Chapter 43

The Western Group of Forces stationed in Germany is the Soviet Union's most elite force, with any of its units being star units that have achieved great feats during World War II. In fact, the Soviet troops stationed around Berlin are not many, as Berlin is the capital of East Germany, and the Soviet Red Army needs to maintain a stance of non-interference in internal affairs. Therefore, the troops of the Western Group are stationed in other cities of East Germany, and even the headquarters is preparing to move out of Berlin. Around Greater Berlin, there is only one Soviet Red Army unit, the 65th Guards Tank Regiment.

The sound of tank tracks grew louder, the tracks grinding against the concrete road, creating a grand spectacle that showcased the unique beauty of modern war machines. This was the Sherman tank, which had supported the U.S. Army's victories on various fronts during World War II.

The American and British soldiers facing off against the East German internal forces also heard the familiar sound of the tracks, turned to look back, and then burst into loud cheers. The arrival of the two tanks once again bolstered their morale, which had been suppressed by Shelepov.

The Sherman tank, with the American flag flying, slowly drove through the bustling center of Berlin, creating a unique sense of awe. The appearance of the tank made the surrounding Berlin residents step back two steps, and some people looked at the standoff between the U.S. and Soviet sides with nervous expressions. A few people, who were overthinking, began to imagine the possibilities of a Third World War.

Finally, the two Sherman tanks stopped five meters from the barbed wire, which put Shelepov at ease. The Sherman tank is indeed a symbol of an era for the U.S. Army, with a distinguished and battle-hardened history! But there is one problem: it is too old!

Shelepov ordered the East German internal forces to disperse the crowd in East Berlin, ignoring the tank barrels aimed at him. He mocked in a sarcastic tone, "Look at what I see? Two Sherman tanks with the aura of time, unique road wheel design, bald turret, and toothpick-like main gun. These grandpa-level tanks are still in service in West Berlin. I strongly protest this, as I can't find Soviet T-34 tanks to confront them, which is unfair..."

Shelepov's words, transmitted through a loudspeaker, reached the American and British soldiers, causing their tense expressions to stiffen. The joy brought by the two Sherman tanks vanished without a trace. Wasn't this clearly saying their equipment was outdated? When had American soldiers ever been told their equipment was outdated? The aircraft carriers patrolling the oceans could prove otherwise...

Alright, that's the Navy! After much thought, the American and British soldiers had to admit that they were indeed a bit behind in terms of ground equipment, "Why aren't there any Churchill tanks? Isn't it a bit lacking to have a display of antiques without a main character? If you can find two more Churchill tanks, I'll definitely get two T-34s from the scrap weapon warehouse..."

Shelepov's annoying Soviet-accented English constantly eroded the psychological defenses of the American and British soldiers, while the East German side didn't really understand what he was saying.

"Who taught that Soviet man English!" The thick steel plates could not stop Shelepov's continuous mockery of the American tanks, making the tank crew inside wish to fire and eliminate this incessant Soviet general. The one who felt this most strongly was Stevenson, who had intended to show his tough stance but found that Shelepov ignored the threat posed by the Sherman tanks.

Finally, Stevenson couldn't hold back. He pushed open the hatch on top of the tank, half of his body extending outside, and pointed at Shelepov, shouting, "Head of the secret police on the other side, don't think a barbed wire fence can confine freedom..."

"Hmm? Then try it? If you dare to knock down the barbed wire, I guarantee you will be shot dead on the spot!" Seeing Stevenson appear, Shelepov was taken aback. At this moment, he was completely relieved of the worry that the Sherman tanks would charge over, and his words became even more venomous, "The Sherman tank is nicknamed the 'battle lighter.' As the American representative, even if we are enemies, I am more concerned about your life. Comrade Stevenson, cherish your life, stay away from the Sherman..."

"Shut up, Soviet!" Stevenson suddenly dove back into the hatch, reappeared two seconds later with a loudspeaker, perhaps one that was already in the tank, "You have no right to insult the quality of American manufacturing..."

The sound of screeching brakes, reporters who had just gotten out of their vehicles, and their cameras flashing continuously, capturing the standoff between the two sides separated by the barbed wire. Especially Stevenson on the tank and Shelepov surrounded by soldiers were the main focus of the reporters. Headlines like "U.S.-Soviet Standoff, War Imminent" were already flashing in their minds.

With the barbed wire, tanks, and fully armed soldiers, all the elements for a news sensation were in place. Some reporters took out their pens and paper, ready to record the dialogue between the two as a record.

"Stevenson, don't display your imperialist might here, this is Berlin!" Shelepov stood tall like a spear, shouting, "Your forces guarding West Berlin are only a little over ten thousand, including a small part of intelligence agencies, not enough to fill the teeth of the East German People's Army. Where do you get the courage to make such a provocation? A bunch of cannon fodder, if both sides go to war, you'll all be in prisoner-of-war camps in two hours. If you've had enough, go back and eat, I don't have time to play in the mud with you..."

On the other side of the barbed wire, another car stopped, and from the flag on the car, it was the French representative's vehicle. Indeed, the French representative walked to the center, ignoring the others, and said in a neutral tone, "France's position is very clear: the European continent should not suffer the ravages of war again. France holds a reserved attitude towards the irresponsible confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union..."

The scene here was getting more and more lively. The French representative, who had just appeared, stood on the moral high ground and gave Shelepov and Stevenson a scathing rebuke, successfully adding more material to his news report.

The U.S. and Soviet Union were in opposition, and France was mediating, but neither side was willing to back down. Both sides were at a standoff over the barbed wire, with no intention of leaving!

At this moment, the rumbling sound of engines was heard again. This time, the dense sound of tracks made everyone's scalp tingle. Everyone looked around but could not find the source of the sound. Only Shelepov's eyes lit up. This dense sound of tracks could only be produced by a collective movement of an armored unit, the 65th Guards Tank Regiment of the Soviet Western Group.

Stevenson, who had been closely observing the situation on the other side, turned pale. He hadn't seen the opponents yet, but the momentum of the armed march had already reached his ears through the sound of the tracks. The first tank appeared at the street corner, followed by the second, and T-54 tanks speeding down three streets converged at the standoff location like three torrents.

"Whoever dares to break the blockade will be shot dead on the spot, and I will take full responsibility!" Shelepov shouted with all his might.

"Ura..." The Soviet Red Army soldiers pulled their rifle bolts in unison, forming a battle formation here.