3rd Division Battlefield Tour at Mignano Gap

3rd Division Battlefield Tour at Mignano Gap: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

In 1943, the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division made the main effort to break through toward the Liri Valley. However, on their way to the Rapido River crossing, they faced a formidable obstacle: a narrow corridor known as the Mignano Gap. This area, formed by the convergence of the Volturno and Garigliano river valleys, was surrounded by steep mountains and rugged hills, making it extremely difficult to cross without being exposed to enemy observation and fire. The village of Mignano is located in this wide natural gap in the Apennine mountain chain. At the time, it was a particularly dangerous zone because of the dominating high ground around it, which gave German forces excellent defensive positions to control and defend the area effectively.

3rd Division Battlefield Tour at Mignano Gap

On the right side stood Cannevinelle Hill and Mount Cesime; on the left rose the massive bulk of Mount Camino, Mount La Defensa, and Mount Maggiore. In the center of the gap, like two sentinels guarding the passage, were Mount Rotondo and Mount Lungo. The first was thickly covered in brush, while the second consisted of a long ridge with several distinct peaks. The only way to reach the Liri Valley was by dislodging the Germans from these dominant high points. Allied patrols reported that both Mount Rotondo and Mount Lungo were heavily defended, protected by minefields, tank traps, and well-positioned machine-gun nests.

3rd Division Battlefield Tour in the so called “Land of medals”

General Truscott decided to split his forces. He ordered the 2nd Battalion to move over Mount Cesime toward Cannevinelle Hill on the left flank, while the 30th Infantry Regiment was directed toward Rocca Pirozzi, with the objective of reaching Mount Rotondo by advancing through Cannevinelle Hill on the right side.

The 30th Infantry Regiment on Mount Rotondo

On the afternoon of November 6th, the 30th Regiment launched an unsuccessful attack on Mount Rotondo, while the 3rd Battalion of the 15th Infantry faced similar failure on Mount Lungo. A new assault began on November 8th, during which the 30th Infantry successfully occupied Mount Rotondo. Meanwhile, the 3rd Battalion of the 15th Infantry captured Hill 253, enabling the 1st Battalion to advance and secure Hill 193 near Mount Rotondo. The following days were spent holding their positions, resisting German counterattacks, and digging in to protect themselves from enemy fire.

The 7th Infantry Regiment on Mount Camino and Mount La Defensa

On the left side of the gap, on November 5th, the 2nd Battalion of the 7th Infantry Regiment attempted to assault Mount Camino and Mount La Defensa, advancing through Casale and Caspoli. Over the next ten days, the soldiers struggled to scale the steep cliffs on both the north and south sides of the mountains. Supplies reached the battlefield very slowly, and evacuating the wounded to the valley took as long as six hours. The combination of scarce food, lack of warm, dry clothing, and harsh weather conditions turned the assault into a nightmare.

Audie Murphy and the other Medals of Honor

The exploratory patrol of the 30th Regiment was led by the famous soldier Audie Murphy, who was the first to reach a small hill located between Montelungo and Monterotondo, known as Quota 193. The 30th Regiment also included two other notable soldiers, Maurice “Footsie” Britt and Floyd K. Linstrom. All three were awarded the Medal of Honor for their extraordinary bravery.

Some rest before the Landing at Anzio

On 15th November 1943, the 3rd Division was withdrawn from the frontline to rest, and the 36th Division took its place on 17th November. The 36th Division was then scheduled to be transferred north of Mignano in preparation for the Anzio landing on 22nd January 1944.

A death in San Pietro: Captain Henry Thomas Waskow

3rd Division Battlefield Tour: WHAT TO EXPECT

The “3rd Division Battlefield Tour“(about 4) includes:

1) pickup from your arrival at the railway station in Cassino every day at 10.00AM or 02.00PM (Main Square, near the Green Kiosk)

2) about 4h guided tour of the most meaningful sites in Mignano Gap area:

• General view of this area battlefield
• Audie Murphy’s cave and the 15th Regiment plaque (It involves a short walking)
• plaque dedicated to John B. Armstrong and the 15th Regiment
• plaque dedicated to Maurice Footsie Britt and the 30th Regiment
• plaque dedicated to the 7th Regiment at Diodati Farm
• plaque dedicated to Floyd K. Linstrom on Mount la Defensa (It involves a long walking)

3) return to the railway station in Cassino at 01.30PM or 05.30PM

3rd Division Battlefield Tour: WHAT YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT THE TOUR

TOUR DURATION: about 3 hours

DEPARTURE TIME: Daily at 10.00AM and 02.00PM

MEETING POINT: Cassino Railway Station (Main Square, near the Green Kiosk)

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• Professional WW2 Guidance
• Transportation
• Donation to the monastery

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED: Lunch and dinner are not included

PRICE PER PERSON: 90 euros

PAYMENT:

• No advance payment required
• You can do the payment during the tour cash to your Guide

3rd Division Battlefield Tour: More Tours Available in This Area

The Anzio landing Battlefield Tour⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐