Homeland Battlefield*
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In the second half of the war, as the Wehrmacht was pushed back on all fronts and eventually defeated, the German Army repeatedly demonstrated great tactical and operational competence in fighting enemies who outnumbered it. Despite the evil nature of the regime that it served, it must be admitted that the German Army of World War II was, man for man, one of the most effective fighting forces ever seen.*
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- James S. Corum*
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It is summer 1944.*
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You are a battle hardened officer of the Wehrmacht. You have risen through the ranks and seen action as early as France 1940. You have become somewhat disillusioned with the war and the aims of your government but being on the frontlines fosters a camradie unlike anything the peacetime world can bring out. To fail your comrades or subordinates is unthinkable. And they need you now more than ever. You are considered to be steady, responsible and resourceful - a fine product of the Auftragstaktik philosophy.*
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Your division has recently been disbanded, though this means no respite for you. A Kampfgruppe built around infantry elements of your former command and attached StuGs from an independent Assault Gun Brigade has just been formed. You have been selected to lead this ad hoc group.*
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Das Schlachtfeld ist mein Heimatland,*
der Tod mein Bruder geworden.*
voll Schweiss und Blut is mein Gewand,*
mein Handwerk das ist Morden.*
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Und fiel mein bester Kamerad,*
dann biss ich auf die Zaehne.*
Ich schaufelte fuer ihn ein Grab,*
und - weinte keine Traene.*
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Bittere Erkenntnis**
