The spirits of the Austrian troops
had been definitely weakened. They were war wearied, and evidence began
to accumulate that Austria's drive was a "hunger offensive."
As the battle continued reports began to arrive of the gallant deeds of
American airmen, who were helping in the fighting along the front. The
airmen were assisting in destroying the bridges that the Austrians were
trying to throw across the river. The Piave was now a vast cataract and
the bridges which it had not washed down were constantly destroyed by
the aviators. The Austrians on the western bank were finding it
difficult to obtain supplies and were resorting to hydroplanes for that
purpose. On June 24th the Austrian attack had definitely failed and they
were fleeing in disorder across the Piave. One hundred and eighty
thousand men had already been lost and forty thousand were hemmed in on
the western side of the river. The Austrian communications were
emphasizing the difficulties they were meeting with through the heavy
rains.
The victory of the Italians, which was now apparent, was received all
over Italy with great public rejoicing. Italy had been repenting in
sackcloth and ashes her defeat of the previous fall. Now they had made
amends and were showing what the Italian soldier could really do. In
America, and among the Allied Powers, there was great enthusiasm, and
Secretary of War Baker sent this congratulatory message to the Italian
Minister of War:
Your Excellency: The people of the United States are watching with
enthusiasm and admiration the splendid exploits of the great army of
Italy in resisting and driving back the enemy forces which recently
undertook a major offensive on the Italian front.
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