Erich Gepner - a fascist general who became a criminal

Erich Gepner is a little-known German officer who managed to become a colonel-general under the rule of Adolf Hitler. His biography does not contain outstanding events or unusual solutions, but it can be a vivid example of how the fascist system dealt with those who did not meet its requirements.

Erich Gepner: the beginning of military career

Erich from his early childhood dreamed of a military profession. Therefore, in the ranks of the regular army of Germany, he proved himself to be a selfless fighter capable of not only carrying out orders, but also giving them. And so, in 1906, just a year after entering the service, he gets his first rank - a lieutenant.

In the fall of 1913, a very young Erich Gepner entered the military academy in Berlin. However, he did not have time to finish it, because in 1914 all the military were called to the front of the First World War. True, such a turn of fortune went to the young officer only for the benefit, since on the battlefield he began to change one military rank to another.

As a result, after the war he came home with captain's shoulder straps. In addition, his chest was decorated with Iron Crosses of both degrees.

Peaceful time

Thanks to his services in 1921, Erich Gepner settled into the cavalry inspection under the Ministry of War. Here he sees a higher leadership, and soon the officer is transferred to the headquarters of the division. This was a momentous moment, which played an important role in the formation of Gepner.

So, in 1930 he became commander of the regiment, and in February 1933 received the rank of colonel. After this, he was transferred to the chiefs of staff of the 1st Army Corps. And in the winter of 1936 Erich Gepner became a Major-General. And, finally, in the spring of 1939, he was appointed general of the cavalry, commanding the 16th Motorized Corps.

The Second World War

General Gepner Erich began his participation in the Second World War with the Polish campaign. Then he was transferred to France, where he showed himself as an outstanding leader, for which he received the rank of colonel-general. In 1941, Gepner was sent to the Soviet Union, so that he helped with the tank offensive on Leningrad, and then on Moscow.

However, on January 8, 1942, his 6th Army Corps fell under strong counter-fire. As commander Erich Gepner decides to retreat, despite a clear order to fight to death. Such self-will was unacceptable - the general is fired from the Wehrmacht with disgrace. In addition, Gepner is deprived of all awards and merits, which becomes the greatest blow to his pride.

Betrayal and execution

July 20, 1944 a number of Wehrmacht officers commit an attempt on the life of Adolf Hitler in order to overthrow the tyranny of fascism. However, their plan fails, all conspirators sentenced to death. The list of perpetrators falls and Erich Gepner, who since 1935 maintains close relations with the Resistance.

The death sentence was enforced on August 8, 1944. The former general of the fascist army was hanged in the prison of Pletzensee.