Michael Kitzelmann (born 29 January 1916 in Horben, part of Gestratz, Westallgäu, Bavaria; died 11 June 1942 in Orel Prison) was a lieutenant in the German Army during World War II, who was executed for undermining military strength.
In the same year he completed his compulsory six months with the Reich Labor Service (Reichsarbeitsdienst) in Pfronten-Ried and began September 1936 with a three-semester study at the Theological Academy of St. Stephen in Augsburg with the aim of becoming a priest.
[2] To do his military service Kitzelmann moved in the summer of 1937 to 20 Infantry Regiment in Lindau, but then as a volunteer and officer candidate in the 91st Infanterie-Regiment.
Traumatized and shocked by these experiences Kitzelmann began after an examination of his conscience, to hate the Nazis and openly criticize commands.
His attitude resulting from a Christian rejection of war and the Nazi leaders responsible was apparent in his letters home and interviews with fellow soldiers de:Michael Kitzelmann#cite note-Schweizer-1: A comrade denounced him in March 1942, when he was being treated for an injury in a hospital.
He was company commander at twenty-four, awarded the Iron Cross Second Class for bravery in battle, and the Wound Badge in Gold for seven stays in field hospitals.