Page 26 - LIfesOuttakes3

valley was clear of German forces, and he was not about to let his promise end there. Ignoring the pain, he was back up in a flash, and running as fast as he could. Once he reached a point where he knew he was safe, he paused for a short rest. He then turned to the arduous task of climbing the ridge and sneaking up behind the gunman. It took much of the day, but eventually he reached a point where he could see the German soldier laying prone on the ground. He couldn’t risk a missed shot, so he had to get closer. He gradually worked his way along, picking his steps carefully. Finally, he was at a distance he knew he couldn’t miss. He raised his rifle to his shoulder and sighted in. But something made him pause. At this proximity he could see that the German soldier was probably no more than 15. He knew that, because of heavy losses, the Germans had forced younger and younger boys into the army. Suddenly, Randall felt a turmoil in his heart that created a conflict more vicious than any he’d faced on the battlefield. He felt a surge of hatred for what the 21