In a moment captured in time, die-hard Italian fascists conduct reprisal executions of civilians in Lombardy during World War II.

Captain Ludwig Herckel a devoted and patriotic soldier of the SS Leibstandarte fights in every major conflict from the Eastern front to the battle of the bulge. Fiercely loyal to his country and his brothers in arms, loved by his men, Herckel will face his greatest battle yet when he discovers the truth about the Nazi regime.

As Russian tanks advance on Berlin and US marines discover concentration camps, a devoted German soldier begins to question his loyalty.