It's June 21, 1940.

We're in Compienne, in Northeastern France.

In a forest clearing stands a railway carriage,

in so late an old dining car.

It's had quite a life.

Once it formed parts of the famous Orient Express.

During the First World War it was commandeered by the French Army.

In fact, on November 11, 1918,

the peace terms were signed here,

bringing an end to the bloodiest conflict known to man.

Since then the Compienne wagon, as it's known,

has sat here in the glade of the armistice,

a museum piece, an historic monument.

But today, in 1940,

this old railway car is about to take center stage once again.

Fifty yards away is a group of journalists,

corraled by German soldiers.

One of the reporters is Bill Scheire, an American,

correspondent for CBS Radio News.

As their man in Berlin, Scheire is in a unique position.

He's able to describe daily life in the third Reich

that listeners across the English-speaking world.

...