Look back through history and see WWII through Mario Pazzaglia's, an Italian Commandante, eyes. You may not like what you see... war, destruction, and death are never beautiful.

Manco il fortuno, Non il valore.
We were short on luck, Not on bravery.

So reads the inscription on the Italian memorial at the El Alamein battlefield. It has been said that the Italian army was short on more than luck. Never the less these words certainly apply to Mario Pazzaglia. His bravery is attested to in this web site. His luck ran out on January 1, 1942 when he encountered the British mine that mortally wounded him. His bravery continued as he wrote his family assuring them that his wounds were more embarrassing than serious. He died on January 12, 1942.

Get acquainted with the political climate of Italy and its role in the Second World War by reading the introductory essay and seeing what Mario Pazzaglia saw through his camera lens in Gallery. Get a feel for the man, by reading the translation of the clipping on the left.

Read Mario's thoughts on the war and descriptions of what happened in Writings.

Tell us how you were affected by this exhibition by posting your comments in Feedback.

Finally, visit Credits to find who made this exhibit possible.