The Insane Moment That Made A General Finally Told Hitler No

Hitler's Third Reich was rapidly crumbling before his very eyes; the vast empire that had once spanned from Tripoli to Rome to Kyiv was now shrinking, drawing ever so close to Berlin. Also, Paris was still under Nazi control, but not for long. By the summer of 1944, Allied forces were advancing through France, and the population in the City of Light was ardently revolting against its Nazi occupiers.
Hitler, by now a mere shell of the man he had been just a few years before, was visibly ill and vehemently paranoiac and was determined to turn Paris into dust before anyone else could have it. The dictator also had the perfect man in mind for such a grim task, and his name was Dietrich von Choltitz.
A soldier from a military family who never questioned orders, von Choltitz was amply experienced with Germany's scorched earth policy, having razed several cities on the Eastern Front.
As such, Hitler appointed von Choltitz as the Military Governor of Paris, and on August 23, he received a terrifying order from the Fuhrer: (QUOTE) "Paris must not pass into the enemies' hands, except as a field of ruins."
The directive was clear: von Choltitz had to bring down the Eiffel Tower, burn Notre Dame and the Invalides, blow up the 65 bridges of Paris, and turn its museums and palaces to rubble before withdrawing from the city.
It is said that as the Allies surrounded the French capital and his men awaited orders to once again raze a city before fleeing, von Choltitz felt overwhelmed with remorse and decided to disobey an order for the first time in his life, even if it came directly from Adolf Hitler…
- As images and footage of actual events are not always available, Dark Docs sometimes utilizes similar historical images and footage for dramatic effect. I do my best to keep it as visually accurate as possible. All content on Dark Docs is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas. -

[@Ed-quadF]

"I saw in front of me a man who has lost his mind...an insane being who could no longer judge the situation..." An apt comment on current events.

[@tremedar]

And he seems intent on going out the same way hitler did...fight the world and be crushed by it.

[@andrewbarry3375]

Here here

[@jackman6256]

@@tremedar 9

[@stavrosk.2868]

You mean television comedian Zelensky? Indeed, the man wants to single handedly drag us into WWIII

[@donbrecker8982]

He has no mind left , it's the democratic party that hates our country

[@jean-louislalonde6070]

I remember reading an interview von Choltitz gave to Paris Match decades ago. He said that his meeting with Hitler convinced him that Hitler was mad and that destroying Paris was useless as he considered that Germany had already lost the war.

[@srfrg9707]

He forgot to say to Paris Match that not burning Paris was also part of a bargain to save his German war criminal ass from hanging from the gallows at Nuremberg...😇

[@vivians9392]

Smart man...

[@barfuss2007]

as useless as destoying many german cities with millions of dead women and children...

[@davidmarkwort9711]

From what I had read on the matter it was not that he saved Paris, the circumstances saved Paris, he didn't have neither the manpower nor the means to do anything, everything had been withdrawn and the French Resistance had made his life a misery.

[@powerbad696]

@@davidmarkwort9711 I may checkout a doc on the French Resistance.

[@donaldmahaffey5976]

Going into Paris did NOT delay the end of the war in Europe. Eisenhower only allowed one French armored division and one American infantry division to enter Paris. The two divisions in Paris did not affect the allied armies progress towards Germany, because the allies did not have the transport at that time to move all of their available divisions eastward immediately. Many had to be temporarily left behind. The real problem for Eisenhower caused by the liberation of Paris was how to feed and heat Paris after the liberation. It was the need to transport food and coal to Paris that caused some delays in troop movements, but those delays were not the real barrier to victory in 1944. The biggest factor in delaying victory was Monty's failure to seize the Scheldt Estuary immediately after capturing Antwerp. The two month delay in opening Antwerp to allied shipping is what really prevented the defeat of Germany in 1944.

[@donaldmahaffey5976]

@@inominate2024 Actually, I have a very clear idea of the unnecessary problems faced by the Canadian Army in the Scheldt due to Monty's inexcusable delay in seizing the Scheldt. I have read "Eight-Five Days: The Story of the Battle of Scheldt" by Capt. R.W. Thompson which describes those events in detail. I have also read the post-war memoirs of Eisenhower, Montgomery, Bradley (both books) and Monty's chief of staff Frederick de Guingand. I have also read all of the books on the ETO in the US Army's official history of the US Army in WW2. Please note that my comments were in no way critical of the Canadians who were the victims of Monty's delay. You should remember that Monty eventually admitted that he probably should have sent troops to the Sheldt earlier that he in fact did. This is, to my knowledge, the only mistake he ever admitted having made. Finally, know that I am named after an uncle was was KIA on March 22, 1944.

[@dauwenkust]

I always thought it was more about the lost supplies, that were supposed to go to feeding and supporting troops, that now were spent on feeding a large city.

[@srfrg9707]

In fact one can argue that the proclamation of the French Republic accelerated the liberation of France as the french government gathered military intelligence from the french administration behind the German lines giving to the allies a great deal of tactical efficiency. Also what remained of the French Army was mobilized and fresh troops sent to the front.

[@jamesmnoblesjr9062]

Very informative

[@johnbrattan9341]

@@srfrg9707 Oh, the French army at this time was virtually non'existent. They dwaddled forever around Strasbourg, infuriating Patton who was late to the "Bulge."

[@ULTRA1BOB]

I read that later on, Paris honored the general with a medal for his role in NOT destroying the city. There's much more to the story than this short documentary covered.

[@Random_Dude4486]

Woah, thanks for the trivia!

[@danielan962]

Paris is known for bending over, they will give medals to anyone.

[@KayShort21]

A medal for not committing a war crime he committed a few times before is a bit much haha

[@gustavabensberg4260]

@@KayShort21 Yeah, racist much, eh?

[@M0rmagil]

It’s easy to do the right thing when it doesn’t cost anything. Doing the right thing when it might kill you is another thing altogether.

[@yousseph777]

As a kid, my mother told me about this piece of history. She illustrated it with the film " Is Paris burning". It left an impression. Thank you for sharing.

[@fauxpinkytoo]

That is such a great film... Smart mom.

[@geigertec5921]

My grandmother was actually in Paris at the time, of course she didn't know any of this was happening just like 99% of olthe other Parisians.

[@ravenbarsrepairs5594]

I didn't realize that book had been made into a film. I've read the book numerous times.

[@yousseph777]

@@ravenbarsrepairs5594 1966

[@robertlangford5360]

0⁰00

[@jaimehudson7623]

As someone who has visited beautiful Paris, I am so grateful von Choltitz decided to disobey mad Hitler's orders.

[@vladimpaler3498]

One thing not covered in detail is that von Choltitz' staff and confidants were concerned that committing an act like this on Paris, considered one of the most beautiful cities on the planet, would lead to a horrible revenge by the French. If you thought the Treaty of Versailles was bad...

[@You-Tube-FBI]

They were allies up to that point. This might have something to do with the decision not to destroy their allies city. Who did America and friends fight in North africa? the nazis and unfortunately the French. (vichy regime) these people had no problem rounding up their own jews for the final solution. barely 1 percent of the French pop. was in the resistance. (another tall tale france likes to tell) the exiled French army in Britain, if you could call it an army. were cool. but cmon, don't kid yourself. if Roosevelt didn't die before the war ended, there would have been a few Frenchmen on trial at Nuremberg. it's sad really.

[@vladimpaler3498]

@@You-Tube-FBI I think your assessment of the French is a little harsh. Yes, some did work with the NAZI's, but most did not. Most French soldiers did not want to surrender in '40, but their leadership screwed that pooch. They fought, very half-heartedly with the Germans in Africa, but mostly to prevent the complete invasion of Vichy, which, in essence, the NAZI's were holding hostage. When the French troops did go over to the Allies in Africa the NAZI's did invest Vishy. As to the Jews and the resistance, most French who tried were caught and executed. We are judging France on the few, not the many or the situation they were in. I will respectfully disagree. (Who would think two people on the Internet would disagree?)

[@You-Tube-FBI]

@Vlad Impaler hey I agree. My assessment is a little harsh. Do you not think helping the nazis with their final solution was a bit harsh to? Like not everyone was evil. Look at the nazi who "saved" paris. Or von Stauffenberg? Do we give the nazis a pass because of those two good men? All I'm saying is they are the forgotten Allie of the nazis. Whether they were coerced,just capitulated or held hostage? Could you see britain doing that at the time? "Fighting it the fields, beachs etc.?" Or even america? It's possible I guess... 🤷

[@Jere-iy2yv]

Tbh the allies did make sure most german cities were levelled including iconic ones with their bombs

[@IPendragonI]

Yet he didn't have an issue inciting the Soviet by burning their villages.

[@hi-test7122]

War isn’t just hell, it’s complicated hell. One thing is clear, von Choltitz was given strict orders and yet the Paris landmarks still stand. He may not have had the resources to level the entire city but destroying the symbols of Paris was well within his capabilities. Let’s be fair, his own account of his actions was almost certainly self serving and exaggerated. It looks to me like he slow walked his orders until events overtook him. He was thinking of the future when Hitler and his high command thought history ended with themselves.

[@snapdragon6601]

I completely agree..He was a great self-promoter after the war. Although, based on records of the French bomb defusing crews he most certainly was wiring the city to carry out the order and probably would have, he just ran out of time.

[@johnharris6655]

Look at Dresden, Tokyo and even San Francisco after the 1906 Earthquake. One you get a city burning and prevent anyone from putting it out, it is not that hard to burn it to the ground.

[@fpsshorts8338]

Well put

[@sladeb6036]

@@fpsshorts8338 I thought so as well.

[@hanzzimmer1132]

Yeah he was definitely covering his own ass... Like Himmler would later think he could do for himself.... Uh, no dude you're still a mass murderer. Just a cooperative mass murderer

[@AmiraldeGrasse]

Even if the ressources of the Germans were too limited to burn Paris to the ground, Paris and France owe a lot to General von Choltitz, and his memory should be respected by the French as a loyal combatant!

[@andrewburkinshaw1446]

Exactly my thoughts. Whatever his motives were, his actions saved a lot

[@georgiangelosfloudens5731]

The story is fake. He just told it to save his ass. It was definitly debunked 20 years ago.

[@romainlavoie1526]

In my university thesis I explored those that disobeyed direct orders from Supreme Command and were correct in doing so. There is no question that Dietrich von Choltitz is the one that saved the faith of many and landmarks of history. It's sad that several historians will not accept that fact. Because on that day Choltitz made the right decision.

[@johnbrattan9341]

Choltitz also sent many thousands to their death in Germany. From both fronts.

[@bobbys4327]

@@johnbrattan9341 It is what happens when you give up your guns.

[@johnbrattan9341]

@@bobbys4327 Tell that to the French.

[@jean6872]

@@bobbys4327 The Nazis had plenty of guns and enough sociopaths to use them.

[@bustinnutsinslutsbutts]

@@jean6872 they disarmed their population when they came to power.

[@nandinishinde2258]

Thank you for a clear,concise coverage of those very,very critical days before liberation.For those who never knew what War II meant,or how devastating it was,or how close freedom was from being set free,this coverage removes all doubts.We are indeed grateful for those unknown bravehearts who laid their life on the line to rescue and secure humanity for the future.Thank you🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@bionicman6969]

So many untold stories of bravery and treachery from The Great Wars. Thanks Dark Docs for telling us about another one that at least I didn't know about.

[@s70rk]

I'm really impressed with your narration and editing. Very well done, and thank you for your efforts.

[@mikeydoes]

Yeah. Man. I like these a lot, he does a good job. That archetype of the General saving Paris must be commended, but still punished. Not undermining any of the war crimes of the Nazis or him. But this man knew he couldn't go against Hitler without knowing he'd die(along with his family). But he did it and Paris is still standing. I think it was for his conscience more than anything. I think deep down he was trying to convince himself rather than us.

[@turtledan2513]

Be sure to do your own research as well 🙂 Reminder...can't keep making videos without making money.

[@morganpointer2457]

What even with Told in the title are you sure?

[@constantineceasar]

I love how KZbin says they monitized history channels, but I haven't seen an ad on any of your channels for almost 6 months now. They should stand by their own rules and pay you what you are owed for your work.

[@vanpenguin22]

"The fact that the life of our nation was in the hands of an insane being, who could no longer judge the situation, or was unwilling to see it realistically depressed me immensely" Words which truly outlived the time in which they were spoken.

[@Lucifer-qt9gh]

Happening again right before our eyes with putin

[@vanpenguin22]

@@Lucifer-qt9gh And all of the DNC in the US

[@brianedwards7142]

Could have been said by a Roman senator too.

[@vanpenguin22]

They all recieved a steady diet of lead from what I hear.

[@Edward.Rippett.]

@@brianedwards7142 have you ever taken a cannonball dookie?

[@johnpitchlynn9341]

Dear Docs...I appreciate very much your entire family of outstanding historical videos. Keep up the great work. ❤

[@tooterooterville]

Now we Americans understand what it's like to have a completely incompetent and disastrous leader in charge of our country.

[@akira28shima32]

Trump did lose the election. Don’t be to hard on the old conman.

[@carryfreak5059]

Yes we do. Let’s Go Brandon!

[@westnblu]

No.. Trump lost the election a while back now. Who are u talking about?

[@carryfreak5059]

@@westnblu No. it was stolen from him and everyone knows it.

[@carryfreak5059]

@@westnblu uh. No. The election is over and ballots keep appearing? Trump won, the left panicked and cheated. “No way HE is getting back in the White House !”

[@JeffeyBarney]

Great quality content and thank you! Your editing and narration is Awesome. You’ve (in my opinion) hit a Bullseye. You’ve edited (video) and narrated great historical stories into 10-18min videos; not easy. In todays modern (ADHD) society, this is how content is being viewed. Your ability to create this quality historical content in this format, it’s just brilliant! Thank you 🙏

[@showtale8325]

How exactly did you analyze his editing skills , were you a fly on his shoulder.

[@macekreislahomes1690]

@@showtale8325 I'm so glad we found someone who can turn into Flys and teliport. LOL

[@macekreislahomes1690]

It also has to do with an ever increasingly busy and burdened society that's being led to a point where there's no time for anything longer than 30 minutes for any downtime or learning anything in their "free time," among other things.

[@hukabuktx6766]

Hitler had bad table manners? Omg could he get any worse? Lol.

[@andrewthompson5728]

Remember the nice stuff: he was a vegetarian and liked dogs, so he had that going for him.

[@justme_gb]

@@andrewthompson5728 Seeing positives in everything is good. What if you're a beef farmer who loves cats though?

[@andrewthompson5728]

@@justme_gbEven if he did eat cats, why would you want to eat a beef farmer?

[@justme_gb]

@@andrewthompson5728 O_O

[@jerrytobin88]

It's almost like he had to throw that little detail in so the Nuremberg committee would believe he wasn't a DieHard Nazi

[@bobh5020]

Another great video! I am curious: did von Choltitz' family members survive the wrath of the Hitler and his SS? I see a couple of other viewers have the same question...Thank you!

[@YoursNKR]

Thanks for such informative videos, you take us to the period you are narrating, i feel like I was there myself 😀❤️👍

[@terrencelee9545]

Great content as always. Your narration seems to be slightly slower than usual today - sounds to me much more of a natural clip. Thanks!

[@madisondean1074]

It's amazing to hear that a Nazi general finally tell Hitler no is nothing short of startling. It takes true courage to say no to Hitler and I'd like to say thank you to the Nazi general who essentially saved Paris from destruction! Without him, Paris wouldn't be around today.

[@halogeek6]

There is an argument to be made that Paris wouldn't have needed saving if he hadn't been. Nazi to begin with. How many cities and cultural sites did he destroy before arriving at Paris? I'm not gonna thank that monster for having a change of heart when he realized he was loosing.

[@madisondean1074]

@@halogeek6 Imagine what would've happened to Paris if this officer wasn't around. Although nothing will change the horrible acts this man committed.

[@madisondean1074]

@VinAr Run If he was Wehrmacht general, then why does this video portray this man as a Nazi?

[@CoolNinja925]

True courage indeed. Saying no to Hitler would most likely result in death.

[@dimel1347]

@@halogeek6 France was the one that declared war on Germany, so there is an argument to be made that if French (and British) goverments hadnt declared war, Paris wouldnt need saving to begin with. In fact, there is an argument to be made that if France hadnt declared war on Germany, WW2 would have never happened. There are many arguments to be made when it comes to a massive event like WW2 , so I wouldnt be so judgy of an officer or general, if I were you.

[@terrydouglas5008]

He burned several Soviet Cities but by saving Paris he only 2 years in a POW compound. Then released with no charges.

[@Eric-lv9id]

Thanks for pointing that out. Double standards, clearly.

[@kylecrane4376]

@@Eric-lv9id It is one thing to deny the people you are fighting and still have at least some reasonable options to slow or stop the use of the cities as they pursue and advance and a spiteful order to burn absolutely everything you can't hold onto. Hitler also demanded the destruction of all stores and supplies in Germany as Berlin was falling. Yet another general had to refuse to carry out this order. No tactical or military goal to it, simply his determination that Germans should cease to exist if he was not their overlord. It became more clear as tables turned that Hitler was raving mad. I don't give them much credit though. His policies at home and his outright murder of those that opposed or offended him was well known by the time Germany's conquest started to unravel. Let's also not forget that the Soviets were absolutely fine with starving conquered nations and were happily devouring eastern Europe as Axis allies right up until Hitler decided that was annoying him and turned on them. I'm sure that factored into people's view of any notion of Russian victimization at the hands of Germany.

[@olasek7972]

So what? none of that qualified for war crimes. However he could have been involved in some massacre of Jews.

[@BesoffenerIslamist]

That's based

[@timq6224]

of course, we ended up at war with the russians...Why punish a guy that clearly helped us out? /s

[@waynec369]

Between narcissism and ignorance it's a damn wonder the human race has made it this far...

[@malcolmtudor8039]

Arrogance, ego, and vanity belong on the list as well.

[@waynec369]

@@malcolmtudor8039 as I understand it, narcissism encompasses all three of those...

[@Reggie-The-Dog]

The human race is not going to make it very much further. We are in end times.

[@albo2711]

I see a situation that I can not now nor ever understand and am glad I never need to.

[@equarg]

Sometimes when your the “bad guy”, you may just live long enough to become the hero in the end. He risked his own families lives to refuse an order. Respect.

[@ForburyLion]

You're only the bad guy because history is written by the victors, If the Nazi's had won the war a different version of history would be taught in classrooms.

[@Rhythmattica]

Brilliant channel.... Its the in depth research, but also how the VO is delivered.... Not annoying. That makes it all more poignant... It works.

[@wangtulong2066]

Great story, as usual. Your team really knocks it out of the park!!! 😉

[@petemarchi5112]

Thank you for sharing this video and information.

[@ernestweaver9720]

I studied WWII and never heard of this. Incredible man. He should have received a medal.

[@romuloambay9624]

you did not studied well or say researched. .how could you missed such event. .few articles were well written on this matter. .

[@ernestweaver9720]

@@romuloambay9624 Somehow I completely missed it.

[@derekbrown3165]

Are you insane? he was a Nazi and had commited many war crimes. Did you not watch the film?

[@akkiaddizone6889]

@@derekbrown3165 he redempted himself at the end...

[@pieterveenders9793]

@@akkiaddizone6889 You can redeem yourself when you have the blood of tens of thousands of innocent men, women and children on your hands. The only thing you can do after that is to make up for all the evil you've done. Von Choltitz was evil.

[@nygrentony]

Raoul Nordling, consul of Sweden. He served as intermediary between the French Resistance and Dietrich von Choltitz, and persuaded him not to destroy Paris. But Choltitz took all the glory for it.

[@wealthelife]

Consider - if Choltitz had followed orders and destroyed Paris landmarks, would Nordling have accepted ANY of the blame for failing to persuade Choltitz? I think not. So, therefore, Nordling should get as much 'glory' for Choltitz's good decision as he would have gotten 'blame' if Choltitz had made a bad decision. Fair is fair.

[@nygrentony]

I think so. We Swedish people have a tendency to blame ourselfs if something fails. So I think he would take the blame. At least he would feel guilty

[@jguenther3049]

The fact that the Resistance and Choltitz were communicating indicates his openness to preserving the city. Assigning exact credit is not feasible.

[@mrhoneycutter]

While sure Raoul’s advice and persuasion was no doubt a contributing factor, he wasn’t the one disobeying orders, Choltitz was. Nordling faced absolutely no risk or consequences from giving his recommendations. While Choltitz faced the very real possibility of a court martial where he would’ve likely been shot or hung for his defiance; plus given that punishment for failure at that time was so severe, it was very likely that his family would’ve been suffered also. Von Choltitz risked losing literally everything for his decision, yet did it anyways, which is exactly why he is recognized for his actions.

[@thomaselmore1155]

My father was one of the first group of troops into Paris.

[@localgovernmenthater411]

SS or Weremacht

[@philschroeder]

Apparently this “hero” didn’t know Hitler was crazy until he suddenly knew he was crazy. Sounds eerily familiar.

[@tremedar]

I'm sure in the back of his mind he knew, but only after seeing the visible shift in health and sanity did it become obvious. The Germans were running rampant over everyone they fought, until 1943 it wouldn't have seemed as if hitler was crazy at all.

[@synewparadigm]

It sounds like my liberal friends that refuse to admit that our president is half senile.

[@pittsburghwill]

"Is Paris burning!" reportedly repeated by a screaming Adolph Hitler during a maniacal rant upon hearing of the liberation of Paris

[@tod3msn]

Dude did the right thing not destroying a beautiful city. Should be acknowledged.

[@Blei1986]

well... were the nazis failed, the beloved eternal parasite succeeds, it seems....

[@DomnulDarius]

He’s not a genius, nor a legend.. He was just a normal man with a normal mind in a world with sick minds and sick men. Bless him.

[@LawtonDigital]

It's not paranoia when literally the whole world is out to get you.

[@bingingbinging8597]

Maybe he shouldn’t have started a war then

[@dennisfahlstrom2515]

Extremely informative and it portrays Von Holditz and Eisenhower most positively.. was Von Holditz able to extract his family from the the SS to safety? I hope he was treated with fitting dignity after his surrender. I had read in multiple histories that Paris was liberated to a force that was almost exclusively French military commanded by French General LeClerc and the Americans forces were a very minor portion of the liberators.

[@thertxspot2168]

Americans liberated the city if it wasn't for them and the British Paris wouldn't be liberated then.

[@frankdevers7941]

The plan became to have the French liberate Paris. The Parisan public were not convinced. Thus the 28 division parade

[@me67galaxylife]

of course he wouldn't tell that, not dramatic enough, nah paris liberation totally screwed everything else up also you can't talk about the french force fighting everyone knows they were all collaborators ! smh

[@davidswift7776]

Awesome insight and very pragmatic commentary, thank you for this KZbin post 😍

[@111oooo]

He knew the war was lost and he would be held accountable if he destroyed Paris

[@scottcantdance804]

Imagine if Parisians then, could see Paris now. France's political path would have turned out entirely differently.

[@deusvult6920]

Not really. Ever since the first French Revolution they've been gunning for what it is today. You just need to look deeper at who it is that's actually in control (not the government)

[@blitzy3244]

Exactly. I was born there. Every time I go back it gets worse and worse...the demographics are long gone. Funnily enough, the German propaganda at the time directed at France (specifically the one titled 'France 100 years from now') was spot on.

[@blitzy3244]

@@deusvult6920 Based

[@Prince-gu8or]

@@blitzy3244 couldn't find it I'd say KZbin won't keep it up we're definitely not free

[@jameson32]

AKA too many brown people?

[@mikedemaria3695]

Thank you for speaking more clearly and slowly.

[@gruntsffs1]

As an avid historian, I’ve never heard of this. Thank you!! I’d have liked to seen what happened to the German general and his family

[@frankaguilera2071]

Greetings To entertain yourself and get a POV of the historical time frame. Here are two films that provide the perspective of the War in France during the last years. Is Paris Burning? (As mentioned by M L above) Released in 1966, the film reveals many of the points of this program, yet on a more personal level by the huge list of actors. The film pacts plenty of historical content. Le Train, released in 1964. Mainly focuses on the looting of Paris’ unique art collection that held numerous paintings from hundreds of master painters. The characters (Burt Lancaster) who run the train system against the Germans. Of course, the French underground gets wind of what the Germans plan on doing to Paris. This sets the plot stage.

[@gruntsffs1]

@@frankaguilera2071 awesome!! Thank you so much

[@romuloambay9624]

how can you missed that when it was written all over on ww2 history. .

[@jerrytobin88]

@ Frank Aguilera I hope as an avid historian you recognize 1)a lot of the things that you think that you know is based on propaganda to either demoralize the enemy or inspire your people.2) after the war no one went back and corrected the record ,so the propaganda became fact and history. 3) the Nuremberg trials torture , death sentences and prison terms motivated people to say whatever needed to be said to save themselves. 4) other than Hitler and WWII have you ever seen anything or anyone so throughly 1 dimensional. If not ask yourself why. As far as documentaries go I suggest "Hitler's War?"

[@frankaguilera2071]

​@@jerrytobin88 Greetings SGT Mike is a commentator who professed being an avid historian. Your argument is confusing. You are using tea leaves for your conclusion about my view on Hitler’s Orders to burn Paris and using opinion and concluding that I am an avid historian. Film is a visual medium that combines (re-creating past events) and fiction (based on the imagination) and supposes to be only entertainment. The two films suggested provides a VISUAL and a fictional account of that period. No where do I claim them to be fact or used for propaganda purposes. Many people learn from visual tools that assists them in understanding which provides satisfaction from learning about the past. As the saying goes, you repeat mistakes if you don’t learn from the past. 1)a lot of the things that you think that you know is based on propaganda to either demoralize the enemy or inspire your people. Are you the student without evidence constantly believes he is smarter than the teacher then bases it on personal emotions? Are you suggesting that Hitler’s demand to burn Paris was used as propaganda? Again, the flow of your thoughts are somewhat confusing. Ok, so from your point of view I have some questions then. Do you believe earth was visited by people from another planet? Is it fact then to have great wealth is to have power? Darwin’s theory of evolution is a fact. Do you believe me when I say Johnny Depp has a double? Show me a nation whose politicians don’t use a strategy that spreads rumor that cause a person, cause or institution injury? Or win an election supported through damaging an opponent’s cause and reputation. Isn’t this defined as propaganda? Are these opinions designed to spread misinformation? 2) after the war no one went back and corrected the record,so the propaganda became fact and history. You are oversimplifying the act of war. Implying that all the events caused by the combatants consciously wanted to baffle historians. And use their actions to deliberately confuse, spread lies, and damage an opposing cause. Any man who can walk into another country’s library and reasonably understand another language increases his humanity. If you could, travel to other nations and flip through their library’s books that have been translated into another language of WWII. This goal can last a man’s lifetime! Do you believe all the factors involved are simple to define? In the end history is written by the victor. 3) the Nuremberg trials torture , death sentences and prison terms motivated people to say whatever needed to be said to save themselves. Agreed, any man that has a noose for a necktie would sing the blues! So, are you asking the question that whatever needed to be said while under duress was all translated as propaganda? Not sure I understand the flow of your thoughts towards “everything I know is propaganda”? Again, are you the historian student who has an envious talent that allows you to read dead people’s minds? Or, are you paraphrasing from Hitler’s War? Or is it one of those unique moments from eureka? Jerrytobin88: Are you not aware of the term “Circular Thinking?” 4) other than Hitler and WWII have you ever seen anything or anyone so throughly 1 dimensional. If not ask yourself why. As far as documentaries go I suggest "Hitler's War?" Jerrytobin88: I’m starting to be persuaded by your opinions and logic. You could be one of those rare historian students whose testimony without recognized authority can morph from inference to fact without trying. Again, you have an itch for over simplifying complex and detailed events. All I can say is nobody is ever one dimensional. I believe strongly that all men are products of psychological, physiological and social factors. Then, there are contingencies from government and religious factors to consider. This begins from cradle to grave, and we generally are not aware of it! In general, everyone is controlled and influenced by misinformation. There is another term that is a powerful force in our lives, and it is called advertising. So, in this case I’ll agree that I am controlled by a force that tells me what I know. But, your definition of one dimensional is what? Was World War 2 one dimensional? Again, confused on what you are really trying to express in relation to “everything I know is propaganda”? Please carefully read what I have expressed before responding. There is no need to rush. I enjoy your enthusiasm and you have a profound sense of the importance of history. You need to use your filters to clean up the debris on the surface and then find a method to smooth over the pothole’s underneath. As far as documentaries go I suggest "Hitler's War?" Does the use of a question mark mean you are not sure the documentary will change “everything I know is propaganda”? In other words from my response to SGT Mike your thinking resulted in a broad generalization expressing “everything I know is propaganda”. Then you attempt to damage and oppose my understanding with ideas, claims and facts from the documentary you viewed. You are using an argument against two films of fiction designed for information/entertainment. Where is the relationship? I remember decades ago I wanted to build a tree house. There was the nails, wood, hammers, measuring tape, etc. I thought I knew what I knew then used Elmer’s glue instead.

[@cavecavecavecave5295]

Dark Docs never fails to deliver. Phenomenal...

[@markclemens3409]

One of the most partial and inaccurate versions of this history I've ever seen. No mention is made of the role of the Swedish Consul General Raoul Nordling who, in the course of many hours of crafty negotiating over several days, enmeshed von Choltitz in a web of humanitarian commitments that helped to supplant any vestigial ideas von Choltitz retained of destroying the city. The first Allied force to enter Paris at its liberation was the French Second Armored Division of Philippe LeClerc de Hautecloque; the American Fourth Infantry Division didn't arrive until later. Communist Party Resistance and Gaullist Resistance were fighting on the same side, a political and military organization called the FFI, French Forces of the Interior. There were significant numbers of Gaullists and other non-communist elements within the FFI in Paris, and there were communist elements, namely the Spanish Republican veteran force called La Nueve, among the Allied forces that liberated Paris. I urge everyone who found this video interesting to seek out additional sources that give a more complete version of this story. The popular history Is Paris Burning? by Collins and LaPierre would be a place to start.

[@DaveGIS123]

The 1966 movie "Is Paris Burning?" was based on the book, and was nominated for 2 Academy Awards.

[@paulhunter6742]

This Dark Doc about liberation and near destruction of Paris is One of my favorites in the series. The film editors did a masterful job of matching images to voice over narration. I think the background music( one of the Wagner symphonies) was exceptional choice. When narratives talk about Hitler or the General appropriate images appeared. The one phrase mentioned German engineers looking for right points to mine Iffiel Tower; four German soldiers March across the screen. Beautifully edited, a masterful piece of film making.

[@louisej3664]

@@paulhunter6742 It certainly kept me interested. I had a feeling there would be a lot more going on too.

[@georgehh2574]

@@paulhunter6742 It's not masterful if they got a lot wrong.

[@rosepearl7092]

I was scrolling through the comments hoping to find anyone who thought as I did about this upload. Thank you for commenting.

[@7071t6]

Mate your channel is the best for WW2 story's online bar none. keep up the great work. :)👍👍😀😀😎😎👌👌

[@allandavis8201]

I find it most incredible that the sycophants of Hitler held onto their belief in him even when he was clearly loosing his mind and health, in a normal course of events he would have been either persuaded to relinquish power or removed using any means necessary, but not in Hitlers case, even to the bitter end there were a number of his inner circle who, even knowing the war was lost, were prepared to obey his orders, even when they were plainly crazy, without question. It is a good thing that some came to their senses and disobeyed them, Von Choltitz and Albert Speer being two notable men who decided that the scorched earth policy would only bring a more intense retribution from the allied powers.

[@joweydelanota7421]

Hitler was paranoid fir obvious reasons: There was a price on his head

[@richardeagan551]

we got that kind of crap going on now, with people in the white house don't ya think.

[@laszlozoltan5021]

@@richardeagan551 dont think you do

[@bratwizard]

@@richardeagan551 Absolutely.

[@HJD64]

@@laszlozoltan5021 Observation from a guy living in Holland. Biden showed all the signs of dementia even before the election. The man more than obviously suffers from severe mental health conditions with all consequences for several cognitive capabilities. He is completely unfit for any responsible job let alone the most demanding and important job on the world. But instead of protecting Biden against himself or protect and serve the country, Biden’s inner circle is taling all kind of actions to minimize his interactions with the media, come up with pre arranged questions and remarks etc. So please enlighten us why you don’t agree.

[@michaelclennan8425]

Thank God Germany 🇩🇪 is a democracy today.

[@robertbeckman2054]

There’s something aspiring to see “a bad guy turn into a good guy”. Of course, it depends on their motives, and the severity of past crimes committed. Nevertheless, I love hearing stories like this.

[@AaronEllisOfficial]

There are different levels of bad and I would also say evil. There are points where the bad guys will even say "this is crazy..." Or "this is wrong/this is too far" or even realizing like this general did that Hitler (who was crazy and evil from the start) was out of touch with any sort of reality and he couldn't serve a leader like that. This general was still on the wrong side of history, and obeyed Hitler, till his own loyalty just ran out because he saw that Hitler was no longer worth being loyal to probably most likely because he knew in his gut the war was lost.

[@alastair9446]

The guy was serving his country so he wasn't really a bad guy in the first place.

[@Ass_of_Amalek]

this wasn't a bad guy turning into a good guy. this was an extremely bad guy accepting defeat instead of further embracing delusions.

[@Player-rv8ph]

He wasn't a good guy nor a bad guy. Just a human. Just a person. Just a soldier that has limit in how much or up far the order he can obey.

[@mikeydoes]

@@AaronEllisOfficial Jung called it the Shadow. The dark side that everyone has that if you don't recognize.. You can get caught in cults, whether government or religion. Everyone has humanity in them, but if you can't see this type of stuff happening in politics then you just aren't paying attention. Liz Cheney was a bad guy to the democrats, but when she did these hearings against Trump now she's a good guy to that group. People pick sides to be heroes in their own stories, of course there are traitors, alliances, and all that. We make up tribes then, and then we make up what is good or bad, but the answer is always maybe.

[@benhudman7911]

I think this channel has some of the most interesting insights on historic events and machines and the presentation is always well done.

[@johnk8825]

If only Russia had some commanding officers with the intelligence and compassion to act in a like manner in today's world.

[@arjunraghunadhan3611]

Bro to be honest i always watch your videos The way you speak sounds like a professional historian The level of seriousness in your time is damn awesome

[@Panicscroll69]

Keep up the contents love it

[@johnrogan9420]

The price of 1939 cowardice by France 🇫🇷...not collected.

[@chrisloomis1489]

Good historical perspective , invaluable to new generations now.

[@respectdawildo_danjones508]

Stories like this are pivotal to show the complexities associated with wars. It’s not a dim narrow black or white view and these need to be told and retold. Ty.

[@marcioreis2648]

Awesome video and narration. WW2 history is right here. Thank you.

[@798125]

Awesome video! Great job on slowing down your narration, it gives us a chance to digest the information. Great job!

[@Vurbanowicz]

Great background on the way the war was going and why the decision to liberate Paris was such a fraught and complex one. Excellent.

[@MWR-lg9qp]

Great work once again. Thank you for putting this together.

[@timmainson]

He did save the city according to Allen Dulles who was in talks with von Choltitz as well as von Kesselring at that time. Let us remember, saving a city does not a hero make. His final conclusion on Hitler should have been his first thought on him as well.

[@Thompson011]

So should the same be said for the whole population of Germany, there's a reason why hitler had overwhelming support once he took power he was a master orator and a man who pulled a country out of the worst possible economic situation a country could possibly find itself in, established Germany as a superpower only 10 years after that. It wasn't until hitlers descent into madness upon losing ground in the war and the inevitable conclusion that was coming did most people including his generals and staff see the real hitler

[@QuinnShaw]

@@Thompson011 He succumbed to addiction. By all accounts he had a severe addiction to both opiates and amphetamines, essentially constantly speedballing. He brought his "doctor" with him everywhere that would administer these drugs intravenously, along with a concoction of other things for his "health and stamina." I think he cared more for the high than reality in the final year or two.

[@weirdshibainu]

@@Thompson011 The same could be said about any politician and populace. Politicans never spell out every detail. The Germans wouldn't have followed Hitler in 1936 if he had promised to create the Holocaust or invade Russia.

[@Thompson011]

@@QuinnShaw far too many factors to get into in a KZbin comment but that would certainly be a big one, maybe not so much caring about the high but certainly trying to escape the reality that he knew was coming

[@brandonlang9322]

@@blitzy3244 Amazing i am so happy to see like minded individuals here.

[@eicdesigner]

I so wish more of my fellow Americans could research the Nazis and how they rose and fell. Thanks for sharing this information.

[@gruntforever7437]

Choltiz was one of the Old Guard; remember Hitler had the entire Wehrmacht swear a personal oath of obedience to HIM. Not the ruler of Germany. HIM, Adoph Hitler. For a group who were brought up from birth to believe that a personal oath was inviolate no matter what, this situation had to be true hell. Any intelligent officer knew the war had been lost two years earlier at Stalingrad. IF not then Kursk. The steady advance of all the Allies east and west for nearly two years at this point had to leave no one with any real common sense believing in any kind of victory. I have read and seen accounts of how Hitler could spellbind people; and that was another facet of all of this. A fervor like believing in a Prophet of God. All this should be taken into account when considering what Von Choltiz did. The sensible part of him KNEW destroying Paris was a criminal act. A war crime. But the part that was old Guard Prussian, had taken an PERSONAL oath to obey Adoph Hitler to the end, fought with the sensible part. The conflict I think is what caused him to slow walk everything. Hoping events would prevent him from having to do something terrible. And he got lucky.

[@phlm9038]

Yes, also von Choltiz was worried about what would happen to his wife and children who were still in Germany if he disobeyed.

[@vvr881]

Totally correct ...non germans don't understand this 'Prussian' mentality and the oath

[@thiloreichelt4199]

The war was known to be lost even before Stalingrad. My grandfather was legal adviser in the air force ministry. One day, during a conference with big generals, a note was brought in. The general presiding read it and said: "Amerika hat den Krieg erklärt. Meine Herren, das wars dann wohl". (America has entered the war. Gentlemen, so much for the war) My grandfather got into REAL trouble for sharing this with his family. A party official wanted him executed, but some connections inside the military saved him.

[@jrd3523]

To this day, I never understood how a corporal from Austria could have ruled the old aristocratic german army leaders.

[@thiloreichelt4199]

@@jrd3523 Lance-corporal, Hitler never reached corporal because of "insufficent ability to lead".

[@soullessdevice]

"I saw in front of me someone who had lost his mind. The fact that the life of our nation was in the hands of an insane being who could no longer judge the situation or was unwilling to see it realistically depressed me immensely." It depresses me to have the similar thoughts about the president of the united states today.

[@webstercat]

Just as evil… a pedo

[@fighter5583]

Comparing Biden to Hitler is possibly the dumbest decision you could've made.

[@kittymervine6115]

when I lived in Europe, the first time I went to Paris was like meeting a celebrity or just a wonderful dream. I had not expected such a small city, to be so full or treasure and beauty. It was sad to travel to other cities that were all NEW, both in the UK and in Germany and Holland. But Paris belongs to the world. Also if you go to Pere Lechaise, there are graves of those that died in that time before liberation and a bullet marked wall where the Germans shot Parisians all through the war. If you get a chance read the book "Is Paris Burning?" The one line about young teenage women who would open a tank top and throw in a Molatov cocktail and then be shot as they ran off, that they looked like beautiful flowers in their bright skirts, falling to the ground. Also the brave hospital, with the doctors making bombs to throw and the knowledge that they might have to liberate themselves if the allies did not....it was a way of showing, "We're willing to give everything for this city, it must be saved."

[@srfrg9707]

I live near the Invalides, the Ecole militaire and several ministries. Their stone walls are literally covered with bullet holes from the combats in august 1945. Tourists don't pay attention to those details.

[@kittymervine6115]

@@srfrg9707 just read this, know some do. It's more important than ever now.

[@edka1031]

You did not mention the role of the Swedish ambassador convincing Choltitz.

[@peterjeffery8495]

Ever since the talk of Russia unleashing Nukes as Putin's behavior becomes more erratic have the words "Jodl...is Paris Burning?" have been on my mind. Early on in the "Special Operation" Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was asked if Russia would launch nuclear weapons, his answer was "We are not crazy". I think that answer was truthful and candid.

[@blakemcleroy4812]

Had I not heard great radio hosts say “draconian measures” during COVID I would’ve had to google it 😂🙈🤷

[@tinapeters5725]

Thank you for this interesting post, I have no words to describe these individuals, the Nazis also wanted to blow up Firenze/ Florence, they mined all the main bridges over the Arno, blew up several , one they did not get to blow up was, Ponte Vecchio , they destroyed as they withdrew, stole Artworks, many have never been returned, lives lost because of greed, power.🌻

[@CeciliaSalinas-om4br]

Oh, no, not beautiful Florence!

[@bertkoerts3991]

I studied wwII for 40+ years, and this was new to me! Great story, great video! Please keep at it! And in a couple of years from now, please reflect on the stories of the war in Ukraine! 😊👍

[@rushmore3927]

Quick note version. The general feared being surrounded, and saw no point following the orders when retribution would be on him if captured.

[@zyzor]

This was a very interesting video thanks for uploading.

[@BillHalliwell]

G'day Dark, Make no mistake; I love the City and people of Paris. Even though I live on the other side of the planet, in Tasmania; I visit as often as I can. Paris, for me, has a deep historical and social significance; however, its preservation, I believe thanks to General Dietrich von Choltitz, came at a mammoth price. The loss of hundreds of thousands; quite possibly, a few million lives elsewhere, across Europe and Germany. Untold numbers of families, towns and villages were wiped from the face of the Earth due to Eisenhower's decision to enter Paris when he did. The most pressure coming from the, generally loathed, self-appointed 'saviour' of Paris and leader of France, Charles de Gaulle. Every time I find myself sitting outdoors in Paris, revelling in its atmosphere; I can't help but think that the young people around me and the average Parisians have no idea how many people 'paid the bill' for their homes and their lifestyles in the City of Light. Then I ponder the horror of Paris, somehow being behind a hideously redrafted Communist wall through the decades of the Cold War if the French Communists had taken over; and then the original intent; even worse, Paris reduced to burning rubble. At every possible occasion, Paris and Parisians should pause to pay thanks to non-Parisians for their beautiful, iconic French capital. Thank you, Dark, for highlighting the reasons why there IS a Paris. Cheers, BH

[@francispoldiak7948]

I think this is all an exaggeration re: the 'true cost' of liberating Paris. The Allied forces needed to veer south to take Paris simply was not enormous...the fuel problem was not really felt til later....

[@larrym1448]

As a history lover, I thank you. Very well done.

[@santagemma6212]

VON Choltiyz a war hero. Refusing to follow the demon's order and obey his conscience might have saved his soul.

[@srfrg9707]

And also a war criminal for destroying several towns when in charge in the eastern front.

[@BesoffenerIslamist]

@@srfrg9707 that makes him even a bigger hero

[@anthonywheeler3048]

Excellent , thank you so much. I always learn something when I watch your documentaries.

[@lychan2366]

General von Choltitz chose to stand on the right side of Paris' art and cultural history by defying his Fuhrer. He was not the only German general who stood up to his insane dictator. Heinz Guderian, Erich von Manstein and Erwin Rommel, to name a few, had many disagreements and arguments with Hitler over the Nazi prosecution of war. There are many lessons to learn from this aspect of history. One of them is to discern and avoid serving a boss turned mad, or giving an insane order. 🤣😂

[@yuigahama3189]

Even erwin rommel tried to assassinate hitler months before committed suicide

[@paulmiller6245]

They knew the war was over

[@paul8158]

How do you consider the bombing of Dresden in the context of your last line? With the Bengali famine, Churchill had some 2-4 million starved to death people on his account too, he may also turned mad with some of his orders since then, ever thought about? Especially taking into account that the war was actually won at that point of time.

[@sgtjeff56]

Over the years I've seen "Is Paris Burning" a number of times and this video helps understanding the movie.

[@JBowman-ps2ri]

Excellent Video! I watch about all the DARK channels & love the videos always But this one was one of the best Ive seen theyve made! Narrator as always, excellent!!! Thank you for all you're hard work making such great researched true historical and more content!!!

[@robertbowers9856]

Very good. I enjoy hearing such facts I was unaware of.

[@LemonMan_Man]

Wow that's crazy that paris wasn't flattened, glad theres men with morals in war.

[@nickmartinez195]

Including Col. Stafingberg. May of spelled his last name wrong that tried to assassinate Hitler by putting a bomb close to Hitler.

[@LemonMan_Man]

@@nickmartinez195 The duality of man, to know those camps existed but only saving paris...

[@sirbasilflapjack671]

Well, Sir, his morals didn't extend to burning down cities in Russia. Selective morality.

[@williamcrisp6032]

It wasn't morals, it was him saving his own skin because he knew the war was lost and that if he did blow up Paris the French would skin him alive, if he thought there was a chance they could have still won he would have turned it to ash and laughed while doing so, because he's a Nazi and animals don't have morals

[@blitzy3244]

It's flattened now, demographically...

[@thegunslinger1363]

I've heard of this before. Thank goodness he didn't go through with it.

[@shauny2285]

A movie was made about it. Watch "Is Paris Burning?"

[@jameskelly6152]

Man, that's a fantastic doc. Thank you !!! ,❤️❤️❤️

[@arundelacroix222]

Um....Eisenhower allowed free French forces to re-take paris upon pressure made by DeGaulle and French resistance Members pleading for help. Americans weren’t involved here till city was secured.

[@alanchidley2745]

A historical account I never knew. Well done !!!!!!!!!!

[@GrrMeister]

*Well Done **_Von Choltitz_** gives us the wonderful Paris we enjoy today !*

[@williamw4643]

Why did you omit the Swedish diplomat who convinced the general to not destroy the city. It was even made into movies called “Paris burning” and “Diplomacy”. His name was Raoul Nordling.

[@angelseliteautodetailing]

You guys know pop tarts are getting smaller

[@justme_gb]

I bet von Choltitz slept soundly the first night after he surrendered - likely the first time in months.

[@kenglavens6455]

True but what happened to his family?

[@jensberling2341]

Wonderful. Thank you

[@thegrumpydragon7601]

Can’t imagine such a beautiful city like paris burned to the ground

[@ijusthatenormiesihavenooth1164]

Today it's a 3rd world sewer

[@thegrumpydragon7601]

@@ijusthatenormiesihavenooth1164 nah

[@TurboMountTV]

If the Americans waltzed into Paris pretty much unopposed how can THAT be blamed for delaying Allied advance.

[@Music-lx1tf]

Very interesting to catch the other side of this perhaps he was a hero perhaps he was a villain but the city still stands

[@sid2112]

He was a soldier. Let the politicians be the protagonists and antagonists.

[@specter86fl]

correct, he was neither hero, nor villain, he was merely a soldier

[@donaldseilheimer6116]

I have read "Is Paris Burning" some years ago. I have often wondered was he questioned by Allied intelligence about Hitler?

[@viktor123k]

Overall, a good informative video. However, you need to know the difference between WW1 and WW2 German battle footage. Also, the part where you talk about him meeting Hitler for the first time and the footage was of Ribbentrop and Malotov...the two top diplomats of the Germans and Soviets...not good. These mistakes take away from historical inaccuracies of the presentation.

[@theeHeisenberg]

Something very human and universal in that. Even an enemy of France had to sit back and say "I can't destroy something this beautiful".

[@kulturfreund6631]

His name was Coltitz, not Holtitz. I heard this story before. Later I heard that he hadn’t had enough explosives to blow up Paris (or at least important and culturally important buildings of it) anyway. So that he made it look as if he did out of mercy. - Who knows which version of the story is true....

[@rosesprog1722]

That is if Hitler really gave that orderat all, allied propaganda was on steroids at that time.

[@kulturfreund6631]

Right. You mostly don’t get the whole picture and only know what they allow you to. Hitler and his party would have gotten nowhere without the bank loans from New York. After the war the CIA had incorporated 1,400 German scientists, engineers and members of German intelligence. See >operation paperclip

[@rosesprog1722]

@@kulturfreund6631 There were no bank loans from New York, US firms did invest in German corporations but only in a very limited way ands only after the nazis had taken power, before that the party was always on the verge of bankruptcy. Astonishingly it is two Munich Jewish bankers who kept them alive. The US used those Germans mostly for the space program but they did much worse that that, they gave immunity to the Japanes scientists of Unit 731 in exchange for their research papers and they actually used those vicious biological agents against North Korea, murdering hundreds of thousands of civilians that way. and then they dropped some on China, a clear violation of the Geneva convention. And then they nuked two cities when the Japanese had been trying to surrender for months, they just refused to respond until they had tried their new toys. And there's a lot more.

[@kulturfreund6631]

@Roses&Prog Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. was one bank. See: Wikipedia or watch documentary: >All Wars are Bankers‘ Wars

[@rosesprog1722]

@@kulturfreund6631 I know the bank, that's where Prescot Bush was working. and where Fritz Thyssen had some investments. He financed Hitler in Germany but US banks did not. Hitler's money mostly came from rich German financiers who wanted to make sure all communists would be expuled and from industrialists who benefited from Hitler's policies but only once he became chancelor, before that the perty constantly struggled to survive.

[@chimaemezi3133]

I believe this man saved Paris.

[@AlbandAquino]

Same thing happened in Bordeaux. Where a German soldier basically saved the city from destruction by locking himself with the detonators and waiting to be rescued.

[@thkempe]

According to Wikipedia, he blew up the detonators, killing 50 of his comrades.