Sam’s mention of spanking a few “Kamerads” is a grim reference to what became the preferred practice of shooting German troops claiming to surrender because frequently it was merely a pretext to ambush the Allied soldiers when attempting to take custody: In the “Yankee” Division’s experience during offensive operations, it was common for a small group of German soldiers to shout “kamerad” or “surrender” and thereby lead American troops into a cross-fire or throw grenades at them when in close quarters. The Americans then adopted the necessary tactic of shooting German soldiers on sight who did not have their arms fully extended above their heads when offering to surrender.

Regards,
REL