Walter Koch
- Born on: 1.1.1918
- Birthplace: Vienna (Wien),
- Category: Diploma program
The English version is based on a translation by Artificial Intelligence. The authentic version is the German text.
At an unknown time after the 'Anschluss' of Austria to Nazi Germany, Walter Koch intended to study at the University for World Trade in Vienna. However, due to his Jewish ancestry, he was prohibited from doing so in December 1941 by the Reich Ministry of Science, Education and Popular Education (Berlin). The Ministry justified this by stating that Koch had not been distinguished 'for bravery in front of the enemy' during his military service. Thus, he did not meet the study requirement that was applicable in the Nazi state during World War II for so-called 'Mischlinge' of the male gender. This was a racially motivated discrimination.
During his military service, Koch fell into captivity. After his release, he returned in early June 1946 to the apartment at Schönbrunnerstraße 58 (5th District of Vienna), where he had already been registered since June 1937. He lived here until his marriage in April 1950. With his wife Elfriede (born February 20, 1926, in Vienna, maiden name Hofer), he moved to Neilrichgasse 105/1/15 (10th District). In 1964, he relocated to Ober St. Veit (13th District). Koch was buried in the local cemetery on August 5, 2003, after passing away at the age of 85 on July 23 of the same year.
His name is inscribed on the memorial, which was unveiled on 8 May 2014 on the campus of the Vienna University of Economics and Business.
Author: Johannes Koll
Source material
Österreichisches Staatsarchiv, Archiv der Republik, 02 Unterricht, Kurator der wissenschaftlichen Hochschulen in Wien, Kart. 13, GZ 5201 ex 1941-1944.
Meldeauskunft des Wiener Stadt- und Landesarchivs, GZ MA 8 – B-MEW - 1466047/2014.
Friedhöfe Wien, Verstorbenensuche: http://www.friedhoefewien.at/eportal/ [21. Oktober 2014].