The Righteous Of The Wehrmacht: Unsung Heroes Of World War II

World War II is often remembered for the atrocities committed by the Nazis, but within the ranks of the German military, some individuals defied orders and risked their lives to save innocent people. These brave men, known as "The Righteous Of The Wehrmacht," provide a fascinating and lesser-known chapter of the war.

Discovering the Unsung Heroes

In the midst of one of history's darkest periods, where hate and destruction prevailed, stories of compassion and heroism emerged from unexpected places. The Righteous Of The Wehrmacht were German soldiers who defied the Nazi regime's genocidal orders and worked to protect Jews, POWs, and other persecuted individuals.

Their acts of bravery were often carried out at great personal risk. Their actions not only countered the prevailing belief that all Germans in the military were complicit in the Holocaust, but they also restored faith in humanity during a time when such faith seemed lost.

The Righteous of the Wehrmacht

by Mama Sweetea (Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
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Profiles of Heroic Individuals

One such individual was Major General Henning von Tresckow, a high-ranking officer who played a crucial role in the failed plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler in 1944. Von Tresckow, driven by his moral compass, worked relentlessly to protect those in danger, including organizing the evacuation of Jews from areas under German control.

Another remarkable figure was Lieutenant Colonel Rudolf von Gersdorff, who attempted to assassinate Hitler during a visit to Berlin in 1943. Under the guise of showcasing new weaponry, von Gersdorff planned to detonate a bomb in Hitler's presence. Although his plan was foiled, his actions were a clear statement of resistance against the regime's atrocities.

The Individual Voices

While major figures like von Tresckow and von Gersdorff made significant contributions to the resistance movement within the Wehrmacht, there were countless others whose stories remained untold for decades.

Private Franz Wokurka, for instance, secretly hid Jewish children within his regiment, shielding them from the horrors they would have faced if discovered. On the Eastern Front, soldiers like Sergeant Wilhelm Platenius risked their lives to smuggle Jews out of ghettos, ensuring their survival.

The Cost of Bravery

Being labeled a "righteous" German in the midst of Nazi Germany came with immense risks. The consequences of discovery were severe, ranging from immediate execution to lengthy prison sentences or forced labor. Many of these brave soldiers paid the ultimate price for their actions.

However, even those who managed to survive the war faced challenges after its . Despite their acts of bravery, they had to reckon with the larger German population's resentment and suspicion, who struggled to accept that not all military figures were guilty of war crimes.

Legacy and Commemoration

It was only in recent decades that the stories of The Righteous Of The Wehrmacht came to light. Their heroic actions are now recognized as a testament to the power of individual courage and resistance in the face of overwhelming darkness.

Various memorials and initiatives have been established to honor these forgotten heroes. The Stiftung Gedenkstätten Buchenwald und Mittelbau-Dora, for example, holds annual ceremonies to commemorate soldiers who defied the Nazi regime. Their stories are shared in museums, books, and documentaries, ensuring their legacy endures.

The Righteous Of The Wehrmacht prove that even in the darkest times, there are individuals who refuse to succumb to hate and brutality. The stories of these unsung heroes deserve to be told, reminding us of the power of compassion and the importance of standing up against injustice.

The Righteous of the Wehrmacht

by Mama Sweetea (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5287 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	131 pages

FREE

The Righteous of the Wehrmachtz describes the life of the author’s family in Vilnius before and during WWII and under the Nazi occupation, depicting their miraculous survival thanks to the German officer Karl Plagge. Plagge played a vital role in the survival of more than one hundred Jews, and for this is known as “the Schindler from Darmstadt.” After liberation by the Red Army, the author’s family moved first to Poland and then to France, forging their lives as refugees with gratitude and courage.