Italy - WWII

My step-father was in Italy too, so this question is of interest to me. He was up in the mountains laying radio cable. He did go back there about 17 years ago, but did not mention any specific places. Hope someone sends some answers to your question.

Here are WW2 sites:Anzio Beach & American Cemetery near there (the beach is south of Rome) Monte Cassino (between Rome and Naples)American Cemetery 7 mi south of Florence at Tavernuzze

Went to Anzio and Nettuno.....American cemetery was near Nettuno I believe. Did both as an easy day trip from Rome (same day). Nice little museum at Anzio as I recall.

Sallie, as noted by Kent, the Florence cemetary is easy to find and very moving. Having been to Luxembourgh and Normany US cemetaries, I find the one south of Florence to be the most inspirational.

Like yourself, I always make it a point to see where my uncle (p-51 pilot), grandfather (Navy, ETO) and my step-father (c-47) were based and try to see the places they experienced through their eyes. You won't find anything in Italy that compares to the Normandy site in terms of grandness, but there a couple that are worth the side trip.

First of all, you must find out where exactly your grandfather landed, was based or maybe even help liberate. Even if it's a small town with one little worn out plaque, your personal connection is all you need to make a powerful experience.

Monte Casino was one place that changed my mind about some things. Read up about the controversial bombing of it and how, still, the US is chastised (perhaps rightfully so?) for it's destruction. But, when you see it in person, I think your feelings might change if you look at it through an infantryman's eyes. There are also some cemeteries (both allied & axis) that are on the way that are worth a stop. I particularly liked the British cemetery with Indian and Gurkha soldiers lain to rest, as equals, next to their British comrades (even though they may not have been treated equal during life)

For a realistic experience, just south of Casino is San Pietro. The original town was destroyed, so the townsfolk decided to abandon it and start over down the road. The original town was left untouched. I can't think of anything else that could best describe what those soldiers and civilians went through. The destruction was vast, indiscriminate and complete...just like war. But, I do suggest you do a little research first. When I went, it was all access and no one cared about it. Now, I believe they are going to preserve it and open a museum. I don't really know what kind of access they allow now or if at all.

Thank you all for the advice. I had not found much when googling and this is a big help.

What a great topic! A family member has been interested in the 10th Mountain Division, partly because the unit did some training on Mt. Rainier here in the Northwest. The 10th was instrumental in Allied troops moving northwards in WWII, from the Po Valley to the Alps.

In planning a trip to Italy, I've been looking to see if it is feasible to get to Mount Belvedere and Riva Ridge, a very famous battle site.

Does anyone know if there are any monuments, plaques, memorials, etc. up there? I've Googled but not found anything

Randy: Here's a Riva Ridge Operation report written in 1945 by one of the 10th's battalion commanders: Riva Ridge Operation ReportAnd here's another website that may be of interest: 10the Div historyI haven't been there thus can't answer your other questions. You may be able to use Google Earth to locate the battlefield.

I cried at Monte Cassino and its cementery. not wept, cried. It moved me so much ...
Lp

Thanks, Kent, for the links. I've actually got two books on the 10th here at home, but can't seem to find current info on what's there to see in terms of memorials, etc. I'll try looking again.

The actual battlefield wasn't as such. The Americans scaled the steep pitches of the ridge and surprised the Germans at the top, who didn't think anyone could mount an attack from that direction. Surprise, surprise!

Go to: http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/fl.php

This is the website for the Florence American Cenetery.

For an excellent history read the recently published tome on the US invasions of Sicily and Italy authored by Rick Atkinson "The Day of Battle" The sections on Anzio and San Pietro/Monte Cassino are particularly moving, well-written but not an easy read. It helps us understand why our fathers never talked about their Italian experiences.

My dad landed on the beaches at Anzio and I made a point to go there on one of my visits to Rome. It was an easy day trip - about an hour away by train. The museum was, of course, closed on the day we arrived but fortunately someone was in the villa and opened up the museum for me. It was just a small one room exhibit but I am very glad I took the time to see it. Upon finishing my tour I was presented with a certificate (in Italian) thanking my father for his service - they even filled in his name.