Battle of Cisterna

Battle of Cisterna
Part of Operation Shingle
Date 30 January-2 February 1944 Location Anzio beachhead, Italy Result German victory
Belligerents
United States	Nazi Germany
Commanders and leaders
Mark W. Clark John P. Lucas	Eberhard von Mackensen
Units involved
U.S. 3rd Infantry Division 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment 6615th Ranger Force[1]	Herman Göring Panzer Division 15th Panzergrenadier Division (elements) 1st Parachute Division (elements) Reinforcements: 71st Infantry Division 26th Panzer Division[1][2]

The Battle of Cisterna was a battle during World War II. It happened on 30 January-2 February 1944 near Cisterna, Italy. It was part of the battle of Anzio that followed Operation Shingle.

The battle was a clear German victory. It really affected the US Rangers. During this battle, many US Ranger groups were ordered to support an attack by the 3rd Infantry Division on Cisterna. The 3rd Infantry Division had tried to capture Cisterna on 25–27 January.

The 3rd Division's attack was part of a large attack by the U.S. VI Corps to move out of the Anzio beach. The US VI Corps wanted to get off the Anzio beaches before new German troops could arrive and attack.

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} Lloyd Clark (2006), pp. 118 & 137
2. ↑ Lamson (1948), pp. 27 - 35