My friend's father was in the SS (Hitler's Army) and she doesn't know?

Question

She showed me a picture of him asking what the uniform he was wearing stood for. I know for sure he was wearing the SS uniform. She is German too. I didn't want to hurt her feelings so I just said that I didn't know. Should I tell her. He is still alive, should I tell the police?

Is it not likely that he killed people?

Answer 1

Don't over-generalize a situation. He would have been tried if he did bad things. So at the PRESENT time, do nothing! And you have NO business in telling the police or the neighbors for that matter unless you want to start trouble. Remember the meaning of forgiveness. Let history be history. Unless he likes to march with some cult, leave him alone.

As to your friend, she will find out. She knows how to google, unless you want to break the news, but then it really is her family matter. I suggest that you stay out of other people's family life, even your best friend's. Your role is to listen and comfort, not to start a fire.

And "is it not likely that he killed people?" "LIKELY" is not enough unless you have proof, but what has he done to you to warrant all that effort? Just because someone served in an Army (any armed forces for that matter) does not mean that he killed people. There are veterans in this country that has never fought a day on the battle field but performed other vital duties. And yes, they wear their uniforms proudly too.

Even if he killed people on the battlefield, it was a war and that was expected as horrible as it sounds. The war crime came about how they treated war prisoner and all that evil "experiment" and genocide that did on mostly Jewish people. So how do you know he participated in that? Mind you, many German then had no idea that their dictator was insane!

Not to say a movie is conclusive to my argument, but rent the "Pianist!" Not all SS are merciless, it's just sad that many have put too much trust in their dictator!

Answer 2

There were many different units in the SS. It was considered an elite second army. As such there were tank, infantry and other divisions, and as such there were thousands of members of the units. Not everyone had a choice of which unit they were assigned to either and were basically soldiers.

So no it is not important and no don't call the police. If they were after him they would have arrested him years ago. It would be like me tell the cops about a guy I know who was with the east german army and did spend time on border patrol stopping people from getting to the west. These guys did what they were ordered to do and that was it.

Answer 3

The SS started out as Hitler's personal body guard and the SA was the storm troopers of Hitler's Nazi party. However as time went along, the SS expanded and became a large part of the German Army. Just because someone was in the SS does not mean they were "Evil."

The fact you felt you needed to hide information from her indicates you have that very impression and were afraid to tell her the truth.

I would not go bring it up now as the appropriate time has passed, but next time tell the truth.

Answer 4

It's none of your business.

Just tell her you don't know anymore than she does and to ask her Dad about it. It's family business.

WW2 was from 1939-1945. If her father was 18 years old in the photo and the photo was taken in 1940 - that means he would be about 86 years old now. Is her father 86? Does the time line fit? Did her father immigrate from Germany? Before you make accusations - make sure your information is right.

Also - there is nothing to tell the police about. Lots of people served in the German army and the SS. Does not mean they are wanted war criminals.

In the end - it's none of your business. Every family has their history.

Answer 5

don't be afraid to tell her, as bad as WWII was it was necessary and good people served causes that they believed in. Hitler helped Germany rise up out from under devastating debt that was left to them after the Great War. For years Germany remained deep in poverty with no end in sight, Hitler gave them hope and they followed him. Don't act like she should be ashamed of his service, Mercedes-Benz was Hitler's staff car and Volkswagen his dream car for Germany but nobody cares now, let the emotions of the past remain part of history only.

Answer 6

I think you have to leave this one alone.
Not all SS are war criminals.

If she doesn't know that her father was in the SS she is in denail and there is nothing you can do about it.

As far as telling the police I don't think so considering their age they are about to meet their justice soon enough.

So relax and enjoy the holidays.

Answer 7

Does she not know what a Nazi symbol looks like? No you should not go tell the police, what are they going to do, laugh at you and tell you sorry he was on the wrong side. Come on now, if she is really that dense, then she won't know who Hitler was to begin with.

Answer 8

He must be old as hell. My dad was a WWII vet and he just died at 86. Why don't you just ask....."Is that an SS uniform?" play stupid and lead her into the truth.

Answer 9

None of your business. Just because someone was in the German Army doesn't make them a missing war criminal.

People in armies kill people dear. That in and of itself is not a war crime, In addition, assuming you are correct about what you saw and heard (which i kind of doubt) her father would be in his late 80's; are you sure it's what you think?

Answer 10

Don't tell the police, that's riduculous.... And no don't tell your friend. That is something she should hear from someone in her family. It would probably upset her if you told her (no offence).