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Franz BreithauptOne of the highest-ranking SS officers, SS-Obergruppenführer and General of the SS troops
Date of Birth: 08.12.1880
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- A Formidable SS Officer: Franz Breithaupt
- World War I and Post-War Activities
- Rise in the Nazi Regime
- Contributions to the SS
- Leadership and Notable Appointments
- Demise
- Awards and Honors
A Formidable SS Officer: Franz Breithaupt
Early Life and Military ServiceFranz Breithaupt was born on December 8, 1880, in Berlin to a military family. He attended preparatory schools in Rendsburg and Kiel before enrolling in the cadet corps in Plön in 1891. Upon graduating in 1899, he was accepted as a cadet in the 42nd Infantry Regiment. He subsequently attended officer training courses and transferred to the 3rd Battalion of the 42nd Infantry Regiment in Greifswald. He later became an assistant instructor at the Berlin Gymnastics Institute.
World War I and Post-War Activities
In 1914, Breithaupt was appointed commander of the 5th Company of the 42nd Infantry Regiment. He fought in World War I and was awarded the Iron Cross, 1st and 2nd Class, for his bravery. He was discharged in 1918 with the rank of Major. From 1919 to 1921, he served in the Erhardt Marine Brigade. Until 1931, he was the director of the German Gymnastics Society.
Rise in the Nazi Regime
Breithaupt joined the Nazi Party (NSDAP) in 1931 and the SA (Storm Detachment) the following year. In 1933, he transferred to the SS (Schutzstaffel) and served as adjutant to the Reichsführer-SS in Berlin. He held various high-ranking positions within the SS, including commander of the Berlin SS Garrison and adjutant to Heinrich Himmler.
Contributions to the SS
As head of the SS Main Judicial Office, Breithaupt oversaw the investigation and prosecution of disciplinary violations within the SS. He also initiated investigations into financial misconduct in concentration camps. In September 1939, he was responsible for the execution of over 1000 individuals by the SS Court.
Leadership and Notable Appointments
Breithaupt served as police president of Breslau and head of the Criminal Investigation Department (Kripo) there. He commanded the 8th and 5th SS "Totenkopf" Regiments. Additionally, he headed the Trade Chamber of the Province of Brandenburg and was a member of the Lebensborn Society.
Demise
On April 29, 1945, Breithaupt was shot and killed by his subordinate, Untersturmführer Karl Lang.
Awards and Honors
Iron Cross, 1st and 2nd ClassWound Badge (Silver)
Veteran's Cross of World War
Old Fighter's Chevron
German Olympic Badge, 1st Class
Commemorative Medal of March 13, 1938
Anschluss Medal
Commemorative Medal of October 1, 1938
War Merit Cross, 1st and 2nd Class with Swords
NSDAP Long Service Medal in Bronze
SS "Totenkopf" Ring
Honorary Saber of the Reichsführer-SS
