Christel Fiore was born in Berlin, Germany on 1 October 1933. Her early years were spent feeling the affects of a nation as it transitioned from peace to war, and by the stark contrasts it presented to daily life. Her powerful memories of those times, as registered through the eyes of a young German child, have remained untainted over the years. She has told the story often, entertaining family and friends as well as lecturing to interest groups and University students alike. Christel now shares these moments with all of us in this, her first book. She is encouraged in this endeavor by her husband of over 52 years and her three children. A mother and military wife for all her married life, she now resides in the United States.