Victory in Europe Day: 7 important Allied victories against the Nazis

4. The Battle of Anzio – Jan. 22 to June 5, 1944

As Allied forces struggled to break through Axis defensive lines in Italy, United States forces landed at the port city of Anzio in an effort known as Operation Shingle.

Although the initial landing was successful and involved few casualties, German forces were rushed to the area, and, as a result, the offensive grounded to a brutal stalemate.

“The stalemate at Anzio resulted in static defensive lines — more typical of World War I than World War II — characterized by deep entrenchments, sporadic artillery bombardments during the day, and infantry probing attacks at night,” explained The National WWII Museum.

“The situation remained unchanged until Allied forces were able to break through the Gustav Line on 18 May 1944, and broke out of Anzio by 27 May 1944. The Allied forces advanced rapidly, capturing Rome on 5 June; but they had missed the chance to destroy the main German force in Italy.”