Argentina demanded Eichmann’s return, but Israel argued that his status as an international war criminal gave it the right to proceed with a trial. On April 11, 1961, Eichmann’s trial began in Jerusalem. It was the first trial to be televised in history. Eichmann faced 15 charges, including crimes against humanity, crimes against the Jewish people, and war crimes. He claimed he was just following orders, but the judges disagreed, finding him guilty on all counts on December 15 and sentencing him to die. On May 31, 1962, he was hanged near Tel Aviv. His body was subsequently cremated and his ashes thrown into the sea.
This is from the article.
Many may disagree but IMO that defense just might be valid for the 19 year old Private who,having been given the choice between serving in the army or the noose would have chosen the army. And then,while in the army,that same Private is given the option of obeying orders or the noose...and simple self preservation kicks in.
But when you get anywhere Eichmann's rank "I was just following orders" simply doesn't wash.
The evidence shown in the trial proved otherwise.