German saboteurs executed in Washington, D.C.

History.com ^ | Updated: January 30, 2025 | Staff

[rktman]

Well, did they get due process or was there a constitutional crisis first?

[Red Badger]

Dasch was sentenced to 30 years in prison, Burger was sentenced to hard labor for life, and the other six Germans were sentenced to die.

So, yeah, they got duly processed. The two who surrendered were pardoned by Truman in 1948............

[Jim W N]

What a story. Thanks for posting this. A time when Americans loved America.

Would’ve been better if all of the prisoners were sentenced to something short of death.

[ckilmer]

imho WWII is still murdering the USA to this day.

[ckilmer]

And murdering Germany too.

[Red Badger]

Geneva Convention allows summary executions of spies. ..............

[Red Badger]

Yes, we are still dealing with the mistakes of the post-war powers...........

[PGR88]

The leader of the team, George Dasch, bribed the suspicious Cullen, and he accepted the money, promising to keep quiet. However, as soon as he passed safely back into the fog, he sprinted the two miles back to the Coast Guard station and informed his superiors of his discovery.

I wouldn't call that a "bribe" - rather, a smart ruse by Cullen to avoid being murdered on the spot, and get away to expose the plot.

[Jim W N]

Geneva Convention allows summary executions of spies

Doesn't make killing prisoners right.

[DownInFlames]

Yes it does. Spies are not uniformed under the color of law. They should be shot on site.

[Lurker]

“Doesn’t make killing prisoners right.”

Sure it does.

L

[RandallFlagg]

Well, at least the Germans didn’t bomb Pearl Harbor. So there’s that.

[Telepathic Intruder]

[Jim W N]

Spies are not uniformed under the color of law. They should be shot on site.

In the field of engagement or battle, yes, but not as prisoners.

Unjust laws multiply the wrongs done.

[Vision]

Today’s Democrats would make them District judges.

[Jim W N]

“Doesn’t make killing prisoners right.”

Sure it does. L

No it doesn't.

[Lurker]

Every soldier knows the chance they take when they take the uniform off and engage in or attempt acts of sabotage directed at civilians.

Killing them was the right thing to do. Always will be.

By your logic we can’t execute cold blooded murderers because they’re prisoners.

Which is just stupid.

L

[coloradan]

Good thing Judge Boasberg wasn’t around to order the immediate release of all captured saboteurs.

[Jim W N]

Killing prisoners is unjust double jeopardy regardless of their crime.

We’ve been over this before.

Don’t want to play ring around the rosy with you again.

Have a good day.