```
The white smoke that erupter over Karl's position left him stunned.
His first thought was that it was enemy artillery, but he quickly realized that obscuring visibility now was of no benefit to the enemy.
If that Rocossov was the renowned general the rumors claimed, he would not make such a mistake.
This had to be fire support from friendly forces.
He immediately picked up the phone and shouted, "This is friendly fire, our allies are supporting us! Once the enemy's long-range fire is blocked, prepare to wipe out the advancing enemy tank units!"
Indeed, even in such circumstances, Major General Karl still believed he could destroy the onrushing T34s—given that the enemy's long-range artillery was cut off.
The commanding officer of the armored battalion responded, "Understood, General! We still have 17 long-barreled Mark IVs, enough to take care of those T34s!"
