Michel Hans Lippert Standartenführer SS Date of Birth: 24.04.1897 Country: Germany

1. Biography of Michel Hans Lippert
2. Early Life and Military Career
3. SS and Murder of Ernst Röhm
4. Post-War Trial

Biography of Michel Hans Lippert

Michel Hans Lippert, born on April 24, 1897, was a Standartenführer in the SS, a police officer, and a German soldier. He participated in both World Wars and gained notoriety as the killer of Ernst Röhm, the leader of the Sturmabteilung (SA).

Early Life and Military Career

Lippert was born on April 24, 1897, in Schönwald, Upper Franconia, a small town near the Bohemian border. He was the fifth child of Johann and Margaret Lippert. At the age of 17, he voluntarily joined the German army, and in November 1914, he joined one of the Bavarian regiments. Lippert fought on both the Western and Eastern fronts during World War I. He returned home in October 1917, decorated with the Iron Cross Second Class and the Bavarian Merit Cross Third Class with Swords.

After his return, Lippert enrolled in a flight school in Neustadt in October 1918, and he obtained his pilot's license on October 20, 1918. However, he did not have the opportunity to fly in combat as the war ended. During peacetime, Lippert chose not to remain in the army and briefly pursued a career in ceramics.

SS and Murder of Ernst Röhm

In June 1930, Lippert joined the Nazi Party (NSDAP), and nine months later, he became a member of the SS. On November 15, 1931, he was appointed as a second lieutenant in the 31st regiment of the SS "South" group. From June 19 to July 5, 1933, Lippert attended officer courses at the German Hochschule für Leibesübungen.

On July 2, 1934, just before the Night of the Long Knives, Lippert, accompanied by SS Brigadeführer Theodor Eicke, visited Ernst Röhm, who was imprisoned in Stadelheim Prison. Lippert gave Röhm a pistol and told him he had 10 minutes to use it. However, Röhm rejected the offer, and after 10 minutes, Lippert returned to his cell and shot him at point-blank range.

Post-War Trial

After the war, in 1957, Lippert stood trial in Germany for the murder of Ernst Röhm. He was found guilty and sentenced to 18 months in prison. Lippert was one of the few German executioners who managed to avoid significant punishment for his crimes. He passed away on September 1, 1969.