Robert Ritter von Greim | |
---|---|
Chief of the Luftwaffe High Command | |
In office 26 April 1945 – 8 May 1945 | |
Preceded by | Hermann Göring |
Succeeded by | Office abolished |
1st Inspector of Fighters | |
In office 1 August 1935 – 20 April 1936 | |
Preceded by | Office established |
Succeeded by | Bruno Loerzer |
Personal details | |
Born | Robert Greim 22 June 1892 Bayreuth, Kingdom of Bavaria, German Empire |
Died | 24 May 1945 Salzburg, Allied-occupied Austria | (aged 52)
Cause of death | Suicide |
Resting place | Salzburger Kommunalfriedhof |
Military service | |
Allegiance | German Empire (1911–1918) Nazi Germany (1934–1945) |
Branch/service |
Luftstreitkräfte Luftwaffe |
Years of service | 1911–1918 1934–1945 |
Rank | Generalfeldmarschall |
Battles/wars | World War I
|
Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords Pour le Mérite Military Order of Max Joseph |
Robert Ritter von Greim (born Robert Greim; 22 June 1892 – 24 May 1945) was a German Generalfeldmarschall (Field marshal) and First World War flying ace. In April 1945, in the last days of World War II in Europe, Adolf Hitler appointed Greim commander-in-chief of the Luftwaffe (German air force) after Hermann Göring had been dismissed for treason. He was the last person to have been promoted to field marshal in the German armed forces. After the surrender of Nazi Germany in May 1945, Greim was captured by the Allies. He committed suicide in an American-controlled prison on 24 May 1945.