"Cease pursuit, reinforce the defenses, and prepare for an American counterattack!"
The German commanders at the front issued their orders. After the American forces collapsed, the German military pressed the pursuit and had nearly reached Topsfield.
However, not many German troops had crossed over yet. The main armored divisions and Mechanized Infantry Divisions had not crossed either. The Americans still had heavy forces at Topsfield. A rash attack might fail to defeat the Americans and instead leave the Germans at a disadvantage. Therefore, the German military had no choice but to halt its offensive and wait for the following main force to arrive before attacking again.
German engineers began constructing pontoon bridges. Using tools prepared in advance, they busied themselves along the Saint Croix River. Before long, one pontoon bridge after another had been erected.
Infantry from the German infantry divisions began crossing the river over those bridges, establishing positions on the far bank of the Saint Croix River and preparing to repel an American counteroffensive.
More German engineers were constructing sturdy pontoon bridges capable of carrying heavy equipment. Otherwise, the German heavy tanks would have no way to cross the river. To smash the Americans head-on and defeat them completely, the German military's heavy equipment was indispensable.
"Your Excellency, the American defensive line has been shattered by us. The infantry divisions are now crossing the river. The engineers are building pontoon bridges capable of carrying heavy equipment, and they are expected to finish them by this afternoon," Lieutenant General Karl Hilpert reported.
Marshal Guderian nodded. "Have the 8th Armored Division, 88th Armored Division, 71st Mechanized Infantry Division, 72nd Mechanized Infantry Division, 73rd Mechanized Infantry Division, and 74th Mechanized Infantry Division make preparations. They must all cross the river before nightfall tomorrow. The morning after tomorrow, launch the attack on