William Dudley Pelley

William Dudley Pelley (March 12, 1890 – June 30, 1965) was an American fascist activist, journalist, writer, and occultist. He was noted for his support of Nazi Germany dictator Adolf Hitler during the Great Depression and Second World War. Pelley initially gained prominence as a writer, winning two O. Henry Awards and penning screenplays for Hollywood films. His 1929 essay "Seven Minutes in Eternity," published in The American Magazine, was a popular example of what would later be termed a near-death experience and marked a turning point in his career. His antisemitism led him to found the Silver Legion of America in 1933, a fascist paramilitary organization. He ran for president in 1936 as the candidate of the Christian Party. In 1942, the U.S. government prosecuted Pelley for sedition and seditious conspiracy, alleging he conspired to cause insubordination in the military and obstruct recruitment. He was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. Pelley was released on parole in February 1950 under the condition that he cease his political activities.