World Battlefronts: A Symbol Falls

To themselves and to much of the world Cassino had become a symbol of Nazi invincibility. Three times since January the Germans had turned back whatever Allies—New Zealanders, Americans, British, Indian Gurkhas—had attempted to drive them out of the town and out of the ancient Benedictine monastery on a nearby hilltop. Said a Nazi general order captured last week: "Cassino has become synonymous with underlying heroism for the Germans. Hell to the Führer!"

Last week, six days after the new offensive in Italy began, Cassino was in Allied hands. So were 1,500 "Green...