Oddly the Dostler case is a case in point, as it was relatively risk free for general officers to refuse orders, the worst that happened to them was forced retirement.
In the early days, yes but by 1944 the wind had changed and you could find yourself under investigation or worse. That said there was the case of Hans Graf von Sponeck who refused orders in 1941 and was immediately arrested, imprisoned and later shot.
Oddly the Dostler case is a case in point, as it was relatively risk free for general officers to refuse orders, the worst that happened to them was forced retirement.
In the early days, yes but by 1944 the wind had changed and you could find yourself under investigation or worse. That said there was the case of Hans Graf von Sponeck who refused orders in 1941 and was immediately arrested, imprisoned and later shot.
Now that's a truly morally gray case ;)
Unfortunately the Rules of War are selectively applied: https://www.military.com/daily-news/investigations-and-features/2026/01/05/biscari-massacre-pattons-soldiers-executed-73-axis-pows-sicily-then-army-covered-it.html?fbclid=IwdGRleAPVeBZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xNzM4NDc2NDI2NzAzNzAAAR6_hPC0AB00P2XMjpI0PQHvOrxKZ9sg0ru7aow3x1pDqfNrdRdWW2igk0-HrQ_aem_ipuN_DsinWOiRYObvUj8OQ
Since you’re an proclaimed atheist I tip my hat to you; you have more faith than I do.
This is true, there is a certain amount of "Victor's Justice" and there were plenty, on both sides, who got away with it.