In the early morning, the rain stopped.
Mist spread through the forest, like light smoke exhaled by the earth, silently weaving through the trees like white specters.
The air was filled with the freshness of grass and trees, mixed with the scent of dew. A gentle breeze swept the dew along the grape leaves, where it merged into the ground and disappeared without a trace.
If it weren't for the war, Mount Montbeh would be a place that could make people intoxicated.
But the piercing whistle shattered this beauty and tranquility, startling a flock of wild pigeons into flight, as US Army soldiers poked their heads out from the tent fortifications one by one.
More than a month of training had taught them how to set up tents properly; they should be positioned in scattered pits or trenches to ensure survival amid enemy artillery bombardment.
"Prepare for battle!" Patton shouted to the US Army soldiers, "Pick up your weapons; it's time to teach the Germans a lesson."
