COPY OF DOCUMENT 3590-PS

MILITARY GOVERNMENT COURT CHARGE SHEET
Dachau, Germany
2 November 1945
NAMES OF THE ACCUSED: Martin Gottfried Weiss Friedrich Wilhelm Ruppert Josef Jarolin Franz Xaver Trenkle
Rudolf Heinrich Suttrop Wilhelm Tempel
Michael Redwitz Wilhelm Welter
Engelbert Valentin NiedermeyerHugo Alfred Erwin Lausterer
are hereby charged with the following offences:
FIRST CHARGE: Violation of the Laws and Usages of War.
Particulars: In that Martin Gottfried Weiss, Friedrich Wilhelm Ruppert, Josef Jarolin, Franz Xaver Trenkle, Engelbert Valentin Niedermeyer, Josef Seuss, Leonhard Anselm Eichberger, Wilhelm Wagner, Johann Kick, Dr. Fritz Hintermayer, Dr. Wilhelm Witteler, Johann Baptist Eichelsdorfer, Otto Foerschner, Dr. Hans Kurt Eisele, Dr. Klaus Karl Schilling, Christof Ludwig Knoll, Dr. Fridolin Karl Puhr, Franz Boettger, Peter Betz, Anton Endres, Simon Kiern, Michael Redwitz, Wilhelm Welter, Rudolf Heinrich Suttrop, Wilhelm Tempel, Hugo Alfred Erwin Lausterer, Fritz M. K. Becher, Alfred Kramer, Sylvester Filleboeck, Vinzenz Schoettl, Albin Gretsch, Johann Viktor Kirsch, Hans Aumeier, Emil Erwin Mahl, Walter Adolf Langleist, Johann Schoepp, Arno Lippmann, Hans Bayer, Fritz Degelow, Otto Moll, Otto Schulz and Friedrich Wetzel, acting in pursuance of a common design to commit the acts hereinafter alleged, and as members of the staff of Dachau Concentration
Josef Seuss
Leonhard Anselm Eichberger
Wilhelm Wagner
Johann Kick
Dr. Fritz Hintermayer
Dr. Wilhelm Witteler
Johann Baptist Eichelsdorfer
Otto Foerschner
Dr. Hans Kurt Eisele
Dr. Klaus Karl Schilling
Christof Ludwig Knoll
Dr. Fridolin Karl Puhr
Franz Boettger
Peter Betz
Anton Endres
Simon Kiern
Fritz M. K. Becher Alfred Kramer Sylvester Filleboeck Vinzenz Schoettl Albin Gretsch Johann Viktor Kirsch Hans Aumeier Emil Erwin Mahl Walter Adolf Langleist Johann Schoepp Arno Lippmann Hans Bayer Fritz Degelow Otto Moll Otto Schulz Friedrich Wetzel
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Camp and camps subsidiary thereto, did, at, or in the vicinity of Dachau and Landsberg, Germany, between about 1 January 1942 and about 29 April 1945, willfully, deliberately and wrongfully encourage, aid, abet and participate in the subjection of civilian nationals of nations then at war with the then German Reich to cruelties and mistreatment, including killings, beatings, tortures, starvation, abuses and indignities, the exact names and numbers of such civilian nationals being unknown but aggregating many thousands who were then and there in the custody of the German Reich in exercise of belligerent control.
SECOND CHARGE: Violation of the Laws and Usages of War.
Particulars: In that Martin Gottfried Weiss, Friedrich Wilhelm Ruppert, Josef Jarolin, Franz Xaver Trenkle, Engelbert Valentin Niedermeyer, Josef Seuss, Leonhard Anselm Eichberger, Wilhelm Wagner, Johann Kick, Dr. Fritz Hintermayer, Dr. Wilhelm Witteler, Johann Baptist Eichelsdorfer, Otto Foerschner, Dr. Hans Kurt Eisele, Dr. Klaus Karl Schilling, Christof Ludwig Knoll, Dr. Fridolin Karl Puhr, Franz Boettger, Peter Betz, Anton Endres, Simon Kiern, Michael Redwitz, Wilhelm Welter, Rudolf Heinrich Suttrop, Wilhelm Tempel, Hugo Alfred Erwin Laus-terer, Fritz M. K. Becher, Alfred Kramer, Sylvester Filleboeck, Vinzenz Schoettl, Albin Gretsch, Johann Viktor Kirsch, Hans Aumeier, Emil Erwin Mahl, Walter Adolf Langleist, Johann Schoepp, Arno Lippmann, Hans Bayer, Fritz Degelow, Otto Moll, Otto Schulz and Friedrich Wetzel, acting in pursuance of a common design to commit the acts hereinafter alleged, and as members of the staff of Dachau Concentration Camp, did, at or in the vicinity of Dachau, Germany, between about 1 January 1942 and about 29 April 1945, willfully, deliberately and wrongfully encourage, aid, abet and participate in the subjection of members of the armed forces of nations then at war with the then German Reich, who were then and there surrendered and unarmed prisoners of war in the custody of the then German Reich, to cruelties and mistreatment, including killings, beatings, tortures, starvation, abuses and indignities, the exact names and numbers of such prisoners of war being unknown but aggregating many hundreds.
OFFICER PREFERRING CHARGES:
David Chavez, Jr., Col, JAGD.
Army of the United States.
The above charges are referred for trial to The General Military Court, appointed by Par. 3, Special Order Number 304, Headquarters Third United States Army and Eastern Military Dis-
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trict, dated 2 November 1945, to be held at Dachau, Germany, on or about, 15 November 1945.
By Command of Lieutenant General TRUSCOTT:
A. J. Fischer,
Capt., Inf.
Actg. Asst. Adj. Gen.
I certify that on 2 November 1945 the foregoing charges and particulars were read aloud in English and in German to: Martin Gottfried Weiss, Friedrich Wilhelm Ruppert, Josef Jarolin, Franz Xaver Trenkle, Engelbert Valentin Niedermeyer, Josef Seuss, Leonhard Anselm Eichberger, Wilhelm Wagner, Dr. Fritz Hintermayer, Johann Baptist Eichelsdorfer, Otto Foerschner, Dr. Hans Kurt Eisele, Dr. Klaus Karl Schilling, Christof Ludwig Knoll, Dr. Fridolin Karl Puhr, Franz Boettger, Peter Betz, Anton Endres, Simon Kiern, Michael Redwitz, Wilhelm Welter, Rudolf Heinrich Suttrop, Hugo Alfred Erwin Lausterer, Fritz M. K. Becher, Alfred Kramer, Sylvester Filleboeck, Vinzenz Schoettl, Albin Gretsch, Johann Viktor Kirsch, Walter Adolf Langleist. Johann Schoepp, Otto Schulz, Freidrich Wetzel, and that a copy of the foregoing charges and particulars were delivered to each of the above named accused on 4 November 1945.
I further certify that on 4 November 1945 the foregoing charges and particulars were read aloud in English and in German to: Johann Kick, Wilhelm Tempel, Emil Erwin Mahl, Arno Lippmann, Fritz Degelow, Otto Moll and Dr. Wilhelm Witteler, and that a copy of the foregoing charges and particulars were delivered to each of the persons named in this paragraph on the same date.
William D. Denson
Lt. Col., J.A.G.D. Trial Judge Advocate
Dachau, Germany
12 December 1945
FINDINGS
President: It is the desire of this court to announce the findings, and, later on, the sentences, in open court. The court desires to caution the audience that it will tolerate no expressions of approval or disapproval. Will the accused and counsel arise? The court, in closed session, at least two-thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken concurring in each finding of guilty, finds Martin Gottfried Weiss, Friedrich Wilhelm Ruppert, Josef
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Jarolin, Franz Xaver Trenkle, Engelbert Valentin Niedermeyer, Josef Seuss, Leonhard Anselm Eichberger, Wilhelm Wagner, Johann Kick, Doctor Fritz Hintermayer, Doctor Wilhelm Wit-teler, Johann Baptist Eichelsdorfer, Otto Foerschner, Doctor Hans Kurt Eisele, Doctor Klaus Karl Schilling, Christof Ludwig Knoll, Doctor Fridolin Karl Puhr, Franz Boettger, Peter Betz, Anton Endres, Simon Kiern, Michael Redwitz, Wilhelm Welter, Rudolf Heinrich Suttrop, Wilhelm Tempel, Hugo Alfred Erwin Lausterer, Fritz M. K. Becher, Alfred Kramer, Sylvester Fille-boeck, Vinzenz Schoettl, Albin Gretsch, Johann Viktor Kirsch, Emil Erwin Mahl, Walter Adolf Langleist, Johann Schoepp, Arno Lippmann, Fritz Degelow, Otto Moll, Otto Schulz, Friedrich Wetzel, of all particulars and charges, guilty.
Dachau, Germany
13 December 1945
SENTENCES
President: It is the desire of this court to announce the sentences in open court. We will do that only if the audience demonstrates ability to maintain complete silence, no exclamations of approval or disapproval.
This court desires to make certain comments before announcing sentences. The evidence presented to this court convinced it beyond a doubt that the Dachau Concentration Camp subjected its inmates to killings, beatings, tortures, indignations and starvation to an extent and to a degree that necessitates an indictment of everyone, high and low, who had anything to do with conducting and operating the camp. This court reiterates that although appointed by a conquering nation as a military government court in a conquered land it sits in judgment under international law and under such laws of humanity and customs of human behaviour that is recognized commonly by civilized people. Many of the acts committed at Camp Dachau had clearly the sanction of the high officials of the then government of the German Reich and of the de facto laws and customs of the then German government itself. It is the view of this court that when a sovereign state sets itself up above reasonably recognized and constituted international law or is willing to transcend readily recognizable civilized customs of humane and decent treatment of persons, the individuals effecting such policies of their state must be held responsible for their part in the violation of international law and the customs and laws of humanity.
The accused and the counsel will stand. The accused will present themselves individually in the order in which they are numbered before the bench.
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Martin Gottfried Weiss, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Friedrich Wilhelm Ruppert, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Josef Jarolin, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Franz Xaver Trenkle, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Engelbert Valentin Niedermeyer, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Josef Seuss, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Leonhard Anselm Eichberger, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Wilhelm Wagner, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Johann Kick, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Dr. Fritz Hintermayer, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Dr. Wilhelm Witteler, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
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Johann Baptist Eichelsdorfer, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Otto Foerschner, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Dr. Hans Kurt Eisele, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Dr. Klaus Karl Schilling, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Christof Ludwig Knoll, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Dr. Fridolin Karl Puhr, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Franz Boettger, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Peter Betz, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to life imprisonment, commencing forthwith, at such place as may be designated by competent military authority.
Anton Endres, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Simon Kiern, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to dea.th by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Michael Redwitz, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
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Wilhelm Welter, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Rudolf Heinrich Suttrop, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Wilhelm Tempel, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Hugo Alfred Erwin Lausterer, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to be imprisoned for a term of ten years commencing 13 December 1945 at such place as may be designated by competent military authority.
Fritz M. K. Beeher, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Alfred Kramer, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Sylvester Filleboeck, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Vinzenz Schoettl, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Albin Gretsch, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to be imprisoned for a term of ten years commencing 13 December 1945 at such place as may be designated by competent military authority.
Johann Viktor Kirsch, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Emil Erwin Mahl, the court in closed session at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concur-
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ring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Walter Adolf Langleist, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Johann Schoepp, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to be imprisoned for a term of ten years, commencing 13 December 1945, at such place as may be designated by competent military authority.
Arno Lippmann, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Fritz Degelow, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Otto Moll, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Otto Schulz, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct.
Friedrich Wetzel, the court in closed session, at least two thirds of the members present at the time the vote was taken, concurring, sentences you to death by hanging at such time and place as higher authority may direct. .
Dachau, Germany 15 December 1945
I, Brigadier General John. M. Lentz, President of the General Military Court appointed by paragraph 3, Special Orders No. 304, Headquarters Third U. S. Army and Eastern Military District, dated 2 November 1945, do hereby certify that the foregoing documents attached hereto and in this order: (1) Extract of orders appointing court, (2) Charge Sheet with certificate of service, (3) Findings of the court on the Charges, and (4)
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Sentence of the court, are true and correct copies of the original documents used in the trial of the Dachau Concentration Camp case.
[Signed] John M. Lentz JOHN M. LENTZ Brigadier General, U. S. Army President