During May and June of 1944 the Mighty O had the unique experience of
being detached to a multi-national force. The Anzio invasion, south of Rome,
had occurred four months earlier and still Allies were trapped in the
beachhead area. So that naval gunfire could be applied to deeper targets,
the French cruiser Emil Vertin and the British AA cruiser Dido, were
employed because of their excellent artillery.
The Ordronaux and a sister, USS MacKenzie, would screen for these ships,
contributing their fire support as well. Some claim there was a conspiracy
in assigning the two American destroyers to this force due to their unique
Anglo-French names. Nevertheless, the mixed unit proved to be a effective
team.
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