I’m not saying there weren’t crimes a-plenty. What I’m saying is that many of the people involved didn’t have a lot of other options- they were drafted into the Wehrmacht, and essentially forced into a lot of this.
What were their options exactly? Resist, and get shot, or imprisoned in terrible conditions for a long time? Or go along? I’m hesitant to decry a German soldier who didn’t choose the former in 1943.
We, WE decided post war that “I was following orders” is not a defense to the accusation of committing war crimes.
This should the clearly understood choice;
Refuse the order and get shot, or imprisoned in terrible conditions for a long time.
or
Pray your side wins so you don’t get shot, or imprisoned in terrible conditions for a long time for committing a fucking war crime.
Sure, but there’s a huge difference between some nameless enlisted man drafted into the German Army, vs. the men actually making the decisions.
We didn’t and don’t imprison the people who have little options in what they’re compelled to do, unless they’re the ones instigating it.