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Siegfried HandloserHead of the Wehrmacht Sanitary Service
Date of Birth: 25.03.1885
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Chief Medical Officer of the Wehrmacht
- War Crimes and Medical Experiments
- Brothels for Soldiers
- Post-War Trial and Conviction
- Early Release and Death
A Nazi War Criminal: Karl Brandt, Chief Medical Officer of the Wehrmacht
Early Life and Military Career
Karl Brandt was born in Mulhouse, Alsace, Germany, on March 8, 1899, to a musician father. In 1903, he enrolled in the Kaiser Wilhelm Military Academy in Berlin, where he received his medical degree in 1910. In 1911, he defended his dissertation on "Specific Treatment of Typhoid Fever."
Brandt served as a medical officer in World War I and was decorated with the Iron Cross, 2nd and 1st Class, for his valor. From 1911 to 1942, he worked in the clinic at Giessen and various military units in Stuttgart, Dresden, and Vienna.
Chief Medical Officer of the Wehrmacht
In June 1942, Brandt was appointed Chief Medical Officer of the newly created Wehrmacht Medical Service. In this position, he was responsible for all medical operations within the German military.
War Crimes and Medical Experiments
As head of the Wehrmacht Medical Service, Brandt was complicit in numerous war crimes and medical atrocities committed by Nazi Germany. He oversaw the establishment of concentration camp infirmaries and authorized the infamous "medical experiments" conducted on prisoners by Nazi doctors.
Brothels for Soldiers
Brandt also played a key role in the creation and organization of official Wehrmacht brothels, which provided sexual services to German soldiers and officers in occupied territories.
Post-War Trial and Conviction
After the war, Brandt was charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity at the Nuremberg Doctors' Trial. He was sentenced to life imprisonment on August 20, 1947. However, on January 31, 1951, his sentence was reduced to 20 years.
Early Release and Death
Due to deteriorating health, Brandt was released early in December 1953. He died in Munich on July 3, 1954, at the age of 55.
