During the preparation for the crossing of the Moro River, south of Leonardo, and sw of Ortona a German salvo hit the leading companies as they prepared for the order to go forward.

” Lt. Duncan Grant was wounded so seriously he later died: an unlucky salvo crashed into Baker Company’ slits, killing Pte. Emmell Austin and wounding 2 others; Cpls. Jim Adamson and Douglas Begg and 6 additional men were wounded before midnight of the 7th. ” Dileas page 417