The sound of friendly tanks rolling through the streets was somewhat

comforting, knowing that we have fire support at our backs and confidence. My
feet ached from the constant trudging over uneven rubble and ground, stuck in
these leather boots. I scanned the windows of the buildings ahead, still nervous
entering a presumably hostile town. My squad was pushing ahead in the front into
Hungary, and we had just crossed into a border town. There was about twenty-
seven men in our group at the moment, four of which driving a tank, which was
providing support for our advance.
I guarantee you theres going to be resistance here, with the amount of
them still here. My friend Franz muttered, sweeping his hand across the windows.
I nodded and stepped over a concrete chunk lying stray on the road.
I wouldnt be surprised, honestly I dont think any of us will if we get
ambushed. Command wont acknowledge the amount of soldiers still left here.
Lifting my Karabiner 98k, standard issue rifle of our forces, I looked at Franz.
We always have these though, and I guess I trust it enough to get me through a
firefight. He lifted his too and pretended to left off a hip-fire shot. I snorted
and looked on ahead. We had reached an intersection, and all four corners had
shady looking buildings looming over. Our Tiger I tank halted at the beginning of
the intersection, and the commander opened the top hatch and called over our
officer.
This looks like a perfect place for an ambush, The tank commander said,
nodding towards the dark windows of the various buildings.
Well take care of it, stay here and scan with your guns. Dont fire unless I
give the order. He said, patting the Tigers thick armor. Stay alert. He turned to
the troops and started sending small groups of three to clear out any buildings.
You three, The officer said, talking to Franz, Georg, and I. Search every corner
of that building, be prepared for resistance. The South-Eastern building was a
small, three-floor residential building that hopefully was empty. We jogged over to
the doorway and peered in the windows, the darkness obscuring most of our view.
Franz, you still have that flashlight they issued you? I said, moving over to
the door handle. Franz hastily pulled a square box flashlight out of his pack and
flicked it on, the yellow glow shining dimly.

Boy, its quiet in here, Georg said nervously and searched the back corner
of the ground floor, rifle raised. The low purr of the tanks engine steadily played
outside, but it didnt quite penetrate the walls of the building, giving in an eerie
silence. Franz shined his light up the stairway and motioned for us to follow him. I
took point and slowly moved up the steps, creaking violently under my boots.
CRACK
The wood gave way and a foot-sized hole appeared. I cursed and proceeded on,
scanning with my sights. The dim glow of the flashlight did well to light the
corridors. Another abnormally loud creak echoed through the building, but not
from our feet.
Shhh, I said, eyes wide, and held out my hand to halt Franz and Georg.
Someones on this floor. I edged out into the small hallway, staring down the
doorless entryway. Franz aimed his flashlight into the room and it lit up a ratty
couch, but it was otherwise empty. Suddenly, another creak resounded and I heard
a whispered kurva and then hell broke loose.
Get back, get back! I shouted and flung myself against the wall as a volley
of bullets flew through the doorway. Definitely people in there, I panted,
preparing to return fire.
Go back to your hole of a country! I heard from the room and another
burst of shots rained from inside. Franz dodged onto the other side of the hallway
and took cover, and Georg stayed behind me. I popped out quickly and aimed my
rifle into the blackness, firing blindly. More shots came in return and we held our
ground.
Georg, hand me a grenade. I whispered, and George pulled one off his belt.
Pulling the pin on the bottom of the handle, I leaned out and threw the grenade
into the room, hearing it bounce off the wall with a metallic clink. I heard frantic
footsteps and then the grenade exploded, which was insanely loud. My ears rung
for a couple seconds, but I shook my head and advanced into the room. Franz
followed close behind with the flashlights yellow glow. The site of the explosion
was clearly right next to the enemy, as a corpse was clearly visible. I gagged and
turned away, quickly searching the other end of the room, which was empty. One
window was concealed with a thick, green linen which was stuck to the ceiling.
Laying next to the window was a rocket launcher of the enemys possession,
probably placed perfectly for disabling our Tiger.

Gunfire erupted from outside- fast machine-gun fire and methodic rifle
shots.
Franz, can you see where its coming from?! I yelled frantically, looking
behind at the hallway and motioning for Georg to get inside. Franz pulled open the
curtain and pulled open the window, light pouring inside.
Its coming from the Southwest inn, he said, poking his head out. I rushed
over and pulled open another curtain, peering outside. Our tank was rapidly
reversing, and soldiers were scattering into various buildings. Some were crouching
among cars and returning fire.
FWOOSH
A rocket projectile shot from the Southeastern pub, and exploded onto the
crumbling pavement, feet away from the tank. Instantly, the Tiger pulled its gun
upwards and blasted the wall where the rocket came from, rubble flying in all
directions and two bodies with it.
Team, start putting fire on the Southwest inn! I shouted. Two soldiers
were already lying motionless in the roads and a few more were wounded. Raising
my Kar98k, the gunner emplaced in the window rotated his aim to a group of five
soldiers hugging thin cover. I aimed carefully and fired, my shot flying straight to
where I needed it to go, hitting the gunner and giving the soldiers time to move.
Franz was suppressing enemy riflemen in the upper windows.
We have to get down there, Georg said over the gunfire. Another tank
round was fired and more chunks of building flew. Theyll probably pull out and get
us left behind. I nodded and turned back towards the doorway, hastily moving
down the stairs. We pushed open the door and rushed out onto the street,
crouching behind a car next to two other soldiers who were firing at a second MG
position to the North.
Wheres our officer? I said to one of the soldiers. He paused shooting and
pointed over across the intersection to a pub building. A bullet hit the car next to
the soldiers hand and he pulled back quickly and shook his head.
I doubt you can get over there without getting shot, but if you need
covering fire, well try our best. He said, sliding another clip into his rifle. I patted
his back and readied on the side of the car. The two soldiers nodded and readied
their rifles over the roof of the car.
Go, go, go! I yelled and began to dash across the crossroad. Gunfire
seemed to center on us and bullets deflected off the pavement underneath our
feet. The two soldiers frantically tried to suppress hostiles while we ran across.
FWOOSH

Opening my eyes once again was difficult and the gunfire was slowing down. I
was next to Franz and another soldier, both of which were looking out over a
overturned table. Franz looked down at me and shook my shoulder.
Rocket hit next to us while we were running, he said. You hit your head
pretty hard so we dragged you out of there. I nodded but grimaced as the
realization of pain flooded my mind, and my head hurt like hell.
Wheres Georg? I muttered, resting my head against the table underside.
Is he okay? Franz pointed somewhere in the corner of the pub.
Hes over there talking to the soldiers that covered. One of them got hit in
the arm firing for us. I sighed and sat up a little straighter, pulling my helmet on
and securing the buckle. My rifle was beside me, no less damaged than when it was
issued. I turned over onto my knees and looked out over the table, out onto the
roads ahead. Tips of rifles poked up from other overturned chairs or tables in the
other buildings, and our tank was stationary in between the two.
Do we know how many we lost? I asked, turning back to Franz. When we
were in the building I only saw two men down. Franz lowered his weapon to his side
and looked to me again.
Those two are dead, we only lost one other, one of the younger recruits who
was scouting a building floor alone. I sighed and stood up.
I assume were supposed to stay put until everyones patched up? Franz
nodded and stood up. Georg was walking towards us, rifle slung on his shoulder.
Hey, youre okay. He said, stopping in front of us. I smiled and adjusted my
suspenders.
I guess so. I said. My head still hurts like it mustve when I got hit. Georg
scoffed and smiled.
Well, were pulling out in a minute or two, so make sure you have
everything. The tanks engine suddenly started up in a low growl and everyone
began to stir. Most of the soldiers in the pub we were stationed got up and left
into the streets. We did the same, moving out behind the Tiger. Its engine had
returned to its normal, steady and comforting rumble.

Where are we headed next? I asked, hoping either Franz or Georg knew.
Are we still just pushing through here and then regroup to break through
Budapest? Franz pulled a wrinkled map out of his backpack and unfolded it. He
pointed to small black dot in western Hungary.
Were in Kapuvar at the moment. If Im correct out next stop is Gyor, but
we have to group up with another platoon on the south road. He said, sliding his
finger across to a small intersection, a small distance away from major city of
Gyor. Then well move to take that city. Command predict there to be a large
enemy force there, trying to push us back from Tatabanya and Budapest. Franz
folded up his map and put it back into his pouch. Our officer was conversing with
the Tiger commander up in front, and he hopped onto the side of the tank. It
began and to move, and we followed suit.
Its about a ten hours march to Gyor, right? Georg asked, trudging along
the street. Franz nodded. Thats a lot of walking Georg grumbled and started
walking in odd ways.

We passed through miles of open road and fields, littered with abandoned
houses and small villages. Our last obstacle before linking up with the other platoon
was a small forest which was believed to have a pocket of enemy forces tucked in
the trees. Our tank would be somewhat useless moving through the dense forest,
so they were relying on us, the infantrymen, to provide support for the helpless
tank. Before entering the woodland we ate a small rationed meal, which hit the spot
after the days long hours of marching. We slowly advanced into the tree line,
careful and keeping an eye out for hostile soldiers.
I heard were linking up with a unit of Spanish volunteers, Georg said as we
walked along the path with the other soldiers. Apparently command wanted them
to prove their worth in helping us take Budapest. Raising my eyebrows, I thought.
Fighting with Spanish volunteers was something Id certainly never done. Rumors
were common, though, and it was said they were just as good of fighters as the
rest of the army. I didnt doubt it, they had held their ground against France.
Thatll be interesting. Franz was fiddling with his belt. We need some new
blood, since we lost all those Norwegian troops at the battle of Stockholm. I
nodded and stepped over a fallen log, crusted with green moss. The sounds of the
forest were muffled by the rumble of our tanks engine. Whatever happened to
the Hungarian battalion that was going to meet up with us on our way to Vienna?
That battalion was a section of the remaining Hungarian military, after being drove
out of their country by the united Balkan militaries, who were attempting to push
into Austria, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. Thousands of Hungarians
fled to the above countries, who were all united in the Central European Republic,
led by Germany. I remembered the battalion being repositioned to somewhere I
couldnt pinpoint.
I believe they got re-routed to another front, I said. Probably through
Poland and into Romania to halt the assault. Georg nodded and looked back up to
the trail ahead. A soldier walked up from behind and walked alongside us.
Hey, just a heads up, I heard the officer rambling about commands recon
platoons spotting enemy movement pretty close to here, He said, pointing out into
the forest ahead. Be careful and keep a straight head if anything happens. He
retreated back to his team and resumed his pace again.
You two think well get ambushed? I asked, looking to Franz and Georg.
They both shrugged, and what did I expect? Our intelligence was off pretty often
so I guess its just paranoia relying on reports. The forest was thinning out
somewhat, with the trees becoming a little farther apart. Leaves littered the
ground below, along with small rocks and logs. Foxholes started appearing; many a
firefight had been had here, which I presumed. Fallen trees littered the space and
dirty, rusted ammo casings were seen occasionally.
I hate walking through places like this, Franz muttered. Creeps me out. I
snorted and elbowed him, and he jumped a little. He glared at me and looked
forward again.
Erich, Franz said nervously. He jostled my arm pointed out into the forest,
near a far tree. It took me a second to see, but it was clearly scope glint. Shit,
thats a scope! he yelled, and everyone hesitated. I ducked down and scrambled
behind a tree, Franz and Georg rolling into a foxhole. I turned around and motioned
for the group of soldiers behind me to get down, and they gave me funny looks, but
concealed themselves. A gunshot, clearly sniper fire, echoed out and I heard the
bullet thunk into the tree I was hiding behind. Our Tiger stopped, and the turret
gunner rapidly ducked inside and closed the hatch.
Everyone down! I heard from the other side of the tank, and another
sniper shot rang out, this time followed by a yell of agony. I looked over to Franz
and Georg, crouching in the dirt, and mouthed what should we do. Franz shrugged
and Georg did too, so I turned back around. More sniper shots came and they
either hit the tank with a metallic tink or embed themselves in trees. Our officer
was hiding behind the Tiger, poking his head out to observe.
BLAM
A mortar round hit in an empty foxhole near my teams, our ears ringing from the
explosion. I shook my head and looked to our officer, who was looking out over for
injuries.
Screw it, return fire! He shouted, pointing downrange. Soldiers yelled
battle cries and started flinging bullets down the trees, others tossing grenades to
obscure and disorient enemies. I aimed down my rifles sights, aiming blindly to the
spot of the scope glint. Firing, more shots returned from the enemies positions
and this time, it included heavy machine gun fire and rifle bullets.
BOOM
Another mortar slammed into the ground near out position and disoriented almost
everyone. Our tank, with the trees blocking its turret rotation now cleared by
grenades and mortars, started to calibrate its aim on the enemy position and
centered the gun. Letting off a round, it kicked up clouds of dirt and dust around
the enemy position and the gunfire temporarily stopped.
Nows our chance! I shouted, moving out of my tree cover. Push up, push
up! Franz and Georg raced to new, forward cover and I dived into a hole made by a
previous mortar round. Our men pushed forward as well, crouching behind trees
and diving in other cover. A Volksgrenadier slid into my foxhole, carrying an StG
44, a weapon of which I had yet to earn. The grenadiers name was Hermann, and
he was a higher-ranked individual that often gave his opinions on the officers
battle tactics and plans.
Weve got to keep pushing up, while our tank is still firing, or else well be
stuck here forever, He yelled over the loud gunfire, firing back with his automatic
Sturmgewehr. I fired off my rifle and stood up, racing to a new tree and putting
my back against it. By now we were able to see the enemy, dug into a small trench
lined with camouflage netting which obscured our view from far away. Hermann
moved to a tree next to mine, and looked over to me.
Good work, lets wait for your team to move up. He motioned for Franz and
Georg to move up and we both started firing to cover them, suppressing the enemy.
Franz crouched behind a foremost tree, and Georg was next to him in a small
mortar pit. Were going to be the first into that trench. Hermann pointed to a
collapsing section of the trench, where only two riflemen stood guard. Equip your
bayonets, when I throw my grenade, you do the same, and dash for the trench! We
all nodded nervously. He ripped a grenade off his belt, pulled the pin, and lobbed it
into the trench ahead. I threw one in too, and so did the other two. The grenades
exploded in one-second intervals, and we sprinted for the trench.

As my foot hit the muddy floor of the trench, I slipped and fell onto my
back, at mercy to Balkan soldiers. The first rifleman aimed at me, but Georg
plunged his bayonet into his back and the soldier fell dead. He helped me onto my
feet, and we split up. Franz and I went left, firing and ducking behind crates.
Cover me for a second, I said, loading new rounds into my Kar. An enemy
rounded the corner and swung the butt of his gun into my face, but I raised my
rifle fast enough to block. He was strong, but gave way after a couple seconds and
fell onto his back, stabbed with my bayonet. My second kill, and I didnt like how it
felt. Franz fired a shot and hit a retreating gunner, who tumbled face-first into
the mud. We methodically moved through the trenches, pushing back the enemy
forces, while ours advanced.
Weve got this trench controlled, I shouted across to Franz. He grinned
and threw another grenade.
Yeah, we should check up on Georg- Franz stopped and looked at the wave
of Balkan soldiers pouring out of the reserve trench tunnels, freshly armed with
shipments from Serbia, bayonets glimmering. Shit, Erich, get back! I turned and
started running, bullets whizzing past. Franz was ahead of me. As we ran, his
grenade went off, directly in the middle of the wave of soldiers, sending bodies
flying out of the trench. I looked back, but still, more men flooded the trench.
We have to get to the others! I yelled to Franz, who was leaping over
bodies and slipping in mud. There they are! Hermann saw us running towards
them, and quickly started running as well. Dropping a quick grenade to slow down
the enemy advancement, we turned a corner and climbed out of the ditch.
Were gonna get separated from the platoon! Georg shouted, running along
beside us. Where are we going?! I was panting and exhausted but we had to keep
going.
You want to live, dont you?! Hermann said, trudging along. Theres an old
barn close to here, and if we go back, well die! I grimaced and kept running, not
certain of the future I was entrusting with this grenadier.

After an hour of running across open fields with little cover, the barn came
into sight. It was ravaged by the Hungarian war and the roof was falling apart,
giving it an ominous and open look. We entered the barn and closed the heavy, yet
rotting wood doors shut behind.
This place is a dump, Franz muttered, still panting and catching his breath.
Are you sure well be safe here? I unbuckled and removed my stahlhelm, wiping
sweat off my forehead.
I fought in the Hungarian resistance here, we were hit by mortar shells
twice, thats why its so run down. Hermann leaned against a wooden support pillar.
I had already collapsed into an old, pile of hay. My boots were ridden with mud, and
everyone elses was too. The thought of the young Balkan soldier that attacked still
hung in my mind, like a bad dream or thought of guilt. I thought of the times back
home, in Munich, before the unification of the Balkan countries had caused this
world war.
How long do you think well be stuck here? I asked, rubbing my eyes. We
only have about a couple days of rations left. Hermann started pacing around, StG
swinging from his shoulder casually. He was wearing an M44 smock, in the classic
grenadier brown and green dot camouflage.
I would predict not more than a day, if nothing happens. He said, stopping
and looking at me. Now heres how this is going to work. He called us up to the
loft of the barn, and we quickly climbed some old ladders and looked out over the
wide fields.
Franz and Georg, you will sleep up there, keep watch up there, and live up
there for now, Hermann designated sleeping spots for both of them, on opposite
ends of the barn, in shadowy corners. He then looked to me. Well sleep down here.
If anything happens, or if we get attacked, I trust you men enough to hold your
own if something happens to me. Just find the platoon and link up. We all nodded
and went to sit in our spots, munching on bland food rations as well as nervously
waiting for any enemy contact. I cleaned out my boots, and carefully cleaned my
mud-caked rifle. We talked, but everyone had to keep volume to a minimum,
Hermanns orders. Quoting Georg, he felt like he was at summer camp. Our stern
superior, Hermann, was like our counselor. We went to sleep that night with
haunting worries of a Balkan nighttime ambush, so our rifles were kept close by and
loaded.

It was already 8:00 in the morning, late by my standards, and everyone
besides Georg was awake. We decided to let him sleep since he was up all night
worrying about an attack. Franz was staring out the large hole in the side of the
barn, next to his post, watching for any enemy soldiers. I was eating my morning
ration of a somewhat stale biscuit and some water. Hermann was leaning against
the wooden support pole and examining his Sturmgewehr.
Hey, you guys, I heard a whisper from above. Franz was calling us for some
reason, I presumed not good. We climbed the ladders silently and peered out the
windows. Theres a squad of what looks to be 12 Balkans moving here through the
field. Hermann sighed and told me to move away from the window, while Franz
stayed on watch.
Erich, get over to Georg and wake him up, He told me, and I did. Well
have to fight them off if they reach our barn. Moving over to Georgs sleeping
body, I shook him and tried to get him awake. He rolled onto his back and
stretched out his arms.
CRACK
The rotting plank beneath Georg split and he tumbled into a hay bale below,
unharmed but startled. The sound was immense and I realized we were imminently
screwed.
Shit guys, here they come! Franz said, looking to us. Hermann cursed to
himself and moved over to the window.
Team, start firing! He flung bullets from his rifle down onto the enemies,
hitting two and then sheltering behind an old crate. I rushed over to the
downstairs window and aimed out, taking a shot and catching a soldier through the
chest. Georg had already scrambled to his feet and was firing out the window next
to me. A distinct Balkan yell was heard and metallic objects crashed into the
windows or flew through holes in the collapsing barn house.
God damn it, gas, gas! Hermann motioned for us to equip our gas masks and
bayonets. I panicked, frantically ripping my mask out of the can at my hip and
pulling it over my face. Accustoming to the breathing was hard as I had never used
it in actual combat before; gas was a very rare sight fight out here. The front barn
doors started rattling under the wooden door block, which wouldnt hold for much
longer. There was still eight enemy soldiers waiting to gun us down. I looking back
to see what to do, Hermann, Franz, and Georg were already jumping out the smaller
hole in the west of the barn, opposite of the besieged door. I scrambled up the
ladder and slid out the opening, landing on my feet on the dirt below. Clutching my
battle-ready rifle, I looked to my friends. Hermann was peeking around the corner
to see if any soldiers were coming around, Franz was equipping his bayonet, and
Georg was throwing his helmet on.
Were gonna go around and kill these guys, Hermann exclaimed, looking
back at us. Take them by surprise. They wont have a chance. I raised an eyebrow
and Franz looked at me suspiciously.
Are you sure? Theres eight of them and four of us, and theyre angry,
heavily armed- Franz was stopped halfway through his sentence.
Dont doubt the essence of surprise, Hermann motioned for us to get
moving. Lets go, be ready. We rounded the corner, weapons out and ready. I
could hear the enemy soldiers yelling and cursing us from outside the breaking
doors, being bashed in by the strongest men. Reaching the next corner, right next
to the Balkans, Hermann tossed a live grenade right into their feet. I heard
confused yells of terror as the soldiers leaped to the sides and covered their
heads, the men on the door having no time but to duck and cover their heads.
BOOM
We stepped out into the open, and started firing on every soldier we saw. Some
had already recovered and were firing back or running for cover, but most were
too slow and got picked off by either Hermann hip-firing or the rest of our rifle
shots. I aimed down my sights and pinpointed a fleeing soldier, firing and hitting
him the stomach. He tumbled and crashed into the ground, limp.
Thatll show them, Hermann shouted, grinning. He loaded a new magazine
into his StG and marched around, checking for possible survivors. Well done,
kameraden. He looked to us and nodded. We stared back at him, still confused and
thinking on what we had just done. It didnt feel good slaughtering eight people my
age, even if they had fired back and we were retaking someones country.

After three hours of brisk marching, we spotted our platoon, moving at a
steady pace down a country road. We picked up speed and eventually connected
with them in a mass of questions.
Where in the world were you men? The officer asked, leaning against the
still Tiger, still operational, still functioning. We counted you among the dead, but
we couldnt find the bodies. Hermann nodded and began to explain our plight, and
how we had escaped the wave of Balkan reinforcements and sheltered in an
abandoned barn house. The officer congratulated us and thanked us for our
courage of pushing through and breaking the first defense; temporarily promoting
Franz, Georg and I. We were given Gewehr 43 semi-automatic rifles, a symbol of
our promotion. Hermann was appointed as our squad leader, to his surprise. We
were only a mile out of the south road, where we would be linking up with the
Spanish platoon. Gyor was still twenty miles out; it would still be a couple days until
we reached the city. The Spaniards were expected to bring supplies from Munich
and Vienna, to resupply us, so we could be fit and ready for the assault. An hour
after returning, our commander ordered the convoy to begin moving again. We
were given an hour to ride on the tank, to rest our legs, but then we had to walk
with the rest of the platoon. Overall, at the trench battle in the forest, we had
lost ten men, bringing us down to twenty-six total soldiers, not counting us and the
tank crew.

We stopped on a railroad track on a small intersection twenty miles outside
of Gyor. This was our re-group spot with the Spanish volunteer platoon, fresh out
of training yet led by hardened German and Hun veterans of the Slovak front. We
were told to wait and get a ration of food in, and keep an eye out for enemy
activity.
Well, this is it. Hermann was standing in front of us. Ready to meet your
new Spaniard kameraden? We all laughed and ate our biscuits. Hermann had
proven to be a nice enough man outside of hard combat; he was serious about his
duty but cared about his friends, as well. Franz liked him, and as far as I could tell
Georg did too. He told us stories of the final resistance in the battle for Budapest,
and how him and five other soldiers held a church for six days, under constant
attack, by laying fire from the clock tower. Today was particularly warm for
October, being about 45 degrees and making it so that I didnt need my smock; I
folded it up and laid it beside me. My boots were dry once again, and I changed
socks so that I didnt catch some sort of nasty fungal disease they told us about in
training.
Hey, theyre here, Georg said, coming back from chatting with the tank
crew. Theyre here over by the tank. We all stood up, and I threw on my smock
once again. Meandering over to the scene of our reinforcements, all twenty-six of
us were crowding around. I peered over them and looked at the Spaniard soldiers.
They had the same gear as us; stahlhelms, feldgrau tunics and camouflage smocks,
and most carried our standard Kar98k rifles. They had unique insignia of Spains
flag on their helmets and on their shoulder boards.
They look like us. I said, elbowing Franz and pointing at one average sized
volunteer. Good thing we have our Gewehrs now, or else wed be identical. Franz
chuckled and moved back to our spot, after a couple of minutes gawking at their
fresh equipment and arms. Hermann returned later that day with news from our
commander.
Ill be commanding you three, as well as another Spanish volunteer who
didnt fit in with the numbering system, so they stuck him in here. He sat down on
the ground with us. His names Javier, and hes fresh out of training so be easy on
him. He doesnt have his combat legs yet, unlike you guys. We nodded. Another
member of our squad? Id been with Franz and Georg since registration and boot
camp; I dont know how another member would feel. He could fill an empty role
weve had. I was a designated marksman, while Franz had AT capabilities with his
Panzerfaust and Georg gave us squad support with his MG-34. Hermann was our
specialist and had stuff wed never even heard about on his belt. We waited and sa
in the area, awaiting the order to move out and more importantly the new Spaniard.
Later that night he arrived, and it the soldier I had pointed at earlier. He had
short, cropped hair in the standard military cut, a newly issued feldgrau tunic,
ankle boots and gaiters. Javiers weapon was a freshly manufactured Kar98k rifle,
which he had been presumably training with the past months.
Hello, He said, approaching our group. We sized him up, and he looked
pretty average. Our age, too, which we guessed. Are you under Hermanns squad
leadership? We nodded and Hermann stood up.
This is Javier, everyone. He said, and the soldier grinned awkwardly. He
will be providing low-level medical expertise and designated marksmanship. Sit
down son, were heading out tomorrow. They both sat down, and Javier unslung his
supplies and rolled his blanket out on the dirt, sitting back down.
Welcome to the squad, I said. Im the other rifleman. Javier smiled and
offered his hand, which I shook and smiled back. Franz and Georg waved to him.
The night got more comfortable as time went on, and we were talking like old
friends as we were about to fall asleep. I laid back on my blanket, leaning my head
back against Javiers rolled-up smock which he let me borrow as a pillow. Drifting
into a partial sleep, the thoughts of the deceased Balkan soldiers didnt cloud my
mind that night.

The next morning, I was awaken by Franz, who was rolling up his blanket and
shaking me awake.
Were pulling out bud, cmon, pack up. I sat up groggily and began to roll up
my own bundle. After that was done, Franz and I grabbed our weapons and
helmets, marching off to find the rest of our squad.
These volunteers are the perfect reinforcements we needed, I said to
Franz, walking along the grass. Fresh supplies, high morale, and a half-track for
extra support. Franz nodded and we looked up. Our numbers increased drastically
with the new reinforcements, jumping from twenty-six to fifty-nine. We reached
where Hermann, Javier and Georg were walking alongside our trusty Tiger, whos
engine was still running as steadily as ever.
Were on the road again, Georg chuckled, pretending to do a royal march.
Franz rolled his eyes and we trudged on, conversing with each other on matters and
educating Javier on real battlefield tactics. Hed never seen a battle before,
besides for the simulated ones in training, which still didnt add up. He was nervous
out of his mind, which I honestly didnt blame him.
Listen, just follow our lead and youll be fine. I said, patting him on the
shoulder. Most importantly just listen to Hermann, he knows what hes doing.
Javier nodded and walked along the rough roads leading to Gyor.
Heres whats going to happen when we reach Gyor, Hermann said, moving
closer to us four. Remember that Hungarian platoon you three were rambling
about? They got rerouted to attack Gyor from the North. We raised our
eyebrows and shrugged. Theyre our only other force, if we fail, its all on their
shoulders. This is a team effort, so we will not fail. Correct? We all shouted yes
and he continued. Good. Well be storming the northwest corner of the city, along
with another squad of four Spanish volunteers. I will have command over all of you,
but I trust you all enough that I will preside mostly over the Spaniard newbies, to
make sure they dont flee or make a fatal mistake. I fist pumped and we all
grinned, hungry for independence and our first large-scale battle. Georg, youve
proven to have a clear head even in the most difficult situations, so Im putting you
in charge if anything happens. That is all. We all nodded. This was a big deal,
retaking Gyor, and it would lead to a hopefully successful storm on Budapest,
reestablishing an arm of power in Hungary. This would also be a test of my new
Gewehr semi-auto rifle, which had been awarded upon promotion. We marched
along for hours, our legs accustomed to the endless steps and texture of the
ground against our boots. The temperature had proven to be one of great rarity;
the temperature rapidly dropped back down the twenties range. We all had our
smocks done up and our wool toque scarves around our ears. Fresh rations helped
us push on with added morale and confidence, the newly broken-in German soldiers
morale renewed with the arrival of the Spaniard troops. We were marching along a
grass pathway, outside a small village of five or so buildings, when a gunshot went
off and hit a Spanish volunteer in the shoulder next to us.
What the hell!? I shouted, rushing to pick the soldier up. Our tank and men
stopped advancing and hit the ground, taking cover from sniper fire. Franz, Georg
and Hermann rushed to provide covering fire for me while I towed the soldier to
safety behind our tank where he could be treated by a medic. His wound was
seeping excessive amounts of blood and already staining his tunic, and he was
breathing irregularly. It was a horrible sight to see, but I managed to instill some
calm into him and started to move him back. More shots were fired but ultimately
deflected by the shield of bodies provided by my squad. Javier was standing,
stationary, unsure of what to do.
Javier! I yelled, struggling to lug the soldier around. Help me move him!
Hurry up! He panicked and rushed over to help me, gagging at the sight of the
wound. We carried him behind the tank, screaming for a medic, who arrived shortly
later and began to prepare the wound, while I kept pressure on it. The blood was
pushing up through my fingers, and I twisted my neck and vomited out onto the
road. Javier was watching from a distance, clutching his rifle uncomfortably.
Go let the officer know whats going on, I said across to him, pointing off
to the administrative half-track. Go on! He ran off to the vehicle, out of my
sight. The Spanish soldier was gasping for air and struggling to hold on, but I tried
to keep him calm by telling him the doctor was fixing him right up. The medic had
already removed the bullet in a flurry of blood and screams from the victim, and
bandaged it up with snowy white gauze. I sat with the soldier and kept an eye on
him for the next thirty minutes, while a long-distance firefight was happening all
around, in the safety of the tanks shadow. I saw Javier in push through the crowd
and come stand by me. He was panting and I could see he had sprinted to the
officers car, a good soldier. He had wasted no time. My soldier had already
steadied out and the medic came to check up on him, and said the blood would
hopefully clot soon and he could be moved to a safer place. The gunshots slowed
down as we overwhelmed the tiny resistance force with accurate rifle fire and the
half-tracks MG-42 suppression.
How are you doing? Javier asked me, still looking about anxiously. I
chuckled and looked up at him.
Dont worry about me. I said. Nice job delivering that message, Javier
smiled a little and shifted about on his feet.
Another soldier had already told him, but thank you. He murmured, looking
out front to the once-hostile village.
Imagine if someone hadnt, we wouldnt had gotten that fire support and
more men wouldve been injured. I exclaimed, standing up from my spot as another
soldier volunteered to take my place, one who new the man personally. You did just
fine. Javier nodded and we moved up to the front, where Georg, Franz, and
Hermann were still positioned.
Hey, what happened? Franz saw me and motioned for me to join the
movement forward. I unslung my new Gewehr and held it in my hands, in case of any
more enemy ambushes.
I moved the kid back behind the tank with Javier, I said, walking along
with them. He got treated by the medic very quick and luckily he was able to
remove the round and bandage him effectively, so he should be alright. Franz
nodded and held out his Gewehr.
Fired this thing for the first time, He said, grinning. I almost reached to
pull the bolt back but then I remembered; it already did it for me. Franz was
clearly satisfied by the quality of his rifle. I aimed down my sights off into the
distance, not having shot mine yet. The iron sights were clear, giving me a
triangular opening with a single metal prong to pinpoint my target.
All I know is that Im a fan of these sights, I chuckled, lowering my
weapon. By now we had entered the village, small groups of soldiers breaking off to
quickly scan the buildings. This time we had been spared the trouble and kept the
frontal march. The buildings were clear and the bodies had been accounted for, so
we moved out of the village. We were marching along a wide, open plain; I could
already see the chapel tower of Gyors church in the sky; the buildings obscured by
a trees which had surrounded the city.

It was another two hours, but we finally reached the city. Well, not the
actual city. The outskirts where we were just outside of the enemies range.
Groups split off to attack different points, while our Tiger, half-track, and twenty
soldiers were to storm the front gate. Our group, the five in our squad, followed by
the five Spanish recruits, ran off to the left. We approached an alleyway which
was our point of entry. It had one guard on patrol, but many more marched inside.
Crouching in the outskirts, in the trees and bushes, we prepared. The time had
come.
Erich, its your turn, Hermann whispered, and pointed to the guard. Take
him out. I breathed in heavily; raising my rifle. I was shaking, but my aim was
steady enough. He was close enough that I couldnt miss, could I? I wrapped my
finger around the trigger, securing my aim. Breathing out, I squeezed and fired.
The rifle kicked back into my shoulder, surprisingly controllable, and I re-
calibrated and looked down the sights again. The target was out for the count, a
body limp on the ground.
Move up, move up! Hermann shouted, vaulting over the bushes and charging
forward into the city. Spaniards, on me! Georg, lead your squad to the second
church, and secure it! We let out an affirmative and charged forward, firing at
Balkan patrols, edging our way through the streets. Slipping into another alleyway,
we stopped to formulate our plan.
The church is further in here, Georg said, flicking his head in its general
direction. I assume there will be soldiers all around it, so be alert and on guard.
Watch for friendly fire; we arent the only allies in here. We rose and jogged
down the pathway, reaching a corner, peering around it.
The church is just ahead, but its very open and Balkan MG positions are
emplaced in it. Franz said, looking back to us. Georg? He thought for a moment,
and told us to take the closest, formidable building possible. We picked a two-story
house with the perfect set of windows for firing out of. Rushing across the road,
patrols had already seen us and were either firing or dispatching troops to pursue.
We busted through the door and bolted up the stairs, onto the second floor. It
was empty, a positive so far.
Franz, Javier, get on the windows and start picking some enemies off, be
careful! Georg shouted, crouching down on the edge of the stairs. Erich, over
here with me, well watch the stairs. The two started firing immediately, with an
abundance of un-suspecting targets to pick from. I stared down the stairs and,
soon enough, a Balkan ran through the doorway, completely oblivious. I took him
down with a well-placed shot from my rifle. More started pouring inside, until we
couldnt see most because they had sheltered on other floors.
Hows it looking out there? Georg asked the other two, keeping an intent
eye on the stairway. Franz fired another round and responded.
No one else is approaching the doorway; and weve both hit about five each.
Georg nodded and fired down the stairs, hitting a soldier attempting to fire. I
fired twice and pulled a grenade off my belt, yanking the pin out and tossing it
down the stairs. Frantic yells followed and quickly after the explosion.
Nice one, Georg said, putting new rounds into his rifle. I think you got
them. I blinked a couple times, still unsure of my actions. Franz and Javier were
still firing, but slowing down. Lets make a move on the target, hurry. We started
moving down the stairs, followed by Javier and Franz closely behind.
CRACK
A gunshot followed by a angry scream embedded itself into the wall next to my
head. I ducked, rushing out the door as my squad mates took care of the last
soldier.
God damn that was a close one, I muttered, panting. I wiped the sweat off
my forehead and followed Georg, who was calm and collected in a hectic scene such
as this one. The church was a short run away, yet soldiers were rushing around,
firing at us and rushing injured inside.
Wait- theres injured inside? Javier exclaimed, dodging a bullet. What will
we do with them? We cant kill-
BLAM
A mortar went off not far from our position, and another hit close to the church.
Georg crouched down and stuttered.
Is that ours?! He shouted, covering his head as more mortars went off
close by. Run for the church!! We dashed off; jumping over giant potholes,
running as fast as we could. Balkan soldiers were bewildered and confused as well;
many running for shelter in buildings. We reached the entrance of the church,
which was held shut by soldiers pushing back. Mortar fire was getting somewhat
closer and more accurate; now we were all panicking. Georg ripped a grenade off his
belt, smashing the doors window in and dropping it inside, while we leapt backwards
onto the street. The door exploded from the inside and we scrambled inside, guns
blazing. Injured enemies lined the floor, helpless and suffering. We hit the
enemies who fired at us, while many dropped their weapons and surrendered. We
now controlled this church.
Franz, Javier, Georg whispered to us. Watch over them. Dont be afraid to
take action if they pull anything funny. They nodded and walked over to the
injured that littered the floor. Erich, well man this MG emplacement. Our orders
were to wait until Hermann and the Spaniards met up with us here, so watch your
fire. We jogged up the stairs and saw the machine gun, placed on a tripod in the
upstairs of the bell tower. I sat down and adjusted the position, using the crank to
alter the tilt of the gun. Staring out the window of the tower, I couldnt see much
besides smoke above the rooftops and the occasional soldier running for cover.
When do you think theyll make it back here? I asked, strafing the gun
across the road, preparing for hostiles. Georg shrugged, unsure of what would
happen.
I dont know. Hopefully those recruits arent too much of a handful for him,
He said. I squinted and looked out into the road, out at small firefights happening
in and out of buildings. A tiny glint of red caught my eye, followed by Hermanns
iconic M44 camouflage.
There they are, I said, following them with my gun to make sure they
werent attacked. Moving across the road to our position. Georg craned his neck
to look out the window, seeing the group moving cautiously across.
Erich, Balkans edging out of the alleyway in front of them, He exclaimed,
pointing down the road to three shady looking hostiles creeping out of an alleyway.
Take them out. I nodded and centered my aim, putting the crosshair directly on
the torso of the outermost enemy. I pulled the firing lever, and a sound like ripping
sheets blasted from the gun. The weapon kicked back some in the tripod, but kept
steady as a waterfall of lead engulfed the soldiers below. They collapsed and hit
the ground with a thud.
Nice shooting, stay here, Ill go bring them inside. Georg ran down the
stairs and out the door,jogging out behind a cluster of crates. Hermann was running
along with his group and waved to me. I chuckled and resumed scanning the area.
Everyone connected with Georg and they were making their way back to the Church
doors. Suddenly, in the distance, a large group of Balkan soldiers turned the corner
and started raining fire towards me and my platoon. I cursed out loud and aimed
the gun, sighting on the foremost enemy once again. I squeezed the trigger and the
sheet-ripping continued once again, slamming into the first three soldiers. Bullets
hit the walls around me, but I kept firing until I ran out of ammo. Six enemies were
left, and I abandoned the machine gun post and ran down to the front door.
Throwing it open, Hermann and Georg rushed inside, carrying a wounded soldier,
followed by the rest of the Spanish, some clutching wounds. I called for Franz and
Javier, who rushed over.
Theres enemies sprinting over here, I said, loading rounds into my Gewehr.
We have to hold them off. Franz and Javier nodded, and we busted out the door,
instantly met by enemy fire. These soldiers werent just average recruits of the
Balkan militaries; they were experienced and hardened veterans, which we could
tell by the way they fired and moved from cover to cover. Leaning against a wall,
sheltered from enemy fire, I waited for a quick break in shots. Franz was lobbing a
grenade over his wooden crate cover, while Javier was crouching behind a blown-
out car, shaking. The fire was interrupted by Franzs grenade and I popped out,
firing four times and hitting an enemy twice, who collapsed. Javier aimed and fired,
hitting a soldier, but he kept firing back.
Grenade! I shouted, seeing a round object land behind Javier. Move,
move! Javier panicked and leapt over the car shell, the explosion following shortly
after. He was completely exposed to enemy fire, so I popped out and ran across
the road, firing at any exposed Balkans. Javier ducked into a building, safe. The
enemies were only tens of feet in front of me and Franz, so we fixed bayonets in
case of a charge.
Hey! I heard a shout from the alleyway to our right. German! I snapped
my neck to the location of the voice, seeing a stahlhelm-clad group of two soldiers.
I looked for identification, seeing the faded flag of Hungary sewn onto their
sleeves.
Hungarians? I exclaimed, raising an eyebrow. The soldiers rushed forward
and ducked into cover next to me. When were you in Gyor? They both fired a
shot from their rifles and crouched back down.
Command figured you would need more help than just a bunch of Spaniard
recruits, One of them said, pulling back his rifle bolt. Re-routed us to the top of
the city. I nodded and fired a couple times, hitting an enemy. There were three
left.
Im Jzsef, and this is Ervin, He said, pointing at his friend. Franz andI
nodded and fired again.
Erich, I shouted over another grenade. And Franz. The two soldiers were
clad in the same things we were wearing; feldgrau tunics with camouflage smocks,
stahlhelms, and tall leather boots. Shit, I need to get Javier, I remembered,
rushing over to the edge of my cover. There were still three combat-capable
enemies hiding somewhere, ready to gun me down within a moments notice.
You two, I need to get to my recruit, Edging closer to the edge of my
cover, the two Hungarians and Franz followed close behind. When I run, start
firing at anything that moves. If I reach the building, come one at a time, and do
the same thing you did for me. Everyone nodded and reloaded, ready to provide
covering fire.
You ready? Franz asked me, tightening his helmet strap. I nodded and took
a deep breath in, and started running.

I busted in the buildings door and moved inside, rifle at the ready. I could
hear the sounds of fighting and gunshots from outside, but someone was fighting
inside the building. I rushed forward through what looked to be the kitchen,
turning the corner to see Javier pummeling an enemy soldier.
Javier! I yelled, rushing forward and pulling him off the enemy. I smashed
my foot down on the soldiers chest, pinning him down and holding my rifle to his
head. Javi stepped back and gathered his wits, stooping down to pick up his rifle.
He was covered in bruises and cuts. The soldier beneath my rifle cowered and
trembled, turning his head away from my glare.
Get up, I commanded, voice shaking a little. Get up. I lifted my foot and
pulled the Balkan onto his feet, rifle still poised to strike. Javier, lead the way.
He reluctantly moved towards the door, peering out and seeing our men crouching
where they were before. He opened the door and dashed out, moving behind a car.
Its clear, Franz shouted across the road. I prodded the Balkan out the
door and moved across to the church, opening the door and moving my prisoner to
where the rest of the wounded soldiers were. Jzsef and Ervin followed me
through the door, then finally Franz and Javier.
Weve got a seven wounded and these prisoners to take care of, Hermann
approached us, StG at his side. Im proud of you men. We nodded, too tired to
accept praise gratefully. According to command, the rest of the assault is going
smoothly. Move your men over to the town hall, where the final push is. Jzsef and
Ervin stood at our side and looked to us.
I guess its us five then, I said, moving back towards the doorway. Jzsef,
Ervin, youre with us now. They nodded and we pushed the door open, jogging
across to the alleyway they appeared from.
If were assaulting town hall, were going to need more firepower, Ervin
said. Do we have vehicles? Franz nodded and pointed off in the direction our
platoon entered from.
We have a tank, if it isnt destroyed. He said, and I remembered our Tiger.
We moved through alleys and buildings towards the center of town, which was
perched on a small hill. Gunfire got steadily louder and more common the closer we
got, showing that there was still a fight going on. The distinct sound of a tank
firing let our hopes skyrocket, moving faster and quicker to the center of the
fight. We found a squad of Spanish soldiers crouching on the edge of a sidewalk,
treating a wounded German from our platoon. I wished them luck and we moved
closer, using what they told us to avoid Balkan soldiers.
Here we are, Jzsef muttered, staring out over the road from the window
of our small building. I could see machine gun nests in the windows of the building,
ready to rip our infantry apart.
BOOM
Suddenly, a tank shell pummeled the top floor of the building, the ground shaking
and a machine gun nest completely gone. Rifle fire came from the right, followed by
return machine gun fire from the town hall.
Come on, theyre advancing! I shouted, running out to a wrecked car. My
men spread out into different cover, and Javier ducked behind the wreckage with
me. I looked down the road as our tank slowly advanced, surrounded by our
infantry. More machine-gun fire came from the building, ripping into our forces and
hitting the front men.
We have to do something about that MG nest Erich, Javier said next to
me, peering over our cover. Cant Franz get a rocket on it or something? A
lightbulb went off in my head and I looked around for Franz, who was crouching
behind another car with Jzsef.
Franz! I yelled over the sounds of war. Franz! Shoot your Panzerfaust at
the machine-gunner nest! He looked at me funny and shrugged, pulling his launcher
off his shoulder and loading an explosive into the front of it. He stood up and
aimed.

Franz collapsed and his Panzerfaust hit the ground, rolling into the road. A
scream of agony emitted from his position, and Jzsef rushed to his aid.
Shit!! I shouted, hesitating. Javier, cover me! He frantically stood up and
started firing as I sprinted across the road, sliding into Franzs cover and grabbing
the Panzerfaust.
Hes bleeding really bad, Jzsef exclaimed, scrambling to bandage his
wound. Help me out friend! I dropped my weapon and clamped my hands down on
his wound, keeping the pressure. Franz squirmed and sucked in air unevenly.
Medic!!! I screamed, wondering if there even was one nearby. Medic!!
Jzsef pulled me down and pulled a hand over my mouth, muffling my shouts.
Kurva, you idiot! He muttered, glaring down at me. Youll get us shot, and
the medic shot too! I stopped screaming and shook my head. Thinking right now
was insanely difficult and I struggled to keep my thoughts in check. Keep pressure
on the wound. Jzsef resumed wrapping his shoulder and I pushed down with force
on his gunshot wound, inflicted by an enemy rifleman positioned in the front
windows of the town hall.
I need to get rid of that nest, I said, picking up the Panzerfaust again.
Javier and Ervin eyed me, waiting for the covering fire order. I nodded to them
and they started raining down fire, standing up. I aimed the launcher at the nest,
seeing the shadow of the rifleman in the window. Hesitating, I managed to fire the
rocket as the rifleman was shot through the head by Javier. The projectile
accelerated midair and slammed into the window, exploding brilliantly as enemy
bodies were propelled outwards by the explosion force. Cheering erupted from the
soldiers, but was halted by the resuming gunfire.
Finally, I sighed in exhaustion, falling onto my butt next to Jzsef and
Franz, who had calmed down but was still breathing in gasps. Our tank advanced
while the enemies regained strength and our infantry was able to move into the
front area, standing behind trees or sandbag barriers set up by the enemy, now
unoccupied.
Hey, Jzsef said to me, pointing off down the road to the left. Here
comes the rest of my platoon. A group of thirty or so hardened Hungarian soldiers
were running down the road, some jumping into the fray and others moving to
strategic positions, spotting or providing covering fire. I felt relieved; the fog
surrounding my thoughts lifted a little, letting me sort out my thoughts. Franz had
stabilized, and hopefully the fighting was getting close to being over.
I can take care of him, they need you in the assault, A Spanish medic said,
rushing up to take our place. Go, go. We nodded and grabbed our rifles, vaulting
over the brick overhang and moving into the front area. Dead soldiers littered the
ground around my feet; some German, some Spanish, but predominantly Balkan. The
fog returned but I pushed it back, using my will to keep my thoughts clear.
Over here, its one of my squad mates, Jzsef said, and we moved over to
the left side of the large building. An average looking, dark haired Hungarian
soldier was peering around the side of the building, watching the retreating enemy
soldiers. He turned and looked to us, grabbing Jzsefs hand and patting him on the
back.
Theyre falling back into the fields and taking the roads in groups of trucks;
most of them are heading to Budapest. The soldier said, relaxing and looking at
me. Who are you? I also relaxed my weapon and gave a toothy smile, offering my
hand.
Im Erich, He shook my hand. Met up with your friend here in the North
of the city. The soldier nodded and smiled back.
My name is Hunter, been with Ervin and Jzsef since boot camp. I nodded
again and we stared over the retreating troops. A young soldier, Javier,
approached us and pointed up at the top of the building.
Theyve raised the flag! He exclaimed, grinning. We won! Sure enough,
looking up at the top of the building, the flag of the Central European Republic, was
flying proud in the wind. Cheering resounded off every building and the clean-up
began; it was a large scale battle and it wasnt fought without loss.

Hermann came to us the next day, when we awoke in a small residential
building that had been somewhat untouched by the battle. The heralds had counted
thousands of dead enemy soldiers, while our losses had been in the mid-hundreds
range. The enemy force, surprisingly, wasnt expecting an attack. Couriers and
messengers hadnt made it or gotten a chance to report; a swift strike. Over four
hundred prisoners had been taken, one hundred of which we had captured inside
the church. Franz and I were promoted once again, and our platoon had been
converted to a Panzergrenadier platoon. We were now mechanized infantry,
supported by three Tiger 1 tanks, three Wespe mobile artillery vehicles, and a
command half-track. Our platoon was united with the Hungarian platoon, which had
suffered little losses but compensated for the German platoons heavy casualties.
The Spanish platoon was large enough to be a unit on its own; four Tigers and an
artillery set were brought in from Vienna to support them. Due to the separation
of the two groups, Javier would no longer be in our squad, to our distress. They
would still be advancing with us as far as Budapest; but he wouldnt take place in
our operations and squad. Franz was shipped home, the operation had caused the
loss of use in his wounded arm. Our squad was now reduced to Hermann, Georg, and
I. Ervin, Jzsef and Hunter were happily transferred to our squad, remaking our
six-person fire-team. A lot of changes were being made, and as the preparations
were applied we were given new smocks and helmet covers, compliments of being a
Panzergrenadier. I was issued a Walther P38 sidearm, which I had long awaited.
Hermann was still appointed squad leader as I said; and with his expertise, our new
battle experience, I was feeling pretty confident. But then again, Franz and Javier
had just departed from us. At least Franz was okay, just without use of his arm,
but without Javier in our squad we couldnt keep track of him. I would just have to
deal with the current situation and get used to my new Hungarian squad mates.

We were stationed in Gyor for two weeks, in case of an enemy counter
attack, which was farfetched but possible. Our squad stayed in a small residential
building which accommodated our needs nicely. I slept on the floor in the living
room, while Georg slept on the couch. The rest slept in different rooms around the
house. We spent most of the time talking and exploring the city, socializing with
other soldiers in our unit, and practicing with our rifles. The Spanish unit had
departed on the third day, and we all gave Javier a solemn goodbye as he moved out
with the rest of the surviving Spaniards. The city was dreary and somewhat bland,
highlighted by the battle rubble and ever present stains of war. I felt relaxed and
happy with my squad, but sad and emotionless when I was alone, because the fog of
my thoughts returned. At the end of the first week, our fresh, new Tiger tanks
arrived followed by the Wespe artillery. Command told us we were to move out and
follow the road to Tatabanya, which was now under Central European control,
thanks to the Spanish unit and a group of Polish platoons.
I hope Javier is okay, I muttered, sitting down on the couch back at the
house. Maybe he can fight with us in Budapest. Hermann was leaning against the
north wall and shrugged.
Hopefully hes alright. You have to trust your new squad, Erich, or youll
have trouble fulfilling the brotherhood thats a staple in our military. Hermann
said sternly, giving me a look of hope. I sighed and looked down at my boots.
I do trust them- I guess Im just having trouble letting go of Franz and
Javi. Hermann nodded and turned the corner, walking into the kitchen. It was just
the two of us in the house currently, as the others were out socializing with the
platoon.
Were assigned to the second Tiger, Hermann said in the kitchen. Our
original Tiger. Surprisingly it survived the battle with only a couple busted armor
plates, which we repaired. I raised an eyebrow and shrugged. Glad to be with our
old friends, a grin came upon my face. Come on Erich, lets go find the tank crew.
I nodded and followed him out the door. We walked down the road towards where
the vehicles were stationed, in an open field just outside of the city. Tents were
set up as living quarters for the crews, where we approached.
Anyone alive in there? Hermann said, standing outside the tent and lightly
kicking the door. A shuffling sound came from inside and the tent opened. A young,
blue-eyed face popped out and squinted up at us.
Oh, Hermann, The crewman exclaimed, rubbing his eyes and crawling out of
the tent. Hey you two, whats up? Two other men crawled out, all my age. Their
names were Adam, Linus, and Patrik, the latter of which was Hungarian. Linus had
short, black hair and was somewhat short, with a constant stern look on his face.
Adam was the youngest, the one who had greeted us. He was naturally blond and
energetic. Patrik had dark eyes and black hair, and was a kind soldier and did his
job as loader well.
We came to see you guys, Hermann exclaimed, looking to their tank. Were
stationed on your tank, so I thought we would introduce ourselves. I smiled and
shook their hands, happy to meet new kameraden. They were all wearing the black
trousers of tank crew uniforms, and above they wore their white service shirts
without the tunic. I wondered how they werent freezing in just that thin t-shirt,
as I shivered in my wool tunic and smock. Winter was approaching fast and would
hit hard with brutal temperatures.
Ah, I see, Linus said, who was the tank commander. This cant be all of
you, can it? Hermann looked behind himself quick and I waved at him, giving a
smile. He mustve forgot everyones absence. He looked back to Linus and chuckled
to himself.
Oh no, this is just me and my trusty Erich, the rest of the squad is out
shooting. I snorted and Hermann elbowed me. Linus made a rare smile and we all
turned to the tank, basking in its mechanical beauty.
What should we name the tank? Patrik asked from behind Linus, staring up
at the turret. Hermann and I raised our eyebrows; what a question out of the blue.
Patrik looked at us and shrugged.
Well, I mean, Pters crew named their tank, he said sheepishly. They
called it Prinz. I thought about it for a moment, and realized that naming a tank
would be pretty fun. Linus said why not and we all started brainstorming.
How about War Machine, Hermann said, hopeful for feedback. Everyone
furrowed their brow, including me.
That sounds too generic, I personally like Prinzessin, Adam exclaimed,
pointing a finger in the air. Sounds royal, just like our Tiger. Patrik started
laughing and Linus chuckled, and Adam made a humph sound and turned back to
them. Well then, got any other ideas? Adam shoved Patrik and the Hungarian
started laughing.
Okay, okay. How about Caesar? Patrik said, raising his eyebrows. It was
quiet for a couple of seconds, but personally I quite liked the name. My own
suggestion was still there, but Caesar had a chance of winning this one.
Nah, sounds too French, Linus said, going back into thought. I looked at
Hermann and we burst out laughing, Patrik and Adam joining too. Linus looked up at
us with disgust.
Its not French, dummkopf, Adam scoffed, still giggling. Linus sighed and
looked at us. I was still laughing because of how spontaneous his decision was.
Fine then, Erich, what do you say? I brought my suggestion out of the back
of my head, spouting it out with confidence.
Frostig, I shouted, shooting my hand up with a fist pump. They stared at
me for a bit, and I lowered my arm. Id thought theyd love my idea.
Frosty? Linus asked, crossing his arms and thinking. I actually like it.
Patrik nodded, and Adam shrugged. I looked at Hermann and he was satisfied by
the name too.
I guess its Frostig then, Patrik said, standing up. Frostig is German for
frosty. I thought it would suit our situation nicely; a coming winter, with it
freezing temperatures and harsh wind.

Two days later we left Gyor. It was a clear day, the clouds were scarce but
the temperature was getting lower and lower. We marched along the dirt road,
beside our tank. I looked up at the turret, where the word Frostig was written in
white paint on the armor. I smiled and looked back down at my boots. Georg was
walking besides me, head down in his toque to keep his face warm. Jzsef, Hunter
and Ervin were in front of our tank, and Hermann walked ahead of us. The trek
took about a day and a half, and we were frozen through-and-through. In the
distance, the Central European flag flew from the top flagpole, accompanied by the
Spanish flag. We marched a bit faster when we acquired sight of the city. Three
Spanish soldiers guarded the entrance, the flags of Spain sewn into their sleeves.
We rolled into the middle of the city and waited to be greeted by the Spanish unit
head, who was scheduled to meet us here. I sat on the side of Frostig, chatting
with Patrik, who was sitting with me outside of his vehicle.
Boy, that bonzo sure is late, I said, looking out over the town. This place is
like a ghost town, even with the Spanish occupation. Patrik nodded and shifted in
his seat. We only saw twelve or thirteen soldiers passing through the town, which
led me to presume the battle wasnt an easy one.
This place is making me...uneasy, Patrik said, shifting on the armor and
fiddling with various things. Wheres Hermann? I said I didnt know but looked
around, seeing him talking with a Hungarian NCO nearby.
Be right back, Ill go grab him. I slid off the tank and meandered over to
Hermann, my movements somewhat tense for reasons I didnt know. Hermann
finished talking to him and turned to face me, his face stern.
I know, I know, he said to me, walking back to the tank. Something isnt
right here. The three of us nodded, and looked around. Hermann leaned closer to
me and whispered;
Somethings definitely not right here, warn our squad, Ill let the others
know. I nodded and he walked off. Patrik knew what he said and hopped down to
join me, and we walked around telling the group to be ready and on their guard.
Hermann was walking across the road back to us when it happened.

The sound of machine-gun fire ripped into our ears and immediately, we took
cover. I pushed Patrik into the tank, whos engine started rapidly. Rounding the
tank, I connected with Jzsef, Ervin, Hunter and Georg, who were crouching
behind the vehicles armor. They looked at me wide eyed, and I stared around at
the scene of the place. Soldiers were scrambling for cover and hopping into
vehicles, some were even firing back at who knows what.
TINGTINGTINGTING
Bullets deflected off the turret of our tank and we raced into action, aiming our
rifles to wherever we saw enemy fire. We still hadnt identified the threat, which
was ominous.
Where the hell is Hermann?! Ervin shouted over the gunfire, leaning back
against the tank. I looked at him and mouthed I dont know and we resumed firing,
seeing allies torn if they moved from cover. Frostigs gunner hatch opened briefly
and Linus head popped out, using the hatch cover as a shield.
Were getting out of here, at least out of this city, Linus shouted, flinching
at every gunshot. I nodded, and Ervin pushed up next to me.
We cant leave without our squad leader! He exclaimed, worried about
Hermanns condition. Linus shook his head and responded.
If we dont get out of here well get pelted with AT rockets, so just follow
us and stay behind the armor, well find Hermann later! Bullets ricocheted off the
tank next to Linus head and he cringed, slamming the hatch shut and disappearing
into the tank. Ervin swore and we crouched behind the armor once again, and the
tank started driving backwards towards the other side of town. The other two
tanks followed our example and started high-tailing it out of the plaza, soldiers
running beside it and others standing on the armor. The command half-track was
still back there, surrounded by soldiers. As we pulled out, rockets slammed into the
road only feet behind us and began to target the half track. One hit the ground in
front and it jolted forward, speeding away, leaving lots of soldiers behind. Gunfire
followed us from the windows of various buildings, and we stayed protected behind
the tanks sheltering shadow. I saw the abandoned soldiers scrambling for
protection and my heart broke in hundreds of pieces.
Linus!! I shouted, pounding on the gunner hatch. We have to turn around,
were leaving almost thirty soldiers back there!! The tank stopped abruptly and we
sped backwards, our squad struggling to keep up. We backed into the plaza, gunfire
surrounding everything. The soldiers eyes lit up and many sprinted for the cover of
our Frostig, some making it and others gunned down mid-sprint. I was firing up at
the windows above, trying to suppress an enemy machine gunner, when I saw
Hermann shot in the leg dashing to the cover of our tank.
Hermann! Ervin and I shouted in unison, rushing out of our positions and
grabbing him. Georg followed close behind and stood in front of us, risking his life
to protect us. Gunfire slammed into everything around us and we carried him to
safety behind the tank, quickly hauling him onto the armor, hopefully sheltered by
the turrets shadow. The tank pulled out rapidly, backing back onto the road and
met by a wall of enemy soldiers, looking like Spanish volunteers, but we knew they
werent. The tank kept accelerating and Georg looked back to me, a nervous look
painted onto his face.
What the hell is Adam doing?! He shouted back to me, still running. Is he
trying to get us killed? I ran alongside our armor, heart pounding and my legs on
the verge of collapsing.
Hes ramming the line, I exclaimed, eyes widening. Everyone! On the tank!
I screamed and hesitantly, our squad leapt onto the tanks armor, riding the speedy
tank as it crashed into the line of enemy impostors. They dived to the side as it
came closer and we fired on them, hitting whoever we could, these bastards who
had killed our kameraden. We rode the tank out of the city, out onto the country
road where we kept driving for a good ten miles. Along the way I noticed I had
been shot in the foot, and instantly the pain intensified tenfold. Thinking it was
just my exhausted and aching feet, the pain wasnt even noticable until I saw the
bloody hole in the top of my boot.
My foot!! I screamed, rapidly clutching my foot and the pain intensified I
pulled my hands off of it and groaned. Georg turned his head to my screaming and
rushed over to my aid, ripping my boot off and examining my foot. I turned my
head away and Georg started calling for a medic.
Youll be alright buddy, He said trying to comfort me. Youll be just fine.
My vision dazed and I struggled not to claw at the wound and scream out. A free
medic from the command half-track ran down the road to our tank, climbing onto
the armor and staring down at my foot.
Youre lucky, He muttered, No amputation will be needed. I looked at him
wide eyed, falling backwards, and fainting.

I was laying on uneven ground, the camouflage pattern of a Zeltbahn tent
strung above my head. Staring up at the ceiling, the events of my last awakening
returned to me. I had fainted; and while I was unconscious, the medics must have
seized the opportunity to treat my foot. The rough ground beneath my head
allowed me to presume we were camped somewhere, hopefully out of the way of
enemy troops. The shadows of trees snaked along the top of my tent, and I smiled
a little. It reminded me of the times I went camping outside in the forests in town
with friends, staring up at the tops of tents as the sun went down. The voices of
soldiers sounded in through the cloth, and I sat up, looking down at my body. My
foot was thickly wrapped in snow-white bandages, and my foot was somewhat numb.
I was wearing my tunic, trousers, and a jackboot on my uninjured foot. My
stahlhelm was set beside my feet, and my rifle was laying on the ground on the far
side of the small tent. I moved onto my knees, trying not to squish my foot which,
surprisingly, didnt ache with pain. Opening the tent flap, sunlight poured in and I
poked my head outside, adjusting to the light and seeing our soldiers frolicking in a
woodland. Ervin was sitting on the ground next to my tent, dozing off, helmet
pulled down on his face. Next to him was Hunter, staring at faded photos clutched
in his hands. He looked up and jumped a little, smiling to himself. I opened my
mouth to say hello, but he shushed me and stood up.
Can you walk? He whispered, moving over to help me up. I put my strong
foot down and stood up, supporting my weight on the one good boot. Dragging my
injured foot behind me, Hunter chuckled and walked beside me, leaving Ervin to nap
in quiet.
How long was I out? I mumbled, yawning slightly. My foot doesnt hurt at
all Hunter nodded and walked alongside me, looking down at my giant bandaged
foot.
About a week my friend, He said, patting me on the back. Weve been
camped here for four days, treating wounded soldiers like yourself. I raised my
eyebrows and looked back down towards my foot. Were glad youre still here,
doctors thought you were out of it but we insisted you were in there somewhere.
Hunter poked me in the chest and chuckled.
Thanks for sticking with me, I said, walking along through the encampment.
Soldiers were waving to me and three men walked up, one of them limping with his
foot and arm in casts. The other two were supporting him and they stopped in
front of us. The wounded boy looked up at me, his right eye covered with a
bandage, and gave me a hearty grin. The other two snorted and smiled at me as
well.
Thanks to you, were still alive, The older one exclaimed, looking at his
kameraden. Bringing your tank back gave us the time to run into the alley and
escape with the forward group. My jaw dropped and I sniffed a small tear back,
not even remembering the incident until now.
You pulled me onto t-the tank, to safety, The wounded soldier said,
straining. Thank you. I didnt remember pulling a soldier onto a tank, maybe my
mind was so clouded I couldnt remember half of the events that played out that
fateful night? The men walked back to their tent and sat back down. Hunter looked
at me and shrugged.
A lot of men were saved that night because of your deed, He said, walking
down the path with me. Including a good friend of mine. I really didnt know what
to say; I was flustered, just looking down at the dirt. We saw our squad standing
over by our tank, Frostig, and moved over to them. Immediately, Georg scrambled
over to me, nearly knocking me down as I backed up. He was grinning wide and I was
laughing, and the rest of our squad moved closer.
Youre awake! He shouted, pretending to do a little victory dance. Jzsef
was cracking up behind him, and Hunter was laughing as well. Adam, Linus and Patrik
walked up also, standing next to me. Told you he was fine! Georg said, smiling and
stepping back. Adam snorted and looked at me.
We never doubted you, He said. Even though you nearly got us killed,
dummkopf. Linus glared at him and jabbed his stomach, and Adam chuckled in pain.
Im kidding. You did a great thing there. I smiled back at them and looked around,
searching for our squad leader.
Wheres Hermann? I asked, after looking about. Is he alright? I was
nervous that he wasnt here. Georg waved his hand dismissively and scoffed.
Hes been in bed for the whole time weve been here, He exclaimed,
pointing over to a medical tent. The guy is just fine. Grazed in the shoulder and
knocked out cold, real damage was he fractured his elbow when he fell. I laughed
to myself and looked over to the tent. Go on, go say hi. I abided and meandered
over to the tent, stepping inside the flap and looking around. Most of the beds
were unoccupied, but three had soldiers lying in them. One had a heavily bandaged
soldier, the other had a medic reading, and the last had Hermann. He was staring
up the at tent roof, arm in a small cast. I walked over to the bed and sat down on
the one next to him, waving as I sat. He turned his head rapidly to look at me and
smiled.
Hey! He said loudly, interrupting the awkward silence that enveloped the
place. Did you just wake up? He sat up in his bed and twitched when he bumped
his elbow against his leg.
Yeah, heard you fainted from grazing, you pansy, I grinned, leaning back on
the stretcher. Hermann gave me a stern look, but shortly after his features
softened.
You dont talk to your squad leader that way, He said, glaring at me. Just
kidding. Yeah, I guess it was in the heat of the moment. Thanks for pulling me out
of there. I nodded and stood up.
It was no big deal. (at this Hermann scoffed) Come on, get out of bed. I
grabbed his good arm and pulled him up, and we walked out of the medical tent.

The unit stayed in the woodland for two more days, of which were spent
screwing around with my leg, and talking with our squad. I kept asking Hermann
what had happened back in Tatabanya, but command wouldnt tell him until the day
we left. The Polish platoon never made it to Tatabanya; and had been intercepted
by an elite Balkan force. They had loaded the city full of soldiers, and when the
Spaniards pulled in, expecting help from the north, they overwhelmed and most
were either taken hostage, or killed. Those who made it out are roaming the
countryside, lost and starving. I worried for Javier, but I couldnt let it bother me,
as I needed to push on with my platoon. We were stationed in a large wooded area
outside of the hostile city, hidden from enemy contact, but jammed between
Tatabanya and the infested city of Budapest. We had lost some men in the ambush,
and one of our Wespes was still wrecked back in the city. Command heard about
the ambush immediately and dispatched a battalion of Austrian soldiers to plow
through the city, and provide artillery cover for the assault on Budapest. The
capital is a big city; and it would be a larger battle than we had seen before. Many
men were involved as of now, including: the Austrian artillery battalion, two
Hungarian infantry battalions, a set of three German panzergrenadier platoons
organized into the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade supported by a total of thirty
-four heavy tanks, a Polish armored recon battalion, and two Slovakian/Czech
infantry brigades. We were fighting against thousands of Balkan soldiers, who were
all expecting an attack and strategically positioned throughout the city. It was
easy to tell everyone was nervous, and I didnt even try to suppress my nerves
because it was clear it would do no good.

We marched down the road, and I stared down at my boots, now cast-less
and functioning properly. The sound of a tanks engine rumbled next to me, along
with the idle chatter of soldiers. I turned to Georg for conversation.
Ready to lay down some fire? I said to him, eyeing his newly issued MG42
machine gun. Georg laughed and pretended to spray bullets, Rambo-style.
I guess so. Ervin and I can put down some effective suppression, He
exclaimed, walking along. Ervin was our other squad support man, who was in charge
of providing extra ammunition and covering fire. Hunter had AT counterstrikes
with his new Panzerschreck, a reusable heavy AT launcher which was massively
heavy in addition to his already weighted gear. Jzsef and I were just designated
marksmen, equipped with rifles and standard infantry gear. Hermann was our squad
leader, carrying an StG 44 rifle and various grenades. The convoy moved along,
followed in back by an Austrian artillery battalion, and in front by the rest of our
Panzergrenadier brigade.

The Battle for Budapest was to go like this; the Austrian artillery unit would
set up a distance outside of the city, and begin bombarding them with heavy
artillery while the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade would hit the western gate
hard with heavy tank support and the artillery bombardment. While they pushed
towards the river cutting through town, the 1st Hungarian Gyalogsg Regiment of
two infantry brigades, would attack the northwest of the city and trap the soldiers
in-between the Panzergrenadiers and themselves. The Polish armored recon would
come before any of this happened, scouting their defenses and attempting to
weaken or sabotage enemy armor. After the western part of the city was secured
and under control, the 5th Czechoslovakian Infantry Brigade would independently
strike the top of the Eastern half of the city, while everyone else stormed the
bridges and attack at once, crushing the opposition and retaking the city. The plan
completely relied on the Panzergrenadiers and Hungarian infantry units, because if
one failed the other would become overwhelmed the plan would fail. The amount of
artillery supporting us was immense; over a hundred guns, including thirty Hummel
self-propelled guns, and a section of heavy Howitzers. We were the fifth tank to
enter the city, behind four other Tigers and stuffed with men.

It was time. The Austrian artillery parked and unloaded far behind us, and
the city came into view.
BOOM
Artillery began to pound the city, huge explosions rising above the walls, sending
smoke into the air.
BOOM
A shell slammed into the front entrance, incinerating a large group of soldiers and
disabling an enemy tank.
BOOM
Artillery fire began to return and resounded off behind us, and we watched as
more shells crashed into the city.
We must wait until the bombardment is over, Hermann exclaimed, leaning
against the tank. Friendly fire is wars greatest casualty. We were crowded
around Frostig, waiting for the order to charge into the city. They would be dazed
and weakened by the shelling, giving us the momentum to crush the defense. I
looked around at our squad, at Georg, Jzsef, Hunter, Ervin and Hermann, then to
our tank where I imagined Adam, Patrik and Linus sweating inside of the small
vehicle. The shelling continued for the next three hours, and during the time a
snow began to fall from the sky, lightly coating the ground and our tanks armor.
Anxiously we waited, until finally the order was given. The bombardment slowed
down and stopped abruptly, smoke and fire pouring out of the city.
Its time to move out, Hermann shouted, waving his hand and pointing
forward, directing the soldiers behind us. Cheering erupted and whoops of
adrenaline-induced bravery resounded along the convoy, and we laughed. Our tank
rolled out and we jogged alongside, quick reaching the gate. Veterans fired from
their emplacements along the entrance, shooting from windows and clinking bullets
off of tanks. I saw a soldier in the front of the convoy shredded by enemy fire,
and we realized that the battle had started. The frontline tanks, including Frostig,
fired at the hostile buildings, sending chunks of wall and enemies flying. The enemy
machine gun fire weakened and we pushed up, watching as enemies rushed to their
defensive positions in nooks and crannies of the city.
Watch your corners, Hermann yelled, raising his Sturmgewehr as we
entered the gateway. Especially the alleys! I peered down the alleyways, seeing
bodies dashing from place to place.
THUUUUM
An explosion blinded our eyes from not far in front of our tank, as an allied armor
was swiftly obliterated by an enemy shell. The grenadiers attached to the vehicle
scrambled back, streamlining to regroup with our tank. A group of two hostile
armor rumbled into view, firing at the next tank in line. The massive shell deflected
off the Tigers thick armor, and we fired back. Disabling one tank, AT rockets flew
out of windows and pummeled our lead Tiger, as the infantry surrounding it ran for
cover. The enemy vehicle adjusted his aim to the final lead tank before ours, but
the Tiger Troll, reacted quickly and fired on the enemy, disrupting its aim and
sending the tank into a flurry of smoke and flames.
Group one, detach! Hermann shouted over the gunfire, pointing off into the
northern alleyways. Group one of our squad was Hunter, Georg, and I, and we
jogged off into an alleyway.
Alright, where are we headed? Hunter said, breathing heavily. I stared
down the alley, hearing rustling from the shadowed sides. Georg pointed down the
way and we started moving forward slowly, weapons raised.
Vatra se sada! I heard shouted from down the alleyway, and gunfire
erupted on us. Georg sped into cover and Hunter pulled me behind a wall, as bullets
went thunk into the buildings.
Granata! A green sphere rolled into view, rolling around the corner at our
feet. I scrambled into the closest building, followed shortly by Georg and Hunter,
and the grenade exploded quickly after.
Shit, we need to get clear these side passages, I muttered, panting. We
moved over to the window, looking down at four Balkan soldiers breaching the door.
I panicked and motioned for Hunter to get on the stairs, and he rushed over and
started firing down the stairwell. I stuck my rifle out the window and shot a
soldier in the shoulder, who collapsed in a heap and was fallen on top of by another
soldier, taken out by Hunter. Shortly after another soldier dodged out the door,
jumping for cover, but unfortunately he was in plain sight for me. I fired and he
fell, motionless.
Its clear, right? Hunter asked, still aiming his rifle down the corridor.
Georg moved over to the stairwell, reloading his rifle.
Yeah, I think that was all in that group, I muttered. The gunfire was still
echoing through the roads and passageways of the city, as we moved out of the
building in back into the alley.
Do you think the Hungarians are doing alright? Hunter said, scanning a
dead end. They shouldve started the assault by now. I shrugged and stopped,
leaning against a brick building.
I hope so. What we need right now is to reach the rendezvous point. We
peered around a corner at a large road, littered with rubble, wreckage, and
corpses. You guys ready? Georg and Hunter nodded, readying to sprint across. I
gave the signal and we moved out onto the road, aiming our rifles at suspicious
points.
BRRRRRRT
The sound of machinegun fire tore into our ears, and Hunter started to sprint over
to safety. We followed him, bullets at our heels.
Shit, MG! Georg shouted, stumbling. I dived into the false safety of
another alleyway, joined by Hunter and Georg.
Isnt that a damn MG42?! Hunter shouted, panting and breathing heavily.
The gun fired again, and sure enough, it was the sound of ripping sheets. Damn, it
is! I looked around the corner again, seeing the muzzle flashes of an MG position
down the road in the top floor of a pub. A group of Balkan soldiers raced across
the road, but were methodically cut down by the ridiculous rate of fire. I
remembered something they issued us for situations like this, which was somewhat
of a poor idea but it could save our lives.
Hold on, I still have one of those flags things, I said, reaching into my
rucksack. Georg chuckled and Hunter was intently watching our backs. A long,
wooden pole slid out of my pack and I unfolded the Central European flag, a small
variant but it would do the trick. Leaning out into the street, my body hidden, I
poked the flag out wide, the cloth unfurling in the slight breeze. There was silence
for a second and then came a shout.
Elvtrsak!? The yell came from the MG position in the pub, but it was in a
language I didnt understand.
Hes Balkan, I muttered, readying my rifle. Hunter looked back at us,
eyebrows raised.
Elvtrsak is Hungarian for comrades, He shouted, moving from his position.
n kzp-eurpai?! He shouted down the road, poking his head out. The air was
quiet (besides for distant explosions and gunfire) for a couple of seconds.
Igen, az t egyrtelm!en a Balkn? The shout resounded off the walls and
reached us. We had absolutely no idea what they were saying, but thanks to Hunter
as a middle man, we had hopeful allies.
Nyugtztam, mi jn ott terjed minket. Hunter told us to follow him, and we
quickly moved out of our position and snaked through cover to reach the friendly
pub. The door was pulled open for us and we rushed inside, heading upstairs. One
soldier was staring at my insignia and sighed in relief.
Good, you can speak German, The soldier said in our language. The MG nest
was shaded, shadowed with curtains hung on the windows and with soldiers resting
in various corners.
How long have you been here? Georg asked, looking around. I dont know
how they couldve set up an MG nest like this, in such a short period of time.
We occupied this nest, it was originally a Balkan command post, The gunner
said, still looking outside. Wasnt very well defended, we took it quick. I nodded
and shifted awkwardly.
We need to rendezvous with our platoon near the middle bridge, I said,
looking to Georg and Hunter. Good luck, and stay safe. The soldiers saluted us,
solemn and somewhat quiet. We jogged down the stairs and moved out the door,
quickly checking my compass and checking our direction. The assault all depended
on the Hungarians now; we had broken through from my knowledge, pushing
forward.

My radio crackled to life, and I could hear a soldier on the other end. I
pulled it off my belt and held it up to my ear, sliding the antenna out and pressing
the respond button.
This is first group, Entry Unit, Ritter Platoon, I said into the microphone,
waiting for a response. The radio crackled again.
Erich? This is Frederick, radioman for Linus tank, The soldier said. Were
about the start the bridge assault; everyones here, where are you men? I pulled
out my map and pressed the respond button once again.
Were directly outside the bridge road, well be out there quick, over. I
released the button and we started jogging off towards the bridge, walking out
onto the road and passing damaged Tigers, supported by leagues of infantry and
Panzer III tanks. I moved through the ranks, approaching the front lines with my
kameraden, the edge of the bridge.
There you are, Hermann said, pulling us over to our tank. It was covered
with dents from bullets and the armor was stained black with char. Jzsef, Ervin
and Hermann had stayed with the tanks, suffering heavy resistance. Were ready
to begin the assault, how are you guys? I looked to Ervin and Jzsef, sitting
solemnly on the tank. Ervins shoulder was bandaged and had rips in his tunic.
Were fine, what happened to you guys? I muttered moving to the quiet
two. Their eyes lit up when I approached and they slid off the tanks armor. You
look like you got in a wreck. Ervin snorted and pulled his toque over his head once
again, placing his stahlhelm atop his hair and tightening the strap.
They threw all of their tanks at us, too bad they were no match for the
Tigers, Jzsef said, loading his rifle. We did suffer a few injuries though. Put up
good fight. I chuckled and moved forward. There was one tank, our lead, which
was specially deployed just for this moment- An Elefant heavy tank destroyer. It
was massive, with a blocky turret with a very heavy round, the armor was superb to
our tanks and provided a shield; therefore was placed in the front of every bridge.
Its time to move out, Hermann said, moving up front. He pulled out his
radio and tweaked the controls, putting it up to his ear. Start the assault, go go!
He shoved the radio back into his pouch and the Elefant started to propel forward
slowly, followed by our tank unit. We walked alongside it, using the armor as
shelter from the incoming bullets. Linus popped out of the tank, his head poking up
from the shielded port.
Enemy tanks in the alleyways, He said, twitching at any gunfire. Time to
test that beasts mettle. He slipped back into the vehicle and we watch the
Elefant, its turret aiming at a small tank concealed in an alleyway. A round was
fired- deafening, but comforting as we knew the amount of firepower. The enemy
tank exploded in a flurry of smoke and flames, but the other two still existed.
Tank firing! Hermann shouted, pulling us down to a crouch. The enemy shell
hit the Elefants side armor, crumpling into a ball of steel and hitting the ground
with a clang. We chuckled and stood back up.
Shit! Tank unit coming down the south road, were too late to return fire,
brace! My radio crackled, and it was the command half-tracks captain, and we
ducked for cover. The shells shook the bridge, all of them pounding into various
bridge supports.
Theyre trying to take out the bridge! I screamed to Hermann, pointing to
the frail supports. Get the tanks off of this thing! He hesitated to relay this to
the Elefant, but he managed to get it across, the metal beast kicking into high gear
and rocketing off the bridge in diesel fumes. Our Tiger sped past, following the
tank destroyer, and we dived to the side. The enemy armor fired again, this time
audible snaps were heard. More of our tanks drove past frantically, soldiers
clinging to the armor. The bridge began to shake and creak; it was coming down.
Were getting off this bridge, Hermann shouted, running over to the
railing. The ground shifted beneath us, and a Tiger skidded to a stop, backwards on
the collapsing bridge. The crew leapt out of the vulnerable vehicle, scrambling
towards us. The train of vehicles behind the road block started racing to back off
the bridge, but the chaos caused it to be too slow.
Wait are we doing?! The Tiger commander yelled, holding onto his hat.
Hermann cursed under his breath and moved to the rail of the bridge, hopping the
bar, plunging down into the water.
Im not doing that, Ervin said, hesitating. I swore and threw him over the
edge, following close behind. I flew through the air and smacked into the dark
river below, looking up through the dark tinted water, up at the tanks and bodies
flying over the edge and into the water.

Erich, wake up, wake up! Pain slapped across my face and I opened my eyes
to a nervous Georg, who was looking around anxiously. I was lying against a wall and
the sounds of gunfire and war returned. Georgs face lit up when I opened my eyes.
Good, youre awake, get up. I shook my head and stood up, looking around.
Hermann and the rest of the crew were right next to us, and everyone was here.
How did command not anticipate a bridge assault Hermann muttered,
watching the doorway.
I have a feeling they did, they just had no idea how to counter it, I said,
stretching. We had fallen into the river, and according to Ervin, a ton of our tanks
had been sunk. The Elefant was rolling through the streets right now, probably
followed by our Tiger, vulnerable and without support.
Now that everyones awake, we have to move, Hermann said, moving
outside. We all followed, staring at the wreckage. The bridge had completely
collapsed and tank turrets were sticking out of the water, people lying on the
concrete banks, gasping for air. Above us the fight was raging, our tanks stuck on
one side, theirs on the other. Were to move up these stairs and take out the
infantry which are pinning our soldiers on the other side of the river, Hermann
was moving up the stone steps, StG loaded and ready. I moved up beside him and
peered over the stone, searching for hostiles.
Enemies spotted, straight ahead, I said, pointing in their general direction.
Everyone had piled up behind us, and we were ready for the fight.
If we just burst out firing, one of those tanks will engage us and well be an
open target, Ervin said, scanning the section of road behind us.
If we dont move or take action, well get spotted and shot down anyways
Georg said, squeezing through us to get a better look. Hermann told us to just fire
away on the soldiers; most likely the tanks are too busy with our armor. I aimed
down my sights at the machine gunner, who was laying down fire on our troops,
supported by two riflemen and a spotter. Hermann gave the go and we all fired in a
volley, hitting everyone at the same time with extreme precision.
Perfect, Hermann said, ducking down. Georg, do you still have your
Panzerfaust? We looked to Georg and he patted the two slender tubes on his
back, and they shook on their loops.
Always have two. Georg said and Hermann nodded. He pointed down the
road towards the trio of licensed T-34 tanks on the waterside road, firing away.
They were lined up side by side, forming a wall of steel, creating a protective shell
for a small command post behind them.
Do you think you can take out one tank with one faust? Hermann asked,
curious.
Not entirely sure, if I can get a good shot, maybe. Typically a T-34 tank
would take at least two good shots from a Panzerfaust; their armor is one of the
best in any countries service and can withstand most shells and rockets.