Here is a concise summary of Wolfram Forster's WWII experience:
**Early Life and War**
* Grew up in Germany, son of a WWI veteran
* Witnessed Nazi rise to power and outbreak of WWII
* Lived under oppressive Nazi rule, where dissent was severely punished
**Military Service**
* Drafted into German Army in Nov 1944, as Allied forces closed in
* Fought in the Battle of the Bulge, but was injured and hospitalized
* After recovery, assigned to Western Front in April 1945 to block Allied advance
**Capture and Liberation**
* Engaged in fierce battle, then suddenly faced silence and was captured by three American GIs
* Realized the war was over for him (April 1945)
* Held in a POW camp, where he witnessed the official surrender of Germany and end of the war in Europe
**Aftermath**
* Reunited with family in 1946 after months of separation
* Eventually moved to the United States (late 1950s), became a doctor, and served in the US Army, retiring as a Colonel
* Continues to be affected by current events, which evoke memories of his wartime experiences.
Here are the extracted key facts, each numbered and in short sentences, without opinions:
1. **WWII Project**: Memoirs Of WWII is an organization that interviews and shares stories of the last living WWII veterans.
2. **Funding**: Memoirs Of WWII is funded by donations through Patreon and their website.
3. **Adolf Hitler's Rise**: By 1933, Adolf Hitler rose to power, bringing the Nazi party into control.
4. **Start of WWII**: The war began with a supposed Polish attack on a German radio station, which was actually a ruse for Hitler's invasion of Poland.
5. **Warning from France and Britain**: France and Britain warned Hitler that invading Poland would lead to their declaration of war against Germany.
6. **Outbreak of WWII**: Hitler's disregard of the warning led to the official outbreak of World War II.
7. **German Nightly Bombing Raids**: Germans endured nightly bombing raids and oppressive rule under Hitler.
8. **Consequences of Dissent**: Speaking against the war effort could lead to severe punishment, including death.
9. **Wolfram's Draft Notice**: In November 1944, Wolfram received a draft notice to join the German Army.
10. **Battle of the Bulge**: The German Army started a new offensive in the Ardennes, known as the Battle of the Bulge, which initially succeeded but ultimately failed.
11. **Wolfram's Combat Experience**: Wolfram was in combat briefly before falling ill and being sent to recover.
12. **Report to German Commandant**: After recovery, Wolfram reported to the German commandant in Berlin, who sent him to the Western Front.
13. **Assignment in Salzwedel**: Wolfram was assigned to Salzwedel, tasked with blocking the approach to the main road.
14. **Encounter with American Forces**: Wolfram's unit received fire, and he was eventually confronted by three American G.I.s.
15. **Surrender and Capture**: Wolfram surrendered, marking the end of the war for him.
16. **Allied Victory**: By the end of April 1945, the Allies had completely overrun Nazi Germany.
17. **Hitler's Death**: Adolf Hitler took his own life with Russian Forces outside his bunker.
18. **War's End in Europe**: The war in Europe was finally over after six long years.
19. **Wolfram's Reunion with Family**: In 1946, Wolfram was reunited with his family.
20. **Post-War Life**: Wolfram moved to the United States in the late 1950s, became a doctor, and served in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of Colonel.