Hauptmann Wilm Hosenfeld- Yad Vashem Righteous

[Swordfish]

I've read that Captain Wilm Hosenfeld was recently (Dec. 08) recognized by Yad Vashem as one of the "Righteous Amoungst Nations" for his actions in saving the lives of numerous Jews and Poles while serving in occupied Poland. Some of you may recognize his name from Roman Polanski's "The Pianist" in 2004. Hosenfeld is credited with saving the life of Polands famed pianist Szpilman in 1945, along with other Jewish and Polish prisoners. Szpilman son has long advocated for Hosenfeld to be recognized by Yad Vashem for this and other specific actions in occupied Poland. He died while in Soviet captivitiy in the 1950's. He was a member of Catholic Action and took Sunday services at Polish Catholic churches while serving during the war.

Here is a link to the article:

http://www.vosizneias.com/24990/2008/12/30/zagreb-croatia-nazi-officer-gets-who-saved-a-jew-from-death-during-world-war-ii-gets-award/

Yad Vashem has not updated their Righteous list on their website and as such Hosenfelds name is not listed.

I have a contact at Yad Vashem and have contacted her to ascertain if infact this report is accurate. If it is, he would be the 1st German officer to be officially recognized and awarded the title of "Righteous Amoungst Nations".

[Santi]

Thank you for sharing this, Tom.
Very interesting. Im going to move this to the Living history forum, where it will suit more ;)

[Swordfish]

Confirmed. Received email from a contact at YV and they said indeed. Pretty cool IMHO:).

[Wim Vangossum]

Thanks for posting this. I remember that movie.

Regards, Wim :)