Saints and Soldiers

On December 17, 1944, at the Baugnez crossroads near Malmedy, Belgium, German soldiers of the Waffen-SS executed eighty-four U.S. Army prisoners of war. This horrifying war crime took place during the Battle of the Bulge, marking a dark chapter in World War II history.

Amid the chaos of the massacre, several American soldiers manage to escape into the nearby forest. Corporal Nathan 'Deacon' Greer leads the group as they evade their captors, determined to survive against the odds.

After their escape, Deacon is joined by his fellow soldiers: medic Private Steven Gould, Private Shirley 'Shirl' Kendrick, and Staff Sergeant Gordon 'Gundy' Gunderson. They quickly devise a plan to hide from the German patrols, taking refuge in an abandoned building.

Deacon struggles with severe hallucinations of the deceased that haunt him during moments of rest. The psychological toll of war bears heavily on him as he tries to conceal his troubled state from his comrades.

When a German patrol searches the area, the American soldiers hide beneath the floor of the building. During this tense encounter, Deacon manages to eavesdrop on a German transmission discussing a downed plane, gathering valuable intelligence.

After the Germans leave, the Americans meet Flight Sergeant Oberon Winley, a British pilot who possesses critical intelligence about German troop movements. Winley informs them of the German plans to attack the city of Liege, which is strategically important for the Allies.

Gunderson argues for the importance of completing the mission to relay Winley's information to the Allies, despite Gould's apprehension. Faced with the reality of the impending German assault, the group reluctantly prepares to move.

As a snowstorm rolls in, the group takes shelter in a local house and meets Catherine and her daughter Sophie. While attempting to stay safe from the German forces, Gunderson acknowledges the disadvantage their enemies may face during the storm.

Two Germans arrive at the house, leading to a tense confrontation. Deacon intervenes when one of the soldiers attempts to assault Catherine, ultimately killing him, but the situation grows more perilous as they are pursued by the Germans.

In a moment of compassion, Deacon decides to let the captured German soldier, Rudolph, go after extracting vital information from him. This choice weighs heavily on Deacon's conscience as they prepare for the next phase of their journey.

While traversing through hostile territory, Gunderson is fatally shot, leaving the remaining soldiers in deep distress. As they scramble for safety, Kendrick is also fatally wounded, further darkening their chances of survival.

As the three surviving members don German uniforms and attempt to escape in a jeep, their luck runs out when they are spotted. The confrontation escalates, leading to a desperate race toward the American lines amidst enemy fire.

In the heat of battle, Deacon provides covering fire for Gould and Winley as they attempt to reach safety. Tragically, Deacon is sniped, sacrificing himself so that his comrades can fulfill their mission.

After Deacon's death, Gould honors him by placing his wife's photograph in his hands and keeping the Bible he offered earlier. This symbolic gesture signifies the bond they shared amidst the horrors of war.

As Gould exits the battlefield, he encounters Rudolph, now captured, which brings a moment of reflection on the complexities of war. His act of kindness towards an injured German soldier starkly contrasts the earlier violence they faced.