by Simone Guidorzi
2018 article with editorial updates in photos and references
Who was Roy Enlow?
This reconstruction, unfortunately lacking further detail due to the absence of specific documentation and witnesses, began a year ago thanks to the interest of Roy Enlow’s nephew, who reached out to the Gotica Toscana associations and the Museo di Felonica to gather details about his relative's death. Very little information about Roy Enlow is available online, and no photograph of him can be found. He was born in Washington in 1925, the second-to-last of five children, to Roy Abram Enlow (1892-1939) and Mildred Sophia Sullivan (1895-1970). He had four sisters: Maudie, Thelma, Mary Maxine, and Jacqueline. He held the rank of Staff Sergeant—thus a squad/platoon leader—in Company E of the 362nd Infantry Regiment, part of the 91st “Powder River” Division.
The Context: The Po River Valley Campaign
The Operational Area
During World War II, the military actions of the "Po River Valley Campaign" saw greater losses on the German side compared to those of the Anglo-American forces, particularly during the crossing phases of the great river. This imbalance was due to the Anglo-American numerical superiority on the battlefield, efficient supply lines, and refined logistics, which led to the rapid progression of events and the ensuing German debacle.
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Along the southern bank of the Po River, the first area reached by the advancing Anglo-American forces was San Benedetto, on the afternoon of April 22, 1945—just a day and a half after the capture of Bologna. This swift advance was made possible by bypassing the main body of German forces in retreat. In contrast, the last areas south of the great river to be reached were Sermide and Felonica, two days later, on the afternoon of April 24, where the concentration of German troops and resistance was greater.
The Situation on the Ground
Near these territories, on the evening of April 23, the 91st US Infantry Division, together with the 6th South African Armoured Division, became stalled beyond the drainage canals running parallel to the Po River. The Germans had strategically destroyed most of the bridges over the canals, and these were defended by fortified bridgeheads manned by Kampfgruppen (independent combat groups) largely from the 1st and 4th German Paratrooper Divisions (Fallschirmjäger). The concentration of German troops near the river, caused by the limited crossing options and compounded by the overwhelming Anglo-American air superiority, forced the Germans to seek cover in farm buildings and hide vehicles in barns and under trees during daylight hours. Only under the cover of darkness could they move northward in an attempt to cross the great river. These circumstances prompted Anglo-American command to send out multiple patrols during the night of April 23-24 to gauge the true strength and concentration of the enemy forces.
One of these patrols was led by Staff Sergeant Roy Enlow, serial number 39212892, from Shelton, Washington. He served in Company E of the 362nd Infantry Regiment, part of the 91st “Powder River – Pine Tree” Division.
Most of the units in this division were expected to cross the Po River between Sermide and the village of Moglia, as planned by the Allied high command. The advance toward the river was initially slowed at Ponte dei Santi, on the Collettore di Burana canal near Pilastri. After bypassing this bridge via San Martino Spino, the advance halted at dusk at Santa Croce, near the bridge over the Fossalta canal. To reach the designated American crossing point on the Po, the only viable route led through the area known as "Palasina." This location thus became a strategic road junction, also due to its proximity to two still-operational German ferries: one at "Chiavicone," constructed by the 165th Pioneer Battalion, and another at "Barche," constructed by the 114th Pioneer Battalion (165th and 114th German Engineering Battalions)
The Grave of Roy Enlow at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial
The Action and His Death
Aware of the delicate and risky mission in enemy territory, the members of the patrol led by Staff Sergeant Roy Enlow carried out their duty. Presumably near the area of “Palasina,” the Americans made contact with German enemy forces and engaged in a firefight to assess their strength. However, this action revealed the presence of American soldiers scouting ahead. Upon receiving the signal, German artillery opened fire on the American patrol, causing the death of patrol leader Roy Enlow.
The Silver Star Medal
For sacrificing his life in this action, Staff Sergeant Roy Enlow was awarded the Silver Star (equivalent to the Italian Silver Medal for Military Valor) with the following citation: “in the drive on Palasina, Italy, which brought his death from cannon-fire” (in the vicinity of Palasina, Italy, he met his death from artillery fire).
During the Italian Campaign, in addition to the Silver Star, Roy Enlow was also awarded the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster for wounds sustained in combat.
Roy Enlow's Remains
Today, the remains of Staff Sergeant Roy Enlow rest in the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial alongside 4,402 fellow soldiers, representing 39% of the American servicemen who fell between Rome and the Alps.
Acknowledgments
The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) for providing access to the Databases and Honor Roll of Roy Enlow.
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- Service Details
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- The Honors of Roy Enlow
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