As an American, we cannot have the appreciation of what World War Two actually cost.  Not in terms of dollars but in terms of lives, freedoms, sacrifices. We don't fully understand what was at stake.  We may have family that served during that time or sacrificed with rations, but it did not affect us the way it affected those living in areas that were invaded or bombed.  Malta was the most bombed place during that time.  It was a key spot in the Mediterranean for resupplying troops, planning, and mounting counter offenses. The Romans knew it was important, the Ottomans wanted it, Napoleon prized it.  At one point, the island was in danger of starving and needed to be resupplied.  An aircraft carrier, a dozen merchant ships and just as many navy vessels embarked on a daring run to the island.  Only 5 of the merchant ships made it.  They were bombed, torpedoed, attacked all along the way.  This supply allowed Malta to keep fighting and eventually allow the planning and execution of D Day from the Lascaris War Rooms.