The German General Who Disrespected the Führer to His Face - And Lived to Tell the Tale

Any schoolteacher or parent will likely give a child facing a bully the same advice: stand your ground and they'll eventually back down. Few figures in modern history embodied the role of a bully more than the Führer , who led Germany into a horrific global war in the late 1930s, bringing about economic ruin and national disgrace.

Challenging him was neither easy, nor wise. He tolerated no dissent from his senior generals and colonels, and the entire German military was reluctant to oppose his views or strategies. Those brave enough to disagree often faced severe consequences, leading many subordinates to avoid confrontation, knowing that voicing dissent could be perilous.

Whether it was his uniform, his extensive military background, or perhaps a rare moment of self-restraint, something caused the Führer to react differently when Gen. Dietrich von Saucken stood up to him - even insulting him. Surprisingly, he didn't have to face execution, nor imprisonment 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 terms with the grim reality of defeat - except, it seemed, for the Führer . Dietrich von Saucken had already risked his career by openly declaring the futility of continuing the war, which led to his dismissal. However, his skills and experience as a soldier were too valuable - Just four weeks later, he was reinstated, as Germany desperately needed seasoned officers.

Hailing from East Prussia, von Saucken was a dedicated career soldier who had served his country through both World Wars. On a cold February day in 1945, he was summoned to the Führer’s war room and assigned the near-impossible task of defending East Prussia from the advancing Red Army , at any cost.

Surprising many, von Saucken arrived wearing his cavalry sword - a symbol of his loyalty to the nation and military tradition - even though this was strictly forbidden in the Führer ’s presence. However, von Saucken refused to abandon his uniform.

Remarkably, the Führer seemed not to notice this 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.