At two in the morning on June 18, at the headquarters of the German 9th Army Corps, Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Erich Hoepner was awakened by his adjutant.
"What happened?" Erich Hoepner asked sleepily.
"Chief of Staff, this is an urgent Telegram sent by the Army Group Commander from Berlin." The adjutant handed a telegram to Lieutenant General Erich Hoepner.
Lieutenant General Erich Hoepner took the telegram and began reading it. When he saw its contents, every trace of sleep vanished from his face.
In the telegram, Marshal Rommel ordered Lieutenant General Erich Hoepner to lead the 9th Armored Division, 99th Armored Division, 81st Mechanized Infantry Division, 82nd Mechanized Infantry Division, 83rd Mechanized Infantry Division, and 84th Mechanized Infantry Division in launching an attack toward Nizhny Novgorod at maximum speed, pursuing and killing Joseph, who had fled Moscow.
Marshal Rommel hoped Lieutenant General Erich Hoepner would do everything in his power to complete this mission. If Joseph could be captured or killed, it would be an enormous military achievement.
Lieutenant General Erich Hoepner knew that as well, which was why he was so excited. He knew this was undoubtedly an excellent opportunity for him. If he could seize it, his promotion from lieutenant general to full general—and perhaps even appointment to an active post—would be as sure as ironclad fact.
"God! This is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity. I absolutely cannot miss it. Otherwise, I'll never get another chance like this." Lieutenant General Erich Hoepner told himself.
"Someone, immediately summon the division commanders of the 9th Armored Division, 99th Armored Division, 81st Mechanized Infantry Division, 82nd Mechanized Infantry Division, 83rd Mechanized Infantry Division, and 84th Mechanized Infantry Division. Also, have these six divisions begin emergency mobilization at once and prepare for battle!" Lieutenant General Erich Hoepner ordered.
"Yes, Chief of Staff!"