In October 1944 a pair of U.S. troops, Martin Adler and John Bronsky, were tasked with the daunting mission of liberating Italy from the Nazis.

As they kicked in doors in the town of Monterenzio, just outside Bologna, they heard rustling in a large wicker basket.

Fearing that it was German soldiers they trained their sights on the commotion and prepared to fire, but at that moment, a panicked mother entered the room shouting: “Don’t shoot … children, children!”

Three siblings aged 3 to 6, unaware how close they came to being accidentally shot, emerged from the basket.

Relieved, Adler asked if he could have a photo taken with the children — Bruno, Mafalda and Giuliana — using a camera he had with him. Their mother agreed, but on condition she could dress them in their best clothes, according to The Guardian.

The Reunion

Seventy-six years later, Adler — who now resides in Florida — sought out the children in the hopes of virtually reuniting with them.

The long shot search paid off — all three children were alive and jumped at the opportunity to speak with the soldier who helped free their town from the grip of the Nazis.