Wernher von Braun’s Hugely Complicated Legacy

Wernher von Braun went from meetings with Hitler about Germany’s V-2 wonder weapon, a weapon built with concentration camp labour, to one of the lead architects behind Apollo 11 in less than twenty years. His move from high-ranking Nazi to American celebrity began with a single typo.

How should we treat an ex-Nazi? Should science and technology overlook someone’s background if their most visible accomplishment is inspirational? It seems like a dumb question — of course, people should be held accountable for literal war crimes — but history would suggest that, under the right circumstances, we’re comfortable turning a bit of a blind eye.

Von Braun is a unique case, but his story raises questions of morality in technology, something that’s very relevant in our increasingly technological society. I also wanted to do a deep dive because every time I bring up von Braun, regardless of the platform or context, my comments explode with people explaining his backstory or arguing he wasn’t really a Nazi, so I think it’s worth giving him a good look.

Let’s unpack Wernher von Braun as a fascinating historical figure and case study. We’ll examine his early life, wartime activity, fame in America, and how his image only became tarnished after his death.