Operation Valkyrie page 6

Operation Valkyrie page 6 by ric Gustafson


Under Operation Valkyrie, Stauffenberg would become the Under Secretary of State for War. Field Marshal Ludwig Beck would be the new President or Head of State. The Chancellor would be either Julius Leber or Carl Goerdeler. The Minister of War would be General Olbricht or Field Marshal von Witzleben. In charge of the police would be Tresckow.
The question became how to eliminate Adolph Hitler. Stauffenberg knew that nonviolent or legal means would do no good. Stauffenberg knew that even though he was a loyal German, a Catholic, an officer with personal, moral and spiritual values, he knew that Hitler had to die. He knew also that with his own conscience that he had to do it.
Stauffenberg knew that it was hard to know Hitler's whereabouts in advance. Hitler avoided fixed schedules and traveled at the last minute. He wore a bullet proof cap and waistcoat. When he traveled it was with an entourage which included his personal cook, driver, doctor and Security Service personnel. He always used his own car and had a private plane.
After Stalingrad in 1943, Hitler traveled less and less. He refused to visit hospitals and bombed cities. He shunned crowds and made very few public appearances.
He visited Berlin and the Berghof less and less now. By 1944, Hitler had changed dramatically physically. He stooped, a tremor developed in his hands, his left foot dragged behind him and his face was gaunt and haggard.
Stauffenberg was now interested in the place where Hitler was spending most of his time.


research help: ' Secret Germany' by Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric