AVERSA, PROVINCE OF CASERTA, ITALY – DECEMBER 1, 1945 Anton Dostler (May 10, 1891 – December 1, 1945) was a General of Infantry in the regular German army during World War II (see Germany and the Nazi Party). After the war, he was tried in the first Allied war crimes trial, found guilty, and sentenced to death by firing squad.
Anton Dostler
Dostler was accused of carrying out an illegal order, though he insisted that he had not issued it himself, only relayed it to General Almers from the supreme command. Captured U.S. soldiers were interrogated, and one officer revealed the details of the mission. This information was sent to Dostler at the 75th German Army Corps.
On March 25, Dostler sent a telegram to the 135th Fortress Brigade, ordering that the captured soldiers be executed. Officers at the brigade tried to secure a stay of execution, but Dostler sent another telegram instructing Almers to proceed.
Despite two final attempts, including phone calls, all efforts failed, and 15 American soldiers were executed on the morning of March 26.
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