I did not know that

As I was somewhat distracted in 2008 I failed to note the passing of Siegfried Knappe, who:

• Fought in artillery units for the Germans in WW2, and was decorated for bravery on numerous occasions,
• Became a staff officer,
• Did daily briefings in the Führerbunker, and was one of the last to depart (his account of this experience was one source for the movie Downfall),
• Was captured and imprisoned by the Russians, but released in 1949,
• Emigrated to the U.S. and moved to Dayton, OH, where he became an executive at NCR (formerly National Cash Register), 
• Retired in 1983,
• and wrote Soldat: Reflections of a German Soldier, 1936-1949.

Well, ok.  But forgive me if I don't salute.

(link)