Unlikely Warrior - Alberto R.

Georg Rauch’s memoir, "Unlikely Warrior: A Jewish Soldier in Hitler’s Army," brings a very interesting question: How did a Jew find himself serving in the German army during World War II? Rauch, who came from an intellectual Austrian family in Vienna, was a Christian and had a Jewish grandmother. As a result of his Jewish heritage under Nazi doctrine, he and his family were relegated to second-class citizenship, exempt from the dreadful concentration camps but subject to discrimination. 

The book starts in 1943, with Georg, a smart yet somewhat oblivious teenager, messing with gadgets while his mother houses Jews in their attic. Aware of his quarter (25%)-Jewish heritage, he has a contempt for the Nazis but fails to understand fully his situation. His inadvertent actions, such as constructing and testing a shortwave radio, nearly result in the arrest of his family and the Jews they were hiding, although the Gestapo (German secret police) see him as merely a naïve youth.

This carefree life abruptly ends when he is conscripted into the German army, which, in its desperation for manpower and soldiers on the field, overlooks his Jewish background, even mistakenly assigning him to officer training. Sent to the Eastern Front to combat the Soviets, Rauch provides a firsthand account of the brutal conditions—icy winters, scorching summers, perpetual thirst, starvation, lice, and brutal and relentless enemy attacks. His time on the eastern front helped him learn to be resourceful, he adapted quickly, securing a position as a radio operator for improved living conditions and mastering the art of scavenging for resources.

The story provides insight into post-war Europe, where survival, reunion with loved ones, and the search for belonging were great concerns. Despite the horrors he endures, Rauch maintains a positive faith in humanity’s goodness.

This memoir offers a glimpse into his evolution from innocence to a battle-hardened soldier. The book was translated from German by his wife, Phyllis Rauch, the book, though it is classified as Young Adult, will resonate with adult readers interested in military or World War II history. Which why you should read this book, it good book and me me like. 10/10 no questions asked, this is last blog post I'm ending it with a boom boom. hope u like blog here is a chip: