Utiliser "make firm" dans une phrase

1. As you all know, our air forces have been able up to now to slow down and hurt badly from the air the German counter-attack forces, which still have to make firm contact with our left flank

2. "On the contrary, mademoiselle," said the young man, in a voice which he tried to make firm and brave, but which still trembled, "anything that concerns you interests me to an extent which perhaps you will one day understand