By staff
Title: Kurt Wittler Papers, 1944-1945
Predominant Dates:1944 -- 1945
ID: RG-40/RG-40
Primary Creator: Wittler, Kurt (1944 -- 1945)
Extent: 1.0 Boxes
Arrangement: Collections and documents developed and assigned by the processor
Subjects: Collective revival of ethnic Germans, Germandom and restoration of the new German society, Morality versus State interests, Germany, National Socialist Ideology, Theory of State and Nation, Germany
This record group comprises narratives, publications, photographs, and preparatory materials from the office of Kurt Wittler, editor of the German-language newspaper Bayrischer Tag (Bavarian Day) published by the American Military Administration for the German civilian population in Bavaria. Kurt Wittler documents also shed light on American intelligence activities vis-à-vis to the German Army in 1944, 1945. The Collection could be conditionally subdivided on editorial materials, warfare matters, and evidences of the Nazi crimes.
The follwoing collections comprise this record group,
RG-40.01, Bavarian Day, in German, newspaper published by US Military Government in Germany;
RG-40.02, German anti-Semitic literature;
RG-40.03, Kurt Wittler, army intelligence materials;
RG-40.04, Materials related to Nazi crimes;
RG-40.05, Allied Military Operations in Germany and the Pacific;
RG-40.06, Kurt Wittler Family History
This record groups comprised collections that relate to the US politics with regard to the warfare and then de-nazification of National Socialism. Allied in general and the US military and judicial administration acted in compliance with the international treaties and the United Nations' provisions and obligations to regard all those German to be in culpability according to the afore mentioned principles.
RG-40.01, Bavarian Day, in German, newspaper published by US Military Government in Germany
RG-40.01.01, Bavarian Day, in German, newspaper published by US Military Government in Germany, 29 September 1945
RG-40.01.02, Kurt Wittler, editorial, military and civil affairs:
Leaflet
Title: Der Totenkopf – Das Abzeichen der Himmler-Clique (The Skull – The Symbol of Himmler’s Clique)
Language: German
The leaflet encourages German troops to surrender, claiming that Himmler and the Gestapo are more interested in themselves than in Germany
Instructions for Surrender
Language: German
The notice describes to German soldiers what to say to American soldiers in order to surrender themselves and how they will be subsequently treated
Leaflet Draft
Language: German
Addressed to Deutsche Offizieren (German officers), leaflet draft portrays a caricature of a distressed-looking Goebbels who is saying phrases used by the German leadership to cast defeats into a more favorable light
Surrender Appeal Note
Language: German
Addressed to Deutsche Soldaten (German Soldiers), this note encourages surrender and lists procedures to do so safely
Flyer
Title: Latest Reports of Leaflet Reactions No. 12
Issued by: PWD – SHAEF – Leaflet Section – 3/11/44
Describes reaction of the German leadership to leaflets dropped to German forces
Clipping (Picture with caption)
Title: Prisoners from Siegfried Line
Photo Credits: War pool photo, not for use in British Isles or Western Hemisphere. Serviced by London OWI
Picture shows a group of German soldiers being led to the rear by US infantrymen
Clipping (Picture with caption)
Title: Nazi Surrender Banner
Photo Credits: War pool photo, not for use in British Isles or Western Hemisphere. Serviced by London OWI
Pictures shows two German soldiers holding up a Red Cross flag on a shovel, with two US soldiers in the background. Near Metz
Clipping (Picture with caption)
Title: Nazis Fly the White Flag
Photo Credits: War pool photo, not for use in British Isles or Western Hemisphere. Serviced by London OWI
A group of German soldiers fly a white flag in a trench as US soldiers look on. In the Geilonkirchen area
Clipping (Picture with caption)
Title: Psychological Warfare leaflet
Photo credits: Serviced by London OWI
A 24-year-old Nazi paratrooper is shown giving his surrender pass to American Lieutenant W.F. Kinney of Chicago
Four collected newspaper clippings
Title: (Two have no titles); US Civilian Directs Cherbourg Press Unit; Breger over Germany.
All four articles relate stories which show the effectiveness of the Psychological Warfare Department
Confidential memo to: Major Louis Huot, PWO, Third US Army
From: Kurt Wittler, T/4
Subject: Enemy documents
Issued by: Headquarters – Third US Army – APO 403
Dated 2 September 1944
The memo is sent along with five letters from the correspondence of two German non-commissioned officers in a regiment composed mainly of Russians (Kosaken-Regiment). The sender states that certain portions of the letters are reflective of the general morale of Germany’s civilian population
Sheet of Paper bearing the seal of the US Army
The initials JS are written prominently in the middle of the page
Memo to: Major Huot, PWB, Third US Army and Lt. Markham, Liaison Officer, 19th TAC
From: Morris Wigler – 1st Lt. S.C.
Subject: Leafleting
Issued by: Headquarters Twelfth Army Group – Publicity & Psychological Warfare – APO 655
Dated 29 December 1944
The memo informs that General McClure, after talking with a PW cage, is very enthusiastic about the effectiveness of leaflets
Memo to: Major Huot, PWO, Third US Army
From: Staff/Sgt Kurt Wittler
Subject: Interrogation of German Propaganda Man
Issued by: Headquarters – Third US Army – Psychological Warfare Branch – APO 403
Dated by 12 March 1945
The sender accounts the interrogation of a German soldier involved in interrogation of PWs and also the counteraction of Allied Propaganda. The soldier reported that Allied Propaganda was effective in persuading German soldiers to surrender
Memo to: Major Louis Huot, PWO, Third US Army
Title: Comments on latest SHAEF leaflets
Issued: 4 February 1945
Signed: Kurt Wittler S/Sgt – PWB, Publications
This memo details the structure and effectiveness of six propaganda leaflets created by SHAEF. Several of the leaflets are described as outdated and the relevant corrections and updates are mentioned as being made. The final portion of the memo urges SHAEF and Group Operations to send their leaflet samples sooner, since the copies received by PWB are often outdated and useless upon their arrival
Memo to: Major Louis Huot, PWO, Third US Army
Subject: Leaflet ZG-112 K
Issued by: the Headquarters of the Third United States Army, Psychological Warfare Branch, APO 403.
Dated 19 February 1945
Signed Kurt Wittler, S/Sgt, Publications - PWB, Third US Army
The memo concerns the leaflet identified as ZG-112 K. The sender calls into question the effectiveness of the leaflet, which uses a Germanized spelling for the phrase “I surrender”. The sender believes that this would not be useful as a means of demoralization and suggests a revision
Memo to: Colonel C.R. Powell, P & PW Officer, 12 Army Group
Subject: Special Edition of Army Group Newspapers
Issued by: Supreme Headquarters – Allied Expeditionary Force – Psychological Warfare Division
Dated 8 June 1945
This memo conveys thanks to Col. Powell that a special edition of a newspaper containing the full text of the Four-Power Declaration was available the morning after the declaration had been signed. The sender also notes that four million copies of other papers are being distributed throughout Germany. The second section thanks the receiver’s staff, especially Captain Habe, the chief of Press and Publications Section
Memo to: S/Sgt Kurt Wittler
Signed by: Oscar W. Koch – Colonel, GSC – AC of S, G-2
Issued by: Headquarters – Third US Army – Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2 APO 403
Dated 9 May 1945
The memo states that a large job is ahead and personnel changes are likely to occur. He sends his congratulations and thanks for the section’s service
General orders (Num. 70) to: The officers and men of the Third Army and the XIX Tactical Air Command
From: G.S., Jr. – Lieut. General, US Army, Commanding
Issued by: Headquarters – Third United States Army – APO 403
Dated 23 March 1945
Patton commends his men and officers on recent successes and lists the amount of territory seized and the number of killed and captured enemy. The crossing of the Rhine is mentioned toward the end of the text
Letter to: Major General Kobart R. Gay – Chief of Staff – Headquarters Third US Army – APO 403 – US Army
From: G.S. Patton, Lieutenant. General, US Army, Commanding
Issued by: Headquarters – Third US Army – Office of the Commanding General – APO 403
Dated 14 April 1945
Patton passes along the praise and thanks of General Eisenhower. The message is then forwarded to members of all sections, Headquarters Third US Army, APO 403 by Major General Gay
Letter to: Major Louis Huot, P.W. Officer – Third US Army – APO 403, US Army
From: Robert A. McClure – Brigadier General, G.S.C. – Chief, Psychological Warfare Division
Issued by: Supreme Headquarters – Allied Expeditionary Force – Psychological Warfare Division
Dated 22 December 1944
McClure sends a letter of thanks to Major Huot and his men for making the department of Psychological Warfare effective and worthwhile
Letter from: H.L. Gasaway, Major, F.A.
To: To Whom It May Concern
Issued by: Headquarters – Third US Army – Psychological Warfare Branch – APO 403
Dated 27 February 1945
The sender, who has worked with Wittler, states that Wittler has a trustworthy nature and impeccable character
Letter from: Louis Huot – Major, Infantry, Psychological Warfare Officer
To: Colonel CR Powell
Subject: Recommendation for Commissions
Dated 18 January 1945
Issued by: Headquarters – Third US Army – APO 403
The memo asks for three additional names to be added to the list of those who are being considered for commission. Another note says that Kurt Wittler is a capable officer who took over the job duties of three other men. It informs the receiver that Wittler’s educational background and Army record are attached
Piece of posted material
Addressed to: Sgt. Kurt Wittler, 39574524 – G-2 Section HQ, Third US Army – APO 403, US Army
Stamps from a censor (No. 11689) and the Czechoslovak Fieldpost are present
Christmas Prayer Card
Signed by: G.S. Patton, JR. – Lieutenant General - Commanding, Third US Army
Issued by: Headquarters – Third US Army
This Christmas card includes a short prayer for safety and thanks for the service rendered by all the soldiers
Memo to: All officers and enlisted men of the Second Mobile Radio Broadcasting CO
From: Arthur Jaffe – 1st Lt., Infantry
Issued by: Headquarters – 2d Mobile Radio Broadcasting Company APO
Dated Christmas 1944
The sender congratulates the section for their service and states that brotherhood can be strong even during a war
Letter to: Miss Thompson
From: Sgt. Kurt Wittler, 39574521 – Psychological Warfare Branch – G-2 Sect., HQ, and Third US Army – APO 403, c/o Postm, New York
Dated 9 December 1944
A note of approval concerning Ms. Thompson’s idea that Austria could be made into a “world District of Columbia”
Letter to: Publishing House Saarlouis
From: Chancellery of Adolf Hitler – Berlin W8 – Wilhelmstrasse 55
Language: German
Dated 15-3-1934
This memo thanks the publishing house for a recently-received brochure on the history of the Saarland statutes by Dr. Groten
Secret Document
Issued by: Psychological Warfare Branch – Headquarters Third US Army
Dated 1 January 1945
Document shows the general structure of the Psychological Warfare Branch
Letter to: the “Gang”
From: Arthur H. Jaffe – 1st Lt., Inf.
Issued by: Headquarters – 2d Mobile Radio Broadcasting Company – APO 655
Dated 29 December 1944
The sender conveys his thanks and congratulations to his men and lists several statistics of the company, such as number of miles driven by men in the unit and number of hours of recorded messages
Letter from: Louis Huot – Major, Infantry, Psychological Warfare Branch
To: Colonel C.R. Powell, P&PW Sec, Twelfth Army Group
Subject: Promotion of Tec 4 Kurt Wittler, 39574521
Issued by: Headquarters – Third United States Army – APO 403
Dated November 1944
Major Huot recommends Tec 4 Kurt Wittler for promotion for Tec 3rd grade and describes him as a capable and hard-working individual
Memo to: Commanding Officers, all Military Government Detachments; Ober and Mittel Franken (Franconia)
From: Headquarters, Military Government Detachment E1B3
Date: 6 July 1945
Subject: News
Content: Seeking information about Nazi Party members and public services that would be of general public interest
War Propaganda Poster
Red Background, white and black text
Created by the PWD.3.
Poster proclaims leaflets are “Sapping the Nazi will to resist” and includes a quotation from Goebbels dated Sept. 1944 which emphasizes the effectiveness of leaflets as weapons
Paper Headings
Various Dates
One includes a heading of a paper by the Ministry of Economic Warfare dated 7th December 1944
Clipping from unknown Document
Title: For Soldiers: Ill-treatment of Prisoners
Dated 28 November 1944
Issued by: PWE/OSS
A short note describing “Front und Heimat” (Front and Homeland), which tells soldiers that the idea of German soldiers receiving good treatment at the hands of the Allies is false and spread only as propaganda
Newspaper Clipping
Title: War and the Radio
Refers to Radio Luxembourg as a propaganda tool and describes the station’s four fifteen-minute shows per day as being produced by a captain, six noncoms, and four civilians
Newspaper Article
Title: Propaganda Bombs
Written by: Ted Patrick – Advertising expert, formerly with OWI
Article looks into effectiveness of leaflets and provides examples
Newspaper snippet from unknown paper
Headline: Frontline Flashes
The short article writes about an American soldier who taught the words “I surrender” to a couple of German soldiers he found studying English
Poster (Green, Black, White)
Title: Leaflets Help Win Battles
A German soldier is depicted presenting a surrender leaflet to an American soldier. The phrase “Ai Soerrenda” (phonetic spelling of “I Surrender”) appears. An excerpt from a 12th Army Group Report emphasizes the effectiveness of the leaflets
RG-40.02, German anti-Semitic literature
RG-40.02.01, Jews in the USA - Selected Captions (Word document)
RG-40.02.02, Jews in the USA - Selected Captions (PDF)
RG-40.02.03, Propaganda Book
Title: Die Juden in USA: Ueber Hundert Bilddokumente (The Jews in the USA: Over 100 pictures)
By: Dr. Hans Diebow
Published by: Zentralverlag der NSDAP (Central Publishing of the NSDAP) - Berlin
Dated: 1941
This book presents pictures of various prominent Americans of Jewish ancestry, often in embarrassing or unfavorable poses. Accompanying the pictures are captions which clearly display an anti-semitic bias. The author alludes frequently to Jewish stereotypes prominent in Germany at the time of publishing, such as gluttony, excessive wealth, and a fondness of non-Jewish women. A frequent target of the disparaging captions is New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, who is often shown eating or talking with other prominent US politicians, including President Roosevelt. These pictures, along with several comments made at the end of the book, are intended to suggest the existence of a Jewish, Bolshevik conspiracy whose goal is to appropriate all positions of power in the US
RG-40.03, Kurt Wittler, army intelligence materials
RG-40.03.01, Kurt Wittler, army intelligence correspondence
Memo to: Major Louis Huot, PWO, Third US Army
From: Kurt Wittler – S/Sgt – PWB, Publications
Subject: CG of 256th VG-Division answers leaflet PWB-48
Issued by: Headquarters – Third US Army – Psychological Warfare Branch – APO 403
Dated: February 1945
Wittler attaches a message found on members of the 256th Volksgrenadier Division. The note, from a German division commander, warning troops about the danger of leaflets and loud-speaker addresses. Wittler also includes a translation in English
Special Orders authorized by Richard Gaumond, Captain, AGD, Adjutant.
Issued by: Twelfth Army Group – Headquarters 72D Publicity Service, BN – APO 655
Dated 3 January 1945
A number of men are promoted to different positions. Kurt Wittler is noted for having achieved the rank of S/Sgt
Informational Brief
Title: Scorpion Informationsdienst (Scorpion Information Service)
The brief reports on Stimmen zu den Fronten (Voices of the Front), mainly foreign news dispatches which intend to bolster morale of German forces by claiming that Allied leadership is discordant and volatile
Letter to: Lt. Col. Louis C. Huot, PW Officer – Headquarters, 3rd US Army – APO 403
From: Robert A. McClure, Brigadier General, G.S.C., Chief, Psychological Warfare Div.
Issued by: Supreme Headquarters – Allied Expeditionary Force – Psych. Warfare Div.
Dated 10 May 1945
The sender sends his congratulations regarding the Psychological Warfare section under the command of the Lt. Col. The letter is followed by a memo from Lt. Col Huot to his inferiors in which he congratulates them for their service
RG-40.03.02, Kurt Wittler, army intelligence materials
Memo to: Psychological Warfare Officer, Third US Army
From: Kurt Wittler – S/Sgt – PWB, Third US Army
Subject: Interrogation of German Civilian
Issued by: Headquarters – Third US Army – Psychological Warfare Branch – APO 403
Dated 1 April 1945
An interrogation of civilian engineer Robert Raths revealed some details concerning the factories in unoccupied Germany, the state of their workers, and the general morale of the Volksturm group
Surrender Notice
Language: German
One side of the flyer states that further resistance is useless since the Allies have firm control over the German homeland. The reverse details the method of surrendering yourself to Allied troops
Note to: Sgt. Wittler – 2 Mobile Radio Broadcast Co. – APO 655 US Army
From: Lt. C. Lowenthal 01320245 – 2 Mobile Radio Broadcast co. – APO 655
Dated 12 December (Year not stated)
A private note of thanks to Wittler for his work on the leaflets
RG-40.03.03, Kurt Wittler, intelligence discourse
Title: Germany Day by Day – Deutschlandspiegel – Selections from transmissions in German of the Schreibfunk, the Grossdeutscher Rundfunk and other stations broadcasting in German
Issued by: BBC Monitoring Service
Dated 28 November 1944
On the reverse, a transcript entitled “Kein Perpetuum Mobile” (No Infinite Mobiles) by Dr. Rudolf Semmer who insists that recent Allied successes are primarily due to unprecedented American industrial output whose pace cannot be maintained for a long period of time
Leaflet Draft
Language: German and English
The paper presents some of the phrases used by the German leadership to disguise defeats and retreats and encourages German soldiers to save their lives for the rebuilding of Germany. English translations attached
Public Address Broadcasts with attached note
[Note] from: Kurt Wittler, editor of “Bayrischer Tag”
[Note] Issued by: US Forces European Theater – Information Control Division – Publishing Operations Section – APO 757
[Broadcasts]: Range in dating (mainly late 1944)
[Broadcasts] Language: German
The Broadcasts provide updates of Allied progress in all areas of both the European and Pacific Theaters
Restricted Report
Title: The Leaflet Propaganda Front – A Review of March Activities
Dated 30 April, 1945
Reports on the production and distribution of various leaflets, both to soldiers and civilians. Testimony from various US Armies is attached
Memo to: Panzer-Division Abteilung
From: Lieutenant General Witersheim
Dated 18 October 1944
The sender references an Allied leaflet which brought up the lack of reinforcements, mail, and proper leadership in the German ranks. Witersheim then refutes these points and encourages his men
Memo to: not stated
From: Kurt Wittler - T/4. PWB-Publications – Third US Army
Dated 26th October 1944
The sender’s commentary on a draft for a leaflet. Suggestions for revisions are mentioned and a translation of the original leaflet is attached
Letter to: Col. Clifford R. Powell – Psych. Warfare Officer – Headquarters. 12th Army Group
From: Robert A. McClure, Brigadier General, G.S.C., Chief, Psychological Warfare Div.
Issued by: Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force – Psych. Warfare Div.
Dated 10 May 1945
The sender writes to congratulate the Psychological Warfare section under the command of the colonel and emphasizes the significant effect his section played on the moral deterioration of the enemy and the ultimate surrender of the Wehrmacht. Attached is a memo from Col. Powell to his inferiors congratulating them for their service and mentioning Brigadier General McClure’s approbation
Restricted Report
Title: The Leaflet Propaganda Front – A Review of February Activities
Dated 20 March, 1945
Reports on the production and distribution of various leaflets, both to soldiers and civilians. Testimony from various US Armies is attached
Restricted Report
Title: The Leaflet Propaganda Front – A Review of January Activities
Dated 12 March, 1945
Reports on the production and distribution of various leaflets, both to soldiers and civilians. Testimony from various US Armies is attached
Clippings of secret/confidential memos (1)
Dates: November 24, 23, 27, 17, 1944
Clippings of secret/confidential memos (1), reverse sides
Dates: November 24, 23, 27, 17, 1944
Clippings of secret/confidential memos (2)
Dates: November 21, 25, 14, 15, 25 & December 6, 1944
Clippings of secret/confidential memos (2), reverse sides
Dates: November 21, 25, 14, 15, 25 & December 6, 1944
Clipping of secret/confidential memo (3)
Date: November 16, 1944
RG-40.03.04, Kurt Wittler, service communications
Memo to: Assistant Governor of S G-2 Iceberg
From: Alfred B. Poch, Captain CE, OIG, Iceberg IPW#79
Subject: Special Interrogation Report #17
Dated 29 Oct. 1944
Issued by Iceberg IPW #79
The composition and strength of 361 Volks Gr. Division 953 Volks GR. Regt. 3 Co is detailed. Attached is a recounting of the story of an American soldier who escaped from a PW camp
Newspaper Clipping
By: Jimmy Cannon – Stars and Stripes Staff Writer
Title: Act Draws Fire – Mortars Applaud
The article recounts the story of Pvt. Paul Eisler of the 4th Inf. Div. at the Siegfried Line and his propaganda loud-speaker. Addressing the German positions, he was met with a burst of mortar fire. Eisler tells the reporter that, “Mortars are my applause”
Short Newspaper Clipping
Presents the story of a pair of German soldiers who were forced to swim upriver in order to surrender
Newspaper Clipping
Title: The Enemy – Please Refrain…
Describes a German response to the dropping of Allied leaflets over German positions. Luftwaffe planes later dropped their own leaflets which mockingly say any German soldier carrying this note wishes to go into captivity, betray his fatherland, and never see his family again
RG-40.03.05, Kurt Wittler, Surrender Notice
RG-40.04, Materials related to Nazi crimes
RG-40.04.01, Kurt Wittler, Czechoslovak Jewish Committee. Committee Bulletin
Title: Czechoslovak Jewish Committee Bulletin No. 14 (May-June 1945)
By: Czechoslovak Jewish Committee – Affiliated with the World Jewish Congress
A short bulletin contains names of Czechoslovak Jewish women liberated from Bergen Belsen and information about various Terezin inmates
RG-40.04.02, Kurt Wittler, Nazi crimes in the camps
RG-40.04.03, Large photograph with caption
Title: Hitler and his Works
Credits: US Signal Corps Photo ETO-HQ-45-35829
German prisoners-of-war unearth a mass grave with the bodies of murdered Jewish prisoners at “Lager No. 3” by Landeberg, Germany. The caption asks the viewer to contrast Hitler’s stay in prison in 1923 to the situation in which Jewish prisoners found themselves
RG-40.04.04, Large photograph with caption
Title: The Nazis Burn the Living
Credits: Keystone Photo 489966
The aftermath of a German massacre of political prisoners is shown. Men were forced into a barn which was subsequently set ablaze. Any fleeing prisoners were promptly shot down by the German soldiers
RG-40.04.05, Collection of large photographs
Title: Third US Army Exposes Horror of Buchenwald Camp
RG-40.04.06, Credits: US Signal Corps Photo ETO-HQ-45-32746
Townsfolk from the town of Weimar react to the atrocities of Buchenwald after being marched through the camp by US military policemen
RG-40.04.07, Credits: British Combine Acme Photo 408021
A horrifically emaciated Jewish prisoner of Buchenwald is shown
RG-40.04.08, Credits: US Signal Corps Photo ETO-HQ-45-32408
A large pile of ashes and bones (one-day’s supply of killed prisoners) is placed in the courtyard of the camp
RG-40.05, Allied Military Operations in Germany and the Pacific
RG-40.05.01, Australian soldiers landing on the Labuan islands
RG-40.05.02, Collision of an American troop transport with a freight train near Weingartens. The manager of the signal tower expects his sentencing
RG-40.05.03, A burning Japanese tank shows traces of heavy fighting on the Luzon islands
RG-40.05.04, Japanese war prisoners are evacuated from Guam
RG-40.05.05, A Japanese war prisoner gets medical treatment from a US paramedic
RG-40.05.06, Japanese snipers are fought by American Navy soldiers with hand machine guns
RG-40.05.07, American Navy soldiers push forward against former Japanese barracks in Shuri Castle, South Okinawa
RG-40.05.08, A floating dry dock is used by the American fleet to repair the warships used in the Pacific Ocean
RG-40.05.09, Commander of the American 3rd Army, General George S. Patton, after his return to the US, with his grandchildren
RG-40.05.10, American troops and American material is landing in Okinawa (Ryukyu). The island was first attacked on March 31, 1945
RG-40.05.11, Condolence service honoring the American soldiers who died on the island (Pacific)
RG-40.05.12, Japanese prisoners at their registration
RG-40.05.13, American big fortresses during an attack on Japanese navy arsenals
RG-40.05.14, Scottish troops at a parade in Graz, Austria
RG-40.05.15, French generals who were imprisoned in Koenigsberg were liberated by the 9th US Army
RG-40.06, Kurt Wittler Family History
RG-40.06.01, Ancestry Certificate
Title: Abstammungs-Nachweis bis zum Jahre 1800 (Ancestry Certificate since 1800)
Dated 1 April 1940
Issued to: Ameliene Drebber from Essen
Document chronicles the family of Ameliene Drebber and provides names, occupations, and dates of birth and death of several ancestors. Stamped by the rectory of Horn
RG-40.06.02, Letter to Dr. Siller to Epenstein
Language: German
German Field Post
Dated 15 September 1915
These collections and documents introduce the reader to the new thinking of ordinary German that came into being since the Nazis fully implemented their paradigm of the new German nation.
By reading of the National Socialist literature we comprehend by and large non comprehensible, namely that the Nazi belief system does not qualify as a moral or even coherent ideology. Compared with, for example, Adam Smith's liberalism or Karl Marx's communism, die Ideee of Nazism lacks formal understanding and a human social vision. Nonetheless, Nazism fulfilled the functions we associate with ideology.
It supplied answers to life's imponderables provided meaning in the face of contingency and explained the way the world works. Nazi ideas embedded the individual within the collective well-being of the nation.
Collective revival of ethnic Germans
Germandom and restoration of the new German society
Morality versus State interests, Germany
National Socialist Ideology
Theory of State and Nation, Germany
Repository: Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust
Access Restrictions:
No restrictions. Credits to the Museum are required.
Digital copies are available upon request
Use Restrictions: Copyrighted materials
A collection of leaflets, newspaper articles, and editorials concerning military and civilian affairs.
Leaflet Title: Der Totenkopf -- Das Abzeichen der Himmler-Clique (The Skull -- The Symbol of Himmler's Clique) Language: German The leaflet encourages German troops to surrender, claiming that Himmler and the Gestapo are more interested in themselves than in Germany.
Instructions for Surrender Language: German The notice describes to German soldiers what to say to American soldiers in order to surrender themselves and how they will be subsequently treated.
Leaflet Draft Language: German Addressed to Deutsche Offizieren (German officers), leaflet draft portrays a caricature of a distressed-looking Goebbels who is saying phrases used by the German leadership to cast defeats into a more favorable light.
Surrender Appeal Note Language: German Addressed to Deutsche Soldaten (German soldiers), this note encourages surrender and lists procedures to do so safely.
Flyer Title: Latest Reports of Leaflet Reactions No. 12 Issued by PWD -- SHAEF -- Leaflet Section -- 3/11/44 Describes reaction of the German leadership to leaflets dropped to German forces.
Clipping (picture with caption) Title: Prisoners from Siegfried Line Photo credits: War pool photo, not for use in British Isles or Western Hemisphere. Serviced by London OWI Picture shows a group of German soldiers being led to the rear by US infantrymen.
Clipping (picture with caption) Title: Nazi Surrender Banner Photo credits: War pool photo, not for use in British Isles or Western Hemisphere Serviced by London OWI Pictures shows two German soldiers holding up a red cross flag on a shovel, with two US soldiers in the background. Near Metz.
Clipping (picture with caption) Title: Nazis Fly the White Flag Photo Credits: War pool photo, not for use in British Isles or Western Hemisphere Serviced by London OWI A group of German soldiers fly a white flag in a trench as US soldiers look on. Picture taken in the Geilonkirchen area.
Clipping (picture with caption) Title: Psychological Warfare Leaflet Photo credits: War pool photo, not for use in the British Isles or Western Hemisphere Serviced by London OWI A 24-year-old Nazi paratrooper is shown giving his surrender pass to American Lieutenant W.F. Kinney of Chicago.
Four collected newspaper clippings Title (Two have no titles): US Civilian Directs Cherbourg Press Unit; Breger over Germany All four articles relate stories which show the effectiveness of the Psychological Warfare Department.
Confidential memo to: Major Lous Huot, PWO, Third US Army From: Kurt Wittler, T/4 Subject: Enemy documents Issued by Headquarters -- Third US Army -- APO 403 Dated 2 September 1944 The memo is sent along with five letters from the correspondence of two German non-commissioned officers in a regiment composed mainly of Russians (Kosaken-Regiment). The sender states that certain portions of the letters are reflective of the general morale of Germany's civilian population.
Sheet of paper bearing the seal of the US Army The initials JS are written prominently in the middle of the page.
Memo to: Major Huot, PWB, Third US Army and Lt. Markham, Liaison Officer, 19th TAC From: Morris Wigler -- 1st Lt. S.C. Subject: Leafletting Issued by Headquarters Twelfth Army Group -- Publicity & Psychological Warfare -- APO 655 Dated 29 December 1944 The memo informs that General McClure, after talking with a PW cage, is very enthusiastic about the effectiveness of leaflets.
Memo to: Major Huot, PWO, Third US Army From: S/Sgt Kurt Wittler Subject: Interrogation of German Propaganda Man Issued by Headquarters -- Third US Army -- Psychological Warfare Branch -- APO 403 Dated 12 March 1945 The sender accoutns the interrogation of a German soldier involved in interrogation of PW's and also the counteraction of Allied Propaganda. The soldier reported that Allied Propaganda was effective in persuading German soldiers to surrender.
Memo to: Major Louis Huot, PWO, Third US Army Title: Comments on latest SHAEF leaflets Issued 4 February 1945 Signed by Kurt Wittler S/Sgt -- PWB, Publications This memo details the structure and effectiveness of six propaganda leaflets created by SHAEF. Several of the leaflets are described as outdated and the relevant corrections and updates are mentioned as being made. The final portion of the memo urges SHAEF and Group Operations to send their leaflet samples sooner, since the copies received by PWB are often outdated and useless upon their arrival.
Memo to: Major Louis Huot, PWO, Third US Army Subject: Leaflet ZG-112K Issued by Headquarter, Third US Army, Psychological Warfare Brance, APO 403 Dated 19 February 1945 Signed by Kurt Wittler, S/Sgt, Publications -- PWB, Third US Army The memo concerns the leaflet identified as ZG-112K. The sender calls into question the effectiveness of the leaflet, which uses a Germanized spelling for the phrase "I surrender". The sender believes that this would not be useful as a means of demoralization and suggests a revision.
Memo to: Colonel C.R. Powell, P & PW Officer, 12 Army Group Subject: Special Edition of Army Group Newspapers Issued by Supreme Headquarters -- Allied Expeditionary Force -- Psychological Warfare Division Dated 8 June 1945 This memo conveys thanks to Col. Powell that a special edition of a newspaper containing the full text of the Four-Power Declaration was available the morning after the declaration had been signed. The sender also notes that four million copies of other papers are being distributed throughout Germany. The second section thanks the receiver's staff, especially Captain Habe, the chief of Press and Publications Section.
Memo to: S/Sgt Kurt Wittler Signed by: Oscar W. Koch – Colonel, GSC – AC of S, G-2 Issued by: Headquarters – Third US Army – Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2 APO 403 Dated 9 May 1945 The memo states that a large job is ahead and personnel changes are likely to occur. He sends his congratulations and thanks for the section’s service
General orders (Num. 70) to: The officers and men of the Third Army and the XIX Tactical Air Command From: G.S., Jr. – Lieut. General, US Army, Commanding Issued by: Headquarters – Third United States Army – APO 403 Dated 23 March 1945 Patton commends his men and officers on recent successes and lists the amount of territory seized and the number of killed and captured enemy. The crossing of the Rhine is mentioned toward the end of the text
Letter to: Major General Kobart R. Gay – Chief of Staff – Headquarters Third US Army – APO 403 – US Army From: G.S. Patton, Jr – Lieut. General, US Army, Commanding Issued by: Headquarters – Third US Army – Office of the Commanding General – APO 403 Dated 14 April 1945 Patton passes along the praise and thanks of General Eisenhower. The message is then forwarded to members of all sections, Headquarters Third US Army, APO 403 by Major General Gay
Letter to: Major Louis Huot, P.W. Officer – Third US Army – APO 403, US Army From: Robert A. McClure – Brigadier General, G.S.C. – Chief, Psychological Warfare Division Issued by: Supreme Headquarters – Allied Expeditionary Force – Psychological Warfare Division Dated 22 December 1944 McClure sends a letter of thanks to Major Huot and his men for making the department of Psychological Warfare effective and worthwhile
Letter from: H.L. Gasaway – Major, F.A To: To Whom It May Concern Issued by: Headquarters – Third US Army – Psychological Warfare Branch – APO 403 Dated 27 February 1945 The sender, who has worked with Wittler, states that Wittler has a trustworthy nature and impeccable character
Letter from: Louis Huot – Major, Inf – Psychological Warfare Officer To: Colonel CR Powell Subject: Recommendation for Commissions Dated 18 January 1945 Issued by: Headquarters – Third US Army – APO 403 The memo asks for three additional names to be added to the list of those who are being considered for commission. Another note says that Kurt Wittler is a capable officer who took over the job duties of three other men. It informs the receiver that Wittler’s educational background and Army record are attached
Piece of posted material Addressed to: Sgt. Kurt Wittler, 39574524 – G-2 Section HQ, Third US Army – APO 403, US Army Stamps from a censor (No. 11689) and the Czechoslovak Fieldpost are present
Christmas Prayer Card Signed by: G.S. Patton, JR. – Lieutenant General - Commanding, Third US Army Issued by: Headquarters – Third US Army This Christmas card includes a short prayer for safety and thanks for the service rendered by all the soldiers
Memo to: All officers and enlisted men of the Second Mobile Radio Broadcasting CO From: Arthur Jaffe – 1st Lt., Inf Issued by: Headquarters – 2d Mobile Radio Broadcasting Company APO Dated Christmas 1944 The sender congratulates the section for their service and states that brotherhood can be strong even during a war
Letter to: Miss Thompson From: Sgt. Kurt Wittler, 39574521 – Psychological Warfare Branch – G-2 Sect., HQ, Third US Army – APO 403, c/o Postm, New York Dated 9 December 1944 A note of approval concerning Ms. Thompson’s idea that Austria could be made into a “world District of Columbia”
Letter to: Publishing House Saarlouis From: Chancellory of Adolf Hitler – Berlin W8 – Wilhelmstrasse 55 Language: German Dated 15-3-1934 This memo thanks the publishing house for a recently-received brochure on the history of the Saarland statutes by Dr. Groten
Secret Document Issued by: Psychological Warfare Branch – Headquarters Third US Army Dated 1 January 1945 Document shows the general structure of the Psychological Warfare Branch
Letter to: the “Gang” From: Arthur H. Jaffe – 1st Lt., Inf. Issued by: Headquarters – 2d Mobile Radio Broadcasting Company – APO 655 Dated 29 December 1944 The sender conveys his thanks and congratulations to his men and lists several statistics of the company, such as number of miles driven by men in the unit and number of hours of recorded messages
Letter from: Louis Huot – Major, Inf – Psychological Warfare Branch To: Colonel C.R. Powell, P&PW Sec, Twelfth Army Group Subject: Promotion of Tec 4 Kurt Wittler, 39574521 Issued by: Headquarters – Third United States Army – APO 403 Dated November 1944 Major Huot recommends Tec 4 Kurt Wittler for promotion for Tec 3rd grade and describes him as a capable and hard-working individual
Memo to: Commanding Officers, all Military Government Detachments; Ober- and Mittel-Franken From: Headquarters, Military Government Detachment E1B3 Date: 6 July 1945 Subject: News Content: Seeking information about Nazi Party members and public services that would be of general public interest
War Propaganda Poster Red Background, white and black text Created by the PWD.3. Poster proclaims leaflets are “Sapping the Nazi will to resist” and includes a quotation from Goebbels dated Sept. 1944 which emphasizes the effectiveness of leaflets as weapons
Paper Headings Various Dates One includes a heading of a paper by the Ministry of Economic Warfare dated 7th December 1944
Clipping from unknown Document Title: For Soldiers: Ill-treatment of Prisoners Dated 28 November 1944 Issued by: PWE/OSS A short note describing “Front und Heimat” (Front and Homeland), which tells soldiers that the idea of German soldiers receiving good treatment at the hands of the Allies is false and spread only as propaganda
Newspaper Clipping Title: War and the Radio Refers to Radio Luxembourg as a propaganda tool and describes the station’s four fifteen-minute shows per day as being produced by a captain, six noncoms, and four civilians
Newspaper Article Title: Propaganda Bombs Written by: Ted Patrick – Advertising expert, formerly with OWI Article looks into effectiveness of leaflets and provides examples
Newspaper snippet from unknown paper Headline: Frontline Flashes The short article writes about an American soldier who taught the words “I surrender” to a couple of German soldiers he found studying English
Poster (Green, Black, White) Title: Leaflets Help Win Battles A German soldier is depicted presenting a surrender leaflet to an American soldier. The phrase “Ai Soerrenda” (phonetic spelling of “I Surrender”) appears. An excerpt from a 12th Army Group Report emphasizes the effectiveness of the leaflets.
This word document contains selected captions from the magazine Jews in the USA.
The captions deliver heavy propaganda, claiming that the US is completely controlled by the Jewish population.
This Collection comprises materials issued as directives, circularity and correspondence by the US military intelligence agencies and anti-Nazi propaganda offices. During the war, the attention was given to diminish the Wehrmacht resistance and persuasion of surrender. The other direction of these agencies' activity was to record and circulate the evidence of Nazi crimes against humanity, war-crimes and the annihilation of the European Jewry.
In the postwar period, the attention shifted to focusing on de-nazification, de-militarization, on the vetting process of German former military personnel and civil servants in order to prevent the former members of the Nazi party and the supporters of the Nazi regime from taking positions in the German civil administration.prises materials issued as directives, circularity and correspondence by the US military intelligence agencies and anti-Nazi propaganda offices.
Army intelligence correspondences created by Kurt Wittler and Robert A. McClure.
Memo to: Major Louis Huot, PWO, Third US Army From: Kurt Wittler – S/Sgt – PWB, Publications Subject: CG of 256th VG-Division answers leaflet PWB-48 Issued by: Headquarters – Third US Army – Psychological Warfare Branch – APO 403 Dated: February 1945 Wittler attaches a message found on members of the 256th Volksgrenadier-Division. The note, from a German division commander, warning troops about the danger of leaflets and loud-speaker addresses. Wittler also includes a translation in English
Special Orders authorized by Richard Gaumond – Capt, AGD, - Adjutant Issued by: Twelfth Army Group – Headquarters 72D Publicity Serv BN – APO 655 Dated 3 January 1945 A number of men are promoted to different positions. Kurt Wittler is noted for having achieved the rank of S/Sgt
Informational Brief Title: Skorpion Informationsdienst (Scorpion Information Service) The brief reports on Stimmen zu den Fronten (Voices of the Front), mainly foreign news dispatches which intend to bolster morale of German forces by claiming that Allied leadership is discordant and volatile
Letter to: Lt. Col. Louis C. Huot, PW Officer – Headqrtrs, 3rd US Army – APO 403 From: Robert A. McClure, Brigadier General, G.S.C., Chief, Psychological Warfare Div. Issued by: Supreme Headquarters – Allied Expeditonary Force – Psych. Warfare Div. Dated 10 May 1945 The sender sends his congratulations regarding the Psychological Warfare section under the command of the Lt. Col. The letter is followed by a memo from Lt. Col Huot to his inferiors in which he congratulates them for their service.
Memo to: Psychological Warfare Officer, Third US Army From: Kurt Wittler – S/Sgt – PWB, Third US Army Subject: Interrogation of German Civilian Issued by: Headquarters – Third US Army – Psychological Warfare Branch – APO 403 Dated 1 April 1945 An interrogation of civilian engineer Robert Raths revealed some details concerning the factories in unoccupied Germany, the state of their workers, and the general morale of the Volksturm group
Surrender Notice Language: German One side of the flyer states that further resistance is useless since the Allies have firm control over the German homeland. The reverse details the method of surrendering yourself to Allied troops
Note to: Sgt. Wittler – 2 Mobile Radio B’cast Co. – APO 655 US Army From: Lt. C. Lowenthal 01320245 – 2 Mobile Radio B’cast co. – APO 655 Dated 12 December (Year not stated) A private note of thanks to Wittler for his work on the leaflets.
Intelligence discourse and documents of official correspondence by Kurt Wittler between him and his superiors.
Title: Germany Day by Day – Deutschlandspiegel – Selections from transmissions in German of the Schreibfunk, the Grossdeutscher Rundfunk and other stations broadcasting in German Issued by: BBC Monitoring Service Dated 28 November 1944 On the reverse, a transcript entitled “Kein Perpetuum Mobile” (No Infinite Mobiles) by Dr. Rudolf Semmer who insists that recent Allied successes are primarily due to unprecedented American industrial output whose pace cannot be maintained for a long period of time
Leaflet Draft Language: German and English The paper presents some of the phrases used by the German leadership to disguise defeats and retreats and encourages German soldiers to save their lives for the rebuilding of Germany. English translations attached
Public Address Broadcasts with attached note [Note] from: Kurt Wittler, editor of “Bayrischer Tag” [Note] Issued by: US Forces European Theater – Information Control Division – Publishing Operations Section – APO 757 [Broadcasts]: Range in dating (mainly late 1944) [Broadcasts] Language: German The Broadcasts provide updates of Allied progress in all areas of both the European and Pacific Theaters
Restricted Report Title: The Leaflet Propaganda Front – A Review of March Activities Dated 30 April, 1945 Reports on the production and distribution of various leaflets, both to soldiers and civilians. Testimony from various US Armies is attached
Memo to: Panzer-Division Abt. Ic From: Lieutenant General Witersheim Dated 18 October 1944 The sender references an Allied leaflet which brought up the lack of reinforcements, mail, and proper leadership in the German ranks. Witersheim then refutes these points and encourages his men
Memo to: not stated From: Kurt Wittler - T/4. PWB-Publications – Third US Army Dated 26th October 1944 The sender’s commentary on a draft for a leaflet. Suggestions for revisions are mentioned and a translation of the original leaflet is attached
Letter to: Col. Clifford R. Powell – Psych. Warfare Officer – Headqrtrs. 12th Army Group From: Robert A. McClure, Brigadier General, G.S.C., Chief, Psychological Warfare Div. Issued by: Supreme Headqrtrs. – Allied Expeditionary Force – Psych. Warfare Div. Dated 10 May 1945 The sender writes to congratulate the Psychological Warfare section under the command of the colonel and emphasizes the significant effect his section played on the moral deterioration of the enemy and the ultimate surrender of the Wehrmacht. Attached is a memo from Col. Powell to his inferiors congratulating them for their service and mentioning Brigadier General McClure’s approbation
Restricted Report Title: The Leaflet Propaganda Front – A Review of February Activities Dated 20 March, 1945 Reports on the production and distribution of various leaflets, both to soldiers and civilians. Testimony from various US Armies is attached
Restricted Report Title: The Leaflet Propaganda Front – A Review of January Activities Dated 12 March, 1945 Reports on the production and distribution of various leaflets, both to soldiers and civilians. Testimony from various US Armies is attached
Clippings of secret/confidential memos (1) Dates: November 24, 23, 27, 17, 1944
Clippings of secret/confidential memos (1), reverse sides Dates: November 24, 23, 27, 17, 1944
Clippings of secret/confidential memos (2) Dates: November 21, 25, 14, 15, 25 & December 6, 1944
Clippings of secret/confidential memos (2), reverse sides Dates: November 21, 25, 14, 15, 25 & December 6, 1944
Clipping of secret/confidential memo (3) Date: November 16, 1944
Service communications between Kurt Wittler and other officers.
Memo to: Asst G of S G-2 Iceberg From: Alfred B. Poch – Capt CE, OIG – Iceberg IPW#79 Subject: Special Interrogation Report #17 Dated 29 Oct. 1944 Issued by Iceberg IPW #79 The composition and strength of 361 Volks Gr. Div 953 Volks GR. Regt. 3 Co is detailed. Attached is a recounting of the story of an American soldier who escaped from a PW camp.
Newspaper Clipping By: Jimmy Cannon – Stars and Stripes Staff Writer Title: Act Draws Fire – Mortars Applaud The article recounts the story of Pvt. Paul Eisler of the 4th Inf. Div. at the Siegfried Line and his propaganda loud-speaker. Addressing the German positions, he was met with a burst of mortar fire. Eisler tells the reporter that, “Mortars are my applause”.
Short Newspaper Clipping Presents the story of a pair of German soldiers who were forced to swim upriver in order to surrender
Newspaper Clipping Title: The Enemy – Please Refrain… Describes a German response to the dropping of Allied leaflets over German positions. Luftwaffe planes later dropped their own leaflets which mockingly say any German soldier carrying this note wishes to go into captivity, betray his fatherland, and never see his family again.
A copy of a surrender notice that would be given to US military soldiers by German soldiers to proclaim that they surrender of their own free will and that they should be treated well according to the provisions of the Geneva Convention.
The majority of the text is in German and translates: How does one surrender? As soon as you approach our position, one of our reconnaissance troops or our soldier:
1. hold your hands over the head, the palms forward 2. if possible, show this handbill or otherwise something white, in order to declare your intention 3. go in usual step, in a straight line, and unarmed 4. do not run, do not hide behind trees or shrubs in a way that would arouse suspicion; if heavily wounded or unable to remain in an upright position in a protected place, announce your intention as well as possible. 5. if in earshot, call "ei ssoerrender". That means "I surrender". 6. show this handbill to the first Allied soldier that you find (a handbill is sufficient also for groups).
At the bottom, it includes an English paragraph for Allied soldiers that states:
This soldier surrenders of his own free will. He is to be treated well, according to the provisions of the Geneva Convention, and removed to the rear as soon as possible. If wounded, he should be given immediate medical care.
This document includes various photographs depicting Nazi war crimes against the Jews. With each picture there is an explanation of what is happening in the picture as well as some historical context.
These photographs were all credited to War Pool Photo, and were not for use in British Isles, France, Belgium, or Western Hemisphere. They were served by London OVI.
