Chapter 16
On October 1 at 9.30 am the Anglo-Americans, led by an American squadron of M4 Sherman tanks, had entered Naples scowling like proud winners. But since the Neapolitans had welcomed them as liberators amid enthusiastic ovations, their attitude had softened; and furthermore, there were descendants of Neapolitans who had emigrated to the United States among the Americans and some of them had relatives in the city: strangers to them, but relatives just the same.
Mariapia, with her trusty Garand on her shoulder, had joined the cheering crowd on each side that was watching the passage of a motorized unit of American infantrymen. Unexpectedly, a resolute corporal of the Military Police had approached and disarmed her, almost tearing her rifle from her, admonishing her sharply. He the
