High ground

This was one of the many hills the Germans occupied in Southern Italy.  They were entrenched on this sight.  The Allies, on the valley floor, never had a chance.

Rome was captured on June 4 1944.  D-Day and the Normandy invasion, on June 6, got all of the press.  Italy was the real bloodbath.  Reconnoiter patrols of six men would leave and never return.  Men drowned trying to cross the Rapido River.

 The view from the Abbey...