Should I turn in my father?

Question

My father was in the Luftwaffe during World War II, in a non-combatant (support) position. He has seldom spoken about his experiences and the only picture I've seen of him in uniform is his wedding portrait. Now, he is 86 and dying of a heart condition. He recently turned over 2 suitcases of papers to me from his past, which I have not yet opened.

If I find evidence that he was, in fact, involved in Nazi war crimes, should I still turn him in? Would you?

Answer 1

Although there is nobody above the law, consider what is most important to yourself and to your father. If you find out that he was involved in war crimes it isn't likely that his involvement was to such a high degree. Although I can't say that I will ever condone the actions of any of the Nazis, if it was my father and I discovered he was involved I would let him go in peace, his detachment to his experiences during the war show that he would rather forget memories of the death and pain of others but even then memories like his possible involvement are permanent and ingrained and that is already a hefty price to pay. I am a student of political science and also aspire to be a lawyer, but there are things that go beyond the realm of politics, law and reason. I don't want to ramble so I'm gonna stop here.

Answer 2

The successful prosecution of a Nazi war criminal would be exceedingly difficult at this point in time - most of the victims and witnesses are dead or incapable of testifying. Even if an ailing 86 year old suspect were brought to trial, he would not likely survive the process - social justice would not be achieved.

You seem to have some severe parenting issues. Why in the world would you simply assume your father was involved in something so terrible (by the way, the Luftwaffe did not play a major role in war crimes)?

If this is a legitimate question, open the cases and then wrestle with your choices.

Answer 3

He was not a major player in the scheme of things since he was support in the Luftwaffe. There are plenty of former Nazi's living here legally as they entered this country at the end of that era. he most likely suffered all his days thinking about what he was involves with. He will ask the preacher to say a prayer asking forgiveness for his sins in the war. Just let it be believe me you do not want the publicity in this and burn those suitcases as It would be like passing on a legacy for his children to be ridiculed.

Answer 4

If he is dying already, and he is 86 years old, what is the point?

I would probably at this point report the findings after his death, so there can be a record, but why subject him to a war crimes trial as well as any public scrutiny at his age and in his condition? While I do not agree with Nazi thoughts and actions, he may have been punished enough living with the job of hiding his past from his family and children. I would think that would be punishment enough for some.

Good luck with everything. . .

Answer 5

I don't think so. He is an old man now and dying! Leave him be, he doesn't have much time left on this Earth. He may not have spoken about it because he might regret whatever it is he did or didn't do.

Open the stuff, find out what happened and try talking to him about it. If he reveals his true feelings, you will feel much better.

Answer 6

Yes,you should.All parents in any condition will be always your parent,father and mother even living so far away in war times still think first of their children.Safe or injured still have the deep sentiment towards their family,the trading of letters,alleviate all hard work and forthcoming obligations.Siding at any part following the troubled situation and event,you should be at his side.

Answer 7

If your father was a non-combatant support person, it would be virtually impossible to commit war crimes.

Edit: I am changing virtually impossible to just impossible.

The Luftwaffe did not commit war crimes, well they did, bombing innocent cities should be counted, but its not, because everyone did that.

Answer 8

No,the past is the past and you should just accept the fact that your father has some unsavoury traits about him that you don' t like.I'm sure your father is not the same man he was years ago.Beside's,what would get accomplished by turning him in other than unnessecary conflict and emotional greif.

Answer 9

I would not. I mean he is 86 years old how much longer will he live? Would you want to spend the rest of your life in jail. Think about it. Do you even love your father.

Answer 10

No. He's 86 doesn't have much time left to live. Don't open the suitcases until his death.