Today in World War II History—August 3, 1943
Thursday, August 3, 2023 by Sarah Sundin

Gen. George Patton talking to wounded soldiers of the US 3rd Infantry Division waiting for air evacuation, 1943 (US National Archives RG-208-AA-158-A-015)
80 Years Ago—Aug. 3, 1943: German paratroopers arrive outside Rome to “protect” against an 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).