Excellent story. I've read a number of stories (most if not all of the ones on this site) about how the group could have started. This is one of the more realistic, and I think the only one I've read that wasn't based on Col. HOGAN's viewpoint. No, I think there was one centered around Newkirk and LeBeau, too, but it wasn't as coherent as this one, and I believe it was centered more around how they met and became friends before Hogan arrived. Good job.

Thoroughly enjoyed your tale. Great to read from Kinchloe’s perspective, and for Olsen to be fleshed out a bit. The last chapter with decisions made and the viewpoint of a grateful downed flier worked particularly well:-)l

Beautiful story! I've never read one that is mainly from Kinch's perspective. It truly gives a different outlook on Hogan's Heroes and WWII in general. Absolutely fantastic!

Great story

This was amazing. The struggle you portrayed was intense, real. How it all began from the hardest viewpoint, I didn't expect it to go like it did even knowing how the story had to end. Thank you for this amazing work!

Wow, I just read this in one sitting, and I am overwhelmed! What a fantastic story, told in a most masterful way. Your portrayal of the genesis of their mission is so believable, I agree wholeheartedly with other reviewers in saying I could almost believe it really happened! Your back story of Kinch is very realistic and well thought out, and of course your portrayal of the other characters and how everything comes together is amazing. Plus, there were so many lines that really touched me and rang true about the war, and those who fought it. I'm very glad I finally found time to sit down and read this story, it was so worth it!

You rightly deserve that Gold PBA for Best Story of 2014. Well done!

This was very good.

Fabulous. A backstory I loved to read, especially with the emphasis on Kinch. Thank you for writing it. God bless.

Wow! I really love your story! Thank you so much. It adds great depth to the show.

This was so great, and so enjoyable to read. It was the perfect backstory, too. Thanks.

I really enjoyed your story and the only negative to it is that it has reached it's end and I wish there was more. One of my all time favorite fics. Thank you so much for writing it. Kinch was always one of my favorites off HH so I really enjoyed seeing things from his side of things.

Well done! I really like the way that Hogan and Kinch come to terms with the new orders from London; both have doubts but in the end, this new mission is just what they're looking for: a way to make a difference in the war.

I've read a fair number of HH genesis stories, and I think this is the first one where Hogan's recognition of the collateral damage of bombing (and the plight of Germans resisting Hitler) help him to decide to take on the operation. Olsen, of course, comes to that conclusion first, and once Hogan himself makes contact with the underground movement it's no wonder that he tells himself "There has to be a better way..." which sets the stage nicely for the unexpected directive from London!

But for Kinch, the new mission also provides a benefit that helps to balance the sacrifice of remaining unsung in this war: "He had finally found a place where he was treated not just as an equal, but as a friend." And it's very fitting that despite his belief that his actions will go unrecognized, one of the men that Kinch helps to rescue does indeed recognize and honor him and his comrades: "For all of those men were, in a single word, unforgettable."

No! I don't want it to end! I have so enjoyed reading this story!You did an AMAZING job! Thank you for an extremely enjoyable read. I sincerely hope (and expect) that this will be nominated for a PBA.

Great chapter again :) Epic story

A wonderful story and I'm sory to see it come to an end. Well done!