Joachim Goldbach Military figure of the GDR, Colonel General Date of Birth: 08.12.1929 Country: Germany

1. Heinz Goldbach: A Stalwart of the GDR Armed Forces
2. Early Life and Political Affiliation
3. Military Education and Command
4. Senior Military Appointments
5. Regional Commands and National Defense
6. Post-Unification and Legal Proceedings

Heinz Goldbach: A Stalwart of the GDR Armed Forces

Heinz Goldbach was a renowned military figure in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). His distinguished career, marked by rapid promotions and influential positions, left an enduring legacy in the annals of the GDR's military history.

Early Life and Political Affiliation

Goldbach was born into a family of a commercial employee. After completing his schooling, he pursued training as a carpenter from 1945 to 1949. During this time, he became an active member of the Anti-Fascist Youth Committee and joined the Free German Youth (FDJ) in 1946. He held a position as the head of the economic department at a pioneer camp before joining the GDR's People's Police on October 27, 1949.

In 1950, Goldbach became a member of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED), the ruling party of the GDR. His political allegiance further propelled his military career.

Military Education and Command

From 1950 to 1951, Goldbach attended the armored officer school of the Main Administration for Combat Training. He graduated as a junior commissioner and served as a platoon commander and instructor at the same school.

In 1952, he embarked on a four-year education at the Military Academy in the Soviet Union. Upon his return, he was promoted to major and served as first deputy commander, chief of staff, and deputy commander of the 7th Armored Division in Dresden from 1956 to 1960.

Senior Military Appointments

From November 1, 1960, to July 31, 1964, Goldbach commanded the 7th Armored Division as a colonel. Following this, he enrolled in the Military Academy of the USSR General Staff.

After completing his studies, Goldbach returned to the GDR as a qualified military specialist. From October 1, 1966, to August 31, 1969, he commanded the 4th Motorized Rifle Division in Erfurt. He was promoted to major general on October 7, 1966.

Regional Commands and National Defense

From November 1, 1969, to September 14, 1972, Goldbach served as first deputy commander of the 3rd Military District in Leipzig. He subsequently assumed command of the 5th Military District in Neubrandenburg from October 1, 1972, to October 15, 1979. On October 7, 1974, he was promoted to lieutenant general.

In 1979, Goldbach was transferred to the Ministry of National Defense, where he succeeded Helmut Poppe as deputy minister and head of rear services on October 16, 1979. From February 1, 1986, to April 18, 1990, he held the positions of deputy minister and chief of technology and armament of the National People's Army (NVA). On March 1, 1986, Goldbach was promoted to colonel general.

Post-Unification and Legal Proceedings

After the fall of the GDR, Goldbach briefly served in the transitional Ministry of Disarmament and Defense. On April 18, 1990, he became head of the Office for Technology, Disarmament, and Conversion. He retired from service on September 30, 1990.

Goldbach was charged with aiding and abetting murder in connection with the deaths at the Berlin Wall. In 1997, he was sentenced to three years and three months in prison. However, he was released from prison in 2001 by an appellate court.