For Hitler, the industrial city on the Volga was not only of military significance; it carried the name of his opponent and had to be destroyed. The ensuing battle not only sealed the fate of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians but marked the turning point of World War II and the beginning of the end for Nazi German itself.

The bloodiest and most savage fighting took place at Stalingrad between August 1942 and January 1943. By November 23rd, the Soviets had already succeeded in their attempt to draw a ring around the city as their troops met at Kalatsch. The 6th Army was encircled. Almost 300,000 German soldiers were trapped. Hitler received the news at his "Berghof" in Berchtesgaden.

Overruling the advice of his military staff, he refused permission to break out. Goering vainly promised to supply the Kessel via airlift. The plan was to fly in 300 tons of ammunition, fuel, and food daily - a hopeless venture. Less than a third reached the encircled troops. Unprepared, the German soldiers faced the Russian winter as the thermometer dropped to -40°C. In their thin summer uniforms, thousands froze to death. Christmas was the day of utmost despair for the men in the Kessel.