BATTLE OF ITALY: Next, the Gothic Line

The Allied offensive in Italy rolled up toward the next phase of the campaign. Within 24 hours two of the best ports in northern Italy—Leghorn and Ancona—were captured. Five days later the Allies were at the Arno River, had fought in the streets of Pisa, stood only twelve miles from Florence. Only these two cities remained before the last grand assault of the Battle of Italy could be begun—the attack on the German Gothic Line in the high Appenines.

Leghorn, Italy's third largest port, was outflanked. Lieut. General Mark W. Clark's Fifth Army sidestepped fantastically...