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Close Combat
flag from a second story window of the Reichstag. An hour later, Hitler commits
suicide. At 2250 hours, Soviet flags fly from the Reichstag’s roof.
Negotiations between the Soviets and the Germans begin. They break off in the
middle of the day on May 1; Marshal Chuikov (one of the heroes of Stalingrad) is
exasperated and orders artillery fire to resume. Finally, early on May 2, the
commander of force in Berlin drafts a surrender, which the Soviets accept. The
Red Army ceases firing at 1500 hours. Berlin has fallen.
The Final Surrender
And Beyond
After Hitler’s death and the fall of Berlin, the Third Reich collapses. The Germans
sign an unconditional surrender at Rheims on May 7, but Army Group Center
fights on. Surrounded by the Soviets near Prague, they ignore broadcast appeals to
give up. Marshal Koniev orders a massive artillery barrage, followed by the
German General Jodl
signing surrender
Photostat of German surrender with Jodl's signature