I think Willy symbolized the Nazi ideal... That is weakness in any form is not to be tolerated... Only the fittest survive... Also, he is a prisoner and they want him to take them to a safe allied ship or port, which he is not about to do...

His cold-hearted killing is not meant to show him as a psycho killer personally, but the Nazi as soulless killers...And proud. He says to Gus Smith as he pushes him over the side, "Always remember, Gus, your name is Schmidt"...



Bill Schafer