FROM TEXAS TO ROME

36th Infantry Division – “Texas T-Patchers”

From Paestum to Rome – The T-Patcher Trail

The 36th Infantry Division, known as the “Texas T-Patchers”, began its combat history in Italy and fought across some of the toughest battlefields of the Italian Campaign. Their route follows a dramatic line from the Paestum landings to the liberation of Rome, facing entrenched German defenses and extremely challenging terrain.

Paestum Landings – Operation Avalanche (9 September 1943)

The 36th Infantry Division made its combat debut during the Allied landings at Paestum, south of Salerno. The Division came under heavy counterattacks by German infantry and Panzer units.

• Landing zones near the Greek temples of Paestum.
• Fighting at the Tobacco Factory and the Sele–Calore plain.
• German attempts to destroy the beachhead repelled by the 36th Division.

Altavilla & Hill 424 – (12–18 September 1943)

Leaving the beaches, the T-Patchers fought their way to Altavilla and the dominating height of Hill 424, a crucial objective controlling the inland approaches to Salerno.

• Assault and capture of Point 424.
• German counterattacks forcing withdrawals and renewed attacks.
• Stabilization of the front and security of Salerno’s inland flank.

San Pietro Infine &  The Winter Line (December 1943)

In December, the Division supported operations around San Pietro Infine, a heavily defended village on the German Winter Line, fighting alongside the 34th Infantry Division.

• Fighting on the ridges above the village.
• Support around Monte Sammucro and Monte Lungo.
• Extreme winter weather combined with fortified German defenses.

The Rapido River Crossing – Cassino Sector (20–22 January 1944)

The attempt to cross the Rapido River (today the Gari) became one of the most tragic chapters in the Division’s history. Ordered to attack across open ground against fully prepared German positions, the Division suffered devastating losses.

Anzio Beachhead –  (February–May 1944)

Transferred to Anzio, the T-Patchers reinforced the British and American perimeter. For months they endured trench warfare, heavy artillery fire, and repeated German attempts to break the beachhead.

Velletri & the Road to Rome (May–June 1944)

The breakthrough from Anzio led to fierce fighting in the Velletri and Lanuvio sector, where the Division helped open the way toward the Alban Hills and Rome.

The Liberation of Rome – 4 June 1944

On 4 June 1944, the Texas T-Patchers entered the southern districts of Rome, marking the symbolic end of their Italian campaign.

Booking Options – Flexible Itineraries

You may book this experience in different formats to match your interests and availability:

• A single-day tour based in Cassino, focusing on the Winter Line, the Rapido River, and the Gustav Line battlefields.
• A two-day tour combining Cassino and Anzio, following the Allied advance toward Rome.
• The full multi-day journey from Paestum to Rome, retracing the complete Texas T-Patchers trail across the Italian Campaign.

Every itinerary can be fully customised according to your schedule, personal interests, and any family connection to a veteran of the 36th Infantry Division.

Rome Tours You Can Add to Your Experience

• Colosseum & Roman Forum – Skip-the-line entrance
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel – Fast-track authorised access
• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Appian Way & Catacombs
• Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere & Rome during WWII

36th Infantry Division WWII Tour
In the Footsteps of the Texas T-Patchers

This private battlefield tour begins a with pick-up from your hotel in Cassino or Anzio, or from the train station. The tour lasts approximately 6 hours and includes private transportation in a Mercedes van equipped with a multimedia monitor for maps, videos, and “then & now” footage.

The itinerary can be fully customised according to your interests and any family connection.

Email: danila.bracaglia@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +39 338 2458831