Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) receive warning of incoming German air formation.
• USAAF scramble P-47 Thunderbolts and P-51 Mustangs to intercept.
• German Air Force (GAF) tactical air command groups, led by advanced TA-152 fighters, engage USAAF fighters.
• Intense aerial combat ensues, with GAF gaining an advantage due to superior aircraft and numbers.
• USAAF struggles to break away from GAF fighters to target German bombers.

Character Developments

• American pilots show determination but face significant challenges against the GAF.
• German pilots exhibit confidence and skill, following their commander's strategy to wear down USAAF fighters.

Significant Themes

• Superior Technology and Numbers: GAF's advanced TA-152 fighters and overwhelming numbers give them an advantage.
• Strategic Planning: GAF's commander, Field Marshal Eduard von Milch, aims to clear the path for heavy bombers by wearing down USAAF fighters first.
• Desperation and Resilience: USAAF pilots face insurmountable odds but continue to fight.

Character Interactions

• American commander orders pilots to find a way to target German bombers but faces pushback due to the intense battle.
• German pilots cheer their successes and follow orders to attack American fighters and bombers.
• Pilots on both sides exhibit determination, skill, and frustration during the intense aerial combat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• US P-51 fighter planes are heavily engaged with German TA-152 fighters, suffering significant losses.
• US fighter planes attempt to disrupt German heavy bomber formations but are outnumbered and outmatched.
• German bombers, escorted by TA-152s and BF-110s, successfully bomb Portland's airport and industrial zones, causing extensive damage and civilian casualties.
• German Navy carrier-based aircraft also attack coastal cities in Maine.

Character Developments

• German pilots display overconfidence and underestimate their American counterparts, leading to some casualties.
• US pilots, despite being outmatched, show determination and skill, with some holding their own against German fighters.

Significant Themes

• Air Superiority: The German Air Force's numerical and technological advantage allows them to dominate the skies, enabling successful bombing raids.
• Industrial Targeting: Both sides prioritize bombing enemy industrial sites to cripple their war production capabilities.
• Civilian Casualties: The bombing raids result in significant civilian casualties, highlighting the impact of war on non-combatants.

Character Interactions

• German pilots communicate over the radio, displaying camaraderie and competitive banter, but also showing concern for each other's safety.
• US and German pilots engage in aerial combat, showcasing their skills and determination, but ultimately, the US forces are overwhelmed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The German Air Force successfully concludes a massive bombing operation in Maine, destroying all 107 targets.
• The US suffers significant losses, with over 300 fighter aircraft and over 100 bombers lost.
• The German Air Force plans to continue strategic bombing until the German Army launches a large-scale offensive against the US.
• The US President summons military leaders to discuss the heavy losses and the Germans' intention to destroy American industry.
• The German Air Force resumes bombing, targeting New Hampshire and Vermont, further damaging US heavy industry.

Character Developments

• Marshal Edward Milch shows satisfaction with the initial bombing success but is concerned about the losses. He orders continued bombing and requests reinforcements from Germany.
• President Roosevelt is grim about the destruction of Maine's industry and the potential loss of the war if industry is further weakened.
• General George Marshall reports the devastating impact of the bombing on Maine's industry and the heavy losses of the Army Air Corps.
• Lieutenant General Henry Arnold acknowledges the Army Air Corps' inability to stop the German bombing and suggests deploying more anti-aircraft defenses and relocating factories.

Significant Themes

• The devastating impact of strategic bombing on industry and the war effort.
• The importance of heavy industry in sustaining a modern war effort.
• The struggle between the US and Germany's air forces and the heavy losses incurred by both sides.

Character Interactions

• Marshal Edward Milch interacts with Major General Günther Korten, discussing the bombing operation's results and planning future attacks.
• President Roosevelt interacts with General George Marshall and Lieutenant General Henry Arnold, discussing the losses, the Germans' intentions, and potential countermeasures.
• No direct interactions between the US and German leaders are depicted in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Germany's strategic bombing of the United States has caused significant damage to American industry, particularly heavy industry.
• Qin Tian orders the continuation of strategic bombing, including targeting civilian facilities.
• Germany is preparing for a large-scale offensive against America with three army groups and vassal troops, aiming for a decisive victory.
• The American army is concentrating its forces in the northeast, with a total strength of over eight million but only around five million truly combat-capable troops.
• The German army plans an offensive to annihilate millions of American soldiers and capture Washington.

Character Developments

• Qin Tian demonstrates his resolve to win the war at any cost, showing no mercy to the Americans.
• Marshal Albert Kesselring shows confidence in the Imperial Air Force's capabilities.
• Marshal von Manstein presents a plan for a decisive victory against America.
• Admiral Raeder expresses concern about the risk of a single major battle, suggesting a more cautious approach.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic bombing in modern warfare.
• The determination of both Germany and America to win the war, even at great cost.
• The role of vassal states in Germany's war effort.
• The potential consequences of a decisive battle on the outcome of the war.

Character Interactions

• Qin Tian interacts with his military ministers, discussing strategies and expressing his will to win the war.
• Marshal Albert Kesselring and Marshal von Manstein present their plans and opinions to Qin Tian.
• Admiral Raeder voices his concerns about the planned offensive, showing a different perspective from the other ministers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Germany, facing a crisis, prepares for a final strike against America.
• Qin Tian assures Marshal Raeder of Germany's readiness, mentioning Army Groups A, B, C, and D, and the potential for further mobilization.
• Qin Tian asks Marshal Manstein to lead the North American Theater, who accepts the responsibility.
• Qin Tian leads a group of high-ranking officials to a secret research facility in the Sahara Desert.
• A nuclear test is conducted, demonstrating the devastating power of the weapon.

Character Developments

• Qin Tian shows confidence in Germany's military capabilities and reveals his strategic thinking by visiting the nuclear test site.
• Marshal Manstein accepts the responsibility of leading the North American Theater, displaying his commitment and sense of duty.
• Dr. Oppenheimer, the project leader, is shocked by the power of the nuclear weapon, showing his initial reaction to the weapon's magnitude.

Significant Themes

• The power of nuclear weapons and their potential to change the course of war.
• Germany's determination and preparation for a final showdown with America.
• The importance of secrecy and strategic planning in warfare.

Character Interactions

• Qin Tian consults with Marshal Raeder about Germany's military readiness, showing trust in his marshal's expertise.
• Qin Tian asks Marshal Manstein to lead the North American Theater, demonstrating his confidence in Manstein's abilities.
• Qin Tian leads a group of high-ranking officials to the nuclear test site, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among them.
• Dr. Oppenheimer interacts with Qin Tian, updating him on the project's status and expressing his shock at the weapon's power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The German Empire successfully tests a nuclear weapon, demonstrating immense destructive power.
• Military generals and the Imperial Prime Minister express excitement and confidence in Germany's invincibility.
• Emperor Qin Tian cautions that practical use of the weapon is still distant due to size, delivery, and radiation concerns.
• Qin Tian emphasizes that Germany's military strength remains unmatched even without the nuclear weapon.

Character Developments

• Emperor Qin Tian exhibits strategic thinking and scientific knowledge, impressing experts and instilling confidence in his subordinates.
• Military generals and the Imperial Prime Minister show enthusiasm and faith in Germany's new weapon, reflecting their eagerness for victory.

Significant Themes

• Power and Invincibility: The nuclear weapon represents an unparalleled power that instills a sense of invincibility in Germany's leaders.
• Scientific Research and Uncertainty: The development and deployment of the weapon highlight the unpredictable nature of scientific research.
• Global Dominance: Germany's lead in nuclear weapon development ensures its global superiority, as other countries lack the necessary resources and scientists to catch up.

Character Interactions

• Emperor Qin Tian interacts with military generals and experts, sharing knowledge and inspiring confidence.
• Military generals and the Imperial Prime Minister engage with each other, expressing excitement and agreement about Germany's new weapon.
• Qin Tian collaborates with Dr. Oppenheimer and other experts, exchanging views and imparting knowledge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Washington D.C. and the northeastern United States are deserted due to German strategic bombing, causing civilian casualties and mass displacement.
• The US government, facing a critical juncture, orders the Army to fight to the death against the impending German offensive.
• President Roosevelt convenes senior military leaders to discuss the dire situation and the need to resist the Germans.

Character Developments

• President Roosevelt appears aged and determined, understanding the gravity of the situation and the need to inspire his generals.
• General Marshall, the Army Chief of Staff, provides updates on the German reinforcements and the US military's deployment.

Significant Themes

• Resistance and Determination: The US leaders and military are determined to fight to the death despite the overwhelming odds against them.
• Leadership: President Roosevelt's leadership is crucial in rallying the military and preventing panic or desertion.
• National Survival: The stakes are high, with the survival of America and the American nation at risk if they fail to defeat the Germans.

Character Interactions

• President Roosevelt addresses the generals, emphasizing the need to fight to the death against the Germans.
• General Marshall updates President Roosevelt on the German reinforcements and the US military's deployment.
• The generals nod in agreement, indicating their understanding of the dire situation and their commitment to fighting to the death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The US Army's combat effectiveness varies; early troops are well-trained and equipped, later troops are hastily assembled and poorly equipped due to German bombing of US industry.
• President Roosevelt, despite slim chances, decides to fight Germany one last time to secure a dignified peace and prevent annihilation.
• General Arnold reports the Army Air Corps' readiness, and President Roosevelt expresses confidence in their ability to defeat Germany.
• After the meeting, President Roosevelt discusses the situation with Advisor Hopkins, acknowledging the low chances of victory but emphasizing the necessity to fight to preserve America's existence.

Character Developments

• President Roosevelt: Shows determination to fight despite knowing the odds are against them, prioritizing America's survival over outright victory.
• General Henry Arnold: Demonstrates courage and confidence in the Army Air Corps' ability to fight against Germany.
• Advisor Hopkins: Offers candid advice, acknowledging the low chances of victory and suggesting a surrender plan to preserve American lives if the war is lost.

Significant Themes

• Realism vs. Idealism: President Roosevelt's decision to fight despite knowing the low chances of victory reflects a realistic assessment of the situation, prioritizing America's survival over unrealistic expectations of victory.
• Leadership and Responsibility: President Roosevelt takes responsibility for leading the country through this crisis, showing determination and willingness to make tough decisions.
• War and Its Consequences: The chapter explores the impact of war on a nation's industry, military strength, and ultimately, its survival.

Character Interactions

• President Roosevelt and General Arnold: They express confidence in the Army Air Corps' ability to fight against Germany, with Roosevelt nodding in agreement and General Arnold declaring their readiness to fight to the last man.
• President Roosevelt and Advisor Hopkins: They discuss the grim situation candidly, with Hopkins offering advice on leaving a way out if the war cannot be won, and Roosevelt acknowledging the need to preserve American lives if necessary.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The German North American Theater Headquarters is established in Nova Scotia, led by Field Marshal von Manstein.
• Germany's Army Groups B and C, along with troops from vassal states (including ten army groups from the Kingdom of England and Wales), totaling eight million men, gather for combat.
• A strategy meeting is held, deciding to launch the offensive in three days against the United States, marking the largest decisive battle in history.

Character Developments

• Field Marshal von Manstein displays his strategic prowess, confidence, and determination to lead the German forces to victory.
• German generals show excitement and pride in participating in this historic battle, with a strong resolve not to tolerate defeat.

Significant Themes

• The battle's significance as a turning point in the war and a fight for the survival of the United States.
• The German forces' confidence in their superiority in terms of troop numbers, combat effectiveness, naval, and air power.
• The need for caution and vigilance despite the advantages, as the battle is fought on American soil.

Character Interactions

• Field Marshal von Manstein addresses and rallies the generals, emphasizing the importance of the battle and the need for absolute victory.
• The generals respond with enthusiasm and determination, reflecting their trust in von Manstein's leadership and their shared resolve to win the war.

Key Plot Points and Events

• German military leaders plan a three-pronged invasion of the United States from Canada.
  • Army Group B (1M German + 2M Allied) attacks from New Brunswick to Washington.
  • Army Group A (1M German + 2M Allied) advances through Quebec, crosses Appalachians, and attacks Washington.
  • Army Group C (1M German + 1M Allied) moves into Michigan and Great Lakes regions, cutting off American retreat.
• German forces plan to use Canadian infrastructure for logistics and passage.
• British and Canadian leaders initially refuse German request to pass through Canada but eventually comply due to German threats.

Character Developments

• Marshal von Manstein: Confident in German superiority, willing to force passage through Canada.
• Marshal Guderian, Marshal Blomberg, Marshal Rommel: Obediently follow von Manstein's orders.
• Prime Minister Churchill: Initially resists German demands but ultimately complies to protect Canada.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: The strong (Germany) preying on the weak (Britain, Canada).
• Strategic importance: The necessity of passing through Canada for a successful German invasion of the U.S.
• Realpolitik: Churchill's pragmatic decision to protect Canada's interests despite personal feelings.

Character Interactions

• Von Manstein issues orders to his marshals, who comply without question.
• Von Manstein threatens Canadian and British leaders, who initially resist but eventually comply.
• Churchill and his cabinet discuss and decide to allow German passage through Canada.

Key Plot Points and Events

• German pressure forces Churchill and the Canadian government to agree to German army's passage through Canada.
• Americans learn of the German plan to use Canada as a route to attack the United States.
• President Roosevelt is informed and convenes military leaders to discuss countermeasures.
• German army begins large-scale entry into Canada, while U.S. military redeploys troops to strengthen defenses in the Great Lakes region.

Character Developments

• President Roosevelt shows understanding and sympathy for Churchill's decision, prioritizing the survival of his nation.
• General Marshall acknowledges the gravity of the situation and advocates for redeploying troops to bolster defenses.

Significant Themes

• The pressure of war and the necessity of compromise for survival.
• The interconnectedness of global politics and military strategies.
• The consequences of underestimating an adversary.

Character Interactions

• Donovan informs President Roosevelt about the German plan.
• President Roosevelt consults with military leaders (General Marshall, General Arnold) to discuss countermeasures.
• The U.S. military responds to the German threat by redeploying troops.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The US Army deploys ten army groups and 20 heavy independent tank battalions in Maine to defend against a German offensive, totaling nearly 5,000 tanks.
• The German B Army Group, with over 3,000 tanks, initiates the attack on April 12th along the Saint Croix River south of McAdam.
• The German artillery pounds the US defensive fortifications for an hour, causing significant damage and casualties.

Character Developments

• No significant individual character developments are mentioned in this chapter.

Significant Themes

• The disparity in military power and strategy between the US and German forces.
• The impact of air superiority on ground operations.
• The importance of fortifications and artillery in modern warfare.

Character Interactions

• No significant character interactions are mentioned in this chapter. The focus is on the strategic and tactical aspects of the battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• German Army attempts to cross the Saint-Croix River, less than 50 meters wide, but destroyed bridge and swift water pose challenges.
• German engineers need to build a pontoon bridge, but must first secure the opposite bank.
• German 3rd, 8th, and 14th Armies each deploy an infantry division to cross the river using small boats.
• US forces heavily resist the German crossing, using mortars, machine guns, and artillery.
• German Air Force supports the crossing troops, while US Army Air Corps attempts to intercept.
• German helicopters, both attack and utility, join the battle, causing significant American casualties.

Character Developments

• American officers and soldiers display bravery and determination, fighting despite heavy losses.
• German soldiers show resilience and determination to cross the river despite the intense resistance.
• No individual characters are highlighted in this chapter.

Significant Themes

• Determination and Resilience: Both American and German forces show unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
• Firepower and Technology: The battle emphasizes the importance of firepower and advanced technology (like helicopters) in modern warfare.
• Strategic Planning: The German engineers' plan to build a pontoon bridge and the American forces' preparation to defend the riverbank highlight the significance of strategic planning.

Character Interactions

• American officers and soldiers interact, shouting orders and encouraging each other to fight.
• German soldiers coordinate their efforts to cross the river, supporting each other.
• No significant interactions between American and German characters are depicted in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Intense battle between American and German forces; heavy casualties on both sides.
• American anti-aircraft machine gun takes down a German utility helicopter.
• Germans cross the Saint-Croix River, advancing on American positions under helicopter cover.
• American heavy machine gun position is destroyed by German mortars.
• American soldiers struggle to resist the German advance, with some attempting to flee but being shot down.
• American headquarters requests reinforcements as divisions are collapsing under heavy German pressure.

Character Developments

• American soldiers, particularly new recruits, face the harsh reality of battle and struggle to maintain their resolve.
• Lieutenant General Lucian Truscott, commander of the 5th Army, shows dissatisfaction with his troops' performance and issues a strict no-retreat order.

Significant Themes

• The brutal nature of warfare and its impact on soldiers, particularly new recruits.
• The importance of morale and resolve in maintaining defensive lines.
• The strategic value of air support, as demonstrated by the German helicopters.

Character Interactions

• American soldiers interact with their officers, showing fear and desperation as they face the German advance.
• American officers, including Lieutenant General Lucian Truscott, interact with their subordinates, issuing orders and expressing dissatisfaction with their troops' performance.
• German soldiers interact with American forces, demonstrating their superior training and experience in combat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• German attack helicopters destroy a section of the US forces' defensive line with rocket fire.
• German infantry seizes the opportunity to break through the US position, facing heavy resistance but ultimately successful.
• US forces reinforce their lines with an infantry division and two heavy tank battalions, temporarily stabilizing the situation.
• German air support, including Stuka dive bombers and attack helicopters, decimates the US tank battalions, allowing German forces to maintain their advantage.
• After three hours of intense combat, the US forces' defensive line collapses under the relentless German assault.

Character Developments

• No significant individual character developments are highlighted in this chapter.

Significant Themes

• The impact of technological advancements (attack helicopters, dive bombers) on modern warfare.
• The importance of combined arms warfare (infantry, tanks, air support) for successful military operations.
• The tenacity and resilience of both US and German forces in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt (German Army Group B commander) and Lieutenant General Carl Hilpert (Chief of Staff of the 8th Army) discuss strategy and plan for crossing the river.
• Lieutenant General Lucian Truscott (US 5th Army commander) orders reinforcements and tank battalions to stabilize the front line, showing determination to hold back the German offensive despite grim circumstances.
• No direct interactions between US and German characters are depicted in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The German army pauses its pursuit of the retreating US military to reinforce their defense line and prepare for a counterattack.
• German engineers construct pontoon bridges over the Saint-Croix River to facilitate the crossing of heavy equipment and troops.
• The German 8th Army Group, consisting of two armored divisions and four mechanized infantry divisions, prepares to launch an offensive against the US 5th Army.
• The US 5th and 6th Army Groups decide to defend their positions in Topsfield and Princeton respectively, awaiting German attack.
• US Army General Staff orders reinforcements, including the 8th Army Group and 11th Army Group, to support the 5th Army Group.

Character Developments

• Marshal Guderian, commander of the German B Army Group, demonstrates strategic planning and decisiveness in ordering the defense line reinforcement and upcoming offensive.
• Lieutenant General Lucian Truscott, commander of the US 5th Army Group, shows adaptability in changing his strategy from offense to defense, utilizing the constructed fortifications in Topsfield.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic planning and adaptability in warfare.
• The impact of technological superiority (German attack helicopters) on battlefield dynamics.
• The role of natural barriers (Saint-Croix River) in defensive strategies.

Character Interactions

• Marshal Guderian and Lieutenant General Karl-Hilpert discuss and plan the German offensive strategy.
• Lieutenant General Lucian Truscott and his officers discuss the US military's response to the German advance and the defense of Topsfield.
• US Army General Staff and the commanders of the 5th and 6th Army Groups communicate regarding reinforcements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• German forces successfully cross the Sainte-Croix River without US counterattack.
• Marshal Guderian orders an assault on Topsfield, using mechanized infantry and infantry divisions supported by heavy artillery and air strikes.
• US forces struggle to defend Topsfield, with many anti-tank weapons destroyed by German air power.
• German tanks and infantry breach US defensive lines.
• US General Truscott orders his remaining armored divisions (5th Armored, 41st, and 42nd Mechanized) to counterattack.
• Guderian responds by ordering his armored divisions (8th, 88th, 73rd, and 74th Mechanized) to engage and destroy the US armored forces.

Character Developments

• Marshal Guderian demonstrates strategic prowess and decisiveness in ordering the assault on Topsfield and responding to the US counterattack.
• Lieutenant General Truscott shows reluctance to commit his remaining armored divisions but ultimately does so to prevent Topsfield's capture.

Significant Themes

• The importance of air power in modern warfare, as demonstrated by the German Air Force's destruction of US anti-tank weapons and support for ground troops.
• The vulnerability of static defenses against mobile, armored forces, as seen in the German breakthrough of US positions at Topsfield.

Character Interactions

• Marshal Guderian and Lieutenant General Karl Hilpert: Guderian issues orders, and Hilpert promptly relays them.
• Lieutenant General Lucian Truscott and his generals: Truscott is persuaded by his generals to commit the remaining armored divisions to the battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• US 5th Armored Division, with 300 M26 heavy tanks and M5 light tanks, attacks the German flank at Topsfield.
• German 8th and 88th Armored Divisions counterattack with 'King Tiger', 'Tiger I', and 'Panther' tanks.
• German dive bombers and attack helicopters devastate US armored forces before tanks engage.
• German tanks, led by 'King Tiger' heavy tanks, engage US tanks, destroying many due to superior range and firepower.

Character Developments

• US tank crews become desperate and disheartened as they suffer heavy losses.
• German tank crews are upset seeing their potential kills destroyed by bombers and helicopters.

Significant Themes

• Superior technology and air support (bombers, helicopters) can turn the tide of battle.
• The power of long-range tank cannons and armor penetration.
• The importance of closing the distance in tank warfare when outmatched in range and firepower.

Character Interactions

• US tank crews interact through despair and frustration, trying to find solutions to their dire situation.
• German tank crews interact through shared excitement and frustration, wanting to engage US tanks before they're destroyed by bombers and helicopters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A German 'Tiger King' tank engages and destroys an American M26 heavy tank, demonstrating the superior armor and firepower of German tanks.
• American tanks fail to penetrate German 'Tiger King' tanks, leading to heavy losses and a collapse of their armored forces.
• The US 5th Army Corps' armored divisions (5th Armored, 41st Mechanized Infantry, and 42nd Mechanized Infantry) suffer severe damage, with the 5th Armored Division losing over 60% of its tanks.
• Lieutenant General Lucian Truscott orders a retreat from Topsfield after the armored forces' defeat, leading to a chaotic and unsuccessful withdrawal.

Character Developments

• No significant character developments are shown in this chapter, as it primarily focuses on the battle and its outcomes.

Significant Themes

• The superiority of German tank technology and tactics in this battle.
• The devastating impact of heavy tank losses on morale and the ability to maintain a defensive line.
• The importance of holding a position until reinforcements arrive, and the consequences of failing to do so.

Character Interactions

• The interactions between tank crews and their commanders are highlighted, showcasing their reactions to combat and orders.
• Lieutenant General Lucian Truscott's decision-making process and orders are presented, demonstrating his understanding of the situation's gravity and the need for retreat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The U.S. 5th and 6th Armies are defeated, with the 6th Army annihilated.
• Remaining U.S. forces in Maine are encircled by the German Army Group B.
• German Commander Manstein orders a pursuit and encirclement strategy to destroy all U.S. forces in Maine.
• U.S. forces attempt to reinforce Maine but face obstacles from the German 3rd Army.

Character Developments

• Marshal Guderian shows confidence in the German victory.
• Marshal Manstein is determined to achieve a decisive victory in Maine.
• General Marshall is concerned about the U.S. forces' predicament in Maine.

Significant Themes

• Appetite for Victory: The Germans' aggressive strategy aims to destroy all U.S. forces in Maine at once.
• Strategic Encirclement: Both sides employ encirclement tactics, with the Germans currently having the advantage.
• Desperate Reinforcements: The U.S. attempts to reinforce their troops in Maine, but the outcome is uncertain.

Character Interactions

• Marshal Guderian reports to Marshal Manstein, who then issues orders for the German advance.
• General Marshall discusses the Maine situation with his staff, including Major General Eisenhower and Lieutenant General McNarney.