While pouring over his archives and unfinished book in preparation for his memorial service, I was struck by his connection to Italy and the Italian people. He truly left his heart there.

Thank you again for your kindness.

Warmest regards
Lori (Cox) Grey

First, my sincere condolences on the passing of your dad, Harry Cox. He is part of a generation that knew some of the worst of American history — in more ways than one — but served their country with enormous distinction in a cause that had no ambiguity.

That small handful of men at Sommocolonia, all of them African-American, helped slow the final Axis offensive long enough to prevent a breakthrough that might have prolonged a terrible war. And they did it in the face of an enemy, Hitler’s army, that made no effort to conceal its contempt for all people of color.

I myself first learned of the Buffalo Soldiers from Dr. Randolph Bloomfield of New York City, when his daughter Diane married my brother. Dr. Randy was an NCO in the area just west of the Serchio Valley, where your dad was posted, and he told me of the Battle of Sommocolonia long before its importance was formally acknowledged — 50 years after it occurred — by President Clinton.

What I noticed in speaking with many Buffalo veterans, at the ceremony that honored them here in Italy, is what I came to admire so much in Dr. Randy: a great natural dignity, an unforced courage that had no boasting attached to it.

Your dad and his compatriots were heroes, plain and simple, and we all owe a debt to them that can never be fully repaid.

I came accross an article you wrote for the SF Chronicle in July 2000 about the incident in Sommocolonia. My father, Harry Cox, one of the last “Buffalo Soldiers” from the 92nd division, was featured as part of the article. I wanted to let you know that he passed away on Oct. 19 at 87 years old. I would be honored if you would like to submit something that could be read at his memorial service on Sat., Nov. 1, 2008. Of course, if you still live in or near S.F., we would welcome your attendance.

Please feel free to contact me at lgrey@sfwaldorf.org

Kind regards,
Lori (Cox) Grey

Well said. I think it highly irresponsible of Mr Lee to mix historical fact with fiction, as he pleases, for events that remain in the living and painful memory.
The actions of the partisans were well recognized by the allies and particularly USA (Pippo Ducchesci receiving the Bronze Star for example).So I agree it is a missed opportunity and a travesty.
We are back over in Sommo on Thursday and will as usual pay my respects to the brave fallen,both Italian and black American who fought for our freedom on boxing day 1944.
Very much looking forward to your book !

Richard and Fiona Quigley