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Dostler file photo [2638]

Anton Dostler

SurnameDostler
Given NameAnton
Born10 May 1891
Died1 Dec 1945
CountryGermany
CategoryMilitary-Ground
GenderMale

Contributor:

ww2dbaseAnton Dostler was born in München, Germany. During WW2, he was an infantry general who served in the Italian theater. On 22 Mar 1944, Italian fascists captured 15 US Army personnel operating behind the German front lines, attempting to sabotage a railroad tunnel. The prisoners were eventually turned over to men under Dostler's command and were executed on 26 Mar. After the end of the war, Dostler was tried and found guilty of war crimes for these executions in the first war crime trial. Although he maintained his innocence, placing the blame of the illegal executions on his subordinate Colonel Almers, the courts upheld the charge, and Dostler was executed on 1 Dec 1945.

ww2dbaseSource: Wikipedia.

Last Major Revision: Dec 2006

Photographs

Dostler tied to a stake in preparation of his execution by a firing squad, Aversa, Italy, 1 Dec 1945Dostler

Anton Dostler Timeline

10 May 1891 Anton Dostler was born.
26 Mar 1944 Anton Dostler ordered the execution of the 15 American commandos who were captured on 24 Mar 1944 while attempting to sabotage the La Spezia-Genoa rail line in Italy.
12 Oct 1945 Anton Dostler was sentenced to death in Rome, Italy.
1 Dec 1945 Anton Dostler passed away.




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Visitor Submitted Comments

1. Cy White says:
1 Dec 2013 09:37:14 PM

Would be interested in what happened to Colonel Almers.General Dostler's partner.
2. Anonymous says:
16 Dec 2015 07:56:33 AM

In the picture just before the execution, his jacket is buttoned,
the pic after, the jacket looks to be unuttoned. Also, the video shows his left elbow as it appears to be hit by a bullet. Did the FS
intentionally hit different parts of his body or were they just bad
marksmen. I'm not in defense of Dostler, just curious.
3. Elisabeth Anonymous says:
14 Nov 2022 11:24:35 PM

Could you tell me who the Father was? This catholic Father gave general Anton Dotsler the last rites before the execution. Regards from Elisabeth.

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Dostler tied to a stake in preparation of his execution by a firing squad, Aversa, Italy, 1 Dec 1945Dostler


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"No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. You win the war by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country!"

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