August Eigrüber, 'Gauleiter' of Oberdonau

In the end of the war, Gauleiter August Eigruber ordered to explode the Altaussee mine, where the Altarpiece panels - among many other looted masterpieces - were stocked. Bombs were sent to Altaussee, in boxes bearing the inscription "Vorsicht Marmor, Nicht stürzen": "Attention Marble, Do not overthrow". Fortunately, the destruction was avoided.

A "Gauleiter" was a regional leader of the Nazi party, as well as the administrative supervisor of a Gau (province). It was the second highest rank in the Nazi paramilitary hierarchy.