Join us Thursday, October 16 at 5:30 p.m. for a Legacy Lecture by Dr. Robert Hutchinson. A book signing and reception will follow the presentation.
American Clemency for Nazi War Criminals
The Nuremberg trials of 1946–1949 sought to deliver justice for Nazi crimes of plunder, enslavement, and mass murder. Yet within a decade, nearly every surviving defendant had regained freedom. After Nuremberg examines how High Commissioner John J. McCloy and his successors, invoking American principles of fairness and rehabilitation, set in motion a clemency and parole system that steadily reduced sentences for major offenders. Ninety‑seven of 142 convicted Nazis walked free by 1958, including high‑ranking perpetrators of forced labor and atrocities.
Based on extensive archival research and newly declassified material, this gripping account reveals how a bureaucracy of mercy—meant to showcase impartial justice—ultimately rehabilitated unrepentant war criminals and emboldened reactionary forces in West German politics. This talk explores how American ideals, when applied to the defeated enemy, blurred the line between justice and forgiveness, raising enduring questions about punishment, politics, and historical memory.
How can I attend?
The event is free to the public, but reservations are required. To reserve a seat, or for more information about the event, contact [email protected] or call 540.463.7103, ext. 138.
How can I watch from home?
The presentation will also be livestreamed on the Marshall Foundation YouTube channel (https://bit.ly/2Or0E8D) simultaneously. Viewers of the stream are encouraged to write questions using the live video chat (to the lower right of the video) or via email at [email protected]. Chat will be monitored for abusive comments.
Who is Robert Hutchinson?
Dr. Robert W. Hutchinson is Associate Professor of Strategy and Security Studies at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, Maxwell Air Force Base. He earned his PhD in modern European history from the University of Maryland and previously held fellowships at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the U.S. Naval War College. His research focuses on twentieth-century European political and military history, intelligence, and genocide studies. He is the author of After Nuremberg: American Clemency for Nazi War Criminals and German Foreign Intelligence from Hitler’s War to the Cold War. At SAASS, he teaches courses on airpower history, military theory, and irregular warfare.
The George C. Marshall Foundation Legacy Series is sponsored by:
Dominion Energy; Raymond James; Edward Jones; CornerStone Bank; the Anne C. Robins and Walter R. Robins, Jr. Foundation; Richard & Caroline T. Gwathmey Memorial Trust; ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice; Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1499