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"This incredible scene captures one of the most controversial Allied missions of World War II - the aerial bombing of the monastery at Monte Cassino, Italy. In early 1944, American efforts to advance toward Rome were hindered by heavy German emplacements along the Gustav Line. A part of this defensive network included the town of Cassino, with its historic hilltop abbey founded in the 6th century. Four attempts were made to capture the hilltop using conventional assaults - each was a failure. Believing that German defenders were using the religious facility as an observation post, the decision was made to destroy the site using 1,400 tons of high explosives delivered via aerial bombing. The resulting ruins, making excellent fortifications, were inhabited by Wehrmacht troops who put up a stout resistance. The view was illustrated by Technical Sergeant O.P. Williams of the 71st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Brigade. T/Sgt. Williams documented the destruction of Monte Cassino from the nearby slopes of Mt. Sammucro (Sambucaro). The small village of San Vittore del Lazio is nestled in the valley, surrounded by carefully plowed fields. Two tiny planes, presumably the source of the bombs, return to base, somewhere over the horizon. Over 140 planes, B-17s, B-25s, and B-26s, took place in the attack. According to the National WWII Museum; " The total ruin of Monte Cassino evoked mixed emotions on both sides and remains one of the most debated decisions of the war itself. Americans with loved ones and friends involved in the conflict were angry that their family members might be risking their lives to save a building. Preceding the bombing, soldiers and spectators camped out for an optimal view of the destruction. When the initial bombs hit the Abbey, cheers emanated from the troops and reporters below. Many American newspapers published the falsehood that the monastery was inhabited by German troops, capitalizing on the headline that the Nazis violated the religious institution to use it as a safe haven. Instead, the bombing of Monte Cassino became fodder for the German propaganda machine to smear the United States as enemies of ancient and religious traditions. In the end, the destruction of the Abbey proved to be incredibly detrimental to the Allies." Sources: National World War II Museum;" Sheet Width (in) 10.5 Sheet Height (in) 8 Condition Description Two sheets, a manuscript and printed version. The former is done in pencil and colored ink and shows some light wear along the outer edges and a small spot in the upper left corner. The print is on thicker, yellow paper and shows scattered soiling and surface abrasions, concentrated most heavily in the upper right. Both are blank on the verso.
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