Place:

Valle Castellana

Province:

Teramo

Region:

Abruzzo

Assistance provided:

Food and shelter

Start date:

September 1943

End date:

01 November 1943 (killed)

Description:

Pacifico, a 57 years old farmer, was the head of a large family (including 9 children). When some prisoners knocked on his door, he did not hesitate to offer them food and shelter. However, due to an informant’s tip-off, the house was soon reached by a squad of Germans and fascists who found Pacifico, some of his family members, and three Allied soldiers there. According to some witnesses, Pacifico tried to defend himself by wielding an axe, but the house was soon set on fire. He died in the blaze. The Allied soldiers were recaptured.

Bibliography:

B.G. Lett, Italy’s Outstanding courage. The Story of a Secret Civilian Army in World War Two, Independently published , 2020.

Archival sources:

"NARA, Records of Allied Operational and Occupation Headquarters, World War II Claim, Series (RG. 331): Approved Death Claims Claim ""File 16671D"""