In Stahlgewittern, Aus Dem Tagebuch Eines Stoßtruppführers

''In Stahlgewittern: aus dem Tagebuch eines Stoßtruppführers'' by Ernst Jünger is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book serves as a personal memoir of Jünger’s experiences as an infantry leader during World War I. It explores the harrowing realities of trench warfare through the lens of a soldier’s daily life and reflections, highlighting themes of duty, honor, and the brutal nature of combat. At the start of this poignant memoir, the author reflects on the disillusionment and stark realities faced by soldiers in the trenches of World War I. He vividly describes the atmosphere of anticipation and eventual chaos that envelops soldiers as they are thrust into battle, beginning with their arrival in a seemingly peaceful village that quickly transforms into a scene of violence and destruction. Jünger's narrative captures the initial excitement and idealism of young soldiers, which is soon eclipsed by the shock of sudden violence and the grim realities of warfare, marking the transition from naivety to the unbearable weight of the soldier's existence in relentless conditions of danger and hardship.