On the back edge of the parking lot, behind the Municipal building.

A large granite stone, about 10 feet tall, with an inscribed brass plaque attached it the front; the stone is bordered by a chain attached it artillery shells.

Operation Encore took place form February 18 to March 5, 1945. The purpose of this limited operation was to take high ground (over 3800 ft) to better postion the 5^th US Army for a Spring Offensive to push into the Po Valley. Castel d’Aiano was liberated on March 5, 1945.

From the Gothic Line website: On February 19, General George P. Hayes commander of the 10th Mountain Division sent the order for the attack, on the Gothic Line, to the three regiments. In order to achieve maximum surprise there was no artillery fire. The ground forces were supported by reconnaissance aircraft led by "Rover Joe" and coordinated on the ground by "Rover Pete". The assault of 87th Regiment developed from the departure line, near the village of Quercianella to the locality of Corona.

The 2nd Battalion turned west through the small village of Polla to Rocca Corneta. 

The 1st Battalion turned on the left slope towards the summit of Monte Belvedere simultaneously the 3rd Battalion of the 85th Regiment were climbing up from the southern slope. Monte Gorgolesco was assaulted by the 1st Battalion of the 85th Regiment and Mazzancana from the 3 rd Battalion of the 86th Regiment. After breaking through the German line, the action proceeded to Ronchidoso, Monte della Torraccia on February 24, 1945, Monte Terminale in the Iola di Montese area on March 3, the small town of Pietracolora on March 4 and the hill town Castel d'Aiano was seized on March 5, 1945. The three regiments of the 10th Mountain Division held their positions on Monte Grande d'Aiano and Monte della Spe for the following two weeks.

The text on the plaque is written in English and in Italian.  The English reads:

DEDICATED

WITH GRATITUDE AND RESPECT

TO ALL THE CITIZENS AND ALLIED FORCES

WHO FOUGHT, SUFFERED AND DIED

IN ORDER TO FREE THIS LAND

FROM THE TYRANNY

OF DICTATORIAL OPPRESSION

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

10^TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION

(SYMBOL OF THE 10^TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION)

7 GIUGNO 1979