160704-N-NU281-142 ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 4, 2016) The guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) transits the Atlantic Ocean alongside aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), not pictured. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on an 8-month combat deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin R. Pacheco/Released)
Note the distinctive Anzio Beach head flag flown by the cruiser and authorized by the Navy:
At first glance, the ANZIO Beach Head flag strikes one as a colorful, almost pirate-esque decoration. However, there is a much greater meaning to this symbol. In examining the flag, we see the representation of ship and aircraft that symbolize that massive loss of these American, British, and Canadian assets of war.
The skull represents Adolf Hitler’s personal guarantee to “turn the Anzio beach head into ‘death’s head'”
The red reminds us of the massive carnage of the battle that claimed the lives of over 28,000 Allied servicemen.
The blue represents the ocean, from which the assault was launched.
The line between the 2 colors exhibits the “Gustav Line” that divided Italy from Nazi control.
From the Germans:
