The Calm Before the Storm
The street was eerily silent in this city center of the war-torn country. The soldiers were aware that any moment could be their last. They then heard a muted voice over the radio.
Source: Rail Trail’s Video
Their commander’s faded voice stated: “Gentlemen, I give you Cologne.” he said. Then an eternal pause loomed until the radio, still cracking, continued when the commander ended with: “Let’s give them hell.” And that’s when 19-year-old Smoyer, only a boy, was basically prepared to die.
But something else happened instead.