Hitler and German Americans: Allies in WWII - Unveiling Unanticipated Support

During World War II, the Axis powers relied on varied sources of aid and support to strengthen their war efforts. One often overlooked aspect includes the role of German Americans in providing unexpected assistance to their homeland. Whether through direct espionage, sabotage, or covert military operations, these individuals played significant yet underreported roles in the conflict.

The Unexpected Aids from Prescott Bush

One of the more notable cases involves Prescott Bush, the father of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, who was secretly aiding the Germans. When Bush was employed as a foreman at a New York factory that manufactured the top-secret Norden bomb sight, he betrayed his country by providing the German authorities with a complete set of plans. While Hitler was not aware of the specific aid from Prescott Bush, the incident reflects the depth of some German American’s loyalty towards the Axis powers.

Notably, Prescott Bush was the only American to be censured by Congress for aiding the enemy during World War II. His actions highlight the complexity of loyalties during the war and the lengths to which some individuals were willing to go to support their heritage.

Ties to American Nazi Sympathizers

During Hitler's election campaign, American Nazi sympathizers played a significant role. Figures such as Charles Lindbergh and Henry Ford openly supported the German cause and influenced public opinion in the United States. Lindbergh, in particular, drew attention with his controversial speech on neutrality, which stirred heated debates and strained relationships between the U.S. and Germany.

A German American’s Unexpected Journey

William Patrick Hitler, the nephew of Adolf Hitler, represents another instance of unexpected support. Although not on a scale of military espionage, his actions highlight the different ways individuals could align themselves with the Axis. William Patrick, born in Ireland to Hitler’s half-brother Alois and an Irish mother, worked under Hitler in the early 1930s before emigrating to the U.S. In 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Pharmacist’s Mate, showing a personal connection to Hitler in name only.

Drawing a peculiar connection, he was met with an unusual greeting from a Navy recruitment officer, who playfully said, "Glad to see you Hitler. My name’s Hess." Despite his temporary pledge to the Axis at the start of the war, William Patrick was wounded in action and later awarded a Purple Heart for his service.

Germany’s Diplomatic and Espionage Efforts in the U.S.

Before the outbreak of World War II, the Germans employed a significant diplomatic effort through Hans Thomsen, a less influential diplomat appointed to the U.S. during the interwar period. His strategies included attempts to sway American authors against supporting war and influencing the 1940 Republican National Convention to pass an anti-war platform. However, Thomsen's efforts were largely unsuccessful, as evidenced by the failure of his bribes to a Congressman and the U.S. Lend-Lease program to Britain.

With espionage, the Germans set up the Duquesne spy ring, which infiltrated key U.S. institutions to gather information and carry out sabotage. The ring was compromised, leading to the arrest of its members. Notable figures like William Curtis Colepaugh defected to Germany and participated in further espionage efforts, with their activities often being exposed by the FBI.

Scottish-American Espionage: George Dasch and William Curtis Colepaugh

As the war intensified, Germany attempted various infiltration strategies. In June 1942, George Dasch was landed in Amagansett, New York, with instructions to contact local Germans and sabotage American military targets. Similarly, William Curtis Colepaugh defected to Germany while serving in the U.S. Naval Reserve and returned to the U.S. in November 1944 with the instruction to recruit other ethnic Germans. These individuals, despite their efforts, were ultimately captured or thwarted by the FBI.

In summary, the role of German Americans in supporting Hitler and the German war effort was multifaceted and often goes unnoticed in historical accounts. From direct espionage to personal allegiances, these individuals played significant, though often underreported, roles in the conflict.