Ranger Battalions

Ltr, CmlO SOS ETO to CmlO FUSAG, 3. Jun 44, tub Flame Throwert. rath Army Group Reds, 470.71—Apparatus, (a) The theater made this recommendation after the portable Eanie thrower became an item of Class IV issue. WD Cir No. ao4, ay May 44. Other support bases of issue were airborne division, 13 armored division, it Ranger battalion, 6% and engineer combat battalion, 14. 

Meanwhile, companies of the 83d Battalion supported the American Rangers and British Commandos in action in the 10 Corps sector. On Sicily this mortar unit had earned the sobriquet Artillery of the Rangers. This expression was equally apt for the unit s service with the Commandos, who also operated without organic heavy weapons. 

Fifth Army launched the second phase of its winter offensive on 2 a January on the beaches near Anzio and Nettuno, seaside resort towns located barely thirty air miles south of Rome. The objective of VI Corps was to cut the historic roadway known as the Appian Way and Highway 7, as well as other German supply routes. With these severed, the enemy in the Gustav Line would be left to choose between ex-temunation and withdrawal. Two mortar battalions saw action at Anzio, the 83d, initially in support of Colonel Darby s Ranger forces, and the 84th, which landed late on D-day with the 3d Infantry Division. 

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