April 27, 1944 — The lull before the coming massive breakout at Anzio

Published by Walt Larimore at April 27, 2024

While enemy air attacks had diminished to raids by only a few aircraft daily, artillery shelling continued, and no structure and no person within the beachhead were safe. Even hospitals clearly identified by a Red Cross became targets, resulting in the death and wounding of doctors, nurses, and patients.

Shocked by the Germans’ targeting of medical facilities, General Truscott sent a message to Genera; Clark recommending that he bring this violation of the Geneva Convention to the attention of the theater commander.

He also directed Baehr to have the corps Fire Direction Center counterbattery every possible artillery position which could open fire upon the hospitals.

He ordered all commanders to notify him immediately when their hospitals came under fire so that he could order the counter battery fire.[1]

Living conditions, particularly for the dogfaces, were very primitive. Many of the infantrymen literally lived in their foxholes, utilizing shelter halves to protect them from the elements.

More fortunate souls sought shelter in tents or in the few surviving buildings within the beachhead.

As spring arrived baseball and softball teams were organized, sometimes playing games as artillery shells burst within five or six hundred yards of the playing fields.

Swimming in the Tyrollean Sea also became popular as the weather warmed.

But all of the men were on edge. Any day now …[2]

[1] Heefner. Dogface Soldier, 169-70.

[2] Heefner. Dogface Soldier, 170.