Karl Plagge - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
| Born | July 10, 1897 |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Darmstadt, Grand Duchy of Hesse, German Empire |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer - (see also Karl Plagge's horoscope and birth chart) |
| Chinese Zodiac | Rooster |
| Generation | Lost Generation |
| Known For | Saving Jews during the Holocaust as a German army officer; recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem. |
Intro
Karl Plagge was a German army officer and engineer who is recognized for saving the lives of hundreds of Jews during the Holocaust by employing them at the HKP 562 forced labor camp in Vilnius, Lithuania. He is honored as one of the 'Righteous Among the Nations' by Yad Vashem for his humanitarian actions during World War II.
Early Life & Background
Karl Plagge was born on July 10, 1897, in Darmstadt, which was part of the Grand Duchy of Hesse in the German Empire. He served in World War I and later trained as an engineer. Plagge joined the Nazi Party in 1931, hoping to help revive Germany after the Depression but became increasingly disillusioned with Nazi policies, especially their treatment of Jews.
Career Highlights
- Saved approximately 250 Jews from extermination by issuing work permits and warning them ahead of Nazi round-ups while commanding the HKP 562 labor camp in Vilnius.
- Posthumously honored as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem in 2005.
- His actions remain one of the better documented cases of resistance and rescue by a Wehrmacht officer during the Holocaust.
Trivia
- Plagge risked his life by warning Jews in the camp about impending SS actions.
- His story remained largely unknown until survivors advocated for his recognition decades after the war.
FAQs
People also ask
Karl Plagge was born the 10 July 1897.
Darmstadt, Grand Duchy of Hesse, German Empire.
On His Birth-Day
About July 10th, 1897, in brief:
- Day of the week: July 10th, 1897 was a Saturday
- Zodiac Sign: Cancer (in western zodiac), Rooster (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase: