The soldiers aim carefully at the center of the general’s chest.
One of the soldiers breathes deeply.
Another tightens his grip on the rifle stock.
The officer in charge raises his hand.
Ready.
12 rifles lock into position.
Aim.
The barrels align with a blindfolded man tied to the post.
For a brief moment, the only sound in the courtyard is the wind moving against the prison walls.
Then the final command.
Fire.
The rifles erupt in a single thunderous volley.
The force slams into Dostler’s chest.
His body jerks violently against the straps before going limp.
Smoke drifts from the rifle barrels.
The doctor approaches.
He checks for a pulse.
After a few seconds, he steps back.
Death confirmed.
It is 8:05 a.m.
The first German general executed by the United States for war crimes is dead.
But the impact of that moment will reach far beyond the prison walls of a Versa.
Because the principle established here will soon become one of the most important legal doctrines in modern history.
A principle that will be repeated again and again during the Nuremberg trials.
A principle that echoes through every war crimes tribunal that follows.
Uh following orders is not a defense for murder.
And on a cold morning in Italy, the United States made sure the world understood
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