Chapter 7 Summary and Analysis

On an October afternoon, two Royal Air Force Spitfires come out of the hills. The planes come to disable supply vehicles. Most escape injury but two Hitler Youth boys are killed. The Unterbannfurher Lammers are shot as well. He then appoints Alfons in charge, who would now command four to six units, about 600 to 800 members. By the time Alfons is recalled, he commands nearly 2800 boys and 80 girls.

In September of 1944, Hitler orders the "people's storm" to be organized. Every German male age 15 to 60 will fight. The Allied attack crawls to a standstill. They outrun their large supply line. This is the last chance for the Nazis to organize their defenses. Organization is difficult and there are many deserters. None are older than 15. Alfons has to deal harshly with them.

The SS deals far more harshly with deserters and poor leaders, often...