The Last Battle Author:Cornelius Ryan The date is Monday, April 16, 1945. Less than 38 miles from the center of Berlin, the thunder and flash of a stupefying artillery barrage signal the beginning of the Russians' attack against the capital of the Thousand Year Reich. Some 45 miles to the west, the advanced units of the U. S. Ninth Army are turning back, angry, and reluctant to obey... more » the Supreme Commander's order to withdraw when the last great prize of the war is within their reach. In 14 days, the Fuhrer would be dead; in 21 days the war against Germany would be over.« less