Joachim Peiper quotes

Joachim Peiper was a German Waffen-SS officer during World War II, known for his close association with high-ranking Nazi officials. His command of SS troops was linked to several war crimes, most notably the Malmedy massacre during the Battle of the Bulge. He was later convicted for war crimes and remained a controversial figure even after his death. Here are 6 of his quotes:

I was a Nazi and I remain one...The Germany of today is no longer a great nation, it has become a province of Europe.

Joachim Peiper

I admit willingly that after the Normandy battles, my unit was composed of young fanatic soldiers. Many of them had lost their parents, or brothers and sisters in the bombardments. Some had seen for themselves at Cologne where thousands of bodies were crushed after the terrorist raids. Their hatred of the enemy was such that I admit that I could not always control them. At Malmédy, there were, no doubt, some excesses.

Joachim Peiper

It's so long ago now. Even I don't know the truth. If I had ever known it, I have long forgotten it. All I know is that I took the blame as a good CO should have been and was punished accordingly.

Joachim Peiper

My boys may charge me with all they want. The main thing is, it helps them. They are not evil and no criminals. They are the products of total war, grown up on the streets of scattered towns without any education! The only thing [they] knew was to handle weapons for the Dream of [the] Reich. They were young people with a hot heart and the desire to win or to die, according to the word: right or wrong-my country!

Joachim Peiper

When seeing today the defendants on the dock, don't believe them to be the old Combat Group Peiper. All my old friends and comrades have gone before! These people who plead for mitigating circumstances are only the negative selection! The real outfit is waiting for me in Valhalla!

Joachim Peiper