Name: Monte Cassino Battlefield tour for Nisei
Brand: Monte Cassino War Tour
SKU: Nisei1
Price: 90 Eur
Availability: InStock

Table of Contents

Monte Cassino Battlefield tour for Nisei: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

For the Rapido River campagna, the 34th Division was transferred to the II Corps, because the VI Corps had to prepare the Landing st Anzio. The 34th moved first of all the Presenzano area then to Ceppagna.The 100th Battalion of the 133rd was places under the Command of Col.Robert T. Frederich of the FSSF. Together they formed the Task Force B, and captured Mount Majo and in particular the 100th Bn advanced to take also Hill 1190.

The 100th Battalion with the FSSF: the second-generation Japanese Americans

Because of all the difficulties in transporting heavy weapons and supplies, the 100th men must carry the supplies up the hill on their shoulders. It was not easy for the troops to reach the summit but by January 13 the 100th was on the top of the Hill facing the Rapido River. The Task Force B was dissolved at this point on January 13, but the 100th continued to fight occupaing San Michele. The next task to reach was the Rapido River Valley, but the Garmans had dammed the River and flooded the bank on the Allied side.

Monte Cassino Battlefield tour: the 100th Infantry Regiment

The Gustav line in this area was divided in 3 zones: on the left side the British X Corps, in the middle the US II Corps and on the Right side the French Expeditionary Corps. The 36th Division had to cross the River downstream of Cassino, while the 34th was up-river. Some of the men of 100th were seat in the 36th area to give the Division some cover with smoke. On January 24 they crossed the River in their Sector, but they had so many trubbles, because the Germans were firing them and the area was heavy mined.

The 100th Battalion known also as part of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division

The 100th Battalion resisted 24 hours, but the next night Captain Mitsuyoshi Fukuda from Honolulu moved back to the Allied headquarter to report the desperate situation of the troops.Even if Maj. Clough Commander of the 100th refused tocontinue this terrible attack, the Battalion had to continue the actions but few hours later this battalion of the 34th Division lost its commanders. The Germans picked them off one by one. Some of the men saved themselves by jumping into an irrigation diich and remained there for an entire day.

The 34th Infantry Division and the famous 100th Battalion

The attack during daylight was suicidal. After this terrible attack and the following failed Operation the 100th was pulled back to San Michele on January 26 for some rest. On February 8 the 100th Battalion was sent back to the arapido River to tey to cross It again.This time the River was quite dry and the German firing was not heavy. After crossing the River they advanced in the direction of Castle Hill. They partially took it after four days quote without drinkble water and very little foot and trench food.

The end of the Battalion’s efforts

The 100th was pulled back into Regimental reserve in Alife. During the fighting the 100th Lost 4 officers and 44 men, 12 officers and 122 men were wounde, 3 officers and 8 men injured. 75 men were sent to hospital for trench food.