Jägerstätter became sexton of his local parish. Zahn's portrayal of the “new” Jägerstätter gives an impression of him as an intensely devout Catholic and of completely devout man. Jägerstätter was also in “total opposition to the Nazi regime and its policies” not only inwardly, but also in “outward opposition” which Zahn emphasizes was “surprisingly so if one considers the penalties that could, and often did, follow any expression of criticism or opposition.” While others in his community remained silent, Jägerstätter responded, “‘Pfui Hitler!’” whenever he was greeted by the usual ‘Heil Hitler!’”and he even withdrew from his local peasants organization when it refused to oppose the Nazi movement. After Nazi troops has crossed into and annexed Austria, Jägerstätter was the lone voice of opposition in the local plebiscite: “It was a matter of common knowledge in St, Radegund that Jägerstätter did not cast one of the Ja votes which, in his opinion, represented a betrayal of Church and nation.” Though “the published vote did register one hundred per cent approval in St. Radegund, in spite of the fact that Franz had cast a negative vote” some reports suggested “that the peasant had not voted against the proposal but had, instead, cast an intentionally ‘void’ ballot.” Zahn declares that “this marked the first step in a continuing series of refusals to co-operate that was to culminate in the action which cost him his life." Jägerstätter's rebellion met its pitch on March 2, 1943 when he was scheduled to report to the military induction centre in Enns. One day prior, in a letter to his wife he wrote: “Today I am going to take the difficult step." Zahn notes that Franz's purpose of “writing was not only to pass on the news of his own decision but, beyond that, to thank his wife from the bottom of my heart for all the love and fidelity which you have brought me and the whole family. And for all the sacrifices you must still undergo on my account [italics indicate Jägerstätter’s own words]." Jägerstätter was well aware of the implications of his rebellion and refusal to fight not only to himself, but also to his wife and daughters.