Opening scene displays map of Italy, Sardinia, and Corsica. A German soldier at the front in the area of Monte Cassino, reads military news entitled, "South Front" which contains news about the battle of Monte Cassino, in Italy during World War 2. The high hill known as Monte Cassino and the Monastery located there are seen in the background. German troops are seen hidden among foliage at the base of the hill. One is hunkered down behind an M-42 machine gun equipped with a tripod. Glimpse of troops in trench, conversing. Next, American aircraft (too far away to see) begin bombing the Monte Cassino hilltop and Monastery. Numerous explosions are seen and heard as the bombs explode. A German soldier jumps over a stone wall to find better protection. German soldier observes through binoculars. At a campsite, where some clothes are drying in the background, Several German officers consult maps and discuss their plans. German infantry move into new positions at the base of the hill. One fires short bursts from an M-42 machine gun. Others fire their rifles. One uses a Schiessbecher to fire a rocket propelled grenade with his rifle. As they advance further, they come upon the bodies of several dead American soldiers. They capture an American soldier and disarm him. They capture several more American soldiers and march them back from the front. German officers interrogate the captured soldiers. Finger points at a location on an area map. German artillery then fires at that position. Artillery officers use periscopic binoculars to monitor the targeting. German artillery shells burst in a valley below the Monte Cassino hill.
Allied troops in Italy during the Operation Shingle Italian campaign of World War II. Several LSTs (Landing Ship, Tanks), trucks and soldiers at Anzio. Army trucks backing into an LST. A 155mm gun is pushed into an LST by a M4 High Speed Tractor. Several soldiers beside the gunr. Columns of soldiers boarding the craft. The LST backing into the water. A Catholic chaplain with hands folded. The Chaplain with the soldiers during the consecration of the Mass. The stern of the LST. An LCI (Landing Craft Infantry) beside the LST. The task force is attacked by German dive bombers. Numerous bombs exploding in and around the ships. The LCI underway at sea. An LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel) loaded with troops underway at sea. A few LSTs on the beach. Amphibious vehicles in the background. The landing craft on the beach. Dead Germans lying on a street. Columns of German prisoners marching on a path. View of the prisoners wearing trench coats and caps. In Cassino, Italy : British troops fire artillery during the Battle of Monte Cassino. Small mud houses in Cassino. Several explosions in the area.
A film about the African American pilots in U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. A map of Italy. African American fighter Squadron pilots (99th Pursuit Squadron of Tuskegee Airmen) in Italy as they prepare for a mission. Men work on a United States Army Air Forces P-40 aircraft as they load bombs. View of their leader, Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Davis. Pilots of 1st African American Pursuit Squadron get in cockpits of P-40s. Aircraft taxi and take off. Aircraft in flight. An Italian city being bombed and smoke rises. African American pilots of U.S. Army Air Forces.
French soldiers in a half truck on a highway. Custom Officers and French soldiers talk to each other. American patrol soldiers march towards Menton, France as they walk on paved path along a road. Soldiers at the Franco Italian border look over into Italy. (World War II period).
Nazi Supreme Court trial of the Anti- Hitler 'July 20 Plot'. Field Marshall Wilhelm Keitel heads trial of Colonel Von Stauffenberg in connection with 'July 20 Plot'. Trials in Courtroom show judges, accused and witnesses in the courtroom. Large number of spectators in the room. Former Ambassador to Italy Von Hassel on trial. Court finds those on trial guilty. Spectators stand while the accused announced guilty.
Allied troops head towards Anzio, Italy during World War II. LSTs (Landing Ship Tanks) underway in the Mediterranean Sea as a barrage balloon flies overhead. A sailor aboard an LST looks through binoculars. An officer checks a navigational compass aboard LST-358. He checks the compass and move down stairs.