| As American forces approached Chartres and its magnificent Gothic cathedral, rumors swirled that German snipers occupied the towers. When faced with the destruction of a cultural treasure or saving the lives of soldiers, military leaders had the authority to destroy the historic monuments as a last resort. Earlier in the war, the abbey of Montecassino in Italy suffered total destruction to prevent German snipers from using its advantageous positions. Chartres Cathedral, however, survived the war due to the efforts of two American soldiers. Colonel Wellborn Griffith and a fellow soldier moved into Chartres undetected by the Germans. Climbing the towers, they noticed no signs of any Germans. Returning to his unit, Griffith informed his officers of his findings. |
