It would be wonderful if you can make it to the dedication. Otherwise maybe someone could at least video tape the ceremony for you. A map is attached below showing the 34th Division at Mt. Pantano and a photo of the rugged terrain. It's from the Center of Military History book "Fifth Army at the Winter Line," which has lots more maps and an explanation of the battle.
Click here for the story: http://www.history.army.mil/books/wwii/win...ter-i-right.htm
Click here for entire book Table of Contents: http://www.history.army.mil/books/wwii/win...ter-fm.htm#cont
Around that time the 36th Engineer Combat Regiment had extended its road work and bridge-building to the Colli–Scapoli area, supporting the sectors of the 34th and 45th Divisions in the advance to Cassino. (Before that the 36th Engineers' Company "A" completed a bridge in support of your regiment's first crossing at the Volturno River. The company lost 3 killed, 8 wounded, and 2 missing in action during the operation.) Then they were pulled out for the Anzio invasion and later the invasion of southern France, which ended their participation in the Italian campaign. My Dad was there, so I've read as much as possible about the war in Italy.
The Normandy landings did take center stage after the capture of Rome, but those who fought the costly battles in Italy were vital to the success in France and Germany.
Good luck,
Peanuts
I am looking at Mt. Pantano and am wondering, how the hell did we get up there. In combat you don't think,
don't have the time. Instinct takes over and you act. I cannot praise those Medics and Engineers enough for
their participation. Well it is still a while till September so I will just have to sweat it out.