27 January 1944. "On January 27 and 28, an obscure fighter unit, known formally as the 99th Fighter Squadron (Separate), made its first significant mark in combat with guns blazing, shooting down twelve German aircraft. Inspiriting as the action was for Lucas's corps, the contribution of a couple dozen black pilots - known collectively as the Tuskegee airmen, after the Alabama field where they had learned to fly - would resonate beyond the beachhead, beyond Italy, and beyond the war." "Day of Battle" - Rick Atkinson, page 381. Dave
I'll put this here to add context to your post. My father posing in front of the "Whites Only" bathroom In Spartanburg, South Carolina.
26 January: Three German attacks on the British near Carroceto Three German attacks on the 30th Infantry at Conca 894th TD Battalion debarked night of 25/26 January Tank status: 109 medium and 17 light operational, 2 medium in repair (5 mediums of 1st AD unloaded) 27 January: General advance by the 3rd Division 24th Guards Brigade advanced against severe resistance to the outskirts of Carroceto 68th CA (AAA) (-) unloaded Tank status: 95 medium and 24 light operational, 7 mediums in repair and 9 mediums lost (7 lights of 1st AD unloaded) Artillery status: UK: 72 25-pdr 8 4.5” 8 5.5” 24 105mm SP US: 12 75mm 16 90mm AAA 36 105mm 18 105mm SP 12 155mm How 4 155mm Gun 210 Total
