Following the campaign in Sicily, the liberation of continental Europe began in Salerno. On September 19, 1943, Operation Avalanche, aimed at conquering the Gulf of Salerno and subsequently Naples, had not yet concluded.
Having established a secure foothold on the beaches, the Allied forces needed to advance up the Italian “boot” toward the north.
The American troops of the Third Infantry Division were to travel the Appennine Road, passing through Montecorvino Rovella. In this territory, the “Hill of Memory” represented the last German stronghold to be captured by the American soldiers in order to liberate the area definitively and continue their advance.After fierce fighting, the Americans managed to liberate the hill and forced the Nazis to retreat into the mountains to the north. For this reason, the hill represents the site of the liberation of the municipality of Montecorvino Rovella. The battle that took place on that hill symbolizes not only the battle for the liberation of Montecorvino Rovella but also for Italy and all of Europe in the name of democracy, freedom, and respect for individuals.