"Helmut," Section 5 (Pages 44-47) Summary

As autumn comes, Helmut is beginning to allow his grief to pass, and focuses on the future. He is excited to show Gladigau his images of the war when Gladigau returns. As the bombing begins again, however, the call for a last stand in Germany is given, and Helmut is finally admitted to the German military. Given only an overcoat and an armband, Helmut is proud to dig trenches and pile rubble in an attempt to stop the Soviet army that is advancing on Berlin. He photographs all he can in order to preserve what he sees as the greatest moments in his life. As the refugees come through the station, Helmut photographs them, or repeats the phrases and beliefs of the Third Reich, while the starving, injured, and ill refugees stare blankly out the...