Description

Albert Leo Schlageter (12 August 1894 — 26 May 1923) was a member of the German Freikorps. His activities sabotaging French occupying troops after World War I led to his arrest and eventual execution on May 26 1923 near Dusseldorf by French forces. His death created a nation-wide image of martyrdom around him, which was cultivated by German nationalist groups, in particular the Nazi Party. Third Reich made him into a great national hero, commemorating his death every year, striking numerous medals, and erecting monuments to his name.