For the next three weeks, the 30th Infantry continued to push northward against increasingly stiff resistance, hill by hill and mountain by mountain. 

From mid-September until the end of October, though, it rained at least twelve hours a day.

This kept the Allied tactical air forces on the ground and allowed the German Army to make massive and unhindered rail and road movements of troops and equipment.

Phil had heard the old military adage that the weather is neutral, but he and his men found out that poor weather favors the defender in almost every category.

Thus, it became more difficult for Phil and his A&P platoon to get ammunition to the frontline troops through the muddy, dripping-wet conditions.

The very next day, Phil’s Anzio experience with the innovative use of mules would prove a lifesaver.[2]

~~~~~

[1] Larimore, At First Light, 154.

[2] Ibid.

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