“Is Paris Burning?” Greg Albrecht

LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP/Getty Images) In 1944 the Allied armies were marching on Paris intent on liberating it from the German military. Hitler, realizing the inevitable, ordered his armies to burn Paris before leaving. Many believe that General Dietrich von Cholitz wrestled with his conscience before refusing Hitler’s decree that Paris must be set ablaze. Apparently, Hitler’s general could not bear to be responsible for such a craven act of destruction.  Hitler did not know of this insubordination until he was informed by his staff that the Allies had liberated Paris. Hitler reportedly asked, “Is Paris burning?” It seems the evil ...