Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. Born in 1893, the Reichsmarschall was an ace fighter in World War I, eventually taking over the famous Red Baron squadron. He became one of Hitler's closest confidants, becoming the second most powerful man in the Third Reich and Hitler's designated successor. Convicted of war crimes during the Nuremberg Trial, he committed suicide on October 15, 1946, after managing to have a cyanide capsule smuggled to him hidden in a fountain pen.
2. This colonel general was present during the attempt to assassinate Hitler with Operation Valkyrie, but was not a conspirator. He was injured during the explosion that ultimately failed to eliminate the Fuhrer. One of only a few German generals that were actually tried and convicted in the Nuremberg Trial, his last words were reported to be, "I salute thee, my eternal Germany."
3. The Reichsfuhrer was the chief of the SS and also a close confidant of Hitler. Born in 1900, he was by 1934 head of the entire Nazi terror apparatus and was responsible for the establishment of the concentration and extermination camps. Towards the end of the war, he attempted to open negotiations with the Allies, but his attempts were discovered by Hitler and he was labeled a traitor.
4. Convicted during the Nuremberg Trial and sentenced to death, this field marshal was born in 1882 and was the most senior of all the German generals. This general signed the surrender of Berlin per Stalin's orders after the suicide of Hilter, essentially surrendering Germany a second time. He died with another German general via hanging on October 16, 1946.
5. Born in 1880, this field marshal was actually the only German general to have died from enemy fire. Despite being involved with Germany's Panzer division in Poland, France, and the attempt on Moscow, this general died in an automobile with his wife and daughter during a bombing raid.
6. Forced to commit suicide via a cyanide pill, this brilliant field marshal was well known for his command during the German exploits in Africa. His suicide was because of his alleged involvement in the plot to kill Hitler, an allegation he denied. Well esteemed by his troops and those he battled against for his humanity, his men were told he suffered a heart attack so they would comply quietly with new direction.
7. One of the conspirators that were involved in plotting the assassination of Hitler in Operation Valkyrie, this field marshal also committed suicide via a cyanide pill after his involvement in the plot was discovered. This general left Hitler a suicide note that bid Hitler, "put an end to a hopeless struggle when necessary..." While leading the charge into the Soviet Union, he famously stated, "Women in uniform are to be shot." He was replaced by General Walter Model.
8. Born in 1881, this field marshal was of aristocratic descent. He was largely involved in spearheading the blitzkrieg-style invasions of Yugoslavia and Greece. He was captured by the Allied forces and sent to Yugoslavia for his crimes against the Soviet Union. He died in a Soviet prison in 1954, the highest ranking German officer to die in a Soviet prison.
9. Born in 1891, this German field marshal was nicknamed the "Fuhrer's fireman." He was a fierce Panzer general, winning Hitler's attention and praise with his aggression. Despite his favor with Hitler, this general was disliked by his men. Upon his death on April 21, 1945, by a self-inflicted bullet to the head, his chief of staff remarked, "The swine is gone."
10. Lastly, an ace during World War I, this field marshal was the last general in charge of Hitler's air force, and was the last general promoted to field marshal. Fiercely loyal to Hitler, he lamented Hitler's death saying, "It was the blackest day when we could not die at our Fuhrer's side." He too committed suicide on May 24, 1945, via a cyanide capsule upon his capture by the American forces.
Source: Author
TemptressToo
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bloomsby before going online.
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