Theodor Kretschmer
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Theodor Kretschmer (26 November 1901 – 5 December 1986) was a general in the Wehrmacht of Nazi Germany during World War II. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.
Theodor Kretschmer | |
|---|---|
| Born | 26 November 1901 |
| Died | 5 December 1986 (aged 85) |
| Allegiance |  Weimar Republic Nazi Germany |
| Branch | Army |
| Service years | 1919–1945 |
| Rank | Generalmajor |
| Commands | 16th Panzer Division 17th Panzer Division |
| Conflicts | World War II |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross |
Military career
Kretschmer joined the German Army in 1919 and was commissioned in 1924. After a number of staff positions he briefly became commander of the 16th Panzer-Division in late 1944 before taking over as the commander of the 17th Panzer Division on 1 February 1945. Kretschmer was promoted to Major General on 1 April 1945. He surrendered his division on 11 May 1945 east of Prague. Convicted in the Soviet Union as a war criminal, he was held until 1955.[1]
Awards and decorations
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 8 March 1945 as Oberst and commander of 17. Panzer-Division[2]
