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'ON THIS SITE THOUSANDS OF MEN FOUGHT AND DIED' |
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The Darby Rangers / In January 1944, 1st, 3rd and 4th U.S. Ranger Battalions combined with 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion and other units to form the 6615th Ranger Force under Colonel William Darby. Two main assaults were launched in the early morning of January 30th, one towards Campoleone in the north, the other towards the fortified town of Cisterna and Route 7 due east, a perceived achilles heel in the German left flank. Rifles and grenades of 1st and 3rd were pummelled by veteran troops, tanks and mortars. Compromised radio intelligence and shambolic decision making led to the loss of 767 men. / |
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