Unbroken Will: The Extraordinary Courage of an Ordinary Man, The Story of Nazi Concentration Camp Survivor Leopold Engleitner, Born 1905

by Bernhard Rammerstorfer

A 103-Year-Old Nazi Concentration Camp Survivor Exposes the Darkest Chapter in History Seventy years after the imprisonment of Leopold Engleitner (born 1905) by the Nazis, author Bernhard Rammerstorfer narrates Engleitners remarkable life and Nazis atrocities during one of the dark epochs of world history in a poignant biography entitled Unbroken Will. Although Leopold Engleitner and Nazi fuehrer Adolf Hitler grew up in the same province (Upper Austria) and shared the same cultural background and education system, but the convictions and attitudes they developed were diametrically opposed. Whereas Adolf Hitler caused untold suffering to millions as a merciless mass murderer, Leopold Engleitner devoted his life to peace, refusing to buckle even in the face of death. Mr. Engleitner is often asked, Why would a man facing imprisonment and unspeakable suffering in a Nazi concentration camp, when given a choice, chose not to sign a document giving him his freedom? Instead he submitted to Nazi persecution, enduring imprisonment in Buchenwald, Niederhagen, and Ravensbruck concentration camps, rather than renouncing his faith as one of Jehovahs Witnesses. Driven by his convictions, he took a stand against the Nazis by refusing to serve in Hitlers army. As a result, he was brutally mistreated by the SS that imprisoned and tortured him in an attempt to break him. In the concentration camp, he even bought a suitcase for the seemingly impossible journey home. Weighing less than sixty-two pounds, he survived the camps only to be hunted down like an animal in his attempt to escape into the rugged Austrian Alps. Amazingly he still lives to tell his story, and today at age one hundred and three, he is the oldest known male concentration camp survivor. Suffering through the First World War, the Spanish Flu and then the rise and fall of Nazism, Engleitners story seemed to be lost to the pages of history until a chance meeting over half a century later with author and filmmaker Bernhard Rammerstorfer. This marked the beginning of a remarkable and extraordinary friendship. For more information on Unbroken Will, log on to wwwunbrokenwillcom

Genres: Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2004

Reviews

[Becky Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

GREAT BOOK!! Some of our poor brothers have gone throught so much! Extraordinary is right!! Can't wait to read more!!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely cried while reading this book. Can't imagine going through what Leopold had to deal with.

[Nicole Noelle Niehaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

An astonishing and faith-strengthening biography of Austrian born Leopold Engleitner. Who in 1932 left the Catholic Church to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses and thus a Conscientious Objector. He went through immense persecution for following his faith both before and during the war. He is believed to be the oldest male concentration camp survivor. A couple of quotes from Leopold nicknamed Poidl:

"Show true wisdom heart by keeping your conscience intact- for your own good and for the good of the people around you."

"I have always done my best to apply just principles and to respect the rights of others. That is why no one was able to force me to raise a weapon against my fellowman. I have no reason to feel bitter. When I decided to follow this path in 1932, I was well aware that it would mean a hard struggle."

[Connie Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and unfailing strength in his God Jehovah!!!

Leopold Engleitner was an extraordinary man, who from an early age believed in
a moral code and in peace. Later, he would become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Not surprising, since they believe in world peace. This will not be attained by ANY
government or human on earth, but by means of God’s Kingdom in the heavens.

His courage and determination in remaining faithful to his beliefs is truly remarkable, considering the unbelievable cruelty he endured. He NEVER gave up,
and told EVERYONE why!!!

We need many, many more like him!!!

A MUST READ!!!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing! It strengthened my faith in Jehovah, and it really put me in the concentration camp. This shows the true wickedness of the Nazis and how horrible they were, how real they were. Despite this, Engleitner stayed true to his convictions and left the camp with a clear conscience! I want to be like Engleitner when I get older!!!

[Joyce Calkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s sad but I really enjoyed it and have a copy.

[Joel Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What determination!

I couldn’t put this book down! I’m not an avid reader, but this is story that must be heard. It shows that an ordinary person can stand against the current.

[Joomi Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I once owned this book. It had a funny memory in it.

[Karianne Tew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and such a well written book. I highly recommend this book to be read.

[Kezzia Mikolajczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book twice so far. He was such a positive person throughout. A heartbreaking but inspirational story

[Joomi Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I once owned this book. It was interesting and easy to read.

I was unhappy that his conscience allowed him to visit Disneyland during his retirement years. I just expect more from Witnesses who are my generation or older.

As of July 2023 my mom and I had an argument about some Costco Disney apples my mom ended up buying. I prayer cursed that purchase.

[Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thats why thy say don't judge a book by its cover. Very Good book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary example of faith and courage. Loved it.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very great book on jehovahs witness holocaust survivor