Peabody Peak

The attack on Monte Altuzzo in September 1944 represents one of the crucial phases in the Allied offensive against the Gothic Line. After days of intense fighting, on September 14th, the II American Corps prepared to renew the assault, focusing on the conquest of strategic positions such as Monte Altuzzo and Monte Verruca. The 338th American Infantry took on the task of making the main effort against Monte Altuzzo, while other units like the 85th Infantry advanced along the east and west ridges of Monte Verruca, supported by division reserves. The challenging terrain, steep and hostile, and the strong German resistance gradually slowed down the American advance. Soldiers found themselves fighting side by side, facing logistical difficulties and fierce counterattacks. Peabody Peak, part of the northwest slope of Monte Altuzzo, became one of the critical objectives during the combat. The area was the scene of fierce close combat, where American troops had to deal with heavy German fire. Commander Peabody and his company advanced along the slope of Monte Altuzzo, encountering fierce resistance, including the use of machine guns and mortars by German forces. Despite the challenges, the American unit managed to penetrate the German defenses through intense positional warfare, culminating on September 18th with the capture of Passo del Giogo. During these operations, the attack was characterized by a high number of casualties and the commitment of all available forces, including men who, with their determination, did not even stop in the face of enemy fire. Air support missions and reconnaissance operations contributed to progressively weakening the German defenses, which ultimately failed to hold their positions, retreating in chaos.

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