Photo of Mussolini's Corpse Led Page 1. How It Got There Is a Tale.

On April 29, 1945—nine days before VE Day—New York Times correspondent Milton Bracker witnessed the aftermath of Mussolini’s downfall in Milan. Benito Mussolini and his lover, Clara Petacci, were brought back “on the floor of a closed moving van,” after an attempted escape north toward Switzerland failed. Bracker reported Mussolini’s expedited trial and execution by firing squad in Giulino di Mezzegra, then the bodies were heaped and dumped at Piazzale Loreto, where 15 patriots had recently been executed. Images in the next days’ papers also showed Lieut. Gen. Achille Starace shortly before his own execution.