the early days I was able to join in the attack with cheers and laughter ; now I was calm and determined. Thus I went on until the end. Only thus could fate move forward to the last test without breaking my nerve or loosening my reason.
The young volunteer had grown into an old soldier. This change had taken place throughout the army. The perpetual fighting aged and hardened it, and broke any who could not stand up against the storm.
Then only could one form a judgment of that army. After two-three years, during which it was continually fighting one battle after another, against superior odds in numbers and weapons, undergoing hunger and privations—that was the time to consider the virtue of that army.
Though thousands of years pass, none may talk of heroism without thinking of the German Army in the World War. Through the mists of the past the grey steel helmet will appear, never flinching or turn¬ ing aside, a monument of immortality. As long as there are Germans left, they will reflect that these men were once sons of their nation.