Bit of a shock.

It is somewhat of a shock to me, too.
On the other hand I don't think there is reason to doubt the sincerity of his stand on issues like war and fascism.
What mainly proves is that he has plenty of human cowardice, and yet, at last, courage enough to come clean.
I'm not too crazy about shining heroes, I have done and seen a little toomuch hero worshipping in my life.

Very well said, nightspore.

The real shock is that someone like Gunther Grass could still be sucked into an organisation such as the Waffen SS. It seems he had little choice, but he still notes its appeal.