[yarddog]

I recall reading somewhere that Hitler survived several WWI battles where he was the only one in a unit to live.

[robowombat]

Hitler's WW 1 service record is still fuzzy. He was, apparently, a battalion runner a position that suited his personality and required cunning, physical courage, and someone who was more comfortable being alone on the battlefield than with comrades. He was decorated with the IC 1st Class, very unusual for someone who was not even an NCO. Apparently he was considered for Sgt. several times but passed over because of his closed in, loner personality. Whatever is true, Hitler was the only national leader who was a ‘front line’ soldier not just in the war but for all four years. For all we know about him he is one of the most mysterious personalities in history. A good part of the reason is establishment historians cannot bring themselves to really sift the evidence (besides even most good political historians don't know anything about military operations and are proud of it.) and give the devil his due.