Plot

Hogan is stymied over how to rescue a captured member of the underground until a potential diversion appears in the form of an old WWI buddy of Sgt. Schultz.

London orders Hogan and his men to liberate a prisoner named Becker from the Gestapo...if he talks he could reveal vital information about the Underground operation. His security is tight and their first attempt fails when a diversion appears in the form a General who served with Schultz in the 1st World War. Hogan will have to manipulate their reunion to his advantage in order to effect Becker's escape.—tomtrekp

At the start, Kinchloe is prepping Newkirk as a Gestapo officer, Carter in German Gestapo-style civilian clothes. Carter is practicing his 'Heil Hitler' salute and accent. Hogan looks out the land periscope to see if the coast is clear. Hogan tells Newkirk and Carter to get Becker out; Becker is an Underground agent that has information that could disclose their operations. He is in Gestapo headquarters in town. Kinch says that he borrowed a car from the motor-pool; Hogan facetiously says don't drive the car too much, as they are paying 10 cents a mile.

Carter and Newkirk go to the Gestapo office in town, where Becker is held. Carter gives the officer on duty orders. The orders supposedly say to release Becker to them. The officer says that he can do nothing; they must be signed by a higher authority than 'Colonel Hoganmeyer'. He asks to call Colonel Hoganmeyer, who supposedly signed the papers. Carter says that the last man to call Colonel Hoganmeyer is now in Russia. The officer will not give Becker to them. The officer asks who Hoganmeyer is; Carter and Newkirk laugh repeating 'Who is Colonel Hoganmeyer?' The officer still will not give them Becker. Carter and Newkirk leave.

Later, back in camp, Kinch gets a message from London: They will not accept a second failure. They must get Becker out. Schultz comes into the barracks and talks to Hogan and the men. There is a new general in command of the military district in the area; he will be at STALAG 13 tomorrow, and orders the prisoners to clean up the place.

The next day, General Kammler, the new general in charge of the military district and his aide, Captain Franz, come to STALAG 13. Klink invites Kammler for refreshments. While walking away, Kammler recognizes Schultz; after a few seconds, Schultz recognizes Lieutenant Kammler. Kammler fought with Schultz in World War I. Schultz saved Kammler's life at one point. Kammler tells Klink that Schultz is his best man, and wants reports on him sent to Kammler in Berlin. After seeing this, Hogan tells the men that Schultz may wind up in command of the camp, and Klink will be a sergeant.

Schultz comes to Klink's office, apologizing for the prisoners. Klink, unusually, is nice to Schultz, calls him Hans (his first name), and is friendly to Schultz. Klink gives Schultz schnapps, and tells him that he and Schultz make a good team. Schultz says that he was at home when Germany took Poland, Klink says that he was in Berlin. Klink offers Schultz a cigar from his box; Schultz asks about slamming the cover on his fingers like Klink has done in the past. Klink promises he won't, this time, and Schultz takes a cigar and leaves.

Later, Schultz is in the compound with 4 guards (including one corporal) fallen in waiting for orders. Schultz tells them 'chest out, stomach in', and a few other things, acting like a true sergeant. Hogan tells Newkirk and LeBeau to go in the compound and start a fight. They argue a bit, then LeBeau tries to go out the front gate. He runs into Schultz, more than once. This was a staged act to try to get Schultz to do something where he would be recognized as a hero.

Hogan goes to Klink's office with Schultz, and tells Klink that Schultz is a hero. He prevented a mass escape, and maybe even a riot of the prisoners. Klink dismisses Schultz, Hogan stays. Hogan says that Schultz should get an award, and that the commendation should come from Kammler. He convinces Klink to give the award himself. A medal for heroism and a raise in grade. Hogan suggests that Klink invite Kammler to the ceremony, to be held at a hotel in town (which happens to be the same hotel that Becker is now being held at).

Back in the barracks, Hogan gives the men his plan for the party. They are going to rescue Becker. Carter, LeBeau, and Newkirk will be waiters, Hogan will go along as he is responsible for them. Kinch will be outside waiting to take Becker away.

At the party, Klink and Kammler are talking. Klink has some schnapps; Kammler says that he uses alcohol for medicine only. Klink puts the schnapps away. Hogan looks around, and sees a guard on the stairs.

Now comes time for the ceremony. Klink introduces Kammler. Kammler gives a few remarks. Schultz comes up front; but before he does so, he hands Klink the two glasses of schnapps that he was drinking. Kammler awards Schultz the Iron Cross, 4th Class. There is some applause. Just then, the lights go out, Carter tosses smoke bombs. People think that there is a fire. LeBeau and Newkirk go upstairs looking for Becker. They knock out a guard. The find Becker and send him out through a window to Kinch, who is waiting for him.

Thinking that there is a fire, Klink yells for water. Hogan and Carter both happen to be holding buckets of water. They look at each other and smile; they both throw the buckets of water in Klink's face. While this is going on, Schultz is still drinking the schnapps until he is somewhat drunk. Hogan and Carter prop Schultz up in a chair and give him a sub-machine gun. Hogan turns the lights on, and quiets the room. Kammler gets mad at what happened, and 'relieves' Klink. Hogan then opens a curtain, and all the guests see Schultz holding Newkirk, Carter, and LeBeau at gunpoint while he is sitting in a chair. Kammler says that Schultz is a hero.

At the end, Klink is on the phone; Hogan is in the room. Becker has escaped. Kammler was sent to the eastern front. Schultz comes in and sits down; Hogan tries to tell Schultz not to do that. he needs to be careful. Schultz tries to take a cigar from Klink's cigar box; Klink slams the lid on Schultz's hand. He tells Schultz that Kammler has been transferred. Hogan tells Klink that Kammler is still a big man in Berlin; Klink gets kind of nervous. Klink wants to dismiss Schultz, bus says that 'dismissed' is a bit harsh. He says 'Auf Weidersein' instead.