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 campaign, the 34th Division was transferred to the II Corps, as the VI Corps had to prepare for the landing at Anzio. The 34th first moved to the Presenzano area, then to Ceppagna. The 100th Battalion of the 133rd was placed under the command of Col. Robert T. Fredericks of the FSSF. Together, they formed Task Force B, which captured Mount Majo. Specifically, the 100th Battalion advanced to take Hill 1190.

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

Due to the difficulties in transporting heavy weapons and supplies, the men of the 100th Battalion had to 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 had reached the top of the hill, facing the Rapido River. Task Force B was dissolved on January 13, but the 100th continued to fight, occupying San Michele. The next objective was the Rapido River Valley, but the Germans had dammed the river, flooding the banks on the Allied side.

Monte Cassino Battlefield tour: the 100th Infantry Regiment

The Gustav Line in this area was divided into three zones: on the left, the British X Corps; in the middle, the US II Corps; and on the right, the French Expeditionary Corps. The 36th Division had to cross the river downstream of Cassino, while the 34th was upstream. Some of the men of the 100th were stationed in the 36th’s area to provide cover with smoke. On January 24, they crossed the river in their sector, but they faced many challenges, as the Germans were firing at them and the area was heavily mined.

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

The 100th Battalion resisted for 24 hours, but the following night, Captain Mitsuyoshi Fukuda from Honolulu moved back to Allied headquarters to report the desperate situation of the troops. Even though Major Clough, commander of the 100th, refused to continue the attack, the battalion had no choice but to press on. However, just a few hours later, the battalion of the 34th Division lost its commanders as the Germans picked them off one by one. Some of the men saved themselves by jumping into an irrigation ditch, where they remained 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 subsequent 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 Rapido River to try crossing it again. This time, the river was relatively dry, and the German fire was not as intense. After crossing the river, they advanced toward Castle Hill. They partially took it after four days without drinkable water and with very little food or trench rations.

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. Additionally, 12 officers and 122 men were wounded, 3 officers and 8 men were injured, and 75 men were sent to the hospital for trench foot.