Wilm Hosenfeld

Born:

2 May 1895, Mackensen, Germany

Died:

13 August 1952, Soviet POW camp near Stalingrad

Nationality:

German

Profession(s):

Army Officer, Teacher

Early Life and Education

• Born into a Roman Catholic family with strong traditions of social service and piety.
• Trained as a teacher.
• Served in World War I and was wounded.
• Returned to teaching after the war.

Career and Major Achievements

• Joined the German Army (Wehrmacht) in August 1939.
• Served in Poland from September 1939 until his capture by the Soviets in 1945.
• Stationed primarily in Warsaw, where he served as a staff officer in the reserve battalion 660.
• Secretly helped several Poles and Jews during the Holocaust, providing them with food, shelter, and false papers.
• Most famously, he helped pianist Władysław Szpilman survive the Holocaust in Warsaw.
• His actions were driven by his religious beliefs and growing disillusionment with Nazi ideology.

Notable Works

The most significant documentation of Wilm Hosenfeld's life and actions is derived from his personal journals and letters, forming the basis for detailed accounts and analysis. Much of what is known about his heroism stems from the exploration within captain wilm hosenfeld biography books and related historical works.

Legacy and Impact

Wilm Hosenfeld is remembered as a Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem for his courageous actions in saving Jewish lives during the Holocaust. His story highlights the potential for individual compassion and resistance, even within a system of oppression. His actions stand as a testament to the power of conscience during wartime.

Awards and Recognition

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