American soldiers clean up a hospital shelled by the Germans. Anzio Area, Italy. April 10, 1944.

Source: National Archives (111-SC-189163)

Serving on the front lines at Anzio beach, Babe Ciarlo never revealed his experiences in his letters home.

Waterbury's Babe Ciarlo, and his sister, Olga, on the day that he left for the Army.

Source: The Ciarlo Family

Waterbury's Babe Ciarlo, and his sister, Olga. She would welcome receiving Babe's letters, which never reflected what he saw as he fought in Italy.

Source: The Ciarlo Family

Corado "Babe" Ciarlo grew up in Waterbury, and lived with his family at 1032 North Main Street. His parents had immigrated to America from Italy, and his father, Tomaso, ran a successful grocery store and butcher’s shop. But in 1937, Tomaso passed away, leaving his widow, Martina, to care for . . .

Babe Ciarlo writes home before going overseas, telling his family "the war will be over soon."

On October 20, 1943, Babe Ciarlo writes home.

Corado "Babe" Ciarlo was with the Fifth Allied Army, somewhere in Italy. His letters home were the most important thing his mother's life.

Samples of letters home written by Babe Ciarlo

Source: The Ciarlo Family

Babe Ciarlo writes home from basic training.

A Western Union telegram addressed to the Ciarlo family with news of Babe Ciarlo's death. It's dated June 26, 1944.

Source: The Ciarlo Family

Former servicemen turn out at the Waterbury train station for the return of Babe Ciarlo's coffin. Ciarlo wrote home often before being killed in Italy.

Source: The Ciarlo Family

In a Waterbury cemetery, Soldiers and Sailors remove the American flag from Babe Ciarlo's coffin. Ciarlo wrote home often before falling in Italy.

Source: The Ciarlo Family

Page two of a letter from Babe Ciarlo to his family, May 19, 1944.

Source: The Ciarlo Family

Page one of a letter from Babe Ciarlo to his family, May 19, 1944.

Source: The Ciarlo Family

Page 3 of a letter from Babe Ciarlo to his family, May 19, 1944.

Source: The Ciarlo Family

Waterbury's Babe Ciarlo, and his mother, who spoke very little English. He wrote her often during the war.

Source: The Ciarlo Family

Infantrymen grab sleep where they can. Normandy, France, July 1944.

Source: National Archives (111-SC-191444)

Bill Mauldin worked for Stars and Stripes during the war. His cartoons were viewed by GIs serving in Europe.

Source: Copyright 1945 by Bill Mauldin. Displayed courtesy of the William Mauldin Estate.

Allied amphibious operation in Italy from January to May 1944. The idea for an invasion of mainland Italy emerged from the British, most notably Prime Minister Winston L. S. Churchill. The Americans opposed the operation for fear that it might weaken preparations for Operation OVERLORD, the cross-Channel invasion of France. . .