the editorial team
Operation "Olive" for the assault on the Gothic Line, which began in the Adriatic at the end of August by the British 8th Army, involved a diversionary action in the central sector of the Fifth US Army towards the Futa Pass. In fact, General Mark Wayne Clark decided to carry out the breakthrough at the Giogo Pass, a sector of the Gothic Line that appeared to be more lightly defended and less fortified. To divert attention from this actual primary objective, the Futa Pass became the target of two diversionary attacks starting on September 9, 1944. One attack came from the east by the 362nd Infantry Regiment of the 91st Division (along the dual lines Galliano, Monte Calvi, Marcoiano, Montecarelli, Santa Lucia), and the other from the west by the 133rd Infantry Regiment of the 34th “Red Bulls” Division from Legri to Barberino di Mugello and then Montepiano. This last cited unit included Second Lieutenant Thomas Wigle, who lost his life while capturing a German stronghold near Monte Frassino (elevation 665).
The Choice of Thomas Wigle.
Thomas W. Wigle was born on May 18, 1909, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Before the war, he was a talented violinist, playing in the Kansas City Philharmonic, and he enjoyed practicing at the shooting range, although he was never passionate about hunting or conflict. It was during a visit to the historical monuments in Washington, just before leaving for Europe, that he understood the importance of defending the democratic values of his nation. With this conviction, he enlisted in Detroit and became a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. 135th Infantry Regiment member of the 34th Infantry Division, known as the "Red Bulls." In this context, Wigle stood out for his determination and commitment, responding with dedication to the demands of the war.
The Assault on Mount Frassino.
On September 14, 1944, near Mount Frassino, Wigle and his platoon faced a heavily fortified German position, defended by three stone terraced walls and machine guns. After two failed assault attempts, Wigle took command of the platoon, which had lost its officer, and volunteered for the next attack. Leading his men, he crossed the rocky slopes exposed to intense fire and, with a decisive maneuver, had himself lifted over the first wall, remaining exposed to the Germans in order to allow the rest of his men to advance. Using the same method, he reached the second wall and then the third, behind which three buildings represented the focal point of the enemy defense. He ordered his men to cover him and charged towards the first building, managing to force the Germans to retreat to the second house and then to the third, where they took refuge in the basement. Wigle was mortally wounded while attempting to descend the stairs to negotiate the surrender of the enemy soldiers. His bravery and actions allowed the platoon to capture the position and take 36 German soldiers prisoner.
Memory and Awards.
Thomas W. Wigle died on September 16, 1944, a few days after the action, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. For the valor he demonstrated in battle he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on February 7, 1945, which was presented to his widow, Margaret, accompanied by their daughter Diana. Wigle's story is remembered as an example of loyalty and dedication, embodying the sacrifice and spirit of those who fought for the ideals of freedom and justice, which continue to inspire to this day.
Medal of Honor Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in the vicinity of Monte Frassino, Italy. The 3d Platoon, in attempting to seize a strongly fortified hill position protected by three parallel high terraced stone walls, was twice thrown back by the withering crossfire. Second Lt. Wigle, acting company executive, observing that the platoon was without an officer, volunteered to command it on the next attack. Leading his men up the bare, rocky slopes through intense and concentrated fire, he succeeded in reaching the first of the stone walls. Having himself boosted to the top and perching there in full view of the enemy, he drew and returned their fire while his men helped each other up and over. Following the same method, he successfully negotiated the second. Upon reaching the top of the third wall, he faced three houses which were the key point of the enemy defense. Ordering his men to cover him, he made a dash through a hail of machine-pistol fire to reach the nearest house. Firing his carbine as he entered, he drove the enemy before him out of the back door and into the second house. Following closely on the heels of the foe, he drove them from this house to the third where they took refuge in the cellar. When his men rejoined him, they found him mortally wounded on the cellar stairs which he had started to descend to force the surrender of the enemy. His heroic action resulted in the capture of 36 German soldiers and the seizure of the strongpoint.
Citazione della Medaglia d’Onore del Congresso
Per il coraggio straordinario e l’intrepido sacrificio, mettendo a rischio la propria vita al di sopra e oltre il dovere, nelle vicinanze di Monte Frassino, Italia. Il 3° Plotone, nel tentativo di conquistare una posizione collinare fortemente fortificata, protetta da tre alte mura di pietra disposte su terrazzamenti paralleli, venne respinto due volte dal devastante fuoco incrociato. Il Sottotenente Wigle, che ricopriva il ruolo di vicecomandante di compagnia, vedendo che il plotone era senza ufficiale, si offrì volontario per guidare il successivo attacco. Conducendo i suoi uomini su per le pendici rocciose e scoperte sotto un fuoco intenso e concentrato, riuscì a raggiungere il primo dei muri di pietra. Facendosi sollevare fino alla cima e rimanendo lì esposto in piena vista del nemico, attirò e rispose al fuoco, mentre i suoi uomini si aiutavano reciprocamente a superare l’ostacolo. Con lo stesso metodo, superò anche il secondo muro. Raggiunta la cima del terzo muro, si trovò di fronte a tre case, il punto nevralgico della difesa nemica. Ordinando ai suoi uomini di coprirlo, si lanciò attraverso una pioggia di fuoco di mitragliatrici per raggiungere la casa più vicina. Impugnando il suo fucile, spinse i nemici fuori dalla porta sul retro e nella seconda casa. Seguendoli da vicino, li costrinse a ritirarsi nella terza casa, dove si rifugiarono in cantina. Quando i suoi uomini lo raggiunsero, lo trovarono ferito mortalmente sulle scale della cantina, che aveva iniziato a scendere per costringere i nemici alla resa. La sua azione eroica portò alla cattura di 36 soldati tedeschi e alla presa della posizione fortificata.
The Battle of Vernio for Hill 810.
Between September 9 and 24, 1944, the hills of Vernio (PO) and Barberino del Mugello (FI) were the scene of intense fighting between the 133rd Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division "Red Bulls" of the United States and the Grenadier-Regiment 754 of the 334th Infantry Division of the Wehrmacht, known as the "Phalange Africaine." The Gothic Line, an imposing system of fortifications built by the Germans across the Italian mountains, stretching from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Adriatic Sea, represented one of the last barriers for the advancing Allied troops heading north. Vernio, located in the lush hills of Tuscany, was a strategic point in this defensive line: Hill 810. This hill, named for its height of 810 meters above sea level, was heavily fortified and, for the American soldiers, represented a key objective to open a path towards Bologna and beyond, into the heart of occupied Italy.
Hill 810, officially known as Poggio Stancalasino, with its trenches and German positions carved into the rock, proved to be a difficult objective to capture. The U.S. troops, supported by Italian partisans, had to face fierce fighting on steep and rugged terrain, with the constant risk of mine explosions and persistent enemy fire. From September 9 to 24, the American forces managed to capture and lose the position multiple times, due to the heavily fortified German defenses and the sophisticated network of tunnels and positions that allowed the defenders to hold out for a long time, even under intense enemy fire.
The operations began on September 10, 1944, with the advance of the infantry regiments from Legri, in the municipality of Calenzano, towards the Montepiano area. Passing through the Croci and Monte Maggiore, they reached Sofignano and Montecuccoli on September 11, overcoming and annihilating various enemy positions. On September 12, they reached Figliule, Doganaccia, and Rimaggiori. On September 13, the German resistance became much more pressing and fierce, so much so that on the 14th, the front halted in these positions, mainly due to a strong counterattack by around 200 infantry, who, shouting and firing, charged in waves against the Americans, temporarily managing to halt their advance.
The Germans were well entrenched at three strategic points: Poggio Montetiglioli (elevation 628), Poggio Torricella (elevation 791), and Poggio Stancalasino (elevation 810). On these heights, they had set up well-protected shelters for men and materials. For at least a week of fierce fighting, they were able to halt the American advance towards Montepiano.
We have discussed the forces involved. On the German side, the 754th Grenadier Regiment of the 334th Infantry Division "Phalange Africaine." On the American side, the 133rd Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull."
Chronicle of the Battle.
September 14, 1944
The command of the 133rd U.S. Infantry Regiment was at S. Margherita. The 1st Battalion was sent to take Q.791, Poggio Torricella. Aerial reconnaissance reported that it, along with Q.810 and Q.807, was heavily fortified as a stronghold. Attempts were also made to send Companies "A" and "B" to Terenzana to attack the hill from the east, while the 2nd Battalion was sent to Montetiglioli to reinforce the push from the south.
September 15
The artillery fires throughout the day, with 15-minute barrages at a rate of 10 rounds per minute, until at 17:05, both battalions spring into action. However, little ground is gained: Company "G" reaches Montetiglioli at 21:50, and Company "B" establishes itself at Terenzana at 21:15. The 3rd Battalion takes the Mangona-Barberino road, which, however, remains under German fire.
September 16
At dawn, some elements of Company "G" advance to Q.662, the Torricella pass, but the entire front comes to a halt: fierce clashes occur everywhere.
September 17
The battalions resume their attack with the help of the 168th, which pounds the eastern side of Q.807 with its fire. At 13:00, Q.810 is captured by the 1st Battalion, but an immediate counterattack pushes them back down. They attack again, and by 16:15, it is once again in American hands.
September 18
The entire day sees the units engaged in holding their positions, with many clashes occurring in the narrow side valleys to prevent mutual flanking attempts. The 1st Battalion loses control of Q.810.
September 19
At 04:30, after the artillery fire, the infantry moves out, and by 05:15, the first objectives are reached. Significant numbers of exhausted Germans are captured, but Q.810 remains resistant; it is an excellent observation point, giving the enemy control of the terrain.
September 20
The attack is carried out by Companies "A" and "B," merged due to the losses sustained, and by Company "C," while the 3rd Battalion provides cover from Q.791. The use of flamethrowers and incendiary shells is decided upon, as it is believed they will achieve good results against the enemy, who could not be dealt with by traditional means. At 04:20, under the rain, the advance begins, and by 05:40, Company "A/B" captures the house at Q.748, with the rest of the Battalion pushing toward Q.810. The tanks managed to reach the Torricella road and strike the strongpoints, which are retaken. The night is quiet until 04:45, when the elements stationed at Q.810 are hit by a counterattack and are forced to retreat to Q.791, Poggio Torricella.
September 21
At 08:30, the two companies begin to advance again but are pinned down by fire coming from Cardeto, until the 2nd Battalion sends some patrols to clear that pocket. In the early afternoon, they encounter an extensive minefield and barbed wire on the eastern slopes of Poggio Stancalasino, and the advance temporarily halts again. However, by 18:00, both Q.807 and Q.810 are firmly in American hands.
September 22
The resistance is broken. The 133rd Infantry Regiment advances towards Crocetta and Montepiano.
The Memory of Soldiers.
The weeks of the battle saw the sacrifice of many soldiers and civilians. The casualties among the American ranks were heavy, with ninety-one soldiers fallen, including the brigade commander. Colonel William S. Schildroth, the respected commander of the Red Bull, was killed by a landmine, leaving a deep void within the troops and an indelible memory among the local civilians. Grenadier-Regiment 754 of the 334th Division of the Wehrmacht was no less determined to resist. This unit, hardened by the war in North Africa and deployed in Italy from the early days of the campaign, had built well-hidden positions and advanced fortifications, taking advantage of the mountainous topography of the Gothic Line to slow down the Allied advance.
The civilian population also suffered heavy losses due to the bombings and the mines scattered along the mountain paths. Many residents of Vernio and Barberino del Mugello, along with evacuees who had taken refuge in the area, lost their lives or were injured. Despite the difficult situation, the civilians showed great resilience, often collaborating with the Allied forces and with Italian partisans who acted as guides or cared for the wounded. This shared effort between Allied troops and Italian civilians is commemorated every year with a ceremony, where the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom are honored.
The Gothic Line Memorial Park.
Today, the Gothic Line Memorial Park in Vernio stands on the historic Hill 810 as a tribute to the fallen of this battle. Inaugurated in 2003, the park still preserves the original German positions, trenches, and a mortar position, from which visitors can enjoy the strategic view that the German troops used to monitor the valleys of Bisenzio and Mugello. Inside the park, visitors can walk along the paths used by the soldiers and see the remains of the German fortifications, testaments to the sophistication of the defenses built to withstand the Allied assault.
The park is accessible via paths along the CAI trail number 20, which winds through the mountains all the way to Barberino del Mugello and San Quirico di Vernio. The commemorative plaques and flagpoles, along with the panoramic view of the Futa Pass and the German war cemetery, create a solemn atmosphere, allowing visitors to reflect on the impact of this battle. The main monument is accompanied by plaques and memorials honoring the American soldiers and the Italian partisans, whose joint efforts were crucial to the outcome of the battle.
Anniversary and Celebrations.
The memory of the Battle of Hill 810 still lives on today in the hearts of the local community. Every year, on September 20 or around those days, a commemoration ceremony is held to honor the American and Italian soldiers who fell for the liberation of Tuscany. On the 65th anniversary of the liberation, the community of Vernio dedicated a street as "Via 34th Infantry Division Red Bull," a symbolic gesture that acknowledges the importance of this division in the liberation of the town and the region.
Among the guests at the anniversary was Don Singlestad, a veteran of the battle and recipient of the Italian Medal of Valor, one of the few Americans to have received this honor. The ceremony was attended by local authorities and American military representatives, including General Rick Nash, who, in an emotional speech, praised the dedication of the Red Bull soldiers in the fighting at Hill 810. Nash stated that the example of peace and prosperity that Vernio offers today is a model he hopes will inspire other nations in conflict.
The Gothic Line Memorial Park, with its historical legacy, fortifications, and monuments, represents not only a tribute to the past but also a bridge between generations. This place invites visitors to honor the courage and resilience of those who fought, ensuring that their sacrifice remains forever in the collective memory.
EN 
IT