The story of Otto Schimek, a young Austrian soldier in the Wehrmacht, is a symbol of moral courage during World War II. Despite immense pressure and the threat of death, he refused to take part in executions of Polish civilians, remaining true to his principles and a promise he made to his mother.
Early Life and Joining the Wehrmacht
Otto Schimek was born on May 5, 1925, in Vienna as the youngest, thirteenth child of a poor, religious family. He grew up in the working-class Leopoldstadt district of Vienna, where he trained as a carpenter. Even as a teenager, he was deeply connected to his Christian faith and values. In February 1943, at the age of 17, he was conscripted into the Wehrmacht. Initially, he was sent to the Balkan front, where German units fought partisans and committed numerous atrocities. During this time, Schimek promised his mother that he would not kill innocent people.
Refusal to Participate in Executions
During his early service, Otto refused to shoot defenseless civilians. For this, he was beaten by his commander and imprisoned in Kłodzko. Later, he was transferred to Galicia, serving in the 8th Company of the 1083rd Regiment, 544th Grenadier Division near Jasło and Tarnów. Schimek was ordered to participate in the execution of two Polish partisans he had been hiding, but he refused and was subsequently tried by a military court, which labeled his behavior as “desertion and cowardice in the face of the enemy” and sentenced him to death.
Before his execution, he was offered a pardon on the condition that he participate in the killing of hostages, which he again refused. He was executed on the morning of November 14, 1944, at the age of 19, in the village of Lipiny.
Memorial in Machowa
Schimek was buried in Machowa near Dębica, where his grave still stands, with inscriptions in both Polish and German explaining the reason for his death. The site has become a place of pilgrimage, including visits by Austrian cardinals. In the Holy Trinity parish in Machowa, residents commemorate Schimek twice a year – on the Sunday after his birthday and on the Sunday following the anniversary of his death. A prayer group also operates under his patronage.
Films, Books, and Symbolism
Two films and one book have been made about Otto Schimek. His story became a symbol of resistance against the criminal policies of the Third Reich and continues to inspire future generations. In Poland, his life was promoted by the pacifist movement “Freedom and Peace,” where he became a symbol of moral courage. Otto Schimek is also a candidate for beatification, demonstrating that even in difficult times, it is possible to remain true to one’s principles.
Historical Controversies
Although Schimek’s story is widely known, not all elements are fully confirmed by military documents. Some historians suggest that the disciplinary records may indicate ordinary desertion or avoidance of combat rather than heroic resistance to orders. The exact location of his burial is also uncertain, with some researchers considering the Machowa grave to be symbolic. Despite these doubts, his story remains an important point of moral and spiritual memory in Poland and Austria.
Otto Schimek exemplifies that moral courage is possible even in the face of wartime terror. His story remains a symbol of resistance to crime, and his grave in Machowa serves as a place of reflection and prayer. Memories of the young Austrian continue to inspire respect for humanity even in extreme circumstances.
