Miracle at St. Anna

On December 23, 1983, in New York City, Hector Negron, an aging Puerto Rican WWII veteran, unexpectedly recognizes a customer at the post office. In a moment of intense recognition, he retrieves a German Luger and fatally shoots the man in the chest, setting off a chain of events that unravels his past.

After the shooting, reporter Tim Boyle and Detective Antonio Ricci arrive at the crime scene to investigate. Their initial inquiries lead them to Negron's apartment, where they delve into the veteran's history and the motives behind his shocking act.

Inside Negron's apartment, Ricci and Boyle uncover a finely carved stone head that was looted from the Ponte Santa Trinita during the war. This significant artifact raises questions about Negron's past and his connections to World War II.

Along with the stone head, officers find a Purple Heart and a photo of Negron displaying his distinguished military accolades, including the Distinguished Service Cross and the Silver Star. Boyle realizes there’s more to Negron than meets the eye as he begins piecing together the veteran's complex history.

The narrative transitions to 1944 Italy, where Negron and fellow soldiers from the segregated Buffalo Soldiers 92nd Infantry Division are on a disastrous mission. The flashbacks highlight the struggle and valor of these soldiers, emphasizing the brutal realities of war.

After a failed operation, Negron and three other soldiers find themselves isolated on the wrong side of the Serchio River. They navigate treacherous terrain, showcasing their resilience amid dire circumstances as they seek a way back.

In their journey, the soldiers encounter a small village and develop deep connections with the local populace. These bonds add a layer of emotional complexity to their mission, providing a brief respite amid the ongoing war.

The soldiers manage to restore their radio and receive orders to capture a German soldier for interrogation. They take in Hans Brandt, a soldier whose complex background lends itself to a tangled web of allegiances and betrayals.

As trust is tested, tragic outcomes arise; conflicts among the soldiers and locals lead to bloodshed. The unfolding treachery impacts their mission and emphasizes the chaotic and unpredictable nature of war.

With the threat of a German offensive looming, Private Train refuses to leave behind an injured boy named Angelo. His selfless act leads to a tragic end when he is fatally shot while trying to save the boy, highlighting themes of loyalty and sacrifice.

After surviving the war, Negron must confront his past as he is saved by a German officer who gives him a Luger—the very weapon that would come to symbolize both survival and tragedy. This moment forces Negron to grapple with the realities of his wartime experiences.

Fast forward to January 1984, the narrative reveals a court case that could result in Negron's imprisonment for the shooting. Fortunately, a wealthy attorney steps in, ensuring that Negron has a fighting chance in court.

In a twist of fate, the attorney linked to Negron repurchases the stone head that had been stolen, reconnecting Negron with his past. This symbolic act signifies a reclamation of lost history and identity.

Negron is eventually taken to the Bahamas, where he encounters the grown-up Angelo, the boy he once tried to save. Their poignant reunion acts as a powerful testament to the shared trauma and survival experienced by both of them.

The reunion between Negron and Angelo culminates in a profound moment of connection and healing. Both survivors of war's brutality find solace in each other’s presence, emphasizing the lasting impact of their intertwined fates.