A 97-year-old former WWIII
American soldier on Monday met in Bologna the 80-something
former children he photographed after nearly killing them near
the Emilian capital in 1944.
The man, Martin Adler, met Bruno, Mafalda and Giuliana Naldi at
Bologna Airport, greeted them warmly from his wheelchair and
brought them some chocolate and a rose, wearing a t-shirt saying
"Martin's bambini, forever kids".
The former United States soldier managed to make contact with
the three children he nearly killed during World War II after a
successful search via social media last year.
Adler, a native of the Bronx, entered a house in Monterenzio,
near Bologna, with a companion of the 339th Infantry Regiment
during the Italian campaign in October 1944.
Once inside they heard sounds coming from a basket and they were
ready to shoot as they thought German soldiers were hiding
there.
But the mother rushed in shouting 'bambini, bambini!' before
they opened fire.
When he saw three small children, two girls and a boy, Adler's
heart melted and he asked the mother if he could take a photo
with them.
After 76 years, he decided to try and track them down, although
it was not an easy task, given that he did not know their names
or that of the town.
But his daughter Rachelle made an appeal via social media and,
with the help of Italian writer Matteo Incerti, the mission was
completed.
As a result Adler was able to have a video call on December 15
with Bruno, Mafalda and Giuliana Naldi, who are now 84, 83 and
80 respectively.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
