5th ARMY

Genuine WWII US Fifth Army shoulder sleeve insignia.

One of the most controversial incidents in Fifth Army history occurred during the Liberation of Rome. The strategic design of General Sir Harold Alexander, commander of the Allied Armies in Italy, called for the forces of the VI Corps, advancing from Anzio, to capture the retreating German forces, and be neutralized by the Fifth and Eighth Armies. However, in violation of orders, Clark diverted the VI Corps units to Rome, leaving a small contingent to block the Germans. This was not done, and the German forces managed to escape and reestablish a coherent line north of Rome. Clark claims that there were significant German threats that necessitated the diversion, but many believe that he was primarily seeking glory by being the first to liberate Rome. Mark Wayne Clark believes that this plot was intended to glorify Alexander.