The assault was a dual operation with British forces and was of great importance due to the Suez Canal. This all-out assault by Allied forces must cross the Western Front into North Africa for Allied forces (Nieves, 36th Combat Engineers - 2826th, 2827th & 2828th Bns, 2015). The Anzio Campaign began on January 22, 1944 and ended on May 24, 1944. The campaign was very successful thanks to the decision to launch a winter amphibious assault. German soldiers were unprepared for a winter attack. Soldiers of the 36th Engineer Regiment held 7 miles of the front lines for 50 days. During the battle, German soldiers gave the nickname "The Little Sea Horse Division" to the soldier wearing the 36th Engineer Regiment patch (Nieves, 36th Combat Engineers - 2826th, 2827th & 2828th Bns, 2015). The assault on Naples-Foggia began on September 9, 1943 and ended on January 21, 1944. This beach landing took place on the Italian front. The 36th Engineer Regiment helps support both the Ranger Regiment and the 36th Infantry Division. During the assault, Axis forces established a defense in the Apennine Mountains and the Gustav Lines. The 36th Engineer Regiment fought and built 3 Bailey Bridges during this assault, which facilitated travel throughout Italy (Nieves, 36th Combat Engineer Regiment - 2826th, 2827th and 2828th Bns ,