And here's the translation of the poem (naturally, it doesn't rhyme in English):
"One German boy's legacy
Dear parents!
Much sorrow did you suffer through my death;
my battery commander himself informed you.
You were so good to me in all the years,
and I know for certain - You will not forget me.
Never could I find words
for the feelings that I had for you.
I loved you much - yet proudly I have to admit
I loved my people and homeland as well.
And in a manly way, I could fulfil my duty,
when the Führer called me to arms.
Quietly, I looked forward to me seeing action,
and then to every letter from home.
Never did I complain, not even in the toughest hours,
and only thought: "Soon, spring must come."
The snow melted away - The cold had vanished
and warm sunshine smiled down once more.
Then the bullet hit me in the enemy's land
and took from me what both of you had given me.
My body lies somewhere in the steppes
the soul is with him who directs it all.
As my legacy, it is this that I want to tell you:
I happily gave my young life;
for the people and the Führer, I had endured
that which may seem impossible to you back home.
Yet, as my death in the face of the enemy commits you
to dedicate everything to the German people - as I did -
you have to be as faithful and devoted as the Führer himself
until the day the skies on the horizon become clear.
You must not be sad, nor must you mourn me,
that I had fallen for the Fatherland.
"Let victory be our avenger", is what you are to say,
for it alone gives meaning to my sacrifice.
Otto"
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