Special Forces-Ranger Beach MTO (id:#66641)

(Internet: Steven Swann ID: SF-Rng2c)   [next]   [previous]

Gela Beach, Gela, Sicily 1943-07-10 (54 others)

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Overview:

The landing of the US 1st and 4th Ranger Battalions at Gela got started about one hour late and was a tougher fight than expected. Besides the beach being cluttered with old hulks that interfered with their vision, the beaches were heavily mined and covered by machineguns in pillboxes. Italian resistance by the 429th Coastal Battalion was more spirited than the Rangers expected, as these Italians were not disposed to surrender or run away. One Ranger platoon landing between two pillboxes was almost annihilated. Lead by a wounded First Sergeant, the Rangers destroyed both pillboxes and tried to continue their advance into Gela. An easy advance was not to be, as the Italians fought for every trench and pillbox. Although the Italians were not as well trained or disciplined as the elite Rangers, they fought courageously for more than four hours before being overwhelmed by the US Rangers.

Defender: Italian (429th Coastal Battalion)  

Errata (source)