What are some of those stories of German soldiers in WWII that could be called truly honorable or heroic that Germans could be proud to share with the rest of the world?


 This is General Dietrich von Saucken. He is said to be the typical old Prussian army general, when it comes to appearance and manner.

During the world war I, he was shot seven times in action, and got numerous medals in valour. After the war, he stayed in the German army. He was afterwards sent to Russia where he acquired how to speak Russian.


During World War II, he participated in numerous battles and was awarded numerous times once more. He was known to attempt to save his troops and minimize the losses.


However, he was taken out of his job in early 1945, after serving nearly 35 years, due to the belief that the war could never be won anymore.


However, he was subsequently recalled since there was still a need in Germany to have seasoned military commanders.


Hitler later called him to his bunker and ordered him to defend East Prussia against the Soviet army. Von Saucken was not like other officers. He carried his sword despite not being permitted to and failed to give the entire Nazi salute.


He also declined to be ordered around by a local Nazi officer and he would not be dictated to by a party leader.


Hitler hesitated and handed him the command.


Von Saucken went back to the battle area and remained with his men till the end. He even refused to be evacuated by a plane, when a plane was dispatched to rescue him, but instead, he dispatched injured soldiers.


Following the war, he was taken captive by the Soviets where he spent several years. He was later freed and returned to Germany where he led a quiet life.


He did not belong to any resistance group; yet, there are many who recall him as a soldier who put his men in the first place.

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