The Salerno Landings

For general accounts of the fighting in Italy, see (i) Blumenson, Salerno to Cassino, and Ernest F. Fisher, Cassino to the Alps, volumes in preparation for the series U.S. ARMY IN WORLD WAR II (2) see also. Garland and Smyth, Sicily and the Sumnder of Italy. 

Inch Mortar in World War II, pt. II, The Italian Campaign, p. 53 This is a detailed study of chemical mortar operations in Italy. 

Virtually every available American element was thrown into the line on 14 September when the enemy renewed his heavy infantry and tank attack. One of the companies of the 2d Chemical Battalion fired r,rj2 rounds during the day. Over joo of these were white phosphorus used to set fire to the dry brush, making those areas untenable to the enemy. Early that afternoon the company helped repulse an enemy tank attack in an action which saw the mortar forward observer direct artillery fire as well as that of his own weapons. The stalwart defense on 14 September blunted the German counterattack and secured the beachhead. 

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. 

Cml Warfare Sec Journal, 26 Sep 43. (4) Ltr, Fifth Army CmlO to CCWS, 25 Sep 43. 

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