Swiss Diplomat Carl Lutz Awarded George Washington University’s President’s Medal

Swiss diplomat Carl Lutz, BA ’24, who saved the lives of 62,000 Jews from Nazi persecution, was posthumously awarded the George Washington University President’s Medal—the highest honor the university president can bestow. GW President Steven Knapp presented the award during a ceremony at the university. Mr. Lutz’s daughter, Agnes Hirschi, accepted the award on his behalf. While stationed in Budapest from 1942 to 1945, Mr. Lutz served as head of Switzerland’s foreign interests section, representing the interests of a dozen countries which had severed ties with the Hungarian government (then aligned with Germany). During this time, he used protecting power mandates (allowing Switzerland to protect citizens of other countries living in Hungary), saving Jewish families from extermination.