Monte Cassino - 1944

In the winter of 1943, as troops began their move north through Italy toward Rome, Allied command expected to face strong resistance from the Germans at the steep peak of Monte Cassino.

But conquering this mountain stronghold would prove tougher than even the most pessimistic Allied predictions.

Breaking through the line at Monte Cassino in central Italy's Apennine mountain range took five months and required soldiers from six Allied nations participating in four major ground and amphibious assaults.