On 29 July 1943, after 20 days of combat, it was clear to both the Allied and German high commands that Sicily was lost and  80,000-100,000 American and British troops would break through the German and Italian Etna Line. The US 7th Army commander, Lieutenant General George S. Patton Jr, had ordered the US 1st and 9th Infantry Divisions to be moved into the valley to attack the city of Troina. Generals Omar Bradley (the commander of US II Corps) and Patton ordered the two divisions be pulled out of the line once Troina fell.
On July 29, 1943, after 20 days of fighting, it became evident that Sicily had been lost. Approximately 80,000-100,000 American and British troops would break through the German and Italian Etna Line. US Army General George S. Patton Jr ordered the US 1st and 9th Infantry Divisions to attack Troina. Generals Omar Bradley (commander of US II Corps) and Patton instructed the two divisions to withdraw from the line once Troina was captured.