Epilogue, The Aftermath Summary and Analysis

Alfons initially feels no guilt for his allegiance to Hitler. He is only sad that they lost the war. It will be years before he feels anything for the millions that have been killed. An occupation unit quickly settles in the city hall and rules through military decree. Alfons is never sent to the P.O.W. camp but instead to a field hospital to serve as an interpreter. The soldiers are not savage and Alfons sees no physical abuse. They have good food. Power is restored in Wittlich in May. Radio Hamburg says Hitler has died and Admiral Karl Doenitz has taken over. Hitler committed suicide.

Towards the end of May, Alfons loses his job for being Hitler Youth; he is denounced. However, he is protected by his age. By July, Eisenhower relaxes restrictions on associating...