Today in World War II History—Aug. 3, 1943

Gen. George Patton in Gela, Sicily, July 1943 (US National Archives)

75 Years Ago—Aug. 3, 1943: German paratroopers arrive outside Rome to “protect” against Allied invasion, but really to occupy the city in case Italy surrenders.

Gen. George Patton slaps a patient at the US 15th Evacuation Hospital at Nicosia, Sicily for supposed cowardice—the patient suffered from malaria and combat fatigue (first of two such incidents).