[right][i]West of Rehberg, West Germany
5 April 1985[/i][/right]
[h3][b]TF Payne[/b][/h3]

“Did you catch that spot report from Saber Six Niner, over?” Major Payne was calling the Net Control Station.

“Roger, Saber Zero Six, over.” Staff Sergeant Moulton responded.

“Have you been able to raise Saber Six Niner, over?” Major Payne asked SSG Moulton.

“Negative contact with Saber Six Niner, over.”

“Roger, out.” Neville Payne had that bad feeling in his stomach. He knew something bad happened and something even worse was about to happen. He lost contact with his forward scout element. They were officially blind now. All he knew was the size of the Russian force to his front was larger than his own. The next few hours would be chaotic. He heard the call for fire mission from Saber Six Niner. He contemplated letting the rounds fall where they may but changed his mind. He called the Fire Direction Center (FDC) and canceled those fire missions knowing it was unobserved fire.

He didn’t know the NCO who lead 3rd Scout Section, but had respect for the soldier. Staff Sergeant Ronaldo Cortez was from the west coast—LA he thought. But SSG Cortez was from the 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry, not from the 1st of the 33rd Armor. He would certainly be missed. He was positive his platoon leader knew he was gone. Although there was the off chance some of the soldiers got away on foot. He distinctly heard the explosion from rounds impacting with their M113s and then the explosion of the vehicles blowing up.  

“Everyone remain alert. The enemy is just over that hill in front of us. They will be upon us any minute now.