Part of The U.S. Army in Italy (1943–1944) — From Salerno to Rome.
This unit-focused journey explores the Italian Campaign through the experience of the 3rd Infantry Division.
🔗 Return to the U.S. Army in Italy overview
Thunderbird Trail: from Paestum to Anzio
From the beaches of Paestum to the trenches of Anzio, the 45th Infantry Division — the “Thunderbirds” — fought one of the longest and most demanding campaigns of the Italian War.
This multi-day private battlefield journey follows the complete trail of the 45th Infantry Division across southern Italy between September 1943 and May 1944.
Led by historian Dr. Danila Bracaglia, the experience combines battlefield analysis, wartime documentation, and on-site interpretation — allowing visitors to understand how the campaign unfolded on the ground.
The 45th Infantry Division – Oklahoma National Guard
The 45th Infantry Division, originally formed from National Guard units of Oklahoma, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico, became one of the most experienced American divisions in the Mediterranean Theater.
In Italy, the Thunderbirds endured amphibious assault, river crossings, mountain warfare, trench fighting and the prolonged struggle of the Anzio beachhead.
Their campaign began under artillery fire at Paestum and culminated in the breakout toward Rome.
Phase I – Paestum to the Sele Valley
Paestum Landings – 10 September 1943
The Thunderbirds landed near the ancient Greek temples of Paestum during Operation Avalanche. Under artillery and mortar fire, they established positions along the southern sector of the Salerno beachhead.
Eboli, Battipaglia & Ponte Sele
- Eboli – critical road hub under heavy pressure.
- Battipaglia – fierce urban combat and shelling.
- Ponte Sele – vital river crossing defended against German counterattacks.
Tobacco Factory & Sele Corridor
The advance through the Sele and Calore valleys became one of the most contested phases of the entire Salerno campaign. The Tobacco Factory sector was repeatedly attacked and defended at high cost.
Altavilla, Serre & Campagna
These commanding hilltop towns overlooked the valley. Securing them stabilised the northern edge of the beachhead and prevented German forces from splitting the Allied line.
Ernest Childers – Medal of Honor (22 September 1943)
Near Oliveto Citra, Second Lieutenant Ernest Childers attacked German machine-gun positions despite a broken foot. His actions earned him the Medal of Honor, making him the first Native American to receive the award during World War II.
Phase II – The Volturno & Mountain Advance
Telese Terme – Headquarters and Staging Area
After the Sele valley battles, the division reorganised near Telese Terme, preparing for the crossing of the Volturno River and the Winter Line battles.
Volturno River Crossing – 13/14 October 1943
Near Triflisco and Dragoni, the 45th crossed the flooded Volturno under rain, mud and machine-gun fire. Despite severe conditions, the Thunderbirds secured a bridgehead.
Dragoni, Alife & Prata Sannita
German rear guards defended successive ridgelines leading toward the Matese mountains. The advance was steady but costly.
Venafro Sector – November 1943
In exposed mountain positions around Venafro and Conca Casale, the division endured snow, rain and continuous shelling. The 45th did not participate in the nearby battles of Monte Lungo, Monte Sammucro or San Pietro Infine.
Phase III – Anzio Beachhead
Arrival at Anzio – January 1944
The initial landings at Anzio were conducted by other units, but the 45th arrived between 24 and 26 January as a major reinforcement.
Aprilia – “The Factory”
Aprilia became one of the bloodiest sectors of the beachhead. The town changed hands repeatedly and was almost completely destroyed.
Carroceto, Campoleone & The Caves Line
Trench systems, artillery bombardment and repeated infantry assaults defined this phase. The Thunderbirds held under constant pressure.
Albano Road – The Final Breakout (May 1944)
During Operation Diadem, the 45th advanced along the Albano Road, contributing to the breakout that led to the liberation of Rome.
Nettuno American Cemetery
The Sicily-Rome American Cemetery is the final resting place of thousands of American servicemen, including many soldiers of the 45th Division. This is a solemn and essential stop of the journey.
Designed for Thunderbird Families
If your father, grandfather or relative served in the 45th Infantry Division, this tour can be personalised around his regiment and battalion.
- Unit-level research before arrival
- Operational map reconstruction
- Integration of letters, photos or citations
- On-site interpretation of likely engagement sectors
Standing on these battlefields transforms archival information into lived geography.
The Thunderbird Battlefield Van
A Mobile Multimedia Battlefield Experience
This private experience is conducted with dedicated van transportation, connecting coastal landings, river crossings, mountain sectors and the Anzio front.
- Private chauffeured vehicle
- Continuous historical commentary
- Flexible pacing for family reflection
- Optional archival multimedia integrated on board
The van becomes a mobile historical environment — allowing the campaign to unfold chronologically as the terrain changes outside the window.
Suggested Multi-Day Framework
Day 1 – Salerno & Sele Valley
- Paestum landings
- Eboli and Battipaglia
- Ponte Sele and Tobacco Factory sector
Day 2 – Hill Towns & Childers Sector
- Altavilla, Serre, Campagna
- Oliveto Citra (Childers site)
Day 3 – Volturno & Mountain Advance
- Telese Terme
- Volturno River crossing
- Dragoni and Alife basin
Day 4 – Venafro & Winter Line Context
- Venafro sector
- Mountain defensive positions
Day 5 – Anzio & The Breakout
- Anzio landing sites
- Aprilia and Campoleone
- Albano Road
- Nettuno American Cemetery
The tour can be shortened or expanded depending on timeframe and family focus.
Optional Cultural Extensions
As a licensed guide of Rome and the Vatican Museums, and holding a Master’s degree in Archaeology, optional cultural extensions can be added:
- Rome city tour (Colosseum & Roman Forum)
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
- Pompeii archaeological site
- Via Appia Antica
Plan Your Thunderbird Battlefield Journey
From Paestum to Anzio, the Thunderbird Trail in Italy tells the story of endurance, adaptability and courage under sustained pressure.
Plan your battlefield journey now.
Dr. Danila Bracaglia
WWII Historian & Licensed Battlefield Guide
danila.bracaglia@gmail.com
Mobile / WhatsApp: +39 338 2458831