82nd Airborne Division – 504th & 509th PIR Winter Line Tour

504th & 509th PIR WWII Tour

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.

 Winter Line WWII Tour

  • 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 ground.
  • Rocchetta Ridge – Terrain where paratroopers engaged German defenses.
  • Mignano Gap / Monte Lungo area – Overview of Bernhardt Line and supporting defensive positions.
  • Winter Line Museum in Mignano – Exhibits, maps, and personal stories.

Anzio WWII Tour

  • Anzio landing beaches and museum
  • American Cemetery at Nettuno
  • Explore fighting sectors involving 504th/509th near Aprilia and the Mussolini Canal

 Salerno & Drop Zones Tour

  • Salerno landing beaches overview
  • Altavilla Silentina hilltop battle positions
  • Paestum drop zones of the 82nd Airborne
  • Airborne Memorials and historical interpretation

Regiments Involved

  • 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment
  • 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment

Tour Details

  • Language – English
  • Duration – 1, 2 or 3 Full days (Winter line, Anzio and Salerno) 
  • Transport – Comfortable van with video playback
  • Inclusions – Snacks, cold water, archival footage onboard

Contact & Booking

BOOK ONE OR MORE DAYS 
Contact Dr. Danila Bracaglia to reserve your private WWII battlefield tour.

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