Anzio

American Shermans disembarking from a Landing Ship Tank (LST) at Anzio on January 22, 1944.

WWII Signal Corps Photograph Collection, US Army

Quick Facts

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World War II

After the Allies were able to force Italy out of the war, their next objective was to capture Rome. The Germans retreated toward Rome, but they formed a line from the west coast to the east coast of Italy.

After slow gains by the Allies, they wanted to outflank the German lines and get behind them at Anzio to drive to Rome. On January 22, 1944, the Americans were able successfully landed troops the beaches near Anzio.