Other Memories
Dole had to wait nine hours on the battlefield before being taken to the 15th Evacuation Hospital, where he began a recovery that would take until 1948 at Percy Jones Army Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan (where Dole met future fellow politicians Daniel Inouye and Philip Hart).
Criteria The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding ac... The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. MoreHide
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
D-Day for Craftsman had been set for 12 April, but heavy fog intervened, and the attack was postponed until 14 April. The first air attacks began at 0830, starting with heavy bombs, and followed by me
D-Day for Craftsman had been set for 12 April, but heavy fog intervened, and the attack was postponed until 14 April. The first air attacks began at 0830, starting with heavy bombs, and followed by medium bombers and fighter bombers. The artillery opened fire at 0910, and the ground forces followed soon afterwards.
The initial attack involved the US 10th Mountain Division, attacking towards the Rocco Roffeno massif. Control of this mountain and the associated ridges would open the road that ran west/ north-west from Vergato towards Modena. The attack would also hit the junction between the 51st Mountain Corps in the west and the 14th Panzer Corps in the east. The massif was defended by the 334th Division of the mountain corps. The 94th Division of the 14th Panzer Corps was on its east. The Mountain Division attack successfully broke a hole in the German line by the end of the first day. The advance continued on the next day, and by the end of 15 April the 94th Division had been forced to retreat. By the end of 18 April the 10th Mountain Division had reached the northern edge of the mountains.
The 4th Corps attack was also making progress on its flanks. On the left the Brazilians advanced north-west from Castel D’aiano, while on the right the 1st Armoured Division took Vergato on 16 April and by the end of 17 April had advanced five miles past the town.
The 2nd Corps attack began on the night of 15-16 April, and made slower progress. They were attacking four German divisions in pre-prepared defences on the line that the Germans had expected to have to defend. The Germans were still holding out across Highway 65 on 18 April, but they were becoming dangerously isolated by the advancing 4th Corps on one flank, and the 2nd Polish Corps of the Eighth Army, coming from the east. General Truscott decided that the time was right to shift most of the 2nd Corps effort to the left to reinforce the success of the 4th Corps.
The final attack towards the plains began at 0930 on 18 April. 10th Mountain and 85th Divisions led the attack. On the right the 85th ran into little or no resistance, and were able to push forward five miles down the valley from Vergato. The 10th Mountain Division ran into more resistance on 18 April, but the Germans attempted to withdraw. This retreat turned into a rout, and on 20 April the Americans finally broke out onto the plains. By mid afternoon the 87th Mountain Infantry, 10th Mountain Division, had reached Highway 9 near Ponte Samoggia, ten miles to the north-west of Bologna. To their right the 88th Division, which had replaced the 85th, reached Riale, and on their right the 6th South African Armoured Division reached Casalecchio, both at the foot of the mountains.
The first Allied troops entered Bologna on 21 April. This included a force from the 133rd Infantry, 34th Division coming from the west, the Poles coming from the east and the Italian Legnano Group.
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Dole had to wait nine hours on the battlefield before being taken to the 15th Evacuation Hospital, where he began a recovery that would take until 1948 at Percy Jones Army Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan (where Dole met future fellow politicians Daniel Inouye and Philip Hart).