Execution for Duty

Book excerpt: A true story of betrayal and murder withing the German navy and Nazi military court is revealed in this WWII biography of a U boat Captain. In 1937, Oskar Heinz Kusch joined the German Navy. By the time he finished naval college, the Second World War had begun. Kusch volunteered to serve on U boats and, with his distinguished record, he soon gained his own command in the 2nd U boat Flotilla. Before his second operational voyage as Captain of U 154, three new junior officers joined the submarine. Confirmed Nazi patriots who constantly praised their heroes of the Reich, they were not popular aboard—especially with Kusch, who was ideologically opposed to the Nazi regime despite his military service. During that voyage, the three hatched a plan to dishonor their Captain and accuse him of treason. The trial was corrupt and rigged. No latitude was given from higher authorities and no account of his distinguished career was taken into consideration. To the amazement of the court, orders were given that Kusch was to be shot.