drawing by Paul McGinty

Erich Stecker is an aspiring doctor from the small Bavarian village of Holzheim; he is engaged to nursing student Maria Juergens. However, their personal plans are interrupted by Hitler's invasion of Poland. Because of the tide of nationalism and egotistical ambitions of a despotic dictator, fate ultimately overcomes the future Erich has planned for himself, Maria, and their families in peaceful, pastoral Holzheim.

Maria becomes a member of the Army Nurse Corps. Erich is selected for Hitler's Special Forces, the Deathhead Brigade. The soldiers are ordered to assist the German Sixth Army in capturing Stalingrad, a contest between the egos of two tyrannical dictators which proves to be one of the worst warfare experiences in history.

ISBN # 0-8059-5668-9

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