Gateway to Palermo - Combat Mission: Fortress Italy

Patton commenced an alternate plan whereby the 7th Army would make an enveloping attack on Palermo through Corleone. The plan led the Americans westward toward the only objective of consequence. Meanwhile, a mosaic of Axis units, including Hube's 15th Grenadiers were temporarily garrisoned in Corleone making their way South from Palmero to eventually link up in defence of Enna. The Advance units of the 7th Army now found themselves out of range of the naval guns, with little knowledge of the enemy strength in the vicinity. In contrast, Axis observation posts were eagerly relaying the approach of the vanguard.