Adolf Hitler fought in WWI as a Gefreiter, or low level infantry, in the Austrian Army. He also worked as a message runner behind front lines and was injured at the battle of Somme. He received the Iron Cross second, and later first, class for his bravery, awards rarely given to such a low ranking soldier.

After the war he became embittered, some would say insane, after seeing his country crippled. He exploited that feeling in other Germans to make political gains.