the editorial team
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Giogo Pass and related re-enactments on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, 2024, two World War II veterans, Arthur Shak and Donald Brower, both centenarians, returned to Italy to commemorate this historic event. These two American airmen from the 15th U.S. Air Force, were among those who risked their lives in the skies over Europe, contributing decisively to the liberation of the continent. Their visit, made possible thanks to crowdfunding linked to the book ’The Rifle 2,“ allowed the Italian public to honor the memory of the combatants and hear the extraordinary testimonies of those who experienced firsthand the tragic events of the war in italy. Shak and Brower's journey was not only a return to the places where they fought, but also a unique opportunity to celebrate their extraordinary contribution to freedom and pass on their example to future generations. Between historical re-enactments, memorial ceremonies and visits to symbolic sites, this experience engaged a wide audience, eager to pay tribute to these men and their legacy.
Thanks to Andrew Biggio and *The Rifle* for the adventure.
The return to Italy of Arthur Shak and Donald Brower was made possible through the initiative of Andrew Biggio, an author and veteran, who organized a crowdfunding campaign linked to his book “The Rifle 2.“ The fundraiser was a great success, enabling Shak and Brower to travel back to Italy and revisit the places where they fought during the war. The initiative involved a wide network of supporters, who were moved by the stories of these two heroes, and made it possible to cover all expenses for their trip, including necessary medical care. The book ”The Rifle 2" tells the stories of several World War II veterans and is an important testimony to the sacrifice made by men like Shak and Brower, whose return to Italy was celebrated as a living tribute to historical memory.
The veterans visiting the MuGot Museum and the reenactments at Giogo Pass
On August 31, Arthur Shak and Donald Brower were honored guests at MuGot, the Gothic Line Museum, where they shared their wartime memories with the public and direct witnesses of the conflict, such as Massimo and Giuseppina, who were children at the time. The following day, they participated in the celebrations at the Giogo Pass, witnessing historical reenactments that recreated the crucial moments of the battle. The event was attended by numerous costumed actors and a large audience, eager to learn the stories of those who lived on the front lines during the war.
During the ceremony, a hand-engraved copper plaque was unveiled to commemorate the anniversary, and the “PFC Andrew Biggio Square” was officially named in honor of a fallen American soldier. The entire day was a heartfelt and participatory tribute, full of emotion, honoring not only the veterans present, but all those who fought and sacrificed their lives for freedom.
The visit to the Nettuno American Cemetery
A particularly poignant moment of the trip was Arthur Shak's visit to the U.S. military cemetery in Nettuno, where one of his comrades who fell during a bombing mission over Vienna rests. This sacred site, which houses the remains of more than 7,800 American soldiers who died in Italy during World War II, was a point of deep reflection for Shak. Eighty years later, Shak was able to pay tribute to his comrade and all those who did not return home. This gesture was a reminder of how devastating the human cost of war was and how important it is to preserve the memory of those who gave their lives for peace.
Their war stories.
Arthur Shak and Donald Brower are living witnesses to one of the most dramatic phases of world history. During the war, both were members of the U.S. Air Force, serving in two different capacities. Shak served as a navigator on a B-24 dedicated to strategic bombing against Axis forces. The B-24, with its large flight range and ability to carry over 3,600 kg of bombs, was used on numerous crucial missions to strike strategic targets throughout Europe. This aircraft, while powerful, required courage and skill from the crew to handle constant dangers, including enemy fire and harsh weather conditions. Shak participated in more than 50 missions, a heroic feat considering the high casualty rate that characterized bombing operations. Brower, on the other hand, was in charge of transferring bomber and fighter aircraft from the United States to the Italian theater of war by making dozens and dozens of dangerous Atlantic crossings. Their stories include extraordinary episodes, such as an emergency landing in Serbia and a desperate attempt to free bombs stuck in the hold of a plane. Through these experiences, we can only imagine the courage required to take on such dangerous missions.
