Page 473 - Le Operazioni Interforze e Multinazionali nella Storia Militare - ACTA Tomo I

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Castello won by Brazilian forces, it would be difficult for the forces of IV Corps con-
tinue towards Bologna. Thus, on 24 Nov 44, the task was given in order to conquer the
heights of Monte Belvedere - Monte Castello,up to Task Force 45 of the U.S. Army,
which received a Battalion of the 6th Infantry regiment, the Mechanized Recognition
Squadron and the support of Artillery.
The enemy in his defensive position, repelled this attack. Other trial is held the
next day, 25 Nov 44, with partial success, because only Mount Belvedere was won by
the Americans. The third attack was planned for 29 Nov 44 - just four days after the
first failure. A Grouping composed of 3 Brazilian battalions was organized (I / 1 RI,
III/11 RI and III / 6 RI), with the support of three Artillery groups (two Brazilians and
one American) under the command of Gen Zenóbio Costa. On 28 Nov 44, something
unexpected happened: 232nd German Infantry Division counterattacks vigorously and
dislodges Task Force 45 from Monte Belvedere. However, it is given the order for the
attack to happen.
The weather conditions on 29 Nov 44, were the worst: it rained not allowing the use
of the Air Force and Combat Cars. Thus, 12 Dec 44, two battalions of the 1st and 2nd
battalions of the RI 11 supported by three groups Artillery invested the assault. How-
ever, once again the rain leads to FEB failure. Snowfall started and there is stability
across the front. The plan of releasing Bologna before winter and snow never happened.
However, the IV Corps was finally convinced that only with flank protection and
strong fire support, the 1st DIE, they could succeed. Thus, approximately 70 days had
passed since the failure of the fourth Monte Castello attack. Spring blossomed and war-
fare operations move back to Italian TO. The 10th U.S. Mountain Division received
the mission to conquer Mount Belvedere and Mazzancana and the 1st DIE to conquer
Monte Castello -Torre Di Nerone - Castelnuovo. On 19 Feb 45, the 10th Mountain Divi-