From there , they retreated west toward Elbe , hoping to surrender to the U.S. Army .
The 9th Army 's last attempt to escape resulted in many German deaths , but allowed 25,000 soldiers to escape and regroup with the 12th Army sector of the front .
From there , soldiers retreated west toward Elbe , hoping to surrender to the U.S. Army .
The 9th Army 's last attempt to escape resulted in many German deaths , but allowed 25,000 soldiers to escape and regroup with the 12th Army sector of the front .