A high-ranking German officer who played a key role in the July 20 plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, and was subsequently executed for treason. He was a strong opponent of the Nazi regime and its atrocities.
Erwin von Witzleben was a prominent German Generalfeldmarschall (Field Marshal) who played a crucial role in the 20 July plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, making him one of the most fascinating figures of World War II. As a leading conspirator, he was designated to become the Commander-in-Chief of the Wehrmacht in a post-Nazi regime had the plot succeeded.
Born on 4 December 1881 in Breslau, Prussian Silesia (now Wrocław, Poland), Erwin von Witzleben came from a long line of nobility, with his family, the Witzleben dynasty, tracing their roots back to Thuringia. His father, Georg von Witzleben, was a Hauptmann (Captain) in the Prussian Army.
Erwin completed his education at the Prussian Cadet Corps program at Liegnitz Ritter-Akademie and Lichterfelde near Berlin. He joined the Grenadier Regiment König Wilhelm I No. 7 in Liegnitz as a Leutnant (Lieutenant) on 22 June 1901.
During World War I, Witzleben served as a brigade adjutant in the 19th Reserve Infantry Brigade and later as a company chief in the Reserve Infantry Regiment No. 6. He was promoted to Hauptmann and battalion commander, fighting in various battles, including Verdun, the Champagne region, and Flanders. He was seriously wounded and awarded the Iron Cross, both first and second classes.
In the Reichswehr of the Weimar Republic, Witzleben continued to rise through the ranks, becoming a company commander, Major, and eventually, battalion commander in Infantry Regiment 12.
In 1944, Witzleben joined the conspiracy to assassinate Adolf Hitler, led by Claus von Stauffenberg. As part of the plot, Witzleben was designated to become the Commander-in-Chief of the Wehrmacht in a post-Nazi regime.
On 20 July 1944, Stauffenberg's attempt to assassinate Hitler failed, and Witzleben was arrested on 21 July. He was subsequently tried and found guilty of treason by the People's Court on 8 August 1944.
Erwin von Witzleben's bravery and conviction in the face of overwhelming odds have made him a symbol of resistance against the Nazi regime. His involvement in the 20 July plot remains one of the most significant attempts to overthrow Hitler's government, and his legacy continues to inspire those who value democracy and freedom.
Despite his tragic fate, Witzleben's courage and determination serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there are individuals who stand up against tyranny and fight for what is right.
Witzleben was married to Else Kleeberg from Chemnitz, Saxony, and had a son and a daughter with her.
"I would rather die than be guilty of such a crime" - Erwin von Witzleben, in response to being asked to pledge allegiance to Hitler.
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