1-31-18 Garand Picture of the Day

http://www.milsurps.com/images/impor...ierap247-1.jpg

36th crossing the Mosoele

The 36th Infantry Division 1953 US Army Military History Film; WWI; WWII - YouTube

Unit awards
Presidential Unit Citation: 12.

Personal awards
Medal of Honor: 14
Distinguished Service Crosses: 80
Distinguished Service Medals: 2
Silver Stars: 2,354
Legion of Merit Medals: 49
Soldier's Medals: 77
Bronze Star Medals: 5,407
Air Medals: 88

Casualties
Total battle casualties: 19,466
Killed in action: 3,131
Wounded in action: 13,191
Missing in action: 494
Prisoner of war: 2,650

Nice movie.
There is one major "imprecision" about the battle for Montecassino. The Germans were not in the Abbey before the bombing, they only entered after.
The only soldiers that had been there were the ones that carried out the evacuation of the most precious treasures of the Benedettinian monks once it became obvious that the position would be strategically important and so in great peril.
The German General Frido von Segnet und Etterlin took personal care of the operation.
I strongly suggest to read his memories of the war.
Great reading!

Frido von Senger und Etterlin. Wrong typo, damned iPhone.

My book about the battle written by an allied Lieutenant that fought in the battle for the monastery I have not read it yet......

Do it. It is a most fascinating battle.
I have also a very nice book written by an Italian Army Officer with a passion for history, who went up and down all mountains, ridges and ravines in the area, giving an incredibly detailed tactical account of all engagements.
I’m out of home, but can look it up.
Just fear it is only in Italian.
In any case, von Etterlin’s book is a must read, believe me.

It just so happens that I just read about Monte Casino in Atkinson's The Day of Battle right now.

Bob

I was impressed that the movie mentioned the 442nd helping out the "lost battalion".

I found the book I mentioned earlier, it is: CASSINO, from Livio Cavallaro.
It has a lot of maps, covering actions up to platoon level with sketches etc.
I don't think it has been translated, but it is really a great read!
Amazon has it listed but not available right now. A pity.
https://www.amazon.com/Cassino-Batta...ivio+cavallaro

There's 2 copies on ABE but they are in Italian so no good for me.
Cassino. Le battaglie per la Linea Gustav. 12 gennaio-18 maggio 1944. de Cavallaro, Livio: Gruppo Ugo Mursia Editore 9788842532156 - Libro Co. Italia Srl

That’s it.
I checked, but it has not been translated, apparently.
It is a pity, because the battle is described in every detail, and the maps are great.