August Schmidt (Luftwaffe)

August Schmidt (1 February 1883 – 23 November 1955) was a highly decorated General der Flakartillerie in the Luftwaffe during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, and its variants were the highest awards in the military and paramilitary forces of Nazi Germany during World War II. Schmidt was captured by British troops on 8 May 1945. In October 1947 he was sentenced to life imprisonment because of war crimes committed against captured British airman. His sentence was later reduced to ten years, and in 1950 he was released for health reasons.

Born1 February 1883

Hildesheim, Hanover, Prussia, German Empire

Died23 November 1955(1955-11-23) (aged 72)

Rotenburg an der Wümme, Lower Saxony, West Germany

Allegiance German Empire (to 1918)
Weimar Republic (to 1922)
Nazi Germany

Branch

Prussian Army (1901–1918)
Reichsheer (1918–1922)
Army (1935–1936)
Luftwaffe (1936–1945)

Quick facts Born, Died ...

August Schmidt
Born	1 February 1883 Hildesheim, Hanover, Prussia, German Empire
Died	23 November 1955(1955-11-23) (aged 72) Rotenburg an der Wümme, Lower Saxony, West Germany
Allegiance	German Empire (to 1918) Weimar Republic (to 1922) Nazi Germany
Branch	Prussian Army (1901–1918) Reichsheer (1918–1922) Army (1935–1936) Luftwaffe (1936–1945)
Service years	1901–1922 1935–1945
Rank	General der Flakartillerie
Commands	Luftgau VI
Conflicts	World War I World War II Battle of France Defense of the Reich
Awards	Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross

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