The year was 1976. The Cold War had reached an uneasy détente; Relations between the United States and the Soviet Union had somewhat stabilized, and the arms race was under tighter control. Yet, the lingering shadows of World War II still loomed over Europe.

Lukas Baumhauer, a lowly Private in the feared Border Troops of the GDR (Grenztruppen der DDR), stood rigid in a watchtower near Checkpoint Charlie. Through his binoculars, he scanned the desolate border, willing to neutralize those daring enough to attempt an illegal crossing.

Suddenly, his voice cut through the tense silence, with his sharp and commanding tone: "You there! Stop! What is your business near the wall?"