My first novel, “Hearts, Minds, and Coffee” shows enemies working together to survive. This theme is not new. Listed below are three examples where enemies showed their humanity.
First, most know about the Christmas Truce of December 25, 1914, when German and British troops celebrated Christmas Day together, exchanging presents, food, and even played a friendly soccer match. Afterwards, they didn’t want to fight, but higher authorities threatened court-martial if they stopped fighting. Regrettably, both sides continued the battle.
Second, December 20, 1943: As told in the book, “A Higher Call” by Adam Makos, an American B-17 bomber was badly damaged flying home. A German ace approached the plane to shoot it down. Instead he saw how crippled it was and escorted it to the English Channel. If the German left it alone, other German aircraft would have shot it down. This heroism was kept a secret until recently. Forty years later, the pilots found each other and became close friends.
Third, May 1945: In “The Last Battle” by Stephen Harding, with World War II close to an end, a small group of American army soldiers joined forces with a German army unit and a Nazi lieutenant and fought off fanatical SS troops who sought to execute former French government leaders then being held prisoner in Austria.
Other examples exist but are not publicized. These heroics show that humanity can in very trying times.
