Armin Lehmann was chosen by fate to become an eyewitness to history. In the closing weeks of World War II, Armin served his country as a 16 year old courier inside Hitler's Berlin bunker. Miraculously, he survived the bloody breakout after Hitler's suicide.
It is truly amazing that a youngster who loved animals and poetry would find himself in such a maelstrom.
Even more phenomenal is the pledge Armin made less than a year later. He committed to dedicating the rest of his life to advocating peace, empathy, and tolerance --bringing his message of love to people living in more than 150 countries for more than 63 years.
So that future generations could learn from the past, Armin wrote an autobiography: Hitler's Last Courier. An abbreviated version is published as Inside the Bunker).
Armin's vast research library now resides at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Armin Lehmann, Courier of Peace
"PEace provides us with the opportunity to find a solution for every existing problem."
Armin and Mom
Armin's Hitler Youth ID
Armin with his siblings
Armin with his classmates
Armin with his mom, brothers & sisters
Armin on his quest for peace and tolerance
Armin travelled to the four corners of the world with his message of empathy and understanding
Armin in Thailand
Armin & Kim
Armin & surviving classmates
Kim & Armin
Lehmann Family Reunion, 1978
Armin & his beloved Schutz
Berlin, May 1945
Days after 16 year old Armin made his escape from the Reich Chancellery, this was the scene in Berlin.
This moment was the transition point where Armin switched his allegiance from his country to all of mankind.
University of Southern Mississippi
USM's library now houses a special collection of Armin's vast World War II research material, including rare books, documents, and papers.
