I saw this story today in the paper about the German officer who saved Wladyslaw Szpilman, better known as "The Pianist" from the movie of the same name. It was Szpilman who in 1998 applied to have Capt. Wilhelm Hosenfeld recognized for saving his life and that of another Jew during WWII.
More than 60 years later Hosenfeld was finally honored for risking his career and his life to save 2 Jews and giving one of them (Leon Warm) a false identity and a job. He later encountered Szpilman hiding in the ruins of the Warsaw uprising and brought him food and a blanket, Hosenfeld even gave him his own coat so Szpilman could hide.
Hosenfeld originally supported Hitler back in 1935, but grew disillusioned over Hitler and his war crimes. He recorded the things he witnessed and his feelings in a diary and letters. This story is the basis for the movie "The Pianist" which won a number of awards.
Both Hosenfeld's and Szpilman's sons were at the ceremony for the award. What an emotional moment for both of them.
German officer who saved 'The Pianist' honored | CharlotteObserver.com
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