Rudolf von Gersdorff was a Wehrmacht officer who sought to end Adolf Hitler's regime through assassination. His motivation stemmed from a growing disillusionment with the Nazi leadership and the war's disastrous course. In March 1943, Gersdorff meticulously planned to conceal a bomb under his uniform and was determined to trigger it during a visit by Hitler to Berlin's Museum of Technology. The plan depended on precise timing, as Gersdorff intended to detonate the bomb in close proximity to the Führer during his public appearance.

On the day of the planned attack, Gersdorff found himself in an emotionally charged situation. As Hitler's entourage arrived, he was overcome with hesitation and the weight of his decision. In a pivotal moment, he chose to defuse the bomb, realizing that going through with the act could also endanger the lives of countless innocents present at the event. This decision saved his life and allowed him to avoid immediate suspicion, but it also left him grappling with his convictions and the consequences of his initial intentions.

The attempted assassination of Hitler by von Gersdorff is one of many plots against the Führer during World War II. While ultimately unsuccessful, it reflected the growing internal dissent within the German military ranks against Hitler's leadership and the war's direction. These acts of resistance also contributed to the broader narrative of opposition against the Nazi regime, highlighting the complexities within Germany during this tumultuous period.