82nd Airborne Division 504th & 509th PIR Winter Line Tour
Historical Introduction
The 82nd Airborne Division, with its renowned 504th and 509th Parachute Infantry Regiments, joined the Italian Campaign after landing at Salerno in September 1943. These units helped stabilize the beachhead and advanced north through the Apennine foothills into the German defensive Winter Line—specifically the Bernhardt sector.
Winter Line Battles – 504th & 509th PIR (Fall 1943)
Salerno & Avellino (9–14 September): The 509th jumped to disrupt German lines near Avellino, while the 504th reinforced the Salerno perimeter to secure the beachhead.Volturno River Crossing (October 13–14): The 504th breached the Volturno Line under heavy resistance to establish advance elements toward Rocchetta.Venafro & Rocchetta (October–November): The 509th operated in the mountains above Venafro, fighting German rearguards near Rocchetta before being redesignated as an independent battalion. Monte Rotondo & Monte Lungo sector (Nov–Dec 1943): Operations near Mignano Gap involved the 504th supporting assaults on Bernhardt Line positions via flanking and mountain infantry actions.Tour Itinerary – Day 1: Volturno to Winter Line
Pickup: Cassino or an agreed meeting point.Volturno Crossing Site: Learn about the river assault and logistics challenges Venafro: Location of the 509th’s operations in the high groundRocchetta Ridge: Terrain where paratroopers engaged German defenses Mignano Gap / Monte Lungo area: Overview of Bernhardt Line and supporting defensive positionsWinter Line Museum in Mignano: Exhibits, maps, and personal storiesOptional Day 2 – Anzio Extension
Visit the Anzio landing beaches and museumAmerican Cemetery at NettunoExplore fighting sectors involving 504th/509th near Aprilia and the Mussolini CanalOptional Day 3 – Salerno & Drop Zones
Salerno landing beaches overviewAltavilla Silentina hilltop battle positionsPaestum drop zones of the 82nd AirborneAirborne Memorials and historical interpretationRegiments Involved
504th Parachute Infantry Regiment 509th Parachute Infantry RegimentTour Details
Language: English Duration: Full-day (Day 1), with optional 2nd and 3rd daysTransport: Comfortable van with video playbackInclusions: Snacks, cold water, archival footage onboardContact & Booking