29 January 1944. "157 RCT arrives off deserted and battered port of Anzio. Unloading of troops and equipment begins at that time and continues until 1355. Troops move immediately to assembly area approximately 6 miles from port of debarkation, north of Nettuno. Regt CP opens at 1317 at (903196) (F Grid). Div G-2 arrives in CP with enemy situation in front of Anzio beachhead. Div G-3 in CP with Corps order of attack. Receive Corps alert as to the possibility of enemy paratroopers being dropped. All Bns and separate units notified. One officer from each Bn ordered out on road reconnaissance in case of possible commitment tonight to protect flanks. Copies of Corps situation and preparations for attacks sent to all Bns. Regt receives three air attacks during day. No casualties." Operations Summary, 157th Infantry Regiment, January 1944. 157th Command Post: South Italy Zone, RF903196. Dave
29 January 1944. "Operation Shingle was now a week old. Seven Liberty ships and 201 LST loads had been cleared at the beachhead, and 27,250 tons of stores landed. 'With 68,886 men, 508 guns and 237 tanks ashore, and backed by the large credit in stores on the beachhead, VI Cor[s was now prepared, on 29 January, to launch its attack.'" "Sicily-Salerno-Anzio" - Samuel Eliot Morison, page 356.
"Anzio, in the meantime, was undergoing a quicker change for the worse than it had ever known in its long history. German shelling of the town and harbor went on day and night. Buildings around the port disintegrated one by one; sumptuous villas were deprived first of their elaborate cornices, then of their roofs. Sailors who made the convoy runs from Naples to Anzio noted the progressive deterioration of the town, and laid bets whether this white apartment house or that pink villa would be standing on their return. The sturdy Italian stone construction stood up remarkably well. A direct 88-mm hit would burst a roof and gut one or two floors, but the walls still stood." "Sicily-Salerno-Anzio" - Samuel Eliot Morison, page 356.
