Salerno: Offensive Airborne Assault, 82nd Airborne Division, September 1943
Abstract
For the Salerno operation, the 82nd Airborne Division was placed under the control of the Fifth Army Commander, General Mark Clark. Initial plans called for a near beach drop to provide support for the amphibian forces. This was cancelled due to changes in the amphibious forces landing sites. A second plan, Grant I, called for the division to seize and destroy crossing sites on the Volturno River, hold positions for five days and effect linkup with British forces. This was cancelled due to the inability of support forces to provide logistical support. A third plan, Grant II, involved the seizure of Rome; it too was cancelled. As a result, the 82nd did not participate in the initial landing but was alerted for reinforcing drops at Avellino and Paesturn. These operations were conducted but hasty planning and navigational errors, combined to create conditions that scattered the forces over a wide area. Their effect on the battle was minimal.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA151624
Entities
People
- K. V. Hufford
- M. B. Cavanaugh
- M. J. Amarger
- P. P. Christopher
- R. P. Beers
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College