The Soldier's Dream Life: Austria: May 8-July 31, 1945 Summary and Analysis

Chapter eighteen details Easy Company's activities after Germany surrendered to Allied troops. While Easy Company journeyed to Austria, the celebration continued. The troops arrived at Zell am See, Austria with dirty uniforms and unshaven faces. The American troops contrasted sharply with the pristinely groomed German soldiers. Winters accepted the formal surrender from a decorated German colonel. The German troops were cooperative and followed Winters' orders beyond his expectations. Captain Speirs gathered information about a possible Nazi slave labor camp leader hiding in the mountains. Speirs ordered three of his men to locate and kill the man. The soldiers found the alleged Nazi camp leader and shot him to death. With no enemy to fight, the troops passed the time by playing sports, travelling, hunting, skiing, drinking and fraternizing with...