Claus von Stauffenberg

Claus Philipp Maria Graf Schenk von Stauffenberg (November 15, 1907 – July 21, 1944) was a German aristocrat and army colonel during World War II. He was one of the leading figures of the July 20 Plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Prior to being posted in Germany, he served with distinction in North Africa, where he lost an eye and an arm in action.

Related Topics:
November 15 - 1907 - July 21 - 1944 - German - Colonel - World War II - July 20 Plot - Assassinate - Adolf Hitler

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As a senior staff officer in the Wehrmacht, with regular access to Hitler at his briefing meetings, Stauffenberg took a central role in the conspiracy. He was given the task of placing a briefcase, packed with explosives and a timer, near the Führer in his briefing hut at the military high command, Wolfsschanze (Wolf's Lair) near Rastenburg, East Prussia (today Ketrzyn, Poland). Although four people were killed and almost all present were injured, Hitler was injured only lightly as he was shielded from the blast by a solid oak conference table. Stauffenberg was arrested, tried and executed later that same day, and many co-conspirators were also executed in the following days.

Related Topics:
Wehrmacht - Wolfsschanze - Rastenburg - East Prussia - Poland

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Today, because of the vital role he played in the July 20 Plot, Stauffenberg is celebrated as a German national hero and symbol of the German resistance to the Nazi regime (known as the Widerstand). Countless streets and squares have been named after him.

Related Topics:
Nazi - Widerstand

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