Mildred Harnack – The American Who Resisted Hitler

Mildred Harnack may not be a household name, but her legacy is one of extraordinary bravery, resistance, and sacrifice. An American scholar who became a key figure in the underground resistance against Adolf Hitler, Harnack risked—and ultimately gave—her life for the fight against fascism.

This is the complete story of Mildred Harnack, the only American woman ever executed by direct order of Adolf Hitler.

Early Life and Education

Full Name: Mildred Elizabeth Fish Harnack
Born: September 16, 1902
Birthplace: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Mildred Fish grew up in a progressive, intellectual environment. She attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English literature. It was here that she met her future husband, Arvid Harnack, a German exchange student with shared interests in literature, politics, and social justice.

The couple married in 1926 and moved to Germany in 1929, where Mildred pursued a Ph.D. and lectured at the University of Berlin.

Life in Germany and Rise of Nazism

In Berlin, Mildred worked as a professor and translator while Arvid joined the German Ministry of Economics. As the Nazis rose to power in the early 1930s, the Harnacks became increasingly alarmed by Adolf Hitler’s regime. They began forming connections with other intellectuals, dissidents, and political opponents of the Nazis.

By the late 1930s, the couple had become central figures in a covert resistance group known as the Red Orchestra (Rote Kapelle), a loose network of anti-Nazi activists, intellectuals, and even military officers. They worked to gather and share information, distribute anti-Nazi literature, and warn the world about Hitler’s plans.

Resistance Work and Espionage

Mildred’s fluency in German and English, combined with her literary and academic skills, made her a valuable asset. She secretly translated documents, wrote anti-Nazi leaflets, and even helped Jews and political refugees escape from Germany.

Despite their idealistic goals, the Harnacks were accused by the Gestapo of being Soviet spies. Though they did pass some intelligence to the Soviets, the primary goal of the Red Orchestra was resistance to fascism—not espionage.

ALSO READ Vasili Arkhipov—The Unknown Hero of the Cold War

Arrest, Trial, and Execution

On September 7, 1942, Mildred and Arvid Harnack were arrested by the Gestapo. After months of brutal interrogation, they were tried by the Reich Court-Martial.

Arvid was executed by hanging on December 22, 1942.

Mildred was initially sentenced to six years in prison. However, Hitler personally intervened, ordered a retrial, and demanded a harsher sentence. On February 16, 1943, Mildred Harnack was beheaded by guillotine at Berlin’s Plötzensee Prison.

She was only 40 years old.

Her final words reportedly were:

“And I have loved Germany so much.”

Legacy and Honors

For many years, Mildred Harnack’s story was overshadowed by Cold War tensions and a focus on military resistance rather than civilian defiance. But in recent decades, her courage has been recognized in both the U.S. and Germany.

Notable Honors Include:

• Mildred Fish-Harnack Day (September 16) is officially recognized in Wisconsin.
• A commemorative plaque in Berlin honors her and Arvid’s resistance efforts.
• The University of Wisconsin–Madison honors her legacy through academic programs and events.
• Numerous books, including “Resisting Hitler: Mildred Harnack and the Red Orchestra” by Shareen Blair Brysac, have revived interest in her life.

Fast Facts About Mildred Harnack

• Born: September 16, 1902, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Died: February 16, 1943, Berlin, Germany
• Profession: Professor, Translator, Resistance Fighter
• Known For: Only American woman executed by Hitler’s direct order
• Languages: English, German, Russian
• Cause of Death: Execution by guillotine for resistance activities

Why Mildred Harnack’s Story Matters

Mildred Harnack wasn’t just a bystander to history—she was a participant who risked everything to oppose tyranny. Her story is a powerful reminder that resistance can come from unexpected places, and that speaking truth to power often comes at a great cost.

In an era when women’s roles in war and resistance were often ignored, Mildred Harnack stands as a trailblazing American hero who should never be forgotten.

FAQs About Mildred Harnack

Q1: Who was Mildred Harnack?
A: An American scholar and resistance fighter who opposed Hitler in Nazi Germany and was executed for her actions.

Q2: What did Mildred Harnack do during WWII?
A: She was part of the anti-Nazi resistance network known as the Red Orchestra, translating documents, writing leaflets, and assisting in resistance and escape efforts.

Q3: How did Mildred Harnack die?
A: She was executed by guillotine in 1943 after Hitler personally ordered a harsher sentence for her resistance work.

Q4: Was Mildred Harnack a spy?
A: She passed some intelligence to the Soviet Union, but her primary motivation was resistance to fascism, not espionage.

Q5: Is Mildred Harnack remembered today?
A: Yes, especially in Wisconsin and Germany, where she is honored as a courageous voice against Nazism.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Bravery

Mildred Harnack’s story is one of moral courage, intellectual integrity, and unwavering resistance in the face of evil. Her life and sacrifice serve as a timeless lesson: when confronted with injustice, even one voice—no matter how quiet—can help change the world.