While not a headgear-related subject, I must recommend a compelling article, How I Spent The War, by Gunther Grass, in the New Yorker issue of June 4, 2007. This is a head-splitting, first-hand account of a Waffen-SS recruit in the 43-45 period as the war worsened and wound down. Trust me - find a copy of this, and you will never forget it. Frog.
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A very interesting read. Thanks for the link.
PaulComment
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Antiquefrog, thanks for posting this here, or else I would have never seen it. I read Grass' books in college, and never knew he was Waffen-SS.
This is probably the only "memoir" by an intellectual who was in the W-SS that we will ever read--truly compelling, and I think I will even go buy a copy!NEC SOLI CEDITComment
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Grass spent decades after the war lying about his wartime experience. He said he spent the war as a HJ Flakhelfer and omitted his time in the SS. As an intellectual, he cast aspersions on other German literary figures by raising questions about what they did in WWII. This new book comes out after a German news magazine uncovered the truth about Grass last summer. Shameful.Comment
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Nothing like a pseudo-intellectual (and an ex-SS pseudo-intellectual to boot) playing CYA (or is it CMA?) with his memoirs...
DonComment
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Chris and Don - Thanks for your replies. Apparently this article may be a fabrication; I am in no position to judge, and apologize to the membership for this error. I must admit it seemed to touch on a lot of hot points for a rambling bio; your scholarship is appreciated. Frog.Comment
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Hi Frog -
It is entirely possible that Grass is being more accurate in the New Yorker article than he has been in many previous biographical statements. Around the time I read The Tin Drum, he was getting "outed" for his SS service by a watchdog group in Vienna or Berlin, I can't remember which. I suspect the New Yorker article is a belated attempt at damage control; or an attempt to set the record straight by someone nearing the end of their life.
DonComment
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I agree with Don. I believe that Grass is being more or less truthful here, now that he can no longer deny his SS past, it seems he can still make money from it... I accept this account as authentic but must take some of the statements with a grain of salt.Comment
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Don and Chris - Thanks for your clarifications. It is a hell of a read, even with a pinch of salt. I think anyone interested in the history of the W-SS would really enjoy it.Comment
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Very interesting. It would appear that maybe Gunther is finally letting out???
Either way one may believe, I still would like to bring up another curious tidbit of trivia - who in the world came up with "Sponge-Bob SS" and posted his picture on this Forum??? That is absolutely miraculous!!
I commend you Sir!
BradComment
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Yes, Sponge-Bob SS is a classic. I am reminded, somehow, of my 6-year old granddaughter parading around the house in an EM visor she can reach - just like life, ghastly and often comical at the same time.Comment
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