Italian Civilians Victims Of German Ruthlessness A.S soldier helps liberated Italian Civilians remove the body of young woman form the ruins of her home, which was destroyed what delayed action mine planted by retreating German forces in Italy exploded. In desperate efforts to slow the advance of the ***** Fifth Army pushing them back towards Rome, the Germans plated land mines close to the homes of Italian civilians. December 20, 1943. (Photo by U.S Office Of War Information Picture).