Over 3.6 million German soldiers, supported by 3350 tanks 2700 aircraft launch an all-out attack on the USSR along a 3000 km front. It is the largest invasion force in history. The Russians are caught by surprise and suffer tremendous losses. Soviet dictator Josef Stalin orders all Russian forces to stand, fight and die - but to never retreat. Over 5 million Russian soldiers are killed or taken prisoner in the first five months of the attack. The Russians are forced back over 1500 km, with the key cities of Leningrad, Moscow and Stalingrad barely holding on. Only the early arrival of the brutal Russian winter prevents the Germans from achieving total victory.