Company G, 180th Infantry Regiment

Action:
Company G, 180th Infantry Regiment, is cited for outstanding performance of duty in action during the period 17 to 18 February, 1944, near Padiglione, Italy. On 16 February 1944, Company G occupied defensive positions in extremely open terrain in a sector of the Anzio Beachhead. On that day the enemy launched a three-day offensive designed to destroy the Allied Forces on the beachhead, employing a reinforced battalion against the sector held by Company G. So aggressive was the initial attack, supported by tanks and artillery, that the enemy had to be driven off with hand grenades, bayonets and other weapons of close combat. At night the enemy employed infiltration tactics in an attempt to overcome the resistance of Company G. When, on the following day, the unit on the left flank of Company G withdrew to a secondary defensive line, Company G was exposed to penetrating columns of enemy tanks and infantry which succeeded in establishing positions to the rear of the company. Despite intense artillery, small arms and tank fire, a scarcity of ammunition, and considerable reduction in strength, Company G remained firm in its stand against persistent attack by the enemy. At nightfall, the enemy completed his encirclement of company G by infiltrating through the right flank. Orders were issued by higher headquarters to withdraw the companies in this sector to a secondary defensive line, but having no communications, Company G did not receive the order. When the unit on its right withdrew the following morning, Company G was left with both flanks exposed, with enemy strong points established to its rear and without a route of supply. For twelve hours the members of the company fought to drive off the attacking waves of enemy infantry. That combat strength of the company was reduced to approximately fifty men and the Company commander; but the fighting spirit, courage and determination of the company had not diminished. Finally receiving its orders to take up new positions, Company G fought a gallant withdrawal action and reached the new beachhead line the night of 18 February 1944. The conspicuous combat skill, heroism and determination of Company G, 180th Infantry Regiment contributed materially to the success of the Allied Forces in defeating the enemy’s main effort to destroy the Anzio Beachhead and reflect the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.
Details:
Headquarters Fifth Army, United States Army, General Orders No. 114 (1944).