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Anton DostlerGerman officer, General of the Infantry during World War II
Date of Birth: 10.05.1891
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Interwar Period
- World War II and High Command
- Execution of American Soldiers
- Trial and Execution
- Awards and Legacy
Early Life and Military Career
Anton Dostler, a German officer, was born on June 23, 1910. In 1912, he joined the 6th Bavarian Infantry Regiment, rising to the rank of Lieutenant by 1915. Throughout World War I, he commanded various units, earning the rank of Captain in 1918. After the war, he served in the Reichswehr.
Interwar Period
In 1924, Dostler was assigned to the Abwehr, Germany's military intelligence agency, while simultaneously studying at Berlin University. He attained the rank of Major in 1932.
World War II and High Command
With the outbreak of World War II, Dostler served as Operations Chief for the 7th Army from 1939 to 1940. He then became Chief of Staff of the XXV Army Corps and was promoted to Major General in 1941. In 1943, he assumed command of the XXXXII Army Corps and became commander of the VII Army Corps. He was further promoted to Lieutenant General in January 1943.
Execution of American Soldiers
On March 22, 1944, fifteen American soldiers were captured by German forces in Italy. Dostler received orders from Field Marshal Albert Kesselring to execute the prisoners, despite their status as surrendered combatants. Despite efforts by some of his subordinates to prevent the execution, Dostler ultimately ordered their deaths.
Trial and Execution
After the war, Dostler was arrested by American forces and tried for war crimes. He defended his actions by citing a Hitler order authorizing the execution of Allied soldiers. However, the trial did not accept this defense, and Dostler was sentenced to death by firing squad on October 12, 1945. His execution set a precedent for the Nuremberg Trials, as the Allies refused to recognize the defense of superior orders.
Awards and Legacy
Dostler's awards included the Iron Cross (1914), the Bavarian Order of Military Merit, and several campaign medals.
