored Field Artillery Battalion.
The border between Task Force 45 and BEF was also modified to a line from: "A point on the existing border from 560040 to 594086; then along the west side of State Road 64 towards 626188; then from NW to 600210 to 580229 to 550244;" and Task Force 45 was assigned the following mission:
(a) Take the ridge of Monte BELVEDERE (523176) from the enemy, capture and hold Monte CASTELLO (567192), Monte della TORRACCIA (559203), and the area of Monte TERMINALE.
(b) Allow all Brazilian troops to return to the main unit within 48 hours of capturing the objectives.
The newly assigned units were further merged with the 2nd Armored Group, together with the following units that IV Corps had assigned on November 19 and 21, 1944:
Reconnaissance Company (excluding 1 Platoon) of the 894th Tank Destroyer Battalion
1 platoon of Company D of the 13th Tank Battalion
Company A (excluding 1 platoon) of the 894th Tank Destroyer Battalion
The 2nd Armored Group was to carry out the main effort under the direct command of the Corps.
Patrolling was now intensified and there were frequent contacts and firefights. An American and partisan patrol of twenty men from the 435th AAA Battalion (Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion equipped with 32 Bofors and 32 M51s, each mounted with a quadruple .50 caliber machine gun) clashed with a strong group of enemies at QUERCIOLA (5116) on November 21, 1944. When our patrol withdrew, nine dead enemies and a large number of wounded remained on the ground. Our patrol suffered two dead and one wounded. The bombing by the "Huns" (Germans) increased. The work of the sons-in-law on the SILLA-LIZZANO road (5814-5113) was stepped up so that the armored vehicles could get closer.
The necessary regrouping and preparation in the sector of the 2nd Armored Group was completed on November 23, 1944.
(a) The 435th AAA Battalion was on the left, based in VIDICIATICO and LIZZANO and supported by:
200 partisans
1 platoon of medium tanks
1 platoon of light tanks
1 tank destroyer platoon
Reconnaissance Company (minus 1 platoon) of the 894th Tank Destroyer Battalion.
Its mission was to take QUERCIOLA (5116), CORONA (5117), and MONTE BELVEDERE (5217).
(b) The 2nd Battalion of the 370th Infantry Regiment was in the center, with the Observation Post at GAGGIO MONTANO (5116), and supported by:
1 platoon of medium tanks
1 platoon of light tanks
Mule unit.
Its mission was to take the flat terrain near MONTE della TORRACCIA (5520) and MONTE TERMINALE (5621).
(c) The 3rd Battalion of the 6th Regiment of the 1st Brazilian Infantry Division (FEB) was on the right, with a base in BOMBIANA (5818) and supported by:
1 platoon of medium tanks
1 tank destroyer platoon
Engineer unit for mine clearance.
Its mission was to take the heights near M. CASTELLO (5619).
(d) The Reconnaissance Company of the 1st Regiment of the 1st Brazilian Infantry Division (FEB) was in group reserve near PORRETTA TERME (5811).
(e) The 1st Battalion of the 1st Regiment of the 1st Brazilian Infantry Division (FEB) was in corps reserve near 575083.
At 06:00 on November 24, 1944, the three battalions attacked their objectives. The weather was cloudy and foggy, preventing preventive air support and limiting artillery observers. By evening, the left flank had been pushed forward considerably, progress had been made in the center, and strong resistance had been encountered on the right.
(a) The 435th AAA Battalion had taken QUERCIOLA (5116) in the early afternoon and CORONA (5117) during the night. We had encountered stiff resistance and suffered casualties from machine guns, mortars, and small arms of the "Huns." The partisans had fought magnificently. Fourteen prisoners were taken. Progress was also made on the slopes of MONTE BELVEDERE. The battalion line ran approximately from 499159 to 509167 to 517178 to 527171 to 534166.
(b) The 2nd Battalion of the 370th Infantry reached a line from 542178 to 550170 to 570185 and began to entrench. Mortar and small arms fire was beginning to intensify, particularly in the vicinity of 573183.
(c) The 3rd Battalion of the 6th Regiment of the 1st Brazilian Infantry Division (FEB) came under heavy machine gun and mortar fire. The command tank of its armored support was out of action due to mines. By noon, the Brazilians had been forced to return to their starting line to reorganize.
(d) During this first 24-hour period of the attack, over 2,000 rounds were fired by our artillery.
At midnight, the Boches launched a counterattack against CORONA (5117). The attack was carried out by a force equivalent to a company, and the "Huns" were shouting as they charged. Subsequent reports indicate that these Boches, members of the 1st Battalion of the 1043rd Regiment of the 232nd Infantry Division, were spurred on in their enthusiasm by the notorious Captain Straube, whose ambitions for promotion drove him to "urge" his men on from behind with a pistol and a hand grenade. The attack was broken up by concentrated fire from small arms and tanks. Fourteen "Supermen" were taken prisoner, six were killed, and ten were wounded.
The next day, November 25, 1944,
(a) The 435th AAA Battalion reached the crest of MONTE BELVEDERE, encountering enemy small arms, machine gun, and artillery fire. They dug in and began to organize their positions.
(b) The 2nd Battalion of the 370th Infantry Regiment advanced against light opposition to a line from 544182 to 540182 to 542185. Towards evening, however, the enemy began to intensify their fire with small arms and mortars.
(c) The 3rd Battalion of the 6th Regiment of the 1st Brazilian Infantry Division (FEB) again encountered intense enemy fire from small arms, machine guns, and mortars. In the afternoon, they had advanced to a line on LA CA (577183) running approximately from 572178 to 574188 to 585185, with the 3rd Platoon of Company A of the 894th Tank Destroyer Battalion on the right at 593193. In the evening, the Boche mortar fire increased and, in view of the increase in casualties, a further brief withdrawal to the ridge line south of GUANELLA (5718) was requested.
(d) During this 24-hour period, our artillery had fired over 2,000 rounds again, despite limited observation due to bad weather.
There were no changes in the 2nd Armored Group on the right and left flanks on November 26, 1944, but on this day the Germans subjected the center of the line to intense mortar and artillery fire. The 2nd Battalion of the 370th Infantry Regiment was forced to fall back to a line running approximately from 538176 to 542176 to 546178. To serve as a bulwark for this sector, the reconnaissance troop of the 1st Infantry Division (FEB) was replaced as group reserve by the 1st Battalion of the 1st Infantry Division (BEF), which moved to GAGGIO MONTANO (5516).
On the evening of November 26, 1944, IV Corps, with Operational Instructions No. 70, changed the boundary of FEB - Task Force 45 to a line: "From a point on the current border at 632180 along the stream at 602192 to hill 756 (593200) to hill 788 (579208) to hill 997 (570213)", and to take over the 3rd Battalion of the 6th Regiment of the 1st Brazilian Infantry Division (FEB) and the 1st Battalion of the 1st Regiment of the 1st Brazilian Infantry Division (FEB), plus a platoon of medium tanks and the Tank Destroyer platoon supporting these units, forming a grouping at Task Force 45. The sector of the 2nd Armored Group now covered only the subsection of the 435th AAA Battalion and the 2nd Battalion of the 370th Infantry Regiment.
On the afternoon of November 26, 1944, the Germans concentrated 500 mortar rounds on the town of CORONA (5117) in the sector of the 435th AAA Battalion. The partisans also reported an enemy gathering at ROCCA CORNETA (4917) on November 27, and a TOT (Time On Target) salvo of friendly artillery was directed at the town, ending this activity. On this date, IV Corps provided Task Force 45 with an additional platoon of medium tanks and a platoon of light tanks. Battery C of the 434th AAA Battalion (Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion equipped with 32 M15s mounted with a 37mm cannon and two .50 caliber machine guns and 32 M16s each mounted with a quad of .50 caliber machine guns) was also assigned as a reserve to the sector of the 435th AAA Battalion sector on November 29, 1944.
On the night of November 28, 1944, the enemy launched a strong counterattack with a battalion in the 435th AAA Battalion sector.
During the day, the enemy bombarded CORONA and M. BELVEDERE without much conviction. Then, at 04:40, a total of 200 rounds were fired at CORONA. This caused a well-defended outpost to collapse and wiped out about 30 of our men. The enemy then attacked with two companies on the VALPIANA ridge in the town of CORONA. At the same time, two companies launched an attack on the positions of Battery B at MONTE BELEVEDERE. Battery B fought until a lack of ammunition forced it to retreat to QUERCIOLA at 05:00. Battery C continued to engage the enemy until 290130A when the danger of infiltration by enemy ambushes required a withdrawal to QUERCIOLA. Battery D continued to engage the enemy until 11:00 when heavy losses (70 killed and missing) and the destruction of three of their support tanks caused their withdrawal. Battery D withdrew to VIDICIATICO and Battery C, 434th AAA Battalion, was moved to the front line at QUERCIOLA. The enemy employed three Mark IV tanks and a self-propelled gun in the attack on CORONA and showed considerable skill in infiltrating infantry with panzerfausts (bazookas) at close range to our tanks where they could inflict damage. During this action, there were no changes in the positions of two battalions of the 370th Infantry.
It should be noted that during all BELVEDERE operations, the partisans fought side by side with our troops and showed equal courage and determination in carrying out their mission. The operation ended with a strong mutual respect and admiration between these Italian volunteers and our American troops.
During the BELVEDERE operations, the central and left sectors of Task Force 45 had not remained inactive. On November 20, 1944, enemy activity was noted at CAPPEL d'ORLANDO (3807), which was engaged and driven off. On November 21, 1944, the enemy returned to ORLANDO to keep the positions of SESTAIONE under fire. Our mortars silenced them. On November 24, 1944, an enemy patrol of 12 men, operating in the ONTONI area (3906), was engaged with small arms and mortars and forced to retreat. Once again, on the 28th, 29th, and 30th, our troops clashed with enemy patrols at PIAN DI NOVELLO (3508) and 365077 and 375076. The enemy was forced to retreat on all three occasions. Early in the morning of November 30, 1944, the enemy sent a small patrol to CUTIGLIANO (4006), but it was discovered and withdrew with one casualty. British patrols located in MONTEGATESI (2702), north of BAGNI DI LUCCA, continued to receive reports of enemy patrols in the area and on November 29, 1944, engaged an enemy patrol inside the town, causing numerous casualties.
British anti-aircraft artillery support continued to fire an average of 500 rounds in the central and left sectors, and the enemy responded sporadically. On November 23, 1944, around noon, seventy rounds of enemy light artillery exploded in the vicinity of CUTIGLIANO without causing any damage. On November 30, 1944, Company B of the 209th Battery belonging to the 73rd HAA, with its four 3.7" (94 mm) AA batteries, was moved to the right sector to supplement the firepower of the 68th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. While the British 3.7" gun did not fire a projectile as large as the 105 mm howitzer of the 68th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, it had a longer range and could be used as anti-aircraft artillery.
OPERATIONS CONTINUE IN THE APENNINE SECTOR.
On December 1, 1944, Colonel Gerard G. Gibbs, who had been the executive officer of the Task Force, replaced Brigadier General Paul W. Rutledge, who returned to the United States on the same date to assume a new command.
The right sector remained fairly quiet for several days. Patrols were active and made contact with the enemy on December 3, 4, 5, and 7, 1944, but there were no casualties among our forces; one enemy sentry was killed. Enemy artillery fire was sporadic and ours was on a small scale.
Relative calm also prevailed in the sectors of BAGNI DI LUCCA and CUTIGLIANO - SESTAIONE. Our patrols increased the depth of their penetrations into the Boche area, but there were few contacts. Ten enemy deserters were picked up on December 7, 1944 ( ) and others were captured from time to time. It appeared that the mountain troops of the 4th Battalion of the Meer Alpine Regiment had been replaced by inferior troops from the 232nd Rifle Battalion of the 232nd Infantry Division. From time to time, enemy agents were also arrested.
The 900th Mobile AAA AW Battalion (Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion - Automatic Weapons, equipped with 32 Bofors cannons and 32 .50 caliber quadruple machine guns) was assigned to the Task Force on December 6, 1944. It had been trained in the infantry role for several weeks in the II Corps sector and was a fresh and rested unit. During the night of December 8-9, 1944, it relieved the 435th AAA Battalion in the VIDICIATICO - LIZZANO area, which then returned under the control of the 5th Army and left the front for a rest area.
The 900th Mobile AAA AW Battalion quickly adapted to its infantry role. QUERCIOLA, VIDICIATICO, LIZZANO, and PIANACCIO continued to be heavily guarded. New outposts were established to provide maximum crossfire, and an elaborate communications system was set up, allowing for instant calls for mortar and artillery fire support. Partisans were exploited to the full, and reconnaissance patrols slipped confidently through enemy minefields and barbed wire entanglements to locate enemy outposts. CASACCIA (5216) was also heavily targeted.
During this period, active patrolling by the 2nd Battalion of the 370th Infantry Regiment also continued. On December 11, 1944, two patrols engaged the Germans near 543186 and 532175 and killed two of them. The "Huns" maintained moderate artillery bombardments and intense to moderate mortar fire, particularly in the vicinity of GAGGIO MONTANO (5516).
On December 11, 1944, at 04:10, German attempts to infiltrate positions near CUTIGLIANO (4006) were discovered by one of the partisan outposts. In the ensuing firefight, the enemy used grenades and machine guns and at 06:20 fired two rockets, followed by 70 enemy TOT rounds on CUTIGLIANO. The Germans then withdrew.
On December 12, 1944, the Brazilians made a further attempt to capture M. CASTELLO (5619). The 2nd Armored Group was tasked at that time with carrying out strong diversionary attacks to support this effort and confuse the enemy. To the left of the 900th AAA AW Battalion, the armored group was moved into position and, at dawn, the tank destroyers began to heavily bombard the enemy stronghold at ROCCA CORNETA (4917) and the road leading to it from the north. At the same time, a patrol consisting of one officer, 30 men, and 15 partisans, supported by a reserve force of one officer and 15 men, advanced and deployed towards the southern end of the village. At 09:25, our troops opened fire on enemy positions with small arms, machine guns, and grenades. The enemy responded with small arms and machine guns, and by 10:30 a.m. had deployed mortars and begun taking aim. Our troops then withdrew under cover of our mortar fire and tank destroyers. To the right of the front of the 900th Mobile AAA AW Battalion, a patrol of similar strength was sent simultaneously to CORONA (5117). This attack was preceded by a brief artillery barrage, and the enemy was caught napping. By 10:00 a.m., our patrol had penetrated the northern edge of the town, captured three enemy prisoners, killed nine, and wounded two. Two German 81 mm mortars were also destroyed with grenades. At 11:30 a.m., the enemy recovered from its surprise and began a flanking movement supported by artillery, mortars, and machine guns. Our troops withdrew under friendly artillery and smoke cover. In this engagement, two Americans and three partisans were killed, and two Americans and one partisan were wounded.
As part of the same diversion, the 2nd Battalion of the 370th Infantry Regiment sent a platoon-strength patrol against the Boche positions in the vicinity of 532169. The colored troops engaged the enemy with small arms and machine guns from 09:05 until 19:15, when they withdrew with one dead.
The "Huns" maintained their interest in the SESTAIONE - CUTIGLIANO sector with moderate artillery fire, patrols, and snipers from CAPPEL D'ORLANDO (3807). On December 16, 1944, a partisan patrol of 70 men led by an American officer and a soldier proceeded to the vicinity of MELO (3909), where they directed friendly artillery fire via radio on the enemy observed in PIANSINATICO (3808) and RIVORETTA (3708). On its return on December 17, 1944, this patrol engaged a group of Germans, killing one, wounding two, and capturing two.
The boundary between Task Force 45 and the FEB was changed at 06:00 on December 17, 1944, by a message from IV Corps dated December 15, 1944, to the line: "from a point on the current border at 558126, along the road to 528134, to RS (521154) to 513177."
At that time, elements of the 900th Mobile AAA AW Battalion, stationed on the FEB side of the new border, were relieved by the Brazilians, and the 2nd Battalion of the 370th Infantry Regiment was relieved by the FEB. The colored troops returned to their parent unit, the 92nd Infantry Division on the coast. Battery C of the 434th AAA Battalion was also relieved by the 900th Mobile AAA Battalion and returned to CAMPO TIZZORO as a reserve for the Task Force.
During this period, the right sector remained active with clashes between patrols and continuous evidence of enemy activity. At that time, the firing skills of the tank destroyers firing from a hill north of VIDICIATICO were developed. With a 20x telescope constantly aimed at the known point of enemy activity, the "Huns" were forced to remain hidden during daylight hours, five miles behind their lines.
On December 20, 1944, all armored units were relieved from direct attachment to Task Force 45, but the 751st Tank Battalion (except for Company C and three platoons of Company D), with two platoons from Company A of the 894th Tank Destroyer Battalion attached, was left in direct support of the Task Force and kept all its armored vehicles in the right sector. At the same time, two armored vehicles from the Reconnaissance Company of the 894th Tank Destroyer Battalion were assigned to the 107th AAA Group to maintain a double patrol on the road from CAMPO TIZZORO (4909) to VENTURINA (5908).
The 2nd Armored Group was relieved from Task Force 45 at 211500A and moved out of the sector to supervise Brazilian infantry training. Responsibility for the right sector was then assumed by the 900th Mobile AAA AW Battalion, and a LA SALLE switchboard was set up in CASTELLUCCIO (5411) to ensure communications.
With the holidays approaching, and in particular on December 22, 1944, rumors began to circulate of a Christmas offensive by the Germans in the SESTAIONE - CUTIGLIANO sector. The IV Corps reinforced the Task Force with a temporary headquarters and Companies A and B of the 755th Tank Battalion. These tanks were deployed throughout the central sector and made their presence felt with movement and fire against known enemy positions. Smoke was also used to suggest the offensive intentions of a brigade under construction. Patrolling was intensified and carried out in depth along the entire front of Task Force 45. Critical points for demolition were set up on State Roads 12 and 66 and the key bridge at LA LIMA, and tripwire mines and barbed wire entanglements were also laid. A raid by a group of 15 Germans in the area of the 900th Mobile AAA Battalion triggered a tripwire signal trap and was immediately swept away by our machine gun and mortar fire. In the exchange of fire, two of our men were wounded, but the 'Huns' withdrew promptly.
The snow was beginning to cause problems for the patrols, but contact with the enemy was maintained. In the SESTAIONE - CUTIGLIANO area, two particularly wanted enemy agents were arrested and an American airman who had crashed far behind the Boche lines was brought back to our lines by the partisans.
In the early hours of Christmas morning, the partisans, led by an American officer, moved towards the German positions in PIANSINATICO (3808). After directing artillery fire at the enemy positions in sight, they entered the town and engaged the enemy. In the 30-minute battle that followed, they killed two enemies, wounded an unknown number of others, and captured three. They then withdrew with two of their men dead and three wounded.
At 06:00 on December 27, 1944, Brigadier General Lee S. Gerow (Assistant Commander of the 85th Infantry Division) assumed command of Task Force 45. At the same time, the 339th Regimental Combat Team of the 85th Infantry Division was attached, being close at hand in the area of SAN MARCELLO (4201) at 270023A.
At that moment, the enemy was attacking along the SERCHIO VALLEY in the sector of the 92nd Infantry Division on the right. At the same time, rumors of an enemy offensive during the holiday period in the SESTAIONE - CUTIGLIANO sector had not subsided. Nor was the situation on the right flank in the VIDICIATICO - LIZZANO area any less delicate. It was therefore decided not to engage the 339th Regimental Combat Team but to keep it in reserve so that it could make a difference if deployed on the left, center, or right sector, as required by the changing situation.
These veteran infantrymen, therefore, were not put on the front line but were put to work developing excellent defensive positions on the hills south of ONTONI and SESTAIONE on the line from PIANONE (3705) to FRASSINETTI (3805) to hill 847 (3906) to CUTIGLIANO (4006) to LA CUCCOLA (4106). Secondary lines of defense were also requested on the high ground stretching from north of LA LIMA (4002) to SPIGNANA (4303). Similarly, in the right sector, positions were prepared on the ridge of CASTELLUCCIO (5411) leading to PONTE di SILLA (5814), and a careful reconnaissance was carried out on a hill east of PORRETTA TERME so that the Task Force could be prepared in case of a strong enemy attack threatening its right flank.
In the BAGNI DI LUCCA sector, defensive positions were mapped on the hills east of the city and a secondary position at the narrowest point of the river near COCCIGLIA (3300). Detailed plans were drawn up to quickly reinforce one of the three subsectors of Task Force 45 in the event of an imminent enemy attack. Plans were also made and reconnaissance carried out on routes to be used for a counterattack in the event of a surprise attack by the 'Huns' in one of the three sub-sectors.
The 339th Regimental Combat Team also sent out an average of ten patrols per day. This not only familiarized the troops with the terrain but also increased security.
Meanwhile, AA unit patrols remained active in all sectors. When snow began to hamper troops in some sectors, skis and snowshoes began to be used with some skill. There was little engagement with the enemy. At 02.30 on December 1944, a group of "Huns," aided by unidentified inhabitants of ONTONI (3706), surprised a British outpost at 379068 and withdrew with six prisoners. The next day, ONTONI was evacuated of civilians. On January 5 and 6, 1945, patrols from the 900th AAA Battalion engaged enemy positions at 502167 and 507166 and forced a Boche retreat.
The 86th Mountain Regiment entered the Task Force sector on the night of January 8-9, 1945. The 1st Battalion relieved the 900th AAA AW Battalion on the right. The 2nd Battalion relieved elements of the 39th LAA and 434th AAA Battalion at ONTONI, SETAIONE, CUTIGLIANO, and VIZZANETTA. The 3rd Battalion relieved other elements of the 39th LAA and 434th AAA Battalion at BAGNI DI LUCCA, LA LIMA, SAN MARCELLO, MARESCA, and ORSIGNA. All reliefs took place without incident. The 39th LAA then moved to PISTOIA for discharge, while the 434th AAA Battalion and the 900th AAA AW Battalion moved to MONTECATINI for conversion to infantry, together with the 2nd Armored Group, the 435th AAA Battalion, and the 532nd AAA Battalion. On January 9, 1945, the 339th Regimental Combat Team also moved out of the sector to rejoin its parent division [the 85th US Infantry Division].
Brigadier General Robinson E. Duff (Assistant Commander of the 10th Mountain Division) took over command of Task Force 45 on January 9, 1945. The G-2 and G-3 of the 10th Mountain Division also took over their respective duties at Task Force 45 Headquarters. On January 10, 1945, the 5th Italian Pack Mule Company was attached and entered the sector on January 14, 1945.
The mountain troops, although they had just arrived from the United States, quickly adapted to the conditions of battle. Patrols were aggressively pushed deep into enemy territory. On January 18, 1945, a midnight patrol at PALAZZO (5017) failed to find the enemy and continued on to C. FLORIO (5017), where a German outpost was discovered. The Americans killed a sentry when he refused to surrender and took fire from about 25-30 Germans who fled from nearby positions at the sound of gunfire. The Boches suffered four casualties. When enemy mortar fire became intense, the mountain troops folded, calling for and directing friendly mortar fire, and then withdrew, suffering two casualties.
Patrols at ROCCA CORNETA (4917), PRADA (5116), M. SPIGOLINO (4205), PIANSINATICO (3808), and OSPEDALETTO (2808) sought out firefights and got them. Experience was quickly gained as the first casualties occurred. Two-day reconnaissance patrols were also sent out on skis and snowshoes deep into "Hun" territory, obtaining a great deal of information.
On January 21, 1945, the 85th Mountain Regiment entered the sector and was assigned to Task Force 45. The 1st Battalion relieved Company I of the 86th Mountain Regiment in the sector of BAGNI DI LUCCA ( ). The 2nd Battalion took up position near PRUNETTA (4396) to engage in further training and acclimatization, and the 3rd Battalion moved to the vicinity of SAN MARCELLO as a reserve for Task Force 45.
The Germans on the right had been repeatedly harassed by patrols from the 1st Battalion of the 86th Mountain Regiment, and on the night between January 24 and 25, 1945, they conducted a raid on American positions at QUERCIOLA (5116). The raid was preceded by enemy artillery fire, after which a group of five "Huns" and a second group of 12 men attempted to infiltrate the American position. While these patrols were engaged, a third group of Germans moved to the right flank of the QUERCIOLA positions and inflicted losses of 1 dead, 4 wounded, and 1 missing. The enemy then withdrew under the cover of their own artillery. The blood indicated one enemy casualty.
On January 24, 1945, the town of MONTEFEGATESI (2702), on the left flank above BAGNI DI LUCCA, was vigorously targeted by a reinforced company. This significantly advanced the left flank and gave our patrols greater range of action. On January 26, 1945, a patrol from this sector engaged a group of Germans near 291069. After a firefight, four enemies were taken prisoner. Another patrol on the same day reached German positions west of PIANSANATICO (379085). The enemy responded with machine guns, mortars, and 88 mm artillery, but there were no friendly casualties. The enemy suffered one dead.
On January 27, 1945, the 3rd Battalion of the 85th Mountain Regiment relieved the 2nd Battalion of the 86th Mountain Regiment in the SESTAIONE - CUGLIANO area. The 2nd Battalion of the 86th then moved to PRUNETTA (4395) to rest and train.
On January 28, 1945, at 06:00, Major General George P. Hays (Commander of the 10th Mountain Division) assumed command of Task Force 45. At the same time, the headquarters and headquarters company of the 10th Mountain Division took over the headquarters of Task Force 45 and the headquarters of its artillery battery; the 45th AAA Brigade moved to LIMESTRE (4400) to prepare for discharge.
On February 12, 1945, Major General Willis D. Crittenberger, Commander of IV Corps, decorated Colonel Gerald G. Gibbs, Commander of the 45th AAA Brigade, with the Legion of Merit and, after praising the unit, announced its discharge in accordance with General Order No. 15 dated February 11, 1945, from the Headquarters of the 5th Army.
Task Force 45 had covered fronts between 19 and 40 kilometers, stretching both in the mountains and on the coastal plain, advancing 32 kilometers from the Arno River lines and Pisa to the Gothic Line of the "Huns" at the CINQUALE CANAL north of Forte Dei Marmi (9293).
It suffered the following losses:
Killed Wounded Missing
JULY: 12 22 1
AUGUST: 23 124 2
SEPTEMBER: 23 107 17
OCTOBER: 3 16 4
NOVEMBER: 17 137 69
DECEMBER: 4 23 18
JANUARY: 5 23
Excerpt from "History of Task Force 45"