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We have been contacted by peoples from all over the world--by e-mail and snail mail--who support the making of this documentary. We wanted to share a few of those letters with you:

An e-mail from the daughter of a Cassino resident at the time of the battles -- 1/10/03 [stephanie.facchini@rogers.com]
Hi
My father was born in 1930 and was approx 12-14 during WW II. He is from the region surrounding Cassino. He took me there when I was 12. At 12, your not old enough to appreciate what happened. My father told me some wild stories.

He was a very daring and brave teen. The Nazi soldiers captured his aunt's home to use as headquarters. My father's family was very poor, so when it started getting cold, my dad managed to steal a Nazi jacket and boots. Don't ask me how but he did it!! He also needed rope for work on the farm, so he went and CUT the German communication lines to use for rope!! As I said he was a very brave kid. Also, a South African plane was shot down near my dad's home. The pilot survived. I believe his name is Frank Kiss or Kissinger. He is from Johannesburg. He was 24 yrs old. He was wounded and my dad and his family took him in, hid him from the Nazi's and nursed him back to health. All my dad remembers about him is that he had flaming red hair, and that they all named him Giovanni, as if he was a pet. 25 years later, Frank (the South African) went back to Italy to visit my dad and his family, with is wife and daughter. But at that time they all moved to Toronto. Only a few relatives were left there. Frank was given an address in Canada to write to my aunt. My aunt remembers the letter that she got but for some reason, she never wrote him back. Which I think is just dumb! I hoped she had some way of being able to contact him. I've wanted to find him for my dad but have not been successful. As far as I know, he remains in Johannesburg. Is your documentary done? I would love to see it! And that's my story

Stephanie

A Letter to President Bill Clinton from John Williams--Vet of Cassino

20th December 2000

Dear Mr. President,

I have to write to you at the end of your term in office because I have so much respect for you and your fmaily. I will be 82 on the 8th January, and have seen many Presidents before you, and to me and many, many Britishers you have been the best by far. You have done so much for your own country, for being a great friend to us, Northern Ireland, Israel/Palestine and elsewhere.
During World War II, my regiment came under the American 5th Army, for the landings at Salerno and progression up the Italian country. I got on well with the Americans, as we all did, and I have ever since. I have great friends in Califormia, Washington State, and truly love your country and the people.
Last year Grand Island Films took me to Cassino, Italy, to take part in a documentary regarding the Battle of Monte Cassino. (I have enclosed some literature which I hope will interest you). I got on so well with the American crew that I was invited to stay with the Director and family in Manhattan, New York, and also with the Cameraman who lives with his fiance (they are now married) in Brooklyn.
I so loved the city, so vibrant, so colourful, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Central Park, and the people, so kind and helfpful. I travelled a lot by myself on the Subway, and never had any fears.
Alan Winson of Grand Island Films (they are only a very small company) had hoped to have the two hour film ready for T.V. this year, but unfortunately have run out of funds to complete; a pity because there are interviews form many soldiers from various countries including members of the American 34th and 36th Divisions who suffered so badly.
May God Bless you and your family always. Thank you for being who you are. Great sucess to Hilary and Chelsea.

Very sincerely,
John E. Williams

FROM: Dennis George Henry Hughes, Ontario Canada. e-mail: oblio@home.com

Hello,   I am sorry I have no stories to tell you about the Battle.  A show on PBS would be excellent.  
My Father, Donald Hughes. Served with the Lancashire Fusiliers, 1939-1946.   His W.W.2 campaign had him in North Africa, and pushing towards Italy.  
He never talked much about his experience , except to say that the Battle for Monte Cassino was one he would remember, as he was there.
Donald Hughes passed away October 07, 1996.  As his elder son I have been doing some research on his war time experience.    It would be a great loss for future generations not to know what our Fathers endured through these terrible times. The sacrifices that were made by many individuals.   I have my Father's Medals in a special frame on a wall were I see them every day, and wonder what he experienced/suffered in this great struggle.
It is a sad commentary in this day and age of innovation and technology (MTV.  Pokemon, 130? t.v. channels, etc.). That what these people went through to give us these choices........is some kid telling his buddy, hey! there is a good war movie  on tonight.
I am sorry I have no story to tell, other than my Father was there, and if it were not for him and Father's like him, of which there are many.  I would not be able to e-mail you like I am now.  

Thank You for Listening.  

FROM: 440644. J.P.McFaull - 2 NZ Division; 4 Field Ambulance (ASC attached - I was a driver); evacuation of battle casualties.

I was a New Zealand soldier at the Cassino battles. I will answer your detailed questions below.

I have read your various notes about Cassino. You will note that I do not refer specifically to Monte Cassino because this was just one aspect of the series of battles that as you have noted prevailed for about 6 months from the initial valiant but badly conceived attack by the Texans until the final successful attack by tantamount to two Armies.

Apart from the details below, I hope that your project will give to me an answer to the puzzling question that besets most Cassino veterans. The question is "why is it that this battle holds such a pervading memory on us all. I fought at the battles in Italy from November 1943 (Sangro) until our New Zealand finally captured Trieste in May 1945. Yet, it is Cassino that remains strongly in my memory. It was a dismal, brooding place with the constant smell of death. The monastery of Monte Cassino was a small part of the overall action, but it epitomised the general feeling of that place. It was to me and my comrades an evil black symbol that characterised the equally evil and brutal enemy. The German nation. Not, you will note the
Nazis, as many apologists for that warmongering nation of indiscriminate killers attempt to shift the blame from the German people.

Thus I hope that you do not let the pile of bricks and mortar that was Monte Cassino dominate your series. Whether it was occupied or not is irrelevant. The fact is that it was a key feature in the defensive line and as such it had to go.

I wish to draw your attention to another matter. In your text you refer to 'New Zealanders (including Maoris)'. Please be advised that Maoris ARE New Zealanders. Your reference is akin to describing 'American soldier(including Blacks). I am sure that you do not clearly understand the nature of this multicultural Nation.

I have an interesting, (to me at least) memory. I was at an evacuation post about halfway between Trocchio and Cassino town. With us there was a driver of an AFS ambulance whose first name was Sam. I cannot recall his surname. Our work was mostly at night so that during the days Sam (who was as blind as a bat but an outstanding driver who took the risks of the job as 'matter-of-factly' as we all did) taught us how to play 5 card and 7 card stud poker. The point that I am making that even in the circumstances such as those at Cassino, we could all live relatively normal lives. We did have
fun and just got on with the job.

How did you enter the War? New Zealand entered WW2 in September 1939. All persons at age of 18 were required to register. I was 16 when war began I entered the Army when I was 19 and served for 4 years of which 2 years and a half were on active service overseas. I volunteered for overseas service when I was 20. I had observed the militant attitude of the German nation and wanted to oppose them . At that time I was not aware of their brutality, although mu Father, who was a veteran of WW1 had informed me. But war cannot be comprehended by those who have not experienced it.

Was it a good idea to bomb the Abbey? Yes. We knew it was to come and with great relief watched the American bombers destroy that Evil Monster.

Have you been back to Cassino sine the War? Yes. At least 6 times I  have been drawn back to Cassino and I am very well informed of the battles. (I should note that because ambulance drivers move from the close forward lines to the rear, they tend to be well informed. Since then I have traversed the Cassino region in detail.

What is your opinion today of your former enemies? I have never changed my opinion of the militant German nation. They remain evil to me and I do not enjoy visiting there.

Do you have any photos, letters, and/or journals from the time? No. My memories are deeply embedded in my mind.

FROM: Tony Vasquez M.D.,Ph.D,R.S.O. (son of a veteran of Monte Cassino)

Dear Sir,
My father is an eyewitness to the battle of Monte Cassino. He served in company M, 168th regiment of the 34th US division.
His unit actually attempted to reach Monte cassino. After suffering 50% casualities they were pulled back. He observed the bombing of Monte Cassino before being sent to Anzio.

He has told a story of a Major General (thought to be Ryder of the 34th Division) who came up to their position to complain that they were not advancing. My father (a private) told his Divisional commander that it was not possible to advance secondary to the Germans being able to see all activity below.He then stuck a helmet onto a bayonat and waved it over their position. It was immediately targeted by German fire. General Ryder then left their position not to return.

I believe that my father (who is still in good physical shape despite his war wounds)would be willing to provide you with an eyewitness account of this phase of the battle. He lives in Fresno, California.

Please let me know your thoughts.
FROM: Jeffrey Gallant, 5th U. S. Corps Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany.

Dear Sir or Madame:

     With kindest regards, may I introduce myself?  I am Jeffrey D. Gallant, and my father is a surviving veteran of the May 1944, final battle of Monte Cassino.  My father is the former Private First Class Edward Joseph Gallant, enlisted from Somerville, Massachusetts.  My dad is 78 years of age and resides in Whitinsville, Massachusetts.  My father was a basic infantryman.  he was assigned to the 88th Infantry Division, 350th Regiment, Company E, 1st Platoon, 1st Squad.  He was the squad Browning Automatic Rifleman (BAR).  My father is a highly decorated hero of the battles of 11 & 12 May 1944.  On the night of 11 May 1944, he advanced ahead of his unit while they were pinned down near Hill 316, which was their objective, on the division's right flank.  He personally and singlehandedly destroyed four enemy machine gun nests, accounted for a number of dead and captured German Soldiers.  He was wounded in his nightime foray, however he volunteered again on the morning of 12 May 1944, again, to advance ahead of his unit in an attempt to outflank hill 316 by Ventosa, Italy.  Again, he was wounded by small arms fire and was knocked silly by artillery and mine explosions, wounding him again and again.  However, again, he advanced and eliminated four more enemy machine gun emplacements and accounted for a large number of dead and captured soldiers.  He returned to his unit following the breakout which his actions ensured, and collapsed near death.  After being administered the last rites of the Catholic Church three times, my father was medically evacuated by the French Moroccans and survived as he does today.  The war basically ended for him at that time.  I have a copy of his original, censored for operational security reasons, award citation for the Silver Star for his actions, as well photos of him in Italy, and Boston area newspaper clippings from 1944, which reported on my father's greatness in battle.

If you are really interested in speaking with a hero of the battle that the 88th Infantry Division undertook, nobody, I proudly announce, is more heroic than my father.  I am fourty nine year old career U. S. Army senior Noncommissioned Officer, I am assigned to 5th U. S. Corps Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany.  We are trying to get my father on a plane to Germany, so we can take him to Monte Cassino, almost 60 years after his battle for life on Monte Cassino.   Ironically, I am married to a German woman, who's uncle, quite a bit older than her mother, was killed at the battle of Monte Cassino, he was in the German Waffen SS.

Most sincerely,   Jeffrey D. Gallant

     Alan:   Thank you sir, good to hear from you again.  I will forward this to my brothers whom live close to my 88th Infantry Division Veteran father in Massachusetts.  I sincerely wish you and all the good folks at Grand Isle the very best of Holidays and a prosperous New Year.

Sincerely.....Jeffrey Gallant 

FROM: Nancy Bowers

June 15, 2000

Dear Mr. Winson,
My father, who died in May 2000, fought in the Battle of Monte Cassino.  I have been researching the Battle for the last few years, to preserve the information for my two young sons. 

My research has been an extraordinary journey for me.  Because my father preferred not to talk about his war experience until near his death, I reached out to other veterans of Cassino and was overwhelmed by the willingness of these men to share their stories,  as well as their reluctance to burden their families by reliving the events.  What stories were to be told, as you are well aware!  Monte Cassino has been almost an obsession for me.

My father, Franklin Wilson, was a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.  He was Company Commander of Company B,  168th Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division.  The fighting during the February 7 - 15, 1944 period was perhaps the most dramatic for him.

I was thrilled to discover your website today, and I look forward to exploring it.

Regards,
Nancy Bowers

FROM: Livio Cavallaro, 1st Lt. Italian Army

Rome, March 21st 2000

I am 1st leutenent in the Italian Army. I am a parachute artilleryman and I served in the Brigata Paracadutisti "FOLGORE" (the Italian Parachute Brigade) for more than 12 years. Now I am, unfortunately, committed in a desk job at the Department of Defence in Rome.

Beside that I have been studing the battles for Cassino for more than 17 years. During this time, I have got a whole lot of documents, war diary, articols, books, videos, internet files about the battle. During this time I went to the Cassino area 20 to 30 times exlploring every hill, every road, every river, in a word every square meter of the battlefield (from the top of Mt. Cairo to the sea near Formia) to understand the fightings which took place around Cassino. So I have been able to know about the movements of every single battallion, allied or german, involved in the battles. In many cases I am able to explain the fightings to a company or platoon level, which means the knowledge of the unit's name, the unit's movements on the ground, timing of events and so on.

Some years ago I started writing a book about the battles for Cassino. I'm still working hard for it during my free time. I think it will not be ready to be printed before one year fron now.

So if you need a local historical advaisor for your film, I would be very happpy to help you. For example, if you will come on the battlefield again with some other veterans, I would be able to say where, how and when the veteran's unit fought, which was the enemy unit counterpart, and so on.

I don't ask you money at all, it would be a great satisfaction to me to help you in your really important opera: you are trying to not let die the memory of those who fought in that terrible but really interesting battles.

Please let me know about your next visit to Cassino, may be we could met. Excuse me for my poor use of written english. Good work.

Yours sincerely

Livio Cavallaro

FROM: Joe. Jonkler

My father (who despite his 90 years is as sprightly as the average 40 year old) served throughout WW2 with the 16th/5th. Lancers; an armoured regiment of the British 6th. armoured division which was "attached" to the US army. He served with them at Monte Cassino.

I remember when, after taking him to see "Saving Private Ryan" we went for a drink after the show and he regaled me with a series of anecdotes of his war years, something he had not previously done. He told me that Monte Cassino was easily the toughest and most savage battle that he witnessed during the war. Many incidents of saving private ryan accorded with what he saw and experienced there.

I am sure that he could be of help to you; if you would like to know more please contact me at the above.

Sincerely
Joe. Jonkler

FROM: David J. Geier   San Diego, CA

I am taking my father-in law to visit the area where most of his countrymen are buried. He was in the Polish forces after spending years in a camp in Russia. It had been many years before he was able to discuss the months in Italy and now at 80 years of age he would like to return. I want to do whatever I can to make this journey, perhaps his last, meaningful. If you have any recommendations or suggestions on what I might do for an old soldier please let me know.  

Thanks,   David J. Geier

FROM: Brian Cosgrove

My father, George Emmett Cosgrove, was a medic with the 672nd Medical Collecting Co, (Separate) with the 5th Army and witnessed the bombing of the Abbey at Monte Cassino. He has been dead for many years, but my brother and I would like to know the history of the 672nd during the Italian Campaign. I wonder if you might have any information on this. My dad spoke often of certain aspects of his exprerience in the war, but did not give us many details of his actual whereabouts, etc. I would like to maybe visit Italy and retrace his wartime steps. Any information you could give us would be greatly helpful.  

Sincerely,   Brian Cosgrove