Bits And Pieces Of The Italian Campaign

THE TRUCK & DRIVER

Tribute should be paid here to the omnipresent but generally unsung 2 1/2 ton, 6 x 6 cargo truck, and to the man who drove it. From the standpoint of dependability in delivering essential combat supplies through difficult country such as now confronted IV Corps, the vehicle was invaluable. The driver, who knew no hours and frequently drove the clock around with only an occasional cat-nap and another cup of coffee to keep him going, made his contribution to the success of the campaign just as surely as the combat soldier whose groceries and bullets made up the load.

THE MULE & DRIVER

And no story of this operation could pretend to be complete without also mentioning the lowly pack mule, and the important part he played in IV Corps transportation. At the opening of the drive there were five Italian pack companies attached to our divisions; in addition to these, the 10th Mountain had received some six hundred American mules, some of which were used in their artillery and some in their quartermaster battalion, both of which units had had to be motorized when they first reached Italy. These animals and the men who led them, whether of American or Italian origin, did an indispensable piece of work in getting food, ammunition and medical supplies to advance elements in the more inaccessible parts of the zone. At times, unorthodox as it may seem, gasoline and oil were actually delivered to some of the armored units by pack mule.

FROM; 19 DAYS,

The FINAL CAMPAIGN across NORTHWEST ITALY 14 APRIL-2 MAY 1945

PUBLISHED 1945 BY HEADQUARTERS IV CORPS, U.S. ARMY ITALY

REPRINTED BY THE BATTERY PRESS 1987

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