What are some less known facts about Gustav Schwarzenegger?

Here are some less well-known facts about Gustav Schwarzenegger, the father of Arnold Schwarzenegger:

Nazi Party and SA Membership

Gustav Schwarzenegger voluntarily applied for membership in the Nazi Party in 1938 and joined the Sturmabteilung (SA), also known as the "storm troopers" or "brownshirts," on May 1, 1939. This was about six months after the SA played a crucial role in the Kristallnacht riots134.

Military Service

Gustav Schwarzenegger served in various German Army units during World War II, including in Poland, France, Lithuania, and Russia, where he was wounded. He was a member of the Feldgendarmerie, the military police known as the "Chained Dogs" due to the metal links they wore around their necks as part of their uniform. He was made a master sergeant and left the army in 1943 after contracting malaria134.

Post-War Life

After the war, Gustav Schwarzenegger underwent a de-Nazification process in 1947, which allowed him to work for the postwar Austrian state since no specific war crimes were attributed to him. He worked as a police officer in Austria until his death in 19723.

Personal Life and Family

Gustav Schwarzenegger was born on August 17, 1907, in Austria-Hungary, to Cecelia (née Hinterleitner) and Karl Schwarzenegger. His paternal grandfather was Czech, and Gustav's surname was adopted from his mother's side. He was a strict and authoritarian figure who raised his sons with a strong emphasis on discipline and physical strength. He frequently pitted his sons against each other in athletic matches and did not approve of Arnold's interest in weightlifting and bodybuilding345.

Health and Injuries

Gustav Schwarzenegger's military service records show that he received significant medical attention and was wounded during the war. He also contracted malaria, which contributed to his leaving the army in 19433.

Family Dynamics

Gustav Schwarzenegger had a complicated relationship with his sons, particularly Arnold. He was described as a tough, domineering person who taught his sons discipline but also exhibited inconsistent behavior, alternating between anger and sporadic displays of affection, especially after drinking5.

These details provide a more nuanced understanding of Gustav Schwarzenegger's life, his involvement with the Nazi regime, and his personal and family dynamics.