Bis das Auge bricht

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A veteran recounts his World War II experiences to his grandson with gripping, brutal honesty, devoid of sentimentality. The narrative reveals profound despair: “Deeply shocked and heartbroken, we continued on our way back... When would this terrible war come to an end?” The veteran reflects on witnessing death, including a soldier who, in his final moments, called for help and found solace in the vision of his mother. The veteran's “baptism of fire” marked a turning point, shattering his youthful innocence and replacing it with the dread of mass destruction. The story illustrates how the mistakes of rulers cost the lives of ordinary people, as seen through the eyes of an Austrian mountain farmer’s son thrust into the chaos of the Eastern Front during the waning days of the German Reich. He recalls the brutal realities of combat, the instincts for survival, and the strong bonds formed with his comrades amidst the madness. This honest, touching account serves as a poignant reminder to advocate for peace and reject the horrors of war. The author, Andreas Hartinger, has long been interested in contemporary history. Collaborating with his grandfather, Hans Kahr, they documented the elder’s war memories, transforming a family project into a powerful testimony about the impact of war on humanity.