Theodor Kretschmer


Theodor Kretschmer 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.

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 (Wehrmacht)|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.

Awards and decorations