Shannon Stirnweis (American, B. 1931) "Rome Falls to Allies" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 50c Rome Falls To Allies 1944 mint stamp issued June 4, 1994. For nine long months, Allied forces crept toward Rome, battling rugged terrain, inclement weather and fierce resistance from the German army. A series of bloody conflicts marked their progress as they inched closer to the Eternal City. Finally, on June 4, 1944, despite Germany's skillful defensive tactics, Lieutenant General Mark W. Clark's 5th Army penetrated the environs of Rome with an interminable advance of infantry and tanks. The next day, the retreating Germans were headed 150 miles north, while U.S. Forces were inside the liberated city. That same day, Clark entered Rome at the head of a some convoy of Jeeps and was greeted by a cheering throng. Image Size: 15 x 22.75 in. Overall Size: 19.25 x 26.5 in. Unframed. (B14669)