Germany: From Heroes To Infamy

For the 1989 shooting of Chris Gueffroy, believed to be the last person killed while trying to flee East Germany, the border guards responsible were decorated, given bonuses, extra vacation days and a celebratory meal. Last week the four were put on trial in Berlin, charged with manslaughter. The proceedings are the first of their kind, and getting convictions will be no small task. The accused, say their attorneys, citing the Nuremberg defense, were just following orders.

The trial has come under fire for focusing on the small fry while those responsible for the shoot-to-kill command have escaped justice. Former East...