[middie]

You are correct.The U.S. doctrine developed after the Monte Cassino bombing in the Italian Winter of 1943-44. The rubble of the monastery gave the Germans a better and more effective field of fire on the allied troops (primarily Polish) advancing up the mountain after the air strike that destroyed every building.

History has several examples of the effect. The British learned that lesson after their artillery leveled an enemy town in the Crimean War---I believe it was the seige of Taganrog. The Russian riflemen used the rubble as cover to exact a toll from the British.

[Turborules]

Stalingrad was another good example...the very best Germany good send failed...the Russians knew the city well and the rubble was a snipers haven for them to destroy the moral and leadership of the German forces...what a horrible battle!

[FreedomPoster]

I'm glad I read the thread before reacting to some of the initial questions/comments. Monte Cassino was the first thing I thought of, when I saw the calls to "level" the town first.