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In 1918, Witzke was arrested at the Mexican border while using the assumed name "Pablo Waberski". A cryptogram found in his sleeve when he was arrested was later decoded, confirming Witzke's identity and status as a saboteur. As a result, Witzke was sentenced to death, at one point managing to escape but being recaptured the same day. However, shortly before his execution, the Armistice was signed, ending the war and delaying Witzke's death sentence until it was commuted to life imprisonment by President [[Woodrow Wilson]].  
In 1918, Witzke was arrested at the Mexican border while using the assumed name "Pablo Waberski". A cryptogram found in his sleeve when he was arrested was later decoded, confirming Witzke's identity and status as a saboteur. As a result, Witzke was sentenced to death, at one point managing to escape but being recaptured the same day. However, shortly before his execution, the Armistice was signed, ending the war and delaying Witzke's death sentence until it was commuted to life imprisonment by President [[Woodrow Wilson]].  


In 1923, the German Ambassador requested Witzke's release on the grounds that all other countries had released their prisoners of war. This, combined with the fact that Witzke's prison record revealed that he had prevented a boiler explosion, resulted in President Calvin Coolidge granting Witzke an official pardon.  
In 1923, the German Ambassador requested Witzke's release on the grounds that all other countries had released their prisoners of war. This, combined with the fact that Witzke's prison record revealed that he had prevented a boiler explosion, resulted in President [https://real-life-heroes.fandom.com/wiki/Calvin_Coolidge Calvin Coolidge] granting Witzke an official pardon.  


During [[World War II]], Witzke worked as an intelligence official, and was elected to become a state official in West Germany after the country was split. He died in 1962.
During [[World War II]], Witzke worked as an intelligence official, and was elected to become a state official in West Germany after the country was split. He died in 1962.