The FBI Files of Werhner Von Braun--Part 8
By Tom Carney
Reprinted with permission of Old Huntsville Magazine
Director, FBI
Confidential
... states that von Braun is a German and will always remain a German. ... states that von Braun exhibits an arrogance and aloofness characterized by his racial pride.
Ironically, at the same time the FBI was gathering derogatory information about von Braun, they were also enlisting his help, apparently for purposes of espionage.
Director, FBI
Espionage
... many of these people have contacts in the Russian zone. ... many of the scientists make trips to Europe to confer concerning missiles and therefore would be possible subjects for this type of program . ... von Braun has become very Americanized and in the past has mentioned that he would try to find out anything that is required and would completely cooperate insofar as setting up anyone who would possibly be considered for such a program ... the scientists are completely under the control of von Braun and generally look to him for guidance and control.
Many politicians and people in private industry resented the fact that von Braun, a German, was in charge of the space program. Files began to surface concerning his past.
Director, FBI
Confidential
... von Braun was a member of the following German organizations;
NSF - National Socialist Air Corp
NSDAP - Nazi Party
SS - Schutzstaffel
SS Riding School
Once the documents became public they created a furor. Enterprising reporters from around the world began digging, searching for any morsel that would sell more papers.
One writer ran a story about von Braun not returning to Germany, in 1947, to testify in a war crimes trial of an associate. The same story claimed von Braun was wanted in Germany for De-Nazification hearings.
The author neglected to point out that von Braun was under the control of the Army at the time and they had refused to let him leave the country. Even though, he submitted a written statement that was presented at the trial. Virtually ignored was the fact that the associate had been found innocent.
Another reporter dug up a story about von Braun being named a professor, and later receiving a high medal, from Adolph Hitler personally.
All of the accusations could have been explained easily in a few short sentences if someone had spoken up. Von Braun had been a member of the Luftwaffe Reserve. As a high ranking official, he had been required to join the party in 1937, a time when Germany was at peace and few people had the slightest idea of the horrible excesses which was to follow. He had received an honorary membership in the SS from Himmler for his work on the rocket program, which would have been difficult, if not suicidal, to turn down.
Part 9--More Files
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