Conrad Schumann Autograph

Profession:
(1942-1998) East German border guard who escaped to West Germany during the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961.

Year of Birth: 1942

Conrad Schumann was a German border guard who gained international fame for his daring escape from East Germany to West Germany during the height of the Cold War. Born on March 28, 1942, in Zschochau, Germany, Schumann was just a young man when he made the decision to defect to the West.

On August 15, 1961, Schumann was stationed at the Berlin Wall when he saw an opportunity to escape. With East German soldiers closing in on him, Schumann made a split-second decision to leap over the barrier, abandoning his post and defecting to the West. A West German photographer captured the iconic moment, which quickly became a symbol of the division between East and West Germany.

Schumann's escape made headlines around the world, and he became a symbol of the struggle for freedom during the Cold War. He continued to live in West Germany, eventually settling in Bavaria and working as a truck driver. Despite his newfound freedom, Schumann struggled with the guilt of leaving his fellow soldiers behind in East Germany.

Tragically, Conrad Schumann took his own life on June 20, 1998, at the age of 56. His legacy lives on as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the Cold War and the fight for freedom. The image of Schumann leaping over the Berlin Wall remains a powerful symbol of hope and defiance.

Today, Conrad Schumann is remembered as a hero who took a stand against oppression and tyranny. His courageous act of defiance continues to inspire people around the world to fight for freedom and justice. The story of Conrad Schumann serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's ability to triumph over adversity.