[Walter Büngeler (1900-1987) : Nazi victim or political influencer in Brazil?]

Walter Büngeler is one of the best known German pathologists of the 20th century. He became internationally known for his basic research on leukaemia and the pathology of tumours. In 1936 he left Europe for Brazil but returned in 1942. After 1945, he staged himself as a political victim who had been expelled first by the National Socialists and later from Brazil. In fact, with this portrayal he succeeded in passing the denazification procedure without any damage and in continuing and considerably expanding his university career. Until the recent past, Büngeler was described in the relevant literature as a Nazi critic or victim. But does the presentation handed down by Büngeler stand up to a critical examination of the facts?On the basis of contemporary sources, the article reveals serious differences between Büngeler's statements and historical facts. It can be shown that Büngeler's allegations in denazification were incorrect in all relevant aspects.