Monte Cassino Battlefield tours for Americans

Monte Cassino Battlefield tours for Americans: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

In the summer of 1940, war started again in Europe. President Roosevelt mobilized the National Guard as a precaution for a year of training. War came to America when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on Sunday, December 7, 1941. A few weeks after the attack, the first American soldiers arrived in Europe, ready to liberate it.

Monte Cassino Battlefield tours for Americans: the 36th Texas Division

The US Army’s 36th Division, variously known as the Texas Division or the T-Patchers—named for the distinctive “T” insignia sewn on the upper arm of their uniforms—began its long campaign in Italy by marching in a holiday parade in Rabat alongside the Moroccan Sultan’s Guard, accompanied by a long line of tanks and trucks.

The commander of the 36th was General Fred Livingood Walker, and while he was marching in the same parade, he already knew that the 36th would be joining Mark Clark for the next Allied action against the Axis in Italy. Around the same time, Patton and the Seventh Army had invaded Sicily, and Clark needed the T-Patchers for the upcoming Italian Campaign.

Lieutenant General Mark Clark in Charge in Italy

But who was Mark Clark? General Mark Clark was 47 years old and was considered by many contemporaries to be vain, superficial, and even ineffectual. Churchill called him the “American Eagle” for his aquiline nose, and Clark insisted on being photographed only from one side. He attended West Point, but nobody particularly remembered him until his friendship with Eisenhower helped him become the youngest lieutenant general in US Army history. At that point, he understood that the only way to achieve fame was to succeed in Italy and take Rome. To accomplish this, Clark had only three divisions scheduled to land at Salerno. General Montgomery, a highly experienced British commander, considered this plan a gamble.

Monte Cassino Battlefield tours for Americans: the 34th Red Bull Division

At the end of 1943 the 34th was part of General Mark Clark’s 5th Army. The men landed at Salerno and advanced slowly through mountains and rivers, with orrible weather, capturing many villages and towns. The 36Th Division lost about 200 men during the landing Fighting along the Italian peninsula was not easy, but slowly, step by step, the Germans were pushed back in the direction of the famous Gustav Line. The objectives along the Highway 6 were taken: first of all Monte Pantano, then the Village of San Vittore del Lazio, then the two Hills called Monte Chiaia and Monte Trocchio. (Read here to learn more about these actions.)

Monte Cassino Battlefield tours for Americans: the 36th Texas Division

When the 36th and 34th Divisions arrived at Mount Trocchio, the men faced the Liri Valley and Cassino. However, the most imposing and dangerous objective was Monte Cassino Abbey, perched atop the hill.

While the 36th Division was sent to cross the Rapido River and advance through the valley, the 34th Division also had to cross the river to reach its objective: Monte Cassino Abbey. They attempted to storm the ancient abbey, but the Germans defended it fiercely, while the 36th suffered heavy losses crossing the Bloody River.

Breaking the Gustav Line

To break the Gustav Line, the Allies needed to send around 20 divisions into battle, and it took them nearly four months to drive the Germans out. Between the last months of 1943 and mid-February 1944, the 34th Division lost thousands of lives. Afterward, the American army gave them some rest, and in March, the men were sent into action at Anzio.

Monte Cassino Battlefield tours for Americans: WHAT TO EXPECT

The “Monte Cassino Battlefields tours for Americans” (about 3 hours) includes:

1) pickup from your arrival at the railway station in Cassino every day at 10:00 AM or 02:00PM (Main Square, near the Green Kiosk)

2) about 3.5 hours guided tour of the American most meaningful sites of Cassino:

• Monte Trocchio slopes
• Rapido river banks and the Peace Bell
• The war monument dedicated to the 36th Texas Division
• The Commonwealth war cemetery
• Caira village
• the Rapido River and Rio Secco banks
• The Barracks and the Caruso Road

3)return to the railway station in Cassino at 01:30 PM or 05:30 PM

Monte Cassino Battlefield tours for Americans: WHEN AND WHERE

TOUR DURATION: about 3 hours

DEPARTUR TIME: Daily at 10:00 AM and 02:00 PM

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

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• Professional WWII Guidance
• Transportation in a modern van with air conditioning
• Donation to the monastery

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED: Lunch and dinner are not included

PRICE PER PERSON: 90 euros

PAYMENT:

• No advance payment
• You can make the payment in cash to your guide during the tour.

MORE TOURS IN THIS AREA:

34th Division Battlefield Tour (the Red Bulls) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

36th Texas Division Battlefield Tour ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Monte Cassino Battlefield tour for Nisei ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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