Claus von Stauffenberg

Claus von Stauffenberg (15 November 1907 – 21 July 1944) was a German army officer and a key figure in the German resistance movement against Nazi Germany. He is best known for his leading role in the failed 20 July plot of 1944 to assassinate Adolf Hitler and remove the Nazi Party from power. Stauffenberg's actions have made him a celebrated figure in the history of World War II.

Early Life and Career

Claus Philipp Maria Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg was born into an aristocratic family in Jettingen, Germany. He joined the German Army in 1926 and quickly rose through the ranks. Stauffenberg served with distinction in the Wehrmacht during World War II, initially on the Eastern Front where he was severely wounded, losing his right hand, two fingers on his left hand, and his left eye. This injury did not deter him from continuing his military career, and he was subsequently assigned to the General Army Office, where he became involved in the resistance movement against Hitler.

Involvement in the Resistance

Dismayed by the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime and the disastrous course of the war, Stauffenberg became an active participant in the resistance efforts. He joined the secretive circle of military officers and civilians who were plotting to overthrow the Nazi government. Stauffenberg's charisma, military experience, and aristocratic status quickly made him one of the leading figures in the conspiracy.

20 July Plot

The culmination of Stauffenberg's resistance efforts was the 20 July plot. He personally carried a bomb in a briefcase to a meeting attended by Hitler at the Wolf's Lair, his Eastern Prussian headquarters. Stauffenberg placed the briefcase under a table near Hitler and then excused himself from the room. The bomb exploded, but Hitler survived with only minor injuries, due to the heavy, solid-oak conference table leg which shielded him from the blast. Stauffenberg and several co-conspirators were arrested within hours and executed by firing squad the next day, 21 July 1944.

Legacy

Claus von Stauffenberg is remembered as a hero in Germany and around the world for his courage and moral conviction in standing up to one of the most tyrannical regimes in history. His attempt to end the war and save lives, despite the personal risk, has been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries. Stauffenberg's legacy is a testament to the power of individual action in the face of overwhelming odds.