History, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division From 1 November 1943 to 30 November 1943, inclusive. CIORLANO After the capture of Ciorlano on Oct 31st the Regiment continued its advance, and by noon of Nov 1st the 1st Bn had seized the remaining heights to their front overlooking the Volturno River, the 3rd Bn on the right although held up by enemy tanks in the valley, continued its advance into the flat approaches to the Volturno, the 100th Bn remained in reserve in the vicinity of Ciorlano. Patrols were sent across the Volturno and preparations made for the crossing. THE THIRD CROSSING OF THE VOLTURNO On Nov 3rd at an assembly of CO's and Staff at the Regimental C.P. the Regimental Commander explained in detail the attack to take place that night: The 3rd Bn to cross the river first with the town on S. Maria Oliveto as its objective, the 1st Bn to follow the 3rd and echelon to the left after crossing and seize Hill 550 to the left of the 3rd Bn's objective, the 100th to follow and take the low ground to the left and rear of the 1st Bn and protect the left flank and left rear of the Division. An artillery concentration was planned from 2330 to 2400 hours. Time for the Division attack was 2400 hours. At 2319 hours all Battalions were in position ready for the jump off. The Regiment moved out according to plan and at 0130 hours all three battalions were across the river. At 0845 hours 4 Nov all battalions reported being on their objectives. The 1st Bn reached their objective with only one casualty, the Bn Commander. Enemy resistance was strong consisting of machine-gun, mortar and artillery fire. Mines and booby-traps were so thickly strung it was impossible to get vehicles across the river until the area had been cleared. Evacuation was possible at night only and then with difficulty due to litter bearers having to pass over open flat terrain which was under enemy observation and harassing artillery fire. Casualties were heavy, approximately 116, 26 prisoners were taken including one company commander and numerous enemy [were] killed. At daybreak Nov 5th the Regiment suffered a counterattack and the 1st Bn was pushed back from part of its position. However, the regiment counterattacked with close artillery support, the 1st Bn regaining the high ground it had lost. Patrols of the 100th Bn contacted the 45th Division on the left. The 3rd Bn was cleaning out S. Maria Oliveto. At daybreak Nov 6th another counterattack was repulsed, 20 prisoners were taken, our casualties were 32. On Nov 7th the Regiment consolidated positions, strong patrols were sent out to contact the enemy after dark. Mines and booby-traps continued to be the main threat and caused casualties. Two counterattacks of artillery and infantry with machine-pistols were repulsed, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The 1st Bn acting Commander and Bn Adjutant were casualties, 24 prisoners were taken. Nov 8th patrolling continued, at 0900 hours a fairly large number of enemy were sighted in front of our forward patrols. Our patrols withdrew and artillery was placed on the enemy with good results. Troops were kept on the alert due to counterattacks, 5 prisoners were taken. Overcoats and heavy underwear were issued to assault troops. Areas were cleared of mines and booby-traps, although rainy weather delayed this work. On Nov 9th our patrols contacted the enemy killing several and capturing a machine-gun. The 1st Bn prepared to take over the line, relieving the other two battalions. The first contingent of 100 enlisted men were sent to a rest camp at Naples. On Nov 10th the 3rd and 100th Bns moved to assembly areas as the 1st Bn had taken over the line where they remained until Nov 12th when they moved to an assembly area having been pinched out by the 135th and 179th Inf. Regiments. [The 179th was a unit of the 45th Division.] All units remained in this general vicinity until Nov 24th in VI Corps reserve from the 15th until 22nd Nov when it reverted to Division control. During this period three counterattack plans were formulated and liaison was maintained direct with VI Corps. While in this area the Regiment was subjected to intermittent artillery fire. The Regimental C.P. was moved a short distance on Nov 21 due to artillery fire. Rain was almost constant during the period from the 14th to 21st. Training consisted of patrolling and firing of weapons. New men were trained particularly in patrolling. BATTLE OF MT. MARRONE On Nov 24th plans were made to take over from 504th Parachute Battalion in the vicinity of Colli. [correction: 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division.] Reconnaissance was made and the movement started that date. Relief was completed on Nov 25th. The 135th on the left, the 5th Division 8th Army British on the right and north. The 100th and 3rd Bns in the line and the 1st Bn in reserve. The Cannon Company initially occupied positions in the vicinity on Montequila, moving to Scapoli after roads and bridges were repaired. On Nov 26th the 100th Bn contacted the enemy and engaged them with mortars. On Nov 27th a combat patrol of the 3rd Bn contacted the enemy near a house which they surrounded killing 5 of them. The 100th Bn received considerable artillery and mortar fire from Hill 1017 to Hill 905 suffering 12 casualties. Hill 801 was occupied by the 100th Bn and Hill 900 was outposted. At a conference Lt. Col. Marshall informed the 100th and 3rd Bns that Div and Corp Commanders were pleased with recent operations. An attack was planned for the morning of Nov 29th, the Regiment was to jump off at 0600 hours, 3rd and 100th Bns in the assault, 3rd Bn on the right, 1st Bn in reserve moving behind the 3rd Bn. Objectives were 100th Bn to vicinity of Cerasuola and then to Cardito, 3rd Bn to Cardito and hold awaiting Division orders, Cannon Company in support. All units jumped off at 0600 hours and shortly thereafter both assault Bns contacted the enemy. Contact with adjacent units was by liaison. Casualties were heavy. The 100th Bn was stopped by force at 1200 hours on Hill 832 (028324) by well entrenched enemy groups. The 3rd Bn advanced through heavy artillery and mortar fire and some small arms fire to general line (025330-025337) where they were stopped at 1500 hours. Co "F" 100th Bn moved to Hill 1017 during the night of Nov 29-30. The Regiment held in place night of Nov 29-30 and resumed the attack at 0600 hours Nov 30th. They were to move under a rolling artillery barrage. The attack continued as scheduled Nov 30th, 3rd and 100th Bns in the assault, 1st Bn in reserve. The 3rd Bn assisted by a rolling barrage of one hour and ten minutes advanced and by 0900 hours had taken their objective. They completed reorganization of positions on high ground at that point (017336), the 100th Bn retook Hill 920 at 1930 hours and occupied Hill 905. They were unable to advance any further due to strong enemy resistance from Hill 832 (019324). Plans called to resume the attack the following morning at 0800 hours Dec 1st. Objectives, 100 Bn Hill 832, 3rd Bn high ground 800 west and generally parallel to present positions, 1st Bn to patrol. 1st Bn patrol reported strong enemy force in vicinity of (023363) which withdrew to the south. Fighting during the period was intense. The 100th Bn reported about 15% casualties, 1 prisoner was taken, he stated the strength of his company to be 70 men and also gave location of minefields. CASUALTIES DURING THE PERIOD: 100th Inf Bn: 68 KIA, 211 WIA, 0 MIA 1st and 3rd Bns: 43 KIA, 162 WIA, 7 MIA 133rd Inf Regt: 111 KIA, 373 WIA, 7 MIA PRISONERS OF WAR CAPTURED: 100th Inf Bn: 22 1st and 3rd Bn: 60 133rd Inf Regt: 82 GENERAL In the operations during the period rain was almost constant, making travel difficult and use of vehicles at a minimum. Pack mules were employed to get ammunition and supplies to the front line units. Men of the assault units suffered under the adverse weather conditions throughout the entire period. Occasionally water froze in the canteens at night. Enemy aircraft were particularly active at the beginning of the period. the 100th Bn suffered 12 casualties on Nov 1st as a result of an enemy air attack. CARLEY L. MARSHALL. Lt. Col. Infantry. Commanding. OFFICIAL: s/Roy L. Stephenson ROY L. STEPHENSON. Captain, Infantry. Adjutant.