Robert Spoede

Double Identity: a Texan in Hitler's Reich Robert Spoede

In 1942, Lieutenant Carl Solms, shot down over Germany, assumes the identity of a dead Nazi officer as he attempts to return to his station in England. But after a burning building collapses on him and he loses a foot, he is shocked to learn that the man whose identity he had assumed is married to a member of the German nobility. Carl's new "wife," Countess Marlene, eventually recognizes his false identity, but does not report him. Carl's suspicions about activities around her castle residence are confirmed when he learns that it is a way station for Jews escaping to Switzerland. Together they seek to evade the risk of his cover identity being exposed and also aid refugees and airmen escaping capture. But the growing respect and love between Carl and the Countess is stymied by her "first" marriage. Will Carl be able to explain his true identity to the Allies as they march victoriously through Germany, or is his fate sealed?