Battle of Rapido River

The Battle of Rapido River was fought from 20 to 22 January 1944 during one of the Allies' many attempts to breach the Winter Line in the Italian Campaign during World War II. Despite its name, the battle occurred on the Gari river.
Lieutenant General Mark Clark, Commanding General of the United States Fifth Army, in an attempt to break through the German defences of the Winter Line , tried to cross the Gari river, south of Monte Cassino, with two regiments of the U.S. 36th Infantry Division, commanded by Major General Fred Walker. After crossing the river in boats, the Americans were cut off from reinforcements and support and subjected to heavy fire and counterattacks from elements of the German 15th Panzergrenadier Division stationed on the west bank of the river. The Americans suffered very high losses and after two days of fighting the survivors retreated back across the river.

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