Wilhelm Keitel
In 1882, Wilhelm Keitel was born in Helmscherode. He was born into a land-owning, middle class family. Keitel chose the military as a career. By the outbreak of war in World War I, Keitel had become a Captain in the German Army. Keitel was injured early in the war. He became a member of the General Staff by 1915.
Keitel stayed in the Army after the war while also serving as a member of the terrorist group Friekorps in Poland. Keitel received a promotion to Lieutenent Colonel by 1929. During this time he was given the task of increasing the size of the German Army under strict secrecy in violation of the Treaty of Vienna.
One of Keitel’s friends became powerful under Hitler’s rise and introduced the two. This meeting created a great impression on Keitel and he soon became a loyal follower of the Fuhrer. By 1938, Keitel had been named the Commander of the German High Command of the Armed Forces by Hitler.
Keitel proved to be instrumental in implementing many of Hitler’s policies in regards to atrocities committed by the German’s during World War II. Later in the war Keitel brought some of his views against some of Hitler’s military moves. This dissention put Keitel at odds with Hitler, and the Fuhrer did not approve.
Keitel’s death, unlike many of the other Nazi leaders, did not come as a result of suicide. Keitel stood trail at Nuremberg, and was sentenced to death by the Court for war crimes, mostly his part in the murder of millions of Jews.
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