This Date in History: June 19

 

From April 12 to June 19, 1942, Technical Sergeant Herbert von Hoffer attended an officer candidate school at the 4th Air War School (Luftkriegsschule 4) at Fürstenfeldbruck.  Upon graduation, the commander of the school Brigadier General Herbert Sonnenburg completed an efficiency report on von Hoffer.  Sonnenburg wrote:

“Personality attributes and character suitability:  Due to internal inhibitions, von Hoffer is not fully developed.  At the same time, he works independently, has natural freshness, is always ready to be of assistance and is helpful.  He is very sensitive, easily becomes nervous.  At times it will be hard for him to apply the same severity to men under his command as he applies it to himself.  Constantly working on himself, he accomplishes his best in a task demanded from him.  His being is characterized by his quiet, calm, modest attitude.  Because of his strong sense of justice, he quickly wins over the confidence of the men under his command.  He is suited to become a war-time officer.”  (Luftwaffe Efficiency and Promotion Reports for the Knight’s Cross Winners)

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Erich Koch, Gauleiter for East Prussia, born June 19, 1896 in Elberfeld, High Commissioner for the Ukraine, member of the Reichstag, winner of the Nazi Golden Party Badge, convicted of crimes against humanity, sentenced to death in 1959, but sentence commuted to life, died November 12, 1986 in Barczewo Prison in Poland, on himself: “I am known as a brutal dog.”  (2,000 Quotes From Hitler’s 1,000-Year Reich)