First we attacked the Russian soldiers with our gases, and then when we saw the poor fellows lying there, dying slowly, we tried to make breathing easier for them by using our own life-saving devices on them.

Summary

This quote illustrates the cruel and conflicting nature of warfare. It portrays an act of aggression where the speaker's side initially launches a chemical attack on Russian soldiers. However, upon witnessing the suffering inflicted, a sense of humanity emerges as the speaker and their comrades attempt to alleviate the victims' pain by utilizing their own life-saving equipment. This quote captures the paradoxical blend of ruthlessness and empathy that can exist amidst the chaotic and morally ambiguous moments of war.

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