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In the unforgiving winter of 1944, Cpl. Seth Wiseman, an American Jewish soldier eagerly anticipating fatherhood, grapples with the challenges of safeguarding the Ardennes forest as part of the inexperienced 106th Infantry Division. Amid his musings on baby names and the responsibilities ahead, Seth encounters a German Shepherd puppy, an unexpected reminder of his cherished childhood pet, a loyal companion that shared his youthful dreams.

As the tranquility of the forest is shattered by a surprise German assault, Cpl. Weisman, driven by a thirst for revenge, witnesses the tragic demise of comrades (Lt. Francis, Pvt. Conner, Pvt. Going). Rushing out of his foxhole to save the puppy, he is knocked unconscious by an explosion. Hours later, awakening to a desolate landscape, Cpl. Weisman realizes he is the lone survivor. Nursing shrapnel wounds, he crawls to an abandoned American foxhole.

To his astonishment, Cpl. Weisman discovers a wounded German soldier, initially presumed dead, who turns out to be a boy of no more than 12 years of age. A brief struggle gives way to compassion as Cpl. Weisman learns about the boy's love for a 12-year-old girlfriend. As Cpl. Weisman tends to his own injury, they share first names (Seth/Franz), and the Puppy befriends the German soldier. While their shared humanity transcends the battlefield, and amidst this unlikely camaraderie, a Star of David falls from Cpl. Weisman's sketchbook, revealing a deeper, more profound connection.

In a pivotal moment, it is revealed that the German soldier is suffering from a severe stomach wound. In an act of humanity, Cpl. Weisman decides to save the German solider by taking him back to the American lines. He improvises a makeshift stretcher and navigates the perilous forest, dragging the German solider behind him, accompanied by the loyal puppy. Tragedy strikes when Cpl. Weisman is fatally wounded by a German sniper's bullet, leaving the boy in the hands of a German patrol. Miraculously, the boy survives the war, and is haunted by the memories of that fateful encounter.

Seventy years later, the once young soldier, now a proud grandfather, still bears the emotional scars of war. On his grandson's 12th birthday, also named Seth in tribute, he presents a German Shepherd puppy, unraveling the poignant story behind his name. This enduring tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds forged amidst the chaos of war echoes through generations, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The Grandfather shares the details with his grandson, creating a bridge between past and present, and ensuring that the legacy of Seth Wiseman lives on in the hearts of those who hear his story.

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