Battle of Stalingrad
In June 1942, Adolf Hitler launched an attack in southern Russia.  By the end of July the German army had reached Stalingrad.  With bombs and fire the German Luftwaffe turned the city into ruins.  However, the rubble made hiding places from which Russian snipers could attack the Germans.  Hitler and Stalin sent in large numbers of soldiers. They both ordered that anyone who retreated would be shot on the spot for treason.