A former WWII American soldier who two years ago met in Bologna the 80-something former children he nearly show before photographing near the Emilian capital in 1944 on Sunday turned 99 years of age.
The man, Martin Adler, met Bruno, Mafalda and Giuliana Naldi at
Bologna Airport in August 2021 hen he was 97, 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 former children he nearly killed during World War II
after a successful search via social media in 2020.
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 in December 2020
with Bruno, Mafalda and Giuliana Naldi, who are now 86, 85 and
82 respectively.
On Sunday Adler's daughter Rachelle Adler Donley said amid a
wave of birthday wishes: "My father, I can never thank him
enough for all the sacrifices has has made in his life. I have
learned so much from him by doing research on his wartime
stories. He opened up to me in the last 15 years and I feel
lucky to have his trust and love. Thanks Dad for your sacrifice
and service".
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