More savage fighting ensued, but on the night of June 2 and into the early morning hours of June 3, the main enemy forces hurriedly withdrew and headed northward, leaving only scattered rear guards to impede the Allied advance into Rome.[1]

Fortunately, the Führer had decided not to draw a line in the sand at the outskirts of the Eternal City, declaring Rome to be an open city.

Even though no resistance was encountered, liberating one of the world’s greatest cities was a prestigious achievement after many months of struggle on the Anzio Beachhead.[1]

~~~~~

Realizing the hopelessness of his stand, the enemy began to withdraw on 2 June.

The Hermann Goering Panzer Regiment moved from Valmontone toward Tivoli, and the infantry of the division fell back slowly, together with the remnants of other units under its command.

Accordingly II Corps gained all its initial objectives during the day.

The 30th Infantry found Valmontone unoccupied early in the morning and fanned out to the north and northeast to secure good positions in the vicinity of Cave.[2]

~~~~~

Division … capture(d) Valmonte June 2.[3]

~~~~~

The 30th Infantry also played a similar role in the attack on Valmonte (as it did by by-passing Cisterna), breaking thru the Herman Goering division line and cutting Highway 6 west of the city.[4]

~~~~~

A patrol of the 30th Infantry had entered Valmontone on June 2.[5]

~~~~~

Valmonte was found abandoned on Friday (June 2), at last.

“No contact with enemy anywhere along the front,” the 3rd Division reported.

~~~~~

[1] Larimore, At First Light, 112

[2] Starr, 255.

[3] “Third Overseas Two Years.” The Third Division Front Line. October 25, 1944. Vol 1, No. 1, page 6.

[4] “Blondin, Brolo, Rotundo Are Made Famous By Thirtieth.” The Third Division Front Line. November 4, 1944. Vol 1, No. 3, page 6.

[5] Heefner. Dogface Soldier, 177.

[6] Atkinson. The Day of Battle, 567.

---

In case you haven’t read or listened to Dad’s book, you can learn more or order it here.

---

© Copyright WLL, INC. 2024.