“SS Untersturmfuehrer Altstoetter is frank, honest, and helpful. His ideology is firmly established on a National Socialist basis. A. was a leader of the staff of the 48th Standarte and there at all times performed his duties in a satisfactory manner.”
In a report from Leipzig, dated 10 June 1939, it is stated that he was awarded the “badge of honor for legal service, in silver”, effective 19 April 1938, signed Sachse, SS Untersturmfuehrer and Adjutant.
The defendant was evidently highly regarded by Himmler who, on 18 September 1942, at a meeting with Thierack and Rothenberger, referred to him as a reliable SS Obersturmfuehrer.
It also appears that his appointment to the Ministry of Justice was at the suggestion of Himmler and that the defendant’s relationship with Himmler was one which Thierack fostered for purposes of his own.
At the instance of Thierack, he visited Himmler at his headquarters and was present at a speech given by Himmler at Kochem, where he attended a dinner for twelve people, including SS Standartenfuehrer Rudolf Brandt and SS Obergruppenfuehrer Pohl.
He visited Berger, a high SS official, at Berger’s request. He carried on considerable correspondence with high officials in the SS, including Himmler, SS Gruppenfuehrer Professor Dr. Gebhardt, SS Gruppenfuehrer Berger, and Kaltenbrunner, Chief of the Security Police and SD.
On 25 May 1940 Altstoetter wrote to the Reich Leader SS as follows:
“If I can contribute my small part towards helping our Fuehrer to accomplish his great task for the benefit of our nation, this causes me particular joy and satisfaction, especially in my capacity as SS officer.”
According to a letter to Gebhardt, Himmler had instructed the SS leaders to request Altstoetter’s advice in certain matters.
On 6 June 1944 he wrote Gebhardt, congratulating him upon a recent award. In this letter he states: