The Signature
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U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Josh Coté
Ponte Dirillo and
REMEMBERING HEROE
Senior U.S., Italian, and German leaders pay tribue to Operation Husky victims at a wreath laying at Contrada Ponte Olivo. (U.S. Navy photo by IT2 Jordan Gilles) By Janine Scianna NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
German pill boxes surround the landscape of Ponte Dirillo near Gela, Sicily, with their bullet marks still visible and their concrete walls still standing strong. One can vividly imagine what it may have felt like to have been a paratrooper of the 82nd Airborne when they landed in Sicily 76 years ago. Blown off their original course by high winds, members of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment found themselves in the heart of enemy territory and were forced to engage in direct combat. From July 10 to 12, 1943, they lost 39 men fighting off over half a dozen German Tiger tanks and an entire battalion of infantry. Ultimately
Guest speaker Cmdr. Robert though, they were victorious and Matthias, commander of the Naval caused the enemy to retreat. Computer and Telecommunications The regiment was led into action by Lt. Col. Arthur Gorham. As the assault Station, Sicily, remarked on the intensified, Gorham rallied his soldiers true purpose of the ceremony. to keep pushing. Gorham later fell in “Today there is more than just a memorial plaque at Ponte Dirillo, battle, but inspired the remnants of his division to fight on. For his valiant listing those who gave their lives years ago,” said Matthias. “For efforts, Gorham was posthumously years, the last roll call has been read awarded two Distinguished Service Crosses, the United States’ second and wreaths have been laid. For years, the song Taps has echoed highest award for bravery. these hills. This day should always Today there is a memorial plaque at the site of the Ponte be remembered and memorialized by those that serve in the future.” Dirillo battle listing the 39 service After Matthias’ remarks, Staff Sgt. members who gave their lives that day. The plaque and the site are Brian Chenault of the U.S. Army Joint Tactical Ground Station, maintained by Cristoforo Ventura. Sigonella, conducted a last roll call The plaque reads, “Extreme were Cmdr. Hamish Kirkland exits remar of the fallen soldiers. Thisgives tradition the losses, supreme was the heroism, of command of Patrol Squadron 9 deploye pays tribute to fallen Soldiers and and from the sacrifice of these men is (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of VP-9) created the new history of Europe.” Sailors by their comrades and
