Reply #225: it's true that german soldiers weren't prosecuted merely for fighting

[enki23]

however, those who refused to serve certainly were not in the wrong. it's the logical extension of the obligation to refuse unlawful orders. this man would have, even if only indirectly, contributed to the unlawful killing of civilians in an unjust war. morally, there is no real difference.

the man is a hero for opposing the state when the state is wrong, and for breaking a contract when the other party is--to put it very, very lightly--not acting in good faith.