Paul Conrath
Germany- Early Life and Military Career
- Interwar Period and Re-enlistment
- Luftwaffe Service and Rise
- World War II: Eastern Front and Africa
- Italy and Parachute Troops
- Capture and Aftermath
Early Life and Military Career
Born into a military family, Wilhelm Konrad joined the German artillery as a volunteer in August 1914. He fought on the front lines from October 1914 and rose to the rank of lieutenant in March 1917. Konrad received both Iron Crosses during his service in World War I.
Interwar Period and Re-enlistment
After the war, Konrad was demobilized due to Versailles Treaty reductions. He pursued a career in the police, reaching the rank of police major by 1934. In April 1935, he re-enlisted in the military (Luftwaffe) as a major.
Luftwaffe Service and Rise
Konrad served as aide-de-camp to the Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe from 1935-36. He commanded an anti-aircraft battery and later an anti-aircraft battalion. In January 1938, he became aide-de-camp to the Luftwaffe Commander-in-Chief again. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in December 1938 and colonel in March 1940.
World War II: Eastern Front and Africa
Konrad led an anti-aircraft regiment during the French campaign. In 1941, he participated in the German-Soviet war on the Ukrainian front. For his actions, he was awarded the Knight's Cross in September 1941.
Promoted to major general in June 1942, Konrad's regiment was expanded into a brigade in July and then into a division in October. In early 1943, he fought against American and British forces in Tunisia. The "General Göring" division was defeated in Africa in May 1943. Konrad formed the "Hermann Göring" motorized (later armored) division in Sicily from its remnants.
Italy and Parachute Troops
Konrad fought against American and British troops in Sicily from July 1943. For his actions in Africa, he was awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross in August 1943. Promoted to lieutenant general in September 1943, he commanded in Italy and was awarded the German Cross in Gold.
In April 1944, Konrad became Inspector of Airborne Troops. In January 1945, he was promoted to General of Parachute Troops.
Capture and Aftermath
After Germany's surrender on May 8, 1945, Konrad was taken prisoner by the Americans.
