Combat· World War II
Operation HUSKY (Sicily Landings)
Operation HUSKY was the Allied invasion of Sicily, the next step after clearing North Africa.
A massive fleet carried American, British, and Canadian troops across the Mediterranean to land on the island's beaches. The goal was to knock Italy out of the war and tighten the ring around Germany. The landings succeeded despite rough seas and a defending force of German and Italian troops. Marines served in supporting roles rather than as a landing force. Ship's detachments aboard the cruisers and other warships manned guns during the operation. Marine officers worked on the naval commander's staff, helping plan and run the amphibious assault and handling tasks like managing prisoners once troops were ashore. Their work was part of the larger Navy effort that put the Army divisions on the beaches and supported them with gunfire.
Podcast episodes on World War II
Record no. 589