No, I wouldn't say Mark Clark was an idiot, but like a lot of generals, he had a big ego. He was likely jealous of Ike and wanted to become president, too, but becoming the first conqueror of Rome from the south since Belisarius didn't accomplish what he wanted.

No, I would have to say that bombing the monastery at Monte Cassino was one of the dumbest moves by the Western Allies in the entire war.

Possibly, but with the big guns of the navy as heavy artillery to back VI Corps up, it would likely have been a close-run thing.

Yes, I'd have to think that a better man than John Lucas should've been in charge at Anzio. For example, what if Patton had taken a temporary reduction in rank to major general just to command VI Corps?

A statement I'd like to make: I think Italy is the most underrated theater of the whole war, especially after the taking of Rome. All the headlines went to France after that. The soldiers who fought in Italy deserve more credit than their descendants normally give them--and that goes for the men on both sides.

Yours,
Paul