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Franz BentivegniOne of the leaders of German military intelligence, head of military counterintelligence (Abwehr III); lieutenant general (1945).
Date of Birth: 18.07.1896
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Post-War Service
- Early Intelligence Career
- Head of Abwehr III
- World War II and Capture
- Post-War Imprisonment and Release
- Awards
- Iron Cross (1st and 2nd class)
Early Life and Military Career
Born into a military family, Karl Bentivegni joined the German Army as a cadet in the 2nd Guards Field Artillery Regiment. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a lieutenant by 1916. He fought in World War I on the Western Front, where he was wounded in 1918.
Post-War Service
After the war, Bentivegni served in various capacities, including as an adjutant in an artillery regiment. He attended training courses and gained experience in machine gunnery. In 1928, he completed officer training at the headquarters of the 2nd Division.
Early Intelligence Career
From 1930 onwards, Bentivegni served at the Berlin command headquarters, where he became involved in intelligence work. He was promoted to captain in 1932 and later served in the headquarters of the 2nd Division and an artillery regiment. As a major, he joined the staff of the IX Army Corps.
Head of Abwehr III
In 1938, Bentivegni became a senior officer in the штаб of the 26th Infantry Division. The following year, he was appointed head of the III (counterintelligence) department of the Abwehr, the German military intelligence organization. He played a key role in the analysis and control of the GFP (secret field police).
World War II and Capture
During World War II, Bentivegni commanded the 170th and 81st Infantry Divisions. He was promoted to генерал-лейтенант (lieutenant general) in 1945. In March 1945, the remnants of his division surrendered to Soviet troops.
Post-War Imprisonment and Release
Bentivegni was arrested by Soviet forces and imprisoned in the USSR. In 1952, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison for war crimes, including involvement in the Babi Yar massacre. In 1955, he was released and returned to Germany.
Awards
Bentivegni received numerous awards during his military career, including:
Iron Cross (1st and 2nd class)
Wound Badge (3rd class)Medal for Service in the Werhmacht
Clasp to the Iron Cross (1st and 2nd class)
Commander of the Order of the Star of Romania
Knight of the Order of the Crown of Italy
Finnish Order of the Cross of Liberty (2nd class)
Bulgarian Order of St. Alexander (2nd class)
