Following its destruction, paratroopers of the elite German 1st Parachute Division then occupied the ruins of the abbey and turned it into a fortress and observation post, which became a serious problem for the attacking allied forces.

The German 1st Parachute Division, also known as a Fallschirmjäger division, were highly experienced having seen action in Russia, Crete, and North Africa, prior to Italy. They were some of the most battle hardened troops in the entire German Army.