For better or worse, Fitzhugh would not experience much of the war however he would take part in the occupation of Italy. It is most likely that Fitzhugh spent the months after his enlistment and training, and his first battle experience would not be until September 10th 1943. This was the day that the 83rd Chemical battalion landed on the shores of Sicily. The beaches were heavily defended, and enemy soldiers fired heavily on the battalion. It was a vicious firefight and many shots were exchanged between the two sides, but eventually the battalion, and Fitzhugh, made it across the beach.
Over the next 7 days, Fitzhugh and his fellow soldiers would continue the trek across Italy, facing heavy fire from their enemies at every turn. On September 17th, 1943 the 83rd Chemical Battalion was stationed over Salerno giving support to other troops. Over a thousand rounds of explosives were fired by the battalion causing a massive amount of causalities. This allowed British troops to stroll into the city with next to know resistance. However, this would not come without a cost as this was the battle where Fitzhugh was wounded.
Fitzhugh would die that day from his injuries. The extent of his injuries is not known, but he was buried with one of his legs amputated. Fitzhugh would be awarded the Purple Heart after his death, and he would be buried in Carthage, Tunisia, side by side with his fellow fallen soldiers.
Over the next 7 days, Fitzhugh and his fellow soldiers would continue the trek across Italy, facing heavy fire from their enemies at every turn. On September 17th, 1943 the 83rd Chemical Battalion was stationed over Salerno giving support to other troops. Over a thousand rounds of explosives were fired by the battalion causing a massive amount of causalities. This allowed British troops to stroll into the city with next to know resistance. However, this would not come without a cost as this was the battle where Fitzhugh was wounded.
Fitzhugh would die that day from his injuries. The extent of his injuries is not known, but he was buried with one of his legs amputated. Fitzhugh would be awarded the Purple Heart after his death, and he would be buried in Carthage, Tunisia, side by side with his fellow fallen soldiers.