Marshal Philippe Petain's new government, by way of a Spanish intermediary, requested an armistice in the early hours of 17 June. At 1230, the Hero of Verdun told his people that, "with a heavy heart, I tell you that it is necessary to stop the fighting."

For the Germans in the field, that meant the race was on to conquer as much territory as possible before the guns fell silent. Sixth Panzer Division sent two battle groups toward Epinal on the Moselle River near Switzerland.

On his way there, Lt. Col. Richard Koll sought to pass through the tittle town of Xertigny, but discovered that a French squadron stiJI defended it.

Battle Group Koll took its first casualties when 75mm shells erupted from the town just as the first panzers and motorcycles reached it. The Germans screeched to a halt but two PzII tanks and some motorcycles were quickly lost. Koll sent everything he had against the town, from panzers to self-propelled guns to artillery, but the dismounted French cavalrymen fought bravely behind their barricades and strongpoints. "We will not surrender!" ordered Chef d'Escadron Frederic de Saint-Serin sur Kayes, the French commander. Four of the eight French officers present, including Saint-Semin, were killed and three wounded; of the 100 other ranks, 40 were killed and 35 wounded. Koll, who lost 12 men killed and 26 wounded, presided over a funeral for Saint-Sernin, with the German regimental band playing the Marseillaise. Koll then laid a huge wreath of oak leaves on the fresh grave, a gesture marred by the inclusion of a huge swastika on the garland.