Original: WWII Allied invasion of Sicily : The allied invasion of Axis-controlled Europe begins with landings on the island of Sicily off mainland Italy , by the U.S. Army 45th Infantry Division and a number of Allied paratroopers .
Simplified: July 10 -- World War II : The Allies begin their invasion of Axis-controlled Europe with landings on the island of Sicily , off mainland Italy by the U.S. Army 45th Infantry Division .