The following two chapters are the completed version of this story as of 4/19/06. This updated work (which looks better in it's original form) won a competition held at my college, and will be featured in a book the college prints out each year.

Anyways, I am very proud of this. Give me your best critique!

(NOTE: this chapter was modeled after a real-life After Action report)

SECRET

HEADQUARTERS 6TH ARMORED DIVISION

APO #46 US ARMY

1 July 44

SUBJECT: Report After Action Against Enemy

TO: The Adjutant General, Washington, D.C.

Thru: Commanding General, 6th Arm Div, APO #46, U S Army.

1. In compliance with C-3, Par 10, AR 345-105, the following report of action against the enemy by the 6th Armored Division during the period of 1 June 44 to 30 June 44 is submitted.

2. The 6th Armored Division landed in Normandy, France, on 18 June, 1944, and proceeded to unload and prepare for the push inland.

On 20 June, 1944, elements of the 68th Tank Battalion (three M4 Sherman's and their crews) were ordered to scout the road leading to Bayeux, France, in preparation for a major Allied advance.

In the late afternoon on the 20th, contact was lost with the group, supposedly under enemy fire. Last reported position was beside Farm 41, 2 miles outside of Colleville, France.

June 22nd, contact was made with a wounded soldier, by sympathetic French citizens, who claimed to be from the recon unit sent forwards to scout the area. After debriefing, the soldier was identified as being from the recon group of the 68th, and the soldier (A private John Michaels from Indiana) was further debriefed for intel on enemy positions (Minutes of debrief were submitted June 23rd).

On June 24th, the main elements from the 68th were sent forwards to secure the road beyond Farm 41 and continue on to Bayeux, France. With help from John Michaels inside the command halftrack, enemy presence was eliminated from the intersection of Road 23 and Stream 13 (Grid G6 on the map). Enemy forces consisted of two 75mm Anti-tank emplacements concealed in Forest 65 overlooking the road, and one lone Tiger I on Hill 23, concealed by tree branches, along with infantry concealed inside the forest. The attack began at 12:30 and ended at 13:45, with minimal casualties. The German defenders were completely destroyed, except for the commander of the Tiger I, an Oberst in the German Wehrmacht (Comparative to a Colonel).

The commander, apparently of higher social position, was interrogated on June 28th by Colonel Jason Barns of the 68th, starting at 9:00 and ending at 18:00 that day (Minutes of the interrogation attached). During the interview, the Oberst asked if it were possible if he could work with us (The United States Army) to help bring an end to the war, saying that he knew the Wehrmacht doctrine cover to cover, and could possibly infiltrate behind enemy lines to reconnoiter and point out enemy positions.

3. Morale during this period was good. The following listed casualties were incurred:

OFFICERS ENLISTED MEN

KIA - - - - - - 2 57

WIA - - - - - -3 25

MIA - - - - - -1 3

Prisoners of war captured during the period: 1

4. Copies of unit journal and interrogation minutes are attached

JASON MICHAEL BARNS

Colonel, 68th Tank Battalion

Commanding

2 Incl - Unit Journal, 68th Tank Battalion

(Copy)

Interrogation Minutes, Dated 28th June, 1944

(copy)