Erich Priebke

Profession: SS Commander and War Criminal

Nationality:

Biography: Erich Priebke was a German SS officer involved in the Nazi regime during World War II. He gained particular notoriety for his role in the 1944 Ardeatine massacre in Rome, Italy, during which 335 Italian civilians were killed in retaliation for a partisan attack.

Following the end of World War II, Priebke escaped to Argentina, where he lived for almost 50 years before being extradited to Italy in 1995. His trial drew international attention, as it highlighted the ongoing efforts to bring Nazi war criminals to justice. Priebke was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the Ardeatine massacre but his sentence was later reduced to house arrest. He was released in 2013 due to ill health and died soon after.

During his trial and subsequent imprisonment, Priebke showed little remorse for his actions, a stance that contributed to his infamy. Despite his conviction, he maintained that he was only following orders, a defense commonly used by those prosecuted for war crimes.

Born: July 29, 1913
Birthplace: Hennigsdorf, Prussia, Germany

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Star Sign: Leo

Died: October 11, 2013 (aged 100)
Cause of Death: Natural causes while in prison