Yes, it is true that some soldiers during World War II purposely avoided shooting the enemy. This phenomenon was not uncommon and has been documented in various wars throughout history, including World War II.
There were several reasons why some soldiers might have hesitated or avoided shooting at the enemy:
Morality and Ethics: Some soldiers, due to their personal beliefs or upbringing, may have had moral or ethical objections to killing others. Taking another person's life can be a deeply troubling and traumatic experience for many individuals.
Fear and Psychological Stress: Combat is an incredibly stressful and terrifying experience. Some soldiers may have experienced intense fear, leading to an inability to fire their weapons or engage in combat effectively.
Compassion and Empathy: In the heat of battle, soldiers may have found it challenging to see the enemy as a faceless foe. In some instances, empathy and compassion towards the enemy, recognizing them as fellow human beings, could make it difficult to pull the trigger.
Camaraderie and Loyalty: Strong bonds between soldiers can lead to a reluctance to harm the enemy, especially if the opposing soldiers are also conscripts or regular people doing their duty for their country.
Inadequate Training: Some soldiers may not have received sufficient training or conditioning to handle the psychological and emotional demands of combat, which could affect their ability to engage effectively in battle.
It's essential to understand that war is a complex and harrowing experience, and the reactions of soldiers can vary significantly based on individual personalities, beliefs, and circumstances. While some soldiers might have avoided shooting at the enemy, there were also many who fought bravely and carried out their duties as required by their military training.
It's worth noting that military forces throughout history have recognized the importance of combat training and conditioning to help soldiers overcome psychological barriers and perform effectively in battle. War is a human experience, and soldiers, like any individuals, can be deeply affected by the realities of violence and killing.