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Anzio Beachhead Veterans of WWII gather for final reunion

Molly Hamilton May 15, 2015
The 23 veterans of Anzio Beachhead stand to be recognized at their reunion.

The 23 veterans of Anzio Beachhead stand to be recognized at their reunion.

On Thursday, May 14, 2015, 23 veterans who served together during the World War II Operation Shingle on the Anzio Beachhead in Italy came together on the USS Yorktown for what will likely be their final reunion.   During Operation Shingle, soldiers landed on the west coast of Italy at Anzio, roughly 30 miles south of Rome, and took the Germans completely by surprise.  While not one of the most well-known battles of World War II, 22 Americans were awarded the Medal of Honor for their valor during the battle at Anzio—the most of any single battle in World War II.

The primary objective of the landing at Anzio was to establish a beachhead, and then quickly drive inland to cut off and disrupt the highways German troops used for resupply. But it was far more complex than expected.  Hitler was determined to fend off the Americans and Allied forces.

It took four grueling months until the area was secured by the Allied forces.  This battle was critical to the ultimate liberation of Italy, but the price was high. Allied forces suffered nearly 87,000 casualties: 700 killed, 36,000 wounded, and another 44,000 were hospitalized from various non-battle injuries.

The final reunion of these brave men comes just days after the 70th anniversary of the Victory in Europe (May 8, 1945).    The Anzio Beachhead veterans group has long included not only the men who fought on the front lines, but the nurses who supported them during the battle.

Ramona McCormick of Ponte Vedra, FL served as a nurse at Anzio in WWII.

Ramona McCormick of Ponte Vedra, FL came to the reunion as a veteran. She served as a nurse at Anzio.

In addition to 22 veterans of the front lines of battle, Ramona McCormick of Ponte Vedra, FL also came to the reunion on the USS Yorktown.  She is also a veteran; she was a member of the nurse corps who served bravely even under threat of enemy fire.  She remembers six or seven of her fellow nurses who were in fact killed by enemy fire during the fierce battle at Anzio.

After touring the ship, the veterans assembled in Hangar Bay III for lunch and a short program remembering the critical importance of the battle in which they served their country so nobly. Fifth graders from Northside Christian School in North Charleston, SC read patriotic poems and sang “America the Beautiful” in their honor. Patriots Point was honored to play host to the final reunion of this brave group of WWII veterans.

For more pictures of their visit, see below:

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Anzio Beachhead Veteran Rex Raney came from Grand Junction, CO with his children to join the reunion with his fellow veterans

 

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Thomas & Jolene Fitzgibbons came from San Jose, CA to attend the reunion with Mr. Gibbons’ fellow veterans

 

 

 

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Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum Executive Director Mac Burdette welcomed the group of WWII veterans to Patriots Point.

 

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Patriots Point Museum Curator Melissa Buchanan talks with Anzio Beachhead Veteran Louis Kunofsky about his service.

 

Local media were on hand to document the event, and several of the veterans welcomed the opportunity to share their experiences.

Local media were on hand to document the event, and several of the veterans welcomed the opportunity to share their experiences.

 

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29 thoughts on “Anzio Beachhead Veterans of WWII gather for final reunion

  1. jerry jones says:

    thank what it means to be able to come to these reunions for some of these men and women who fought in world war two. I think they are some of the bravest people we could get to know.

  2. Eric says:

    These men and women ARE the fourth of July. My sincere apprieciation to all Veterans !!!!!

  3. Maria Gorczyca says:

    My Dad, Edward P Gorczyca, landed at Anzio and survived. Decorated with 2 Purple Hearts, he wonders if he can get a listing (names & addresses) of those who are still surviving to just drop them a line.
    He was I Company 179th Infantry, 45th Division. When he was able to attend the reunions they would provided this list.
    Please let us know.
    Thanks.

    1. Molly Hamilton says:

      We were merely a location for the reunion, we do have any listing of surviving veterans. However, I will send you an email with the contact information found on the internet pertaining to the Anzio Beachhead Reunion groups. If I post them here, it may set them up to receive spam emails. Please check your email for one from me.

      Thanks,
      Molly Hamilton
      Public Information & Media Relations

    2. Marty Kunofsky says:

      Maria,
      Thank you for your comments. I was the organizer for the 2015 reunion. If you provide me your email address I will send you a list of names and addresses of this years attendees.

      Marty Kunofsky

      1. suzee woods says:

        There is a moss covered boulder along the side of road on Rt 234 New Vineyard ME with the inscription “WWII Anzio” on it. We are looking to find out who put the inscription on there and thought you might know of any veterans (or families) located in this area who put the inscription there. Thank you.

        1. Anthony Ormerod says:

          Hi, I am trying to gather information on ww2 anzio. My father’s dad lost his life in the battle. My dad has never had the opportunity to visit his graveside etc. So any guidance,support would be most appreciated.
          Kindest regards
          Anthony Ormerod
          ([email protected])

    3. Daniel P. Lehan says:

      The 3rd Battalion caught a wall of Flak in their attack of May 30,1944 at 2 AM.Maria,if your Father is still with us,I would love to have his account of this attack for a book I am writing. I have 7 years research in it,about 1 more year to go. The Book is called “Frozehell”,The Battle for Lanuvio by the 34th and 45th Inf. DIVS.and their supporting units, May 28-June 3,1944.This is a Day by Day account of the Battle. I have 10 veterans accounts,I’d Love more.
      My Uncle Joe Lehan, was in B Co.,179th inf.as a Combat Infantryman.This was his first Battle. Thank You, Sincerely,Daniel P. Lehan

  4. I am the nephew of Nickolas Picciotti who was KIA at Anzio.. Does any survivors remember him? I was told by a man Adam Canto who was near him when he was killed. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank You

    And your service is greatly appreciated bu all

  5. Cynthia Seegraves says:

    My father was a Lt. Col. and tank commander at Anzio. I have some wonderful old pictures of him and his men at Anzio. He was in North Africa and the landing at Anzio. He was wounded and sent to Rome. I have his Purple Heart. His name was Charles W. Phillips from southern Illinois. He passed away 20 years ago. He attended some reunions back on the 70,. I would love to hear from anyone who may have stories or known him. HE was a handsome man, loved his comrades and tells stories about how he loved to cook for the men when they would all pitch in their rations. I miss him every day. He was my hero.

  6. Flint Whitlock says:

    I am needing to get in contact with the Anzio Beachhead Veterans organization. If you have a contact, please let me know. Thank you.

  7. Joan Detweiler says:

    My Mom, Elaine Detweiler Captain …. served along with Romona McCormick as an Army nurse at the Battle of Anzio. We attended many of the reunions and I was so very proud of her. A very quiet and unassuming woman and so very kind. She died 2/21/2014. Thanks to all for the many rewarding reunions we attended. Joan Detweiler

  8. Louis Kunofsky says:

    To Daniel Lehan
    My Name is Louis Kunofsky I was a rifleman with the 34th Div. I would like to relay some of my memories to you about my expierence going into Lanuvio

  9. Jo Ann Orren says:

    I would like to contact anyone who was involved in the assault on the Anzio beachhead. My father served in this campaign and I regret that I never asked him about his experience there. I would like to hear it firsthand from anyone who might want to share their experience. Sincerely, Jo Ann

  10. Judd Robertson says:

    My Father Capt. Arthur H. Robertson was wounded in Anzio and I was thinking of a trip to Anzio is the museum worth the trip?

  11. Robert Sylvester Antolak says:

    My Uncle was Sylvester Antolak (Medal of Honor) for this battle and buried in Nettuno, Italy. I would appreciate any information about him, the battle, or anyone I could contact with possible information

    1. Deborah Lane says:

      My uncle was Clarence A. Smith. He was a private with the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. He was listed as KIA on May 14, 1944. Uncle Clarence was my dad’s brother. The Army reported that he died in a German Hospital. I would love to know if anyone knew him or could tell me any thing about what was happening on or near that date. He is buried in the Military Cemetery in Nettuno. . My name is Deborah Lane.

      1. Keith B. Giddens says:

        Deborah, My dad fought in Anzio and was wounded on 01.29.44. He also was in the 3rd ID, 30 Reg. He was in the 1st Battalion, Co. K. I will be making my 4th trip to Anzio in the few weeks for the 75th Anniversary. While I do not of any information of your, I would welcome the opportunity to help in any way that I can. My email address is: [email protected] and my phone number is: 864.414.2820. Thanks, Keith

  12. Rachael Childress says:

    My Grandfather, Louis DiSabatino served as a Medic on Anzio Beachhead in the Fifth Army, 108th AAA Gun Battalion under General Mark W. Clark and is looking to reconnect with other Veterans. We have searched the internet looking for information. If anyone can help me it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. My email is [email protected]

  13. N. Kohansky says:

    My grandfather died on Anzio Beach on April 27. His name was James Taylor. My mother was two when he was killed. If anyone has any information about it, please email at [email protected]. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for all that served. God Bless You All!

  14. Jim Krenz says:

    My Dad Roland Krenz landed at Anzio and was wounded near Padeglione May 18 1944 sadly lost my hero 6 yes ago. Wondering if there are any others still alive. GOD BLESS

  15. Randolph B Williams Jr says:

    Dad was part of the 5th Army and was in anti aircraft but invaded Anzio Beach and was surrounded by Germans for months . Would like to know if there will be another reunion ?

  16. Cindy Hereford says:

    I too would love to know if any of the survivors knew my dad Damon Kenneth Meek. He has passed now. Never told too many stories of his time landing at Anzio. As I understand it they were in North Africa training before this landing. He was a Bronze star recipient. But claimed he doesn’t know why he received it. said everyone got one. Would love to hear anything.

  17. My father, Richard E. Bell, was a Lt. in a tank unit that served in North Africa and Anzio. He wrote poems during his time overseas, and I have gathered them into a book with some biographical commentary about my father and our family. If anyone is interested in my father’s story, go to my website: onesoldierspoems.com.

    I would love to hear from any survivors of Anzio or any descendants of those survivors.

  18. Bob Quinn says:

    My brother John (Jack) Quinn landed at Anzio with the 445TH Division. He wouldn’t talk about is war experiences so I have no info on him. I don’t know what sub unit ot the 45th he was attached to. If anyone knew him I would appreciate anything you couldm tell me. Thank you.

    Bob Quinn

  19. My grandfather, John Stanton, was an Army sergeant at Anzio. He was wounded during the fighting. All he would ever
    say was he was at Anzio and was wounded, his standard speech when asked.. He had a classic case of PTSD. I am trying to research his Army service record with no help from local VA. Senator”s office has been good.
    I don’t think he got the credit he deserved, talked briefly to me about it as a kid, and I could tell it was awful for him.
    Bill Meyer http://www.wamarinesales.com

  20. Rebecca H. Holman says:

    My father, George Terrell Huff, was part of the Anzio Beach landing. He spoke about digging a foxhole and, in fact, brought his entrenching tool back with him. He was from San Antonio, TX. Even though he survived the initial assault on the beach, at some point he was hit by German fire and came to looking at German weapon pointed at him. He was taken prisoner and did quite a bit of forced marching before landing a POW camp. He survived the camp and when the camp was liberated by Patton’s army, claimed that the prisoners were able to give food to the Allied soldiers thanks to Red Cross shipments. (Given what I know now, I think Dad was exaggerating a bit).

    The war changed him irreparably. He never again traveled outside the US, he hoarded food, struggled with cigarette – and perhaps other addictions, and died at 71 of emphysema.

    I would dearly love to hear from anyone who knew him. I have many questions that i couldn’t ask when he was alive: he only wanted to discuss the “comical” aspects of life as a POW – and did love to watch “Hogan’s Heroes”.

    Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

    Rebecca Huff Holman

  21. Greg says:

    Hi all

    My grandfather was first sergeant of the 108th AAA Gun Battalion and was on Anzio Beachhead. If anyone has more information, photos, stories.. please reach out to me. [email protected]

  22. Rosemary Fortunato Winfield says:

    My Uncle Donato Fortunato died at Anzio in WW2. We, his niece’s and nephew, never knew him since he was killed before we were born. We would like to have a photo of him as a grown man and Army soldier. Can anyone help us?

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