The story
Ilse Hirsch was instrumental in “Operation Carnival,” the assassination of the American-appointed Burgermeister of Aachen.
After being dropped by parachute into the town, it was Ilse who guided the team of killers to the home of this diplomat who was considered a traitor to the Nazi movement. He was assassinated while standing on his front steps.
Ilse was later found guilty of war crimes at the famous “Werewolf Trial.” However, she was the only member of this notable team of killers who was eventually allowed to go free.
There's more to discover
You have arrived at just one small part of Back to Normandy — a personal project dedicated to preserving stories, images, music and memories of the Second World War.
Every record is a doorway to a larger story. Explore Back to Normandy to discover more, or visit Fred Vogels' personal website to learn about the person and the projects behind it.