Gen. Dietrich Von Saucken disrespected the Führer to his face and lived to tell the tale

Any schoolteacher or parent would likely give the same advice to a child facing a bully: stand firm, and they'll eventually retreat. Few figures in modern military history exemplify the role of a bully as completely as the Führer , who dragged Germany into a global war in the late 1930s, resulting in economic devastation and national humiliation.

Challenging this man was neither wise nor easy; he accepted no disagreement from his senior generals and colonels, and the entire German military was apprehensive at the thought of opposing his views or strategies. Those who had the courage to disagree faced harsh repercussions. Consequently, his subordinates avoided confronting him openly, even if they held different beliefs—voicing them could be a dangerous act.

Perhaps it was his uniform or his extensive military experience that inspired such respect. Or it could have been a rare moment of composure that influenced the Führer . Whatever the cause, when Gen. Dietrich Von Saucken confronted him (even going so far as to insult him!), he did not meet a brutal end or find himself in a concentration camp.

Dietrich von Saucken brought his cavalry sword to a meeting

It was the winter of 1945, and the German military was coming to grips with the harsh reality of a losing war —except, it appeared, for the Führer . Dietrich von Saucken had already dared to test his luck by openly declaring the uselessness of continuing the fight, which led to his dismissal. However, his value as a skilled and experienced soldier resulted in his reinstatement four weeks later, as Germany grappled with a critical shortage of such personnel.

Originating from East Prussia, von Saucken was a devoted career soldier who had served his country throughout both World Wars. On a frigid February day in 1945, he was called to the Führer ’s war room and given the daunting task of defending East Prussia against the advancing Red Army , no matter the cost.

Much to the surprise of many, von Saucken arrived wearing his cavalry sword, a testament to his commitment to his nation and military service—an act that was strictly prohibited in the presence of the German leader. He was resolute in not abandoning his uniform.

Fortunately for von Saucken, the Führer did not seem to notice the breach of protocol.

Pushing his luck with the Führer

Witnesses to this "historic" encounter report that not only did Dietrich von Saucken flaunt attire likely to provoke the Führer , but his manner of speaking dripped with disdain, another transgression that could've led to his imprisonment in a forced labor camp, or worse. Men had faced execution for lesser offenses.

Initially, he delivered a military salute to the German leader, not the customary one demanded of those around him. Remarkably, the Führer , once again, appeared oblivious.

When he insisted that East Prussia must be defended and added that von Saucken would report to local loyalist Gauleiter Albert Forster, the general abandoned all pretense of heeding these directives. The notion that he would answer to a low-ranking, local and anonymous figure incensed von Saucken, prompting him to slam his hand onto the table between him and the Führer . Only then did he finally command the German leader's undivided attention.

"I have no intention of taking orders from a Gauleiter ,” von Saucken declared.

At this point, it seemed the general had reached a state of indifference regarding the repercussions his statements might elicit. He brazenly disregarded the Führer 's directive and addressed him as " Herr ," instead of the expected honorific " Mein ," which citizens were mandated to use when referring to him.

The entire room sat in stunned silence, waiting to see how the German leader would react. To everyone's surprise, he simply responded, “Alright, Saucken, have command of it yourself.”

Dietrich von Saucken becomes a prisoner of the Red Army

Dietrich von Saucken took command, and stayed with his men until the war's bitter end a few months later. He had a number of chances to leave, but each time sent wounded men in his stead. This meant that he was, ultimately, captured by the Russians and spent 10 years in prison.

When von Saucken was released, he was in a wheelchair, due to the torture and hard labor he'd endured. He retired to Bavaria, where took up painting.

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The German general's case poses an interesting question: what might have happened had more officers stood their ground when the Führer ordered something they knew was wrong? Would certain atrocities have been avoided? It's impossible to know. One thing is certain, however: standing up to bullies is sometimes painful in the short term, but can have a profound effect on one's life in the long term - and it can sometimes alter the course of an entire nation.