Laszlo Deak Commander of the 26th SS Division, then XVII SS Corps Date of Birth: 07.01.1891 Country: Hungary

1. Early Life and Military Career
2. World War I and Interwar Period
3. World War II and Collaboration with the Nazis
4. Service in the Waffen-SS
5. Capture and Execution

Early Life and Military Career

István Deák was born in Hungary in 1904. In 1906, he began his military education at the Higher Infantry School in Sopron, graduating in 1912 from the "Ludovica" Royal Military Academy in Budapest. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in the 19th Infantry Regiment on August 12, 1912.

World War I and Interwar Period

Deák served in World War I, earning the Order of the Iron Crown 3rd Class with Crown and Swords and the Military Cross 3rd Class with Crown and Swords. After the war, he continued his military service in the Hungarian Army, rising to the rank of colonel.

World War II and Collaboration with the Nazis

In 1941, Deák participated in the occupation of Yugoslavia as part of the 5th Hungarian Corps. By 1942, he was commanding the 19th Reserve Division. However, he was later retired due to health reasons.

In 1942-1943, Deák took part in punitive operations against civilians in Yugoslavia, including the massacre at Novi Sad. He was subsequently put on trial for these crimes, but he escaped to Germany.

Service in the Waffen-SS

In January 1944, Deák joined the Waffen-SS. He returned to Hungary after the German occupation of the country. From August to November 1944, he commanded the "Combat Group Deák." In November 1944, he attended a sabotage course at "Hirschberg."

From November 1944 to May 1945, he commanded the 61st SS Volunteer Regiment. In January 1945, he took command of the 26th Hungarian SS Division. In February/March 1945, he helped form the XVII SS Corps from two Hungarian divisions.

Capture and Execution

In May 1945, Deák was captured by American forces in Bavaria. He was later extradited to Yugoslavia. On October 31, 1946, he was sentenced to death by a military court in Žabalj (Bačka). He was hanged on November 5, 1946, along with József Grassy and Ferenc Feketehalmy-Czeydner.