Ferdinand Schörner
Ferdinand Schörner | |
|---|---|
Schörner in 1941 | |
| Commander-in-Chief of the German Army | |
| In office 30 April 1945 – 8 May 1945 | |
| Preceded by | Adolf Hitler |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 12 June 1892 Munich, Kingdom of Bavaria, German Empire |
| Died | 2 July 1973 (aged 81) Munich, West Germany |
| Political party | Nazi Party |
| Civilian awards | Golden Party Badge of the NSDAP |
| Signature | |
| Nickname(s) | Blutiger Ferdinand (Bloody Ferdinand) Ungeheuer in Uniform (Monster in uniform) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | |
| Branch/service | |
| Years of service | 1911–1945 |
| Rank | Generalfeldmarschall |
| Commands | Army Group South Army Group North Army Group Centre |
| Battles/wars | |
| Military awards | Pour le Mérite Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds |
Ferdinand Schörner (12 June 1892 – 2 July 1973) was a German military commander and convicted war criminal, who held the rank of Generalfeldmarschall (Field Marshal) in the Wehrmacht of Nazi Germany during World War II. He was the only German soldier to rise to this rank from his initial status of Einjährig-Freiwilliger (One-year volunteer). He commanded several army groups and was the final Commander-in-chief of the German Army and the last man promoted to the rank of Field Marshal in the Wehrmacht.
Schörner was a dedicated Nazi and became well known for his ruthlessness. By the end of World War II, he was Hitler's favourite commander. Following the war he was convicted of war crimes by courts in the Soviet Union and West Germany, and was imprisoned in the Soviet Union, East Germany and West Germany.