At 23 years of age, John P. Jones enlisted in the US Army at Camp Shelby on January 7, 1942. His enlistment was planned to be for however long World War II lasted with an additional six months. John was assigned to the 157th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division, which was led by General Troy Middleton. In January of 1943, he moved with the Division to Fort Pickett, Virginia. The 45th Division then moved to Camp Patrick Henry and awaited transport to combat zones.
Sicily
The 45th Infantry Division sailed to North Africa on June 22, 1943. Allied forces gathered as they planned to storm Sicily, an island belonging to the Axis powers. When the 45th Division arrived, the Allies had already succeeded in the North African Campaign. After more training in French Morocco, the 45th Division was deployed as part of the U.S. Seventh Army in the operation to seize Sicily. They were met with opposition from German troops while attempting to capture airfields in Biscari and Comiso, but the division was able to gradually push forward through Sicily.After the division was removed from the front line, they were shifted to the U.S. Fifth Army to prepare for the invasion of Italy’s mainland.
Salerno and Anzio
Italy surrendered on September 3, 1943, which prompted the Fifth Army’s aggressive quest for the capturing of Salerno. Along with the 36th Infantry Division, the 45th Division forced their way through Calore River and Volturno River. Although the fighting was harsh, the Fifth Army was able to defeat German forces and capture locations such as Venafro and Anzio.
The 157th and 179th Infantry Regiments were instructed to assist British troops in retaking Aprilla. Battles between the Allies and German forces were mostly at a standstill until Major General Lucian Truscott ordered an attack that pierced German defenses. The Allies were able to destroy German opposition, and the 45th Division began marching toward Rome.