45th Infantry Division WWII Tour (Thunderbirds) – From the Volturno to the Winter Line

45th Infantry Division WWII Tour – Thunderbirds

The Thunderbirds in Italy

The 45th Infantry Division, famously known as the Thunderbirds, was composed primarily of soldiers from Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. After distinguished service in Sicily and Salerno, the division became a vital force in the Allied effort to breach the Winter Line, a series of German fortifications designed to prevent the Allied advance toward Rome.

In October 1943, the 45th Division crossed the Volturno River under fire, moving through rugged terrain and heavy rains. By November, the Thunderbirds had reached the Mignano Gap, a narrow and heavily defended valley flanked by Monte Lungo and Monte Rotondo—key strongholds in the German Bernhardt Line (part of the broader Winter Line). These mountains became the stage for some of the division’s fiercest battles.

Winter Line Key Battles

  • Volturno River Crossing (October 13–14, 1943) – The division crossed near Triflisco under intense German fire, successfully establishing a critical bridgehead for further advances.
  • Venafro & Roccapipirozzi – These areas saw intense artillery staging and infantry engagements, paving the way toward the Mignano Gap.
  • Monte la Difensa (November 30 – December 2) – Though primarily led by the 1st Special Service Force, this assault supported the 45th's flanking movements toward Monte Rotondo.
  • Battle of Monte Rotondo (November 7–9 and 15–16) – A strategically important height targeted in multiple assaults, met with strong German resistance.
  • Assault on Monte Lungo (December 5–9) – A coordinated attack carried out with the Italian Co-Belligerent Army, with crucial support from the 45th Division’s artillery units.

Regiments Involved

  • 157th Infantry Regiment
  • 179th Infantry Regiment
  • 180th Infantry Regiment
  • 120th Engineer Combat Battalion
  • 158th Field Artillery Battalion

 Day 1: Winter Line Tour

Start time: 9:30 AM (customizable)
Pick-up locations: Cassino or Venafro

  • Volturno River Crossing Site – Learn about the operation and the terrain challenges faced by the division.
  • Venafro – Visit the 45th Division’s headquarters and key road junctions.
  • Roccapipirozzi – Explore frontline positions and infantry combat zones.
  • Monte Lungo – Site of the major battle and symbol of Allied-Italian cooperation.
  • Winter Line Museum, Mignano Montelungo – Discover original weapons, uniforms, battlefield maps, and personal stories from the local population.

Day 2 – Anzio WWII Tour

  • Anzio Landing Beaches and Museum
  •  American Cemetery in Nettuno
  • Aprilia and the Anzio beachhead

Tour Details

  • Language – English
  • Duration – 1 or 2 days
  •  Mercedes van with 
  • Extras – Cold drinks and snacks

Contact & Booking

BOOK THIS TOUR NOW
Contact Dr. Danila Bracaglia to reserve your customized 45th Infantry Division battlefield experience.

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