The initial drive into Italy slowed to a halt; as the Allied Forces encountered the formidable Gustav line at Cassino. Only an end-around play could work against stiffened German resistance.
In an effort to break the stalemate, the invasion of Anzio was planned to outflank both the Gustav and Adolf Hitler lines. The enemy expected such a move, but anticipated a landing much farther to the north.
Instead; the Allies set their sites on the lower Lazio Province at Anzio.
At 0200 on the 22'nd the 6615th Ranger Task Force comprised of the 1st, 3d and 4th Rangers, 509th Parachute Bn and Cos. A and B of the 83'd Chemical Mortar Battalion landed in the city of Anzio. Their immediate mission was to clear the beach-head. The mined beach was crossed and only a handful of enemy was encountered. The Beach was secured and Colonel Darby established a Ranger Headquarters. By noon, enemy reconnaissance vehicles were making contact with the Ranger Force; and the 83'd went into action.
Mortar fire caused the German motor advance to withdraw. And during the next several days, the Allied force advanced rapidly along the main road to Rome. 83'd Mortar fire was coordinated with all advances and light resistance was met and only stiffened as the Germans recovered their foothold.
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