He was the son of EWALD VON Kreist schmenzin
and was a Wehrmacht officer during 1940 to 1944. Like his father he also was
anti nazi to the core and took part in resistance activities. He was personally
recruited for the purpose by Claus stauffen berg. He was persuaded to carry out
suicidal attack on Hitler during Jan 1944. The plan was to blow up Hitler
during demonstration of new uniforms used in the front to Hitler. Explosives
were hidden in brief case and the plan was to blow up the suitcase. However the
plan could not be carried out . After failure of 20 July plot he was arrested
but was released as no evidence was found against him. He managed to cover up
all his activities. He was sent to Ravensbruck camp and then to the front which
he survived.His father was however executed. in post war, he started his own
publishing house in West Germany and soon it became a leading one. in 1962 he
founded wehrkundetagung in Munich which was the predessensor to Modern conference
on security policy. He was its convened till he retired in 1998.During Cold War
period the forum was an important even and today it is a forum for diplomats,
politicians, defence personnel to debate on international security issues. for
his distinguished service he was awarded US Dept of Defense medal . When he
retired he was given a grand send off by members.He led an active retired life,
spoke fearlessly on issue like nuclear non proliferation , German army, but
never spoke on 20 July 1944 plot.Heb died at the age of 90 years.
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