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Berlin Statue to Honor Would-Be Hitler Assassin

Bomb-planting carpenter finally wins national recognition

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 24, 2008 3:31 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Berlin is planning a memorial to honor one of the unsung heroes of the Nazi era—a humble carpenter who came within minutes of assassinating Hitler. Georg Elser planted a bomb in a Munich beer hall in 1939 that nearly killed Hitler just nine weeks into World War II—but the fuhrer left 13 minutes before it exploded, Der Spiegel reports.


The Nazis and some historians were convinced Elser was a stooge for British intelligence. Others speculated the assassination attempt was staged to make Hitler appear protected by fate. Elser was executed at Dachau days before the end of the war. His supporters say a memorial will bring him the recognition his courage deserves.

In 1939, Adolf Hitler left an engagement in Munich early and 13 minutes later a bomb exploded. Now the bomber, unsung hero Georg Elser, is getting his own memorial in Berlin.
In 1939, Adolf Hitler left an engagement in Munich early and 13 minutes later a bomb exploded. Now the bomber, unsung hero Georg Elser, is getting his own memorial in Berlin.   (AP Photo)
Adolf Hitler was the target of several assassination attempts. A long-unsung hero who almost succeeded in killing Hitler is to have his own memorial in Berlin.
Adolf Hitler was the target of several assassination attempts. A long-unsung hero who almost succeeded in killing Hitler is to have his own memorial in Berlin.   (Getty Images)
Adolf Hitler was the target of several assassination attempts.
Adolf Hitler was the target of several assassination attempts.   (Getty Images)
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How the Nazis led Germany to disaster
Times (UK)

Georg Elser, hero
BBC

 
Dachau • Adolf Hitler • Third Reich • Nazism • Nazis • Bürgerbräukeller • Beer Hall Putsch • Georg Elser • British Intelligence • Rolf Hochhuth • Etienne François

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