Profiles In Courage

John F. Kennedy wrote Profiles in Courage.

I haven't read it in a long time, but if memory serves me, he tends to focus on public courage which is connected in some way or other with worldly success, note-worthiness (in other words, on "victorious courage"). I will have to check the book to be sure.

These stories can be inspiring, but in my view they hold second place to an entirely different kind of tale. I am more moved by courage in the face of utter oblivion, by what I might call "tragic courage". I will share stories of such courage below. If you know any - please email them to me!

1) The Polish Officer

During World War II, at an unnamed German concentration camp, a captured Polish artillery officer arrived on the train with the jews, gypsies, homosexuals, and others destined for death.

The SS saw the Polish oficer as racially closer to the German "overman" than the various ragtags on the train. So they took him aside and offered him a choice. He could help them execute a group of old Jews, using pistol shots to the back of the head. If he agreed to do this, they would allow him privileged status in the camp (decent food, quarters, and other relative luxuries).

The oficer asked, "and if I do not comply?"

"Then you will be beaten to death by the rifle butts of the Latvian camp guards who are just now lounging against the wall of that holding pen over there," said the SS man, indicating a group of thugs who loosely cradled their rifles while smoking cigarettes.

The Polish Officer stood straight and tall, facing the SS man. After a brief silence, he indicated his choice.

"Your work is abominable," he said. "Nothing you can promise me would induce me to join you in your murders."

"Very well," said the SS man. He gestured to the Latvians.

The Polish Officer, as promised, was beaten to death. All around, the killing continued apace.