My grandfather was drafted into the 13th reserve regiment of the German army in December of 1917.
Fought on the western front from 1918 to the summer sometimes, wounded and sent to hospital in berlin, was involved in the Spartist uprising in January 1919 (losing side).
Died in 1978, 60 years later. Coherent to the end
Never said one thing about any of it to anyone in his family about what went on. As a 13 year old I tried to get it out of him, he would answer with minimal sentences saying nothing of value other than the regiment # and the fact he fought both the French and British.
His autopsy showed his chest had been crushed in a trench cave in. Never spoke to anyone about it, but that explained how he ended up in a berlin hospital.
Was on Guam as a Seabee (76th Battalion) in WWII, never spoke a line about it. Only thing I could get out of him was how the chrome lined Jap type 99 rifles did not rust like Springfield’s they had.
A lot of these old Krauts were very self-contained. Their private thought were not something they readily shared. much different than the current mindset. The same was true of some WWII vets on both sides. different era different expectations of how a man behaved.
My father, who was an American, English heritage, fought in Germany during WWII. He spoke next to nothing about his experiences. But with the issue of repentance and salvation, the Holy Spirit within the forgiven follower of Christ wars against the flesh (i.e., fear, shame) and leads him/her to joyfully give testimony of his deliverance from sin and his Deliverer.
In fact, believers are commanded to proclaim the good news of Christ, Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-49, a commandment they are able to obey because of the indwelling Holy Spirit who is further changing their lives.