May 6 and 8, 1945 - Germany surrenders

By May 6, a total of 6,690 prisoners from the regimental cage had been evacuated to the II Corps concentration area at Bassano. Subsequently, these prisoners were transferred to the control of the 76th Corps.

Prisoners of war file into a II Corps enclosure, April 18, 1945.
Photographer: Wiedenmayer, 196th Signal Photo Company, public domain.

In his letter dated May 6, 1945, Johnnie playfully teased Lucile about her age. His affection for Lucile’s family shines through in his frequent mentions of them. 

My Dear Darling Wife,

I received four letters from you yesterday. Also, the ones with Mom Stacks picture, Mary, Earl and his wife. They all are very good, especially Mom Stacks. She is so young looking for her age. And Mary, I guess she does think she is grown. All little old girls think so when they get to be fourteen or fifteen. I shall know because I started fooling with them when I was that age myself, Ha Ha. And I know you shalln’t be talking because I bet you were the same way when you were that age. Anyway, now that you are thirty-three you would think her being just a baby still, Ha Ha. Darn, there I go running your age up again. How old did you say you are now? Maybe I guessed wrong. I think it is twenty-three. Regardless, you still look sixteen to me and for any to ever take your place there just isn’t. You have taught me a lot of things in the ways of life. And I have learned a lot being in this war. A lot of things I want to forget. You saw Mickey got eight hundred for his car? I think he did real well. If I was him though, I wouldn’t put it in another car right away. I would wait. Because I am sure as soon as this war over here is over, prices will drop a lot on automobiles and a lot of other things as far as that matters. Of course, that is just my own opinion of what will happen. Of course, now he is doing things on his on and his wife and I don’t like to get in family matters, Ha Ha. Yes, I can understand how Mickey feels about going back to camp. I shall don’t you think? Say, how did Edna ever come out? If you wrote me and told me I forgot. Is she completey well? What about Irvin? You remember when I wrote and told you I met him? Well, that’s the last I ever heard from him. I hope he is OK. Well honey, I will have to close for now. Give all the family my regards. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Lucile

On May 7, 1945, the regiment supervised the assembly and disarmament of the 76th German Corps’ headquarters troops. On May 8, 1945, the Allied forces accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany, officially ending the war in Europe after years of devastating conflict. V-E Day, or Victory in Europe Day, was a momentous occasion that brought immense relief and joy to millions of people across Europe and around the world. It symbolized the long-awaited defeat of a brutal regime responsible for widespread suffering, persecution, and genocide. The news of this historic event was prominently featured as a cover page headline across the United States and around the world. 

Headline of The Atlanta Constitution, May 8, 1945

Spontaneous celebrations erupted in cities and towns with people flooding the streets, waving American flags, singing, dancing, embracing, and sharing kisses. Many attended church services to offer prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving for the hard-won victory. President Harry S. Truman, recognizing the immense sacrifice, declared a National Day of Prayer to honor those who had given their lives. In his address to the nation, he made the following proclamation:

The Allied armies, through sacrifice and devotion and with God’s help, have wrung from Germany a final and unconditional surrender. The western world has been freed of the evil forces which for five years and longer have imprisoned the bodies and broken the lives of millions upon millions of free-born men. They have violated their churches, destroyed their homes, corrupted their children, and murdered their loved ones. Our Armies of Liberation have restored freedom to these suffering peoples, whose spirit and will the oppressors could never enslave.

Much remains to be done. The victory won in the West must now be won in the East. The whole world must be cleansed of the evil from which half the world has been freed. United, the peace-loving nations have demonstrated in the West that their arms are stronger by far than the might of dictators or the tyranny of military cliques that once called us soft and weak. The power of our peoples to defend themselves against all enemies will be proved in the Pacific war as it has been proved in Europe.

For the triumph of spirit and of arms which we have won, and for its promise to peoples everywhere who join us in the love of freedom, it is fitting that we, as a nation, give thanks to Almighty God, who has strengthened us and given us the victory.

Now, therefore, I, Harry S. Truman, President of the United States of America, do hereby appoint Sunday, May 13, 1945, to be a day of prayer.

I call upon the people of the United States, whatever their faith, to unite in offering joyful thanks to God for the victory we have won and to pray that He will support us to the end of our present struggle and guide us into the ways of peace.

I also call upon my countrymen to dedicate this day of prayer to the memory of those who have given their lives to make possible our victory.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States of America to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington this eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and forty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and sixty-ninth.

It was the president’s 61st birthday. You can hear the full speech here.

Official portrait of President Harry S. Truman, ca. 1945.
Photo by Greta Kempton, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

In his letter to Lucile on May 8, 1945, Johnnie shared the same news and expressed his wish for peace in Europe.

My Dear Darling,

Received a letter from you today telling me that you have received the gift that I had ordered for you. I was beginning to think what money I put in all of those gifts to you and Mom Stacks was lost. Counting yours and Mom Stacks and Dot, in all, it just cost me about twenty-eight dollars. I am glad you like the gift and I hope Mom Stacks likes hers. I guess you have heard over the radio and read in the papers that the war here in Italy is over with and we have heard that fighting on all the fronts has ended. If so, that means the whole of Europe has peace once more which I hope is true! There isn’t much I can add for what you won’t read in the papers and on the radio. Well honey, I will have to close for now. Tell all hello for me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

On May 9, 1945 the 3rd Battalion relocated to the Pieve di Cadore Calalzo area. In May, the regiment disarmed and evacuated German troops in their sector. The 76th Panzer Corps’ troops were organized into Battle Groups Polack, Reinhardt, Hoppe, and Reinwald.

May 1 and 5, 1945

On April 30, 1945, the combat team received an alert to relocate to Treviso and promptly commenced their movement at 6 PM. However, as the march was underway, the designated area was modified, shifting from Treviso to a location just west of Vicenza. As the period drew to a close, various organizations were settling into the temporary camp. Interestingly, despite the significant historical event, Adolf Hitler’s suicide on the same day, Johnnie had not mentioned it in his letters.

During the month of April, a total of 74 officers and 4074 enlisted men were interrogated and subsequently evacuated as prisoners of war. However, these figures do not account for several thousand enemy combatants who were either handed over to other divisions or directly transported to prisoner of war facilities without undergoing formal processing. Two Distinguished Service Cross Medals, 1 Legion of Merit, 3 Silver Stars, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster to Bronze Star Medal, 21 Bronze Stars (1 posthumously), 62 Purple Hearts, 13 Oak Leaf Clusters to Purple Hearts, 2 Second Oak Leaf Clusters to Purple Hearts, 31 Combat Infantryman Badges, and 192 Medical Badges were awarded. One officer and 23 enlisted men were killed in action, 5 officers and 85 enlisted men were wounded in action, and 3 enlisted men were missing in action. The Regiment now consisted of 179 officers, 3 attached officers, 5 warrant officers, 3334 assigned enlisted men, and 7 attached enlisted men. 

Click here to read the Operations Report by the 337th Infantry Regiment for May 1945.

On the rainy night of April 31 to May 1, the Combat Team, detached from the 85th Infantry Division, closed into an assembly area west of Vicenza. They received orders to move west of the Piave River, passing through the right flank of the 349th Infantry (attached to the 88th Infantry Division). The regimental motor column advanced, encountering disorganized German groups fleeing to Austria. By 3:30 PM, the 2nd Battalion reached a new temporary camp. The Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon captured 266 prisoners, while Partisans reported thousands more in the hills. At 10:30 PM, the Commanding General of the 88th Division ordered the regiment to advance on May 2 via Feltre, Sedico, and Agordo toward Highway 49 and the Austrian border.

Partisan leader plans patrol for four members of his partisans, two women and two
men. The woman second from the right, will cross into German territory to seek
information. This photo was taken on October 5, 1944, in the Castelluccio area
of Italy and depicts Partisan troops. Photographer: Baker, 3131 Signal Service
Company. Photo Source: U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps
Archive. Public domain.

Field Order No. 2, issued at 11:15 PM, assigned missions for the advance on May 2. The 2nd Battalion, reinforced with motorized units, including tanks, tank destroyers, field artillery, chemical mortars, and engineers, was ordered to boldly advance north and northeast from Feltre toward Highway 49. Meanwhile, the 3rd Battalion’s mission included mopping up the regimental sector, reconnoitering the mountainous left flank, and evacuating prisoners. The 1st Battalion served as the regimental reserve.

Amidst the events of May 1, 1945, Johnnie managed to write to Lucile. You could sense that he must have known the end of the war was near and he was in a happy mood.

My Dear Darling

Today I received two letters from you and in one of the letters was the pictures of Nell and the baby with you in one holding the baby. All of them are really good and that baby. I don’t want to brag on Nell and Robert but they do alright on producing good looking baby’s, Ha Ha. Don’t tell them that or they might go in for a living on doing such things, Ha Ha. Putting all kidding aside though, tell Nell her and the baby look swell. I am glad to hear that you received the watch and rifle badge OK. Yes, I would like to have the watch back. That is if it doesn’t cost too much to have it fixed up. Before you have it fixed up let me know the price. Then I will let you know whether to go ahead or not, OK? I guess I wrote you and told you Evelyn was going to have another baby. Did I? I wrote her back and told her to take it easy, Ha Ha. Also told her to tell Bill to send me a big box of candy or something. I told her to tell him I shall get something out of the deal, Ha Ha. Boy, I bet that burns then both up, don’t you? You know little Mary. Or shall I say Miss Mary Stacks, Ha Ha, wrote me a nice letter. But I have never answered it just yet. I guess she thinks I will never answer it. But tell her not to give up hope. One of these days I will have plenty of time and I will just keep on writing till my fingers won’t hold the pen or pencil anymore. Well honey, I guess I have run short of news. So, I will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie and his sister Evelyn

During the night, the Combat Team (except the 1st Battalion) moved to a new area. Units attached for the next day’s advance joined their respective battalions. At 2:06 AM on May 2, Task Force Morgan began moving, with Company G infantry riding tanks and tank destroyers. Despite an initial bulldozer delay, the column resumed by 7:30 AM. The 2nd Battalion surged ahead, encountering no opposition on excellent roads. At 9:10 AM, the 2nd Battalion’s Commanding Officer reported a destroyed bridge at Bribano and was ordered to continue westward toward the Torrente Cordevale and seize the bridge at Mas.

In the meantime, the Combat Team came under 85th Division control since 7 AM. The rapid advance of the 2nd Battalion made mopping up their assigned zone unnecessary. Consequently, the 3rd Battalion was ordered to move swiftly along the advance route, ready to assist the 2nd Battalion if they encountered significant opposition.

As the 2nd Battalion surged ahead, they passed through Sospirolo, seized the intact bridge at Gron, and turned east toward Mas. At 10 AM, they encountered the first enemy troops. The leading tanks and 1st Platoon of Company G attacked the village of Mas, resulting in the destruction of three enemy artillery pieces, 20 horses killed, and 377 prisoners captured. Most importantly, the vital bridge at Mas remained intact. The task force then headed north toward Agordo, navigating a narrow mountain gorge flanked by the Cordevale and steep cliffs. South of Peron, they encountered a German supply train of about 50 vehicles and horse-drawn wagons. The tanks swiftly destroyed the entire column. Despite enemy attempts to delay the advance, the 1st Platoon of Company G engaged in fierce combat, with six wounded and four killed by hidden snipers. After routing the remaining Germans, the column continued forward.

At noon, Lieutenant Colonel Frank H. Morgan encountered a German representative who conveyed that hostilities in Italy would cease at 2:14 PM. Seeking safe passage through our lines, the representative aimed to notify other German troops of the surrender. Despite no official word from higher headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Morgan proceeded with his advance, while the German envoy was escorted to the division command post.

As the task force moved north, it encountered sniper fire from the cliffs east of the road. At 1:45 PM, the column was halted due to a road block caused by German troops, vehicles, wagons, and horses. Genlt Hoppe, Commanding General of the 278th Volksgrenadier Division, informed Lieutenant Colonel Morgan that an armistice had been signed at 1 PM, but Colonel O. W. Hughes clarified that only unconditional surrender terms would be accepted. Genlt Hoppe surrendered his division, leading to disarmament and evacuation. Meanwhile, Genlt von Graffen of the 76th Panzer Corps arranged the surrender of his estimated 30,000 troops. American prisoners were freed, and the troops proceeded toward Agordo. At 5:40 PM, a conference between Colonel Hughes and Genma J. Polack of the 29th Panzer Grenadier Division determined that both sides would await orders from higher headquarters.

The 3rd Battalion scouted the Mis Valley for a route to Highway 49 but found destroyed bridges. They camped around Mis, guarding 4,000 prisoners. Meanwhile, the 1st Battalion reached Giustina and camped there. At 8 PM, a radio announcement confirmed the unconditional surrender of German armies in Italy and western Austria.

At 10:45 PM, the division canceled the mission to cut Highway 49 and ordered the regiment to halt. The 1st Battalion received instructions to move to an area near Mas, Sedico, and Belluno by 3:08 AM, establishing a concentration area for enemy troops.

On May 3, a conference involving Genlt von Graffen, Major General John B. Coulter, Brigadier General Williams, and Colonel Hughes resulted in arrangements for the assembly and disarmament of troops from the 76th Panzer Corps. Later that day, Genlt von Graffen requested a delay in troop movement and surrender of arms, following instructions from the 10th German Army, which was granted.

On May 4, the 2nd Battalion assumed control of 2,600 surrendered enemy troops previously held by Partisans in Agordo. The battalion then assembled near Agordo on May 5.

Sam Yoshihana, Chicago, Illinois, leads a bunch of German prisoners taken
by the 100th Battalion, through the village of Valecchia to a PW cage,
April 8, 1945, Valecchia, Italy, 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
Photographer: Bull, 196th Signal Photo Company. Photo Source: U.S.
National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive. Public domain.

During the war, safeguarding family photos carried by troops posed a challenge. On May 5, 1945, Johnnie shared unfortunate news about a picture of Mickey that Lucile had sent him.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and I hope with all my heart that this finds you the same. Darling, this picture of Mickey you sent me you said you wanted it back. Well, it is in pretty bad shape now. When I received the letter with the picture, I put the picture in my shirt pocket and I forgot about it being there and I put other things in there and smacked the picture up. Darn, I really hated that and I know you won’t like it, even a little bit and if Mickey knew about it, he would blow his top. But things like that happen as you know. I am sending the picture back. You will have to be more careful with it or it may fall apart, Ha Ha. I received a letter from Kate the other day. She said Annie Joy and Bennie was really growing. And that Annie Joy was as big as she is. She sure is large for her age. How are the rest of the family? Give all my regards. Well honey, I will have to close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie’s sister, Kate Marston

April 27 and 29, 1945, Mussolini's death

A prisoner of war cage was established at Quistello, where the majority of the 5,000 Germans captured during the day and night were held. Captured trucks were used to evacuate prisoners to the rear, a task completed after dawn on April 24. Among the captives were several full colonels and 69 other officers.

200 prisoners on their way to the rear after being captured by Company B,
87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, Tole area, Italy, April 1945.
Photographer: McWhirter, 196th Signal PhotoCompany. Photo Source:
U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive. Public domain.

Meanwhile, plans for the river crossing were finalized. The 3rd Battalion was tasked with breaking contact, assembling near S. Lucia, and crossing on a broad front on the left beach at H-Hour (the specific hour set for launching a tactical operation). The 1st Battalion received orders to cross in the right sector, with an assembly area east of Quingentole. The 2nd Battalion’s mission was to hold the south bank until the bridgehead was secure, then assume control of part of the sector between the two battalions. An artillery preparation lasting 15 minutes, involving 96 guns, was ordered. Intelligence indicated that the Po River Line was the Germans’ strongest defense in Italy, with elaborate installations. The enemy’s ability to organize a stand at the river was uncertain, but preparations were made assuming strong resistance. Engineers planned to install and operate two infantry support rafts.

Early on the morning of April 24, the companies moved into position. After a few postponements, H-Hour was finally set at 8:30 AM. At this time, the mortars put down a smoke barrage on the far bank, the six artillery battalions began their preparation, and the 70 loaded assault boats pushed out from shore. At 8:44 AM, the first wave hit the far shore without receiving any retaliatory fire, and riflemen were soon racing across the first phase line. By 9:08 AM, the second wave was landed safely, completing the crossing of two entire infantry battalions. The bridgehead was secured without firing a round. Troops passed reinforced dugouts, well-constructed emplacements, and skillfully camouflaged blockhouses—but all were unmanned. Swiftly, the bridgehead was enlarged as the towns of Sustinente, Cassle, and Bastia were entered and passed. At 10:40 AM, the 2nd Battalion was put across the water in the left sector. The engineers worked hard to prepare the two raft sites, and by early afternoon, the rafts were in operation. At 3 PM, 15 amphibious cargo trucks arrived at the beaches, moving necessary equipment across the river. The 1st Battalion ran into some spotted resistance, which was quickly disposed of, resulting in a few prisoners taken.

American soldiers of the 85th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, with field
glasses, looking at scenes near the point of embarkation for the crossing of the
Po River. This is the south bank of the Po River approximately 1½ miles from
San Benedetto, at a point where the river is 1/4 of a mile wide, April 24, 1945.
Photographer: Harris, 196th Signal Photo Company. Photo Source: U.S. National
Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive. Public domain.

At 3:45 PM, the 2nd Battalion passed through the 1st Battalion, which swung east as flank security. By late afternoon, the 2nd and 3rd Battalions had organized a defense line from Nosedole to Bisarina and were patrolling to the north. Orders were to hold this line and assist the 339th Infantry in passing through. This passage of lines was completed on the morning of April 25, and the rest of the day was spent in reorganization and rehabilitation. The troops were finally able to get some much-needed sleep.

On April 26, the regiment, having rested in division reserve, received a verbal order from the Commanding General at 1 PM to move immediately to Vigasio. The 2nd and 3rd Battalions were motorized using Antitank and Cannon Companies and arrived in the new area by 3:15 PM. However, the 2nd Battalion was redirected at 3:45 PM to the recently captured city of Verona. Their mission was to serve as a protective garrison and secure the south bank of the Adige River. Meanwhile, the rest of the regiment established a new temporary camp.

Tanks of the 13th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division, attached to the 10th
Mountain Division, passes down street in Verona, Italy, April 26, 1945.
Photographer: Schmidt, 196th Signal Photo Company. Photo Source:
U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive. Public domain.

Throughout the night, the 2nd Battalion diligently patrolled the streets of Verona. However, at 7 AM on April 27, their mission was abruptly canceled. Subsequently, the 2nd Battalion relocated to the southern outskirts of Verona.

For three days, from April 27 to April 29, the regiment maintained its position in the division reserve. Meanwhile, the regiments involved in the assault methodically crossed the Adige River and made steady progress through the hills to the north of Verona.

Troops of G Company, 2nd Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, go through
newly liberated Verona to clear it for temporary quarters, April, 1945.
Photographer: Schmidt, 3131st Signal Service Company. Photo Source:
U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive. Public domain.

Johnnie, burdened by his duties, had been unable to write Lucile since his letter on April 17. However, with his regiment now settled in a temporary camp, he took a moment to write a V-mail to Lucile on April 27, 1945. As was his custom, he merely alluded to the events that had consumed his days, leaving much unsaid.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know that I have received the pictures of Mickey and also three letters from you. I have been hearing from you pretty regular now. This is my first letter to you I have been able to write in about two weeks. As you know by listening to the radio and reading the papers that we have started pushing the German’s again and we really haven’t had any time at all to do anything as we have been on the move all the time. I hope this finds you in the best of health. As for myself, I am OK. Mickey really looked good in the pictures. I will send it back to you the first chance I get. How is Mom Stacks? Give her and all the family my regards. Will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

On April 28, 1945, Benito Mussolini, his mistress Claretta Petacci, and several other fascists were executed in the village of Giulino de Mezzegra. After the execution, their bodies were taken to Milan, Italy and left on the ground in the Piazzale Loreto. Wikipedia notes that “… Their bodies were left in a heap, and by 9:00 a.m. a considerable crowd had gathered. The corpses were pelted with vegetables, spat at, urinated on, shot at and kicked; Mussolini’s face was disfigured by beatings. An American eyewitness described the crowd as ‘sinister, depraved, out of control.’ After a while, the bodies were hoisted up on to the metal girder framework of a half-built Standard Oil service station, and hung upside down on meat hooks … .” The postcard below, found in the box with Johnnie’s letters, captures that haunting moment in history. The photograph was taken at Piazzale Loreto in Milan, Italy, on April 28 or 29, 1945. The third body from the left is Mussolini; the second body belongs to his mistress. 

Although Johnnie was approximately 140 miles away from this event, it is likely that news of Mussolini’s death would have travelled to the temporary camp in Verona.  

Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler during Mussolini’s
visit in Munich (June 1940). Unidentified photographer,
public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Johnnie’s V-mail to Lucile on April 29, 1945, made no mention of Mussolini or the events unfolding in Milan. Instead, his thoughts were consumed by concern for her well-being and the mystery behind her recent fainting spell.

My Dear Darling,

I received three letters today. One from you, your Mother, and Louise. Not bad, is it? That’s the first letter I have received from Mom Stacks in a long time. Sure was glad to hear from her. But was sorry to hear she was having so much trouble with everything. I am glad to hear that Woodrow is around to help look after things for her. O’yeah, honey, you said in this letter that you were up on a ladder and that you fainted and fell off. What you said was that it didn’t hurt you at all which I hope is the truth. But what made you faint? There was some reason, you know. I’ve never known you to faint before. Let me know the facts. By the way, did you know Evelyn and Bill are going to have another baby? She will have an Army all her on before long, Ha Ha. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

On April 29, 1945, Johnnie wrote a V-mail to Lucile’s mother, alluding to family matters without delving into specifics.

Dear Mom Stacks,

I received your letter and I can’t write how much I was glad to hear from you. But when not hearing from you I know as soon as you get able, you will drop me a line. I didn’t mind waiting because I could feel and knew about what you were going through. I am sorry to hear the way Charles Stacks and the rest turned out to be. When Lucile wrote me and told me the way they were trying to treat you I couldn’t hardly believe it. But you always find out about people who you think are your friends sooner or later, right? Yes, I know how you feel about Cecil and Mickey being away from home. But the way things are going, maybe it won’t be for long. You said in this letter you might open you up a paint store. I think that would be nice, to run some kind of a small business. But as you say, it is hard to tell just what to do until things clear up a little bit. Well Mom, I will have to close for now. Lots, lots love. Tell all hello for me.

Johnnie 

Po Valley Campaign continues

As the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon advanced toward Casalecchio, they encountered a small enemy group at Riale. By 3:30 PM, Company C, now part of the 2nd Battalion, had reached C. di Mezzo, just 1200 yards from Casalecchio. Reinforced by tanks and tank destroyers, the leading company engaged in a fierce battle, capturing the town of Ceretolo by 6 PM. However, heavy enemy fire from the north and northeast prevented further progress beyond Ceretolo. At 4:30 PM, the 2nd Battalion secured the Communale Bridge with one rifle company. Meanwhile, our rapid advance had bypassed enemy units in the hills between the Lavino and Reno Rivers, leading them to retreat northward. The 2nd Battalion strategically positioned itself to cut off escape routes, except for Casalecchio, where hundreds of prisoners were apprehended. By 5 PM, the 1st Battalion (excluding Company C) reached the final objective, gathering enemy stragglers. Later, the 6th South African Armored Division entered Casalecchio, and the 2nd Battalion completed their assigned outpost line. By midnight, the 3rd Battalion secured the final objective and established a defensive position, while the 2nd Battalion repelled three counterattacks. During the night, the 338th Infantry passed through the forward line, and the 351st Infantry (88th Infantry Division) relieved the 2nd Battalion at 2:15 AM, continuing the attack northward. The final prisoner of war count for the day was over 600. The regiment rested for the night, the first sleep for many men in three or more days.

Cover page of CMH Pub 72-33 “Po Valley: The U.S. Army Campaigns of
World War II,” Washington, D.C., Center of Military History,
U.S. Army, public domain

On April 21, 1945, troops received a warning order to follow the 338th Infantry on foot. The move began at 9:30 AM, led by the 1st Battalion. They headed due north to Highway 9, then northwest to Anzola. After noon, all units converged near the town and rested until 6:30 PM, when they were ordered to relocate to an area north of Budrie.

As organizations moved into the new area, commanders assembled at 9 PM to receive instructions for the next operation. The regiment had been ordered to pass through the forward elements of the 338th Infantry at 7 AM, short of the Pinaro River, and continue to the Po River. To cover the 20-mile distance, the Regimental Commander grounded the Antitank and Cannon Companies, using their prime movers and available organic trucks to motorize the 2nd and 3rd Battalions. These battalions formed task forces, reinforced with tanks, tank destroyers, engineers, the 85th Reconnaissance Troop, and a platoon of self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery. The only bridge in the regimental sector was at Camposanto, and the mission was to cross there if possible. Further to the west, the 2nd Battalion had a parallel route, aiming to cross near la Palazzina, while bypassing towns and outflanking resistance. The 1st Battalion (minus Company C) would march by foot at 6 AM on April 22, ready to exploit the first crossing. Company C traveled with the march command post in the regimental mobile reserve.

At 5:30 AM, the motorized battalions advanced unopposed, heading northward. By 9 AM, the 3rd Battalion reached the Camposanto Bridge, which remained intact. However, as the 85th Reconnaissance Troop and Company K approached, the enemy attempted to detonate prepared demolition charges. The Germans were repelled by gunfire, and an engineer sergeant disabled the explosives. A fierce battle ensued for control of the bridge. Some men from Company K swam across the river to gain a foothold on the far shore, but the enemy fiercely defended the town and the riverbank. Using anti-aircraft guns, light artillery, and Tiger tanks, the enemy made progress difficult for the riflemen. Despite heavy fire, the 3rd Battalion persisted, but the enemy continued to hold their ground.

In the left sector, the 2nd Battalion advanced with Company F leading the way, mounted on tanks. By 11 AM, the first tank reached the Panaro River, but no crossing was possible in the assigned zone. Arrangements were made to utilize the Bomporto Bridge, which the 10th Mountain Division had captured intact a few hours earlier. The 2nd Battalion continued northward, disregarding exposed flanks, and eliminated small pockets of resistance. Bewildered enemy groups surrendered without firing a shot. Notably, 41 prisoners were taken in the town of Staggia, and in the woods just south of Villafranca, 123 enemy soldiers surrendered after a one-sided fight.

Villafranca is located approximately 8 miles from Verona, circled in red.
Map source: The World Factbook 2021, Washington, DC:
Central Intelligence Agency, 2021, public domain.

In the afternoon, recognizing that capturing the Camposanto Bridge required speed, the Bomporto Bridge was chosen as the route. Loaded onto trucks with three tanks, Companies L and C crossed the Panaro River toward Camposanto. Near Solara, a group of 50 enemy soldiers resisted fiercely, but after a 30-minute battle, they surrendered. Unfortunately, one friendly tank was disabled by bazooka fire during the fight.

Meanwhile, the enemy facing I and K Companies launched a bold counterattack on the left flank, bolstered by 100 troops, tanks, and anti-aircraft guns. At 6 PM, Company K’s fire, along with supporting artillery and mortars, halted this enemy charge. The Germans retreated northward, leaving behind two demolished Tiger tanks and several casualties. With the bridge now secure, the 3rd Battalion (minus Company L) and the 1st Battalion (minus Company C) crossed the Panaro River and assembled just northwest of the town of Camposanto.

In the meantime, the 2nd Battalion received orders to hold Villafranca and dispatch a robust patrol to assess the defenses at Marindola. Company F, accompanied by three tanks, carried out this mission, successfully ambushing an enemy column of nine vehicles. They managed to eliminate all the vehicles and either kill or capture the enemy personnel within the convoy.

At dark, the Division Commander ordered an urgent advance to the Po River. Despite fatigue and supply challenges, the decision was made to continue the advance throughout the night using trucks. The 2nd Battalion promptly set off north at 10:30 PM, while the 3rd Battalion’s motorized trucks arrived later, delaying their departure until midnight. This strategic decision paid off significantly—the enemy, now in disarray, retreated toward the Po River, caught off guard by these simultaneous thrusts deep into their territory. At dawn on April 23, the enemy began surrendering in groups of 50. Our northward movement slowed as hundreds of prisoners turned themselves over to our forward troops. Thousands more, bypassed during our advance, awaited collection and evacuation by reserve units. The evidence of the enemy’s complete rout was everywhere—intact German installations, including motor pools, hospitals, command posts, ordnance shops, bakeries, heavy artillery pieces, and even horses and wagons.

Three members of HQ, 2nd Battalion, 85th Infantry Regiment,
10th Mountain Division, arrived at the Po River bank for reconnaissance.
They are here to make their crossing here tonight by “Ducks” and a pontoon
bridge, April 23, 1945. Photographer: Graning, 196th Signal Photo Company.
Photo Source: U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive.
Public domain.

At 10:45 PM, the leading elements of the 3rd Battalion task force reached the bank of the Po River at Quingentole. By 12:30 AM on April 24, the leading elements of the 2nd Battalion task force also reached the riverbank. To consolidate these gains, the leading battalions received orders to establish a defense line along the south bank of the Po River. The 2nd Battalion would hold the stretch from Quingentole to Brede and the 3rd Battalion would secure the area from Quingentole to Revere, extending south to Chiavica.

Both Brede and Revere required clearing operations before they could be incorporated into the defense system. These efforts involved firefights, resulting in nearly 100 prisoners captured from each town.

At 3:15 AM, the 1st Battalion began their march and received a defense mission: hold a line 1,000 yards west of Poggio Rusco to safeguard the open right flank. The adjacent regiment lagged 10 miles behind our forward elements. The 85th Reconnaissance Troop bridged the gap between the 3rd and 1st Battalions. Throughout the day, the prisoner count steadily rose, with each battalion collecting over 1,000 captives. Evacuation became a priority. We captured dozens of enemy vehicles and their disoriented occupants, often without resistance. Notably, we secured a complete hospital with a staff of 250 technicians in Quistello.

Higher headquarters granted the Regimental Commander the authority to decide whether to cross the Po River at this juncture. With night rapidly approaching, preparations were urgent for a successful crossing. Despite the challenges, the decision was made to catch the enemy off guard before they could organize their river defense. Plans were swiftly laid out for a crossing near Quingentole the following morning. Assault boats were positioned, wire lines established, and reconnaissance conducted. The Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon ventured to the north bank in rubber boats but returned after encountering challenges and observing enemy activity on the far side.

At dark, the enemy, trapped south of the Po, attempted to force a passage of the river near Revere, using tank and mortar support. Company I successfully blocked this threat until it expended itself. During the night, enemy planes also appeared, but their bombing and strafing had negligible results.

Po Valley Campaign

Johnnie, amidst intense battle on April 20, 1945, earned a Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement in action. The general order read:

John H. Marston, Jr., (34574705), Private First Class, Infantry,
Company “B”, 337th Infantry Regiment, United States Army.
For heroic achievement in action on 20 April 1945, in Italy.

Entered the military service from College Park, Georgia.

Johnnie’s Bronze Star Medal and case

General Order Number 57 – June 26, 1945

Sgt. Andrew Gondal (age 26), one of the soldiers pictured in the photo Johnnie sent home in late March, was killed in action on April 20. Hailing from Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, Sgt. Gondal enlisted in the Army on May 21, 1942. A member of the 337th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division, he was shipped overseas in December 1943, leaving behind his beloved wife, Anna C. Alexicko, whom he had married just a month earlier, on November 7, 1943. He was buried at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial in Florence, Città Metropolitana di Firenze, Toscana, Italy. Sgt. Gondal had previously received a Purple Heart for injuries received in November 1944.

Sgt. Andrew Gondal

 

Marker for Sgt. Andrew Gondal, 1918–1945,
Florence American Cemetery and Memorial, Florence,
Città Metropolitana di Firenze, Toscana, Italy (photo
used with permission of Mark Houston, Find A Grave member 50997147)

On April 21, 1945, the advance began at 6 AM along the north-south road between Loreto and Calderino. Company A, leading the 1st Battalion, encountered no opposition but faced slow progress due to rough terrain. By 7:40 AM, they were near Casetta, having captured 21 prisoners of war. Meanwhile, Company L approached Tignano, a high, barren hill with houses and a church—a formidable strongpoint that resisted fiercely for hours.

At 7:55 AM, the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon bypassed the resistance faced by riflemen in the hills and reached within 1500 yards of Gesso. By 8:25 AM, Lieutenant Clarence L. Guffey dramatically radioed that he was at Gesso—the first American troops to enter the Po Valley.

Po Valley Campaign, Map No. 42, April 5 – May 2, 1945, Chester G. Starr, “From Salerno to the Alps,
a History of the Fifth Army, 1943–1945,” public domain, p. 428

Click here to view a video of the 85th Division breaking into Po Valley. While the image quality is poor, it will give you an idea of what the regiment saw as it happened. 

85th Division breaks into Po Valley. ARC Identifier 17947, local identifier 111-ADC-4145, Department of Defense,
Department of the Army, Office of the Chief Signal Officer, (new Bologna offensive), Italy; drive to Bologna, Italy,
April 20, 1945, copied by Thomas Gideon.

A second video by realmilitaryflix shows more: WWII - Italy - Allies Push Near the Po Valley.

During the battle, the 1st Battalion encircled the German forces by launching a frontal assault with Company A and flanking around the left side with Company B. By 9:25 AM, Company B had captured M. Rocoa, including a battalion commander and 25 soldiers. Simultaneously, the 3rd Battalion faced heavy enemy resistance. Company L’s initial assault fell short of the objective by 10:30 AM. Undeterred, Company K initiated a right flank maneuver with tank support at 11 AM. The battle raged on for hours as men crawled and fought their way up the steep slopes of the hill.

At noon, the regiment received additional missions: seizing high ground overlooking Casalecchio, assisting II Corps in emerging from the Reno Valley, and establishing an outpost line from Casalecchio to the Communale Bridge over the Laviono River. The 2nd Battalion, with the Antitank Company attached, was tasked with the outpost mission. Tanks and tank destroyers supported the 2nd Battalion. By 3 PM, both Casetta and M. Rocca had been secured, and Company A advanced toward the village west of M. Malgotto. Simultaneously, weary Company K soldiers, along with a single tank, reached the crest of the Tignano ridge, where a garrison of 140—including several dozen wounded—surrendered. Following a hasty reorganization, Company I led the advance toward M. Capra.