Ernst Kaltenbrunner, a former Austrian politician, passed away on October 16, 1946, at the age of 43. He was the head of the Reich Main Security Office during World War II and held the rank of SS-Obergruppenführer. Kaltenbrunner was born in Austria in 1903 and briefly studied law before joining the Austrofascist Fatherland Front, beginning his long political career. In 1934, Kaltenbrenner joined the Nazi party and was an important figure in the Gestapo. In 1943, he became the highest-ranking SS officer after Heinrich Himmler. In October 1944, Kaltenbrunner succeeded Reinhard Heydrich as head of the RSHA, the Reich Main Security Office. During this time he helped to oppress and persecute Jews and other minorities. In 1945, as Allied forces advanced westward, Kaltenbrunner went into hiding. He was eventually captured by the American army and later stood trial at Nuremberg for his many war crime offenses. In 1946 he was found guilty and sentenced to hang. Kaltenbrunner was one of the few defendants to face the actual death sentence as most received prison sentences. Kaltenbrunner’s life was cut short at the age of 43, but his legacy will remain in the hearts and minds of many. He will be remembered as a leader in the Nazi party and for his numerous war crime offenses.