Daniel Eckstein

> Men, listen up. I want you to do this by the numbers but you have to stay focused. Efficiency is key when you are working in a hazard zone. Any valuable intelligence you come across, log the time and location and pack it up for delivery to the Oberkommando. The remains of our fallen men must be identified, tagged and sealed in the body bags provided, and please...keep your eye on your Geiger counters at all times. Carry on.
>
> Daniel Eckstein issuing instructions to his men, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Brigadeführer **Daniel Eckstein**, also known as **The Butcher of Boston**, is an Übercommander and assassination target in *Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus*.

## Biography

### Before 1961

Eckstein first rose to significance within the Nazi party sometime in the early 1940s. In 1952, during the Nazi conquest of the United States, he took part in an assault on "Tennessee Station" wherein he was acclaimed for heroism. He was responsible for the capture, torture and execution of eighteen resistance leaders during an initiative known as Operation Strange Seas and commanded at least one other operation which led to the deaths of eleven resistance fighters and the capture of sixteen more. Eckstein is most infamous for his command of Camp Boston, where such atrocities occurred that the mere mention of them after the fact make even hardened Nazi soldiers who were present for those events uncomfortable. This is what gave him his moniker as "the Butcher of Boston".

### Assassination

> Blazkowicz. I have never been so proud to be part of the resistance. Perhaps the people of Boston can finally rest in peace.
>
> Grace to B.J. upon Eckstein's death, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

By July 1961, Eckstein had become one of the extremely influential Übercommanders within the American territories; it was at this time that he was deployed in the former New Orleans ghetto, leading an operation to search for any notable intelligence for documentation, as well as recover the bodies of soldiers killed during the purge of the city and subsequent detonation of a nuclear warhead by the Kreisau Circle. This assignment would be his last; while issuing orders to troops on Bienville Street, he was killed by William J. Blazkowicz.

## Personality and relationships

Eckstein receives notably more character development than most of the Übercommanders, though much of it is indirect. A conversation between two soldiers at the beginning of the side mission featuring him reveals that between his unnerving gaze and his reputation he manages to scare even his own troops. Based on his dialogue, He values efficiency, loyalty and a calm demeanor from the troops under his command, especially when working in a hazardous environment such as the irradiated ghetto. He is also very specific when giving instructions.

The Unnamed Überkommandant's Note found in the sewers beneath Bienville Street suggests that Eckstein is greatly conflicted at the time of his assassination. He mentions that he no longer takes pride in the reputation his nickname gave him, and is now filled with doubt. Despite his current marriage, he is haunted by the death of his past lover Elize, and becoming a father has also changed his views of his past actions. Sudden bouts of guilt have surfaced over his actions in Boston, and his faith in the Nazi philosophy has also been shaken by the revelation of the truth behind the Reich's technological triumphs, classified information revealed to him as he rose to his current rank. Eckstein contends that he no longer believes in the righteousness of the Nazi cause, but will continue his duties simply for the "love and respect" of the men under his command.

While Grace has no love for any Nazi she seems to hold especial contempt for Eckstein specifically, describing his death as the proudest moment of her tenure in the resistance. It is unknown whether this implies some personal history between the two or if Grace was just more generally aware of Eckstein's past and found his actions exceptionally repulsive.