Today in World War II History

70 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 15th Evacuation Hospital at Nicosia, Sicily for supposed cowardice—the patient suffered from malaria and combat fatigue (first of two such incidents).