About Paul K Harker Expertise I'm the author of "Directive 19 the Memoirs of SS Sturmbannfuhrer Rolf Otto Schiller". I can answer questions regarding the Third Reich, Holocaust, SS, World War II, Nazi policies, the concentration camps and the administrative system behind the deportations and liquidations.
Experience Published Author (Directive 19 - The Memoirs of SS Sturmbannfuhrer Rolf Otto Schiller 2006, Outskirts Press Library). Owner of Mad Dog Memoirs. Expertise in Modern Warfare with focus on Third Reich strategy and tactics.
Organizations Mad Dog Memoirs
Publications Directive 19
The Memoirs of SS Sturmbannfuhrer Rolf Otto Schiller
Outskirts Press Library 2006 - ISBN # 1-59800-392-5 (Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com)
Education/Credentials Modern Warfare
Ancient Roman/Medieval Warfare
Awards and Honors Directive 19 book nominated for EWY Award 2006
Past/Present Clients Rolf Otto Schiller (Former SS Officer)
Karl Werner Von Metzger (Former SS radio operator)
Wilhelm Groener (Former Luftwaffe Officer and Pilot)
Expert: Paul K Harker Date: 12/8/2006 Subject: WWII / Heinrich Himmler
Question Thank you for being available. I Read an article about your book an plan to buy it from Amazon. My question is, are most of the german war vets on the same line of though t as the SS man you interviewed. It seems to me that in Germany it more than likely is and they just don't talk about it or straight up lie in order to conceal their true thoughts. I'm not bashing the Germans, I'm just making an observation. They must be proud of their war record just like Americans are. I guess what I'm asking is can you give me some insight into the mindset of the average German regarding their thoughts about WWII.
I'm sure it's a complex issue but any thoughts would be appreciated.
PS. I'm an apolitical american who is interested in WWII
Thanks...James
Answer Hello James,
I really don't believe the majority of German WWII vets share Mr. Schiller's mindset. I just finished my second book which covers the memoirs of a Waffen SS radio operator and this man clearly states that the average Waffen SS soldier didn't care if a person was Jewish or Communist. The SS-Totenkopfverbande - Mr. Schiller's office - were the ones entrusted with political enemies. Ironically, of all the WWII German war vet memoirs out there - no one (except Mr. Schiller) actually claimed to have been a Nazi. It's odd that millions of Germans served but "none" were loyalists to the Nazi doctrine. Think about that. I'm certain that many believed in it at that time but these are the men who now risk losing their citizenship, pensions and even freedom if they come out and openly admit it. They were indeed proud of their war records and service but these days many German war memorials and cemeteries have been demolished. In Bremen, Hamburg and Bonn, recent monumets have been built and formally dedicated to "The Unknown Deserters" of Third Reich forces. What other country would have to tolerate such an insult to its veterans? Political Correctness and modern social policies have made Germany's involvement in World War II a one-dimensional bridge to the Holocaust. The Holocaust was carried out by the politicians of the Reich. It's also true that many war crimes were committed by SS divisions. However, to acknowledge those that committed crimes, acknowledgement must also go to those who did not. Unfortunately world opinion has shamed most Germans into silence about this time period. However, I've met many German veterans who were proud to serve next to their comrade heroes on the front lines. I'd be interested in discussing this matter further via email as I'm limited to the number of words per response here. Thanks for your kind words regarding Directive 19. I hope you enjoy the book.
