In Serbia General Felber was made military Commander Southeast, and simultaneously Military Commander of Serbia. The defendant Geitner, was Chief of Staff to General Felber, as he had earlier been Chief of Staff to the Commander in Serbia, General Bader. In Croatia a General Rendulic became Commander of the 2nd Panzer Army. He was assisted by General Luders as Commander of the 15th Corps and late in November 1943 General Luders was succeeded by the defendant Leyser, as commander of the 15th Corps. Also subordinate to General Rendulic as Commander of the 69th Special Reserve Group, was the defendant Denner.
In Greece General Loehr, who had earlier been Commander in Chief Southeast, and simultaneously Commander of Army Group E, retained the Command of Army Group E, largely concerned with the defense of the Greek mainland and Greek Islands. Subordinate to General Lohr in Greece was the defendant Felmy, as commander of the 68th Corps, and also in the Epirus section of Western Greece was the defendant Lanz, as Commander of the 22nd Group. Also in Greece was the defendant Speidel as Military Commander of Greece.
Turning now to Document Book 13, page 13, page 1 of the German, Page 1 of the English, we have Document NOKW 856. which is offered in evidence as Prosecution Exhibit---
THE PRESIDENT: Pardon me just a moment. I am informed the German translation is not coming over.
THE INTERPRETER: That is what I just wanted to say.
THE PRESIDENT: The Court will be in recess for a few minutes. Hold yourself subject to be recalled immediately.
(Thereupon a recess was taken.)
THE MARSHAL: Military Tribunal V is again in session.
THE PRESIDENT: May I inquire of counsel for the defense as to whether or not they desire to have the preliminary remarks by counsel for the prosecution repeated at this time? They were solely of a preliminary nature.
Dr. Laternser, representing the defense, has stated that he does not desire, nor do the defendants desire, to have the preliminary remarks repeated, so you may continue.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Turning first to page 1 of the English document book, page 1 of the German, Document NOKW-856, which becomes prosecution Exhibit 311, this is biographical affidavit of the defendant Weichs outlining his career in the German Army.
"I, Maximilian von Weichs, swear, testify, and declare:
"I was born on 12 Nov. 1881 in Dessau as the son of the senior Master of the Horse in Anhalt Otto Freiherr von WEICHS. I was married on 28 July 1928 in Kassel to Margaretha von Niesewant. I have no children. I attended the Humanistic Gymnasium in Dessau and Munich. I completed my studies at the latter in 1000.
"I entered the Bavarian 2nd Heavy Cavalry Regiment in Landshut as an officer candidate in 1900. In 1902, I was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. I attended the Bavarian War College from 1910 to 1913. In 1914, promoted to Captain. In the 1st World War. I was staff Officer of the Bavarian 4th Cavalry Brigade from August to October 1914. From May 1915 to July 1917 I was the second general staff officer of the Bavarian Inf. Div. From July 1917 until the end of the war I was general staff officer with the Deputy Headquarters of the 2nd Bavarian Infantry Corps in Wuerzburg.
"From 1919 to 1920 I was general staff officer of the 23rd Reich Defense Brigade in Wuerzburg. From 1920 to 1922 I was general Staff Officer with the 3rd Cavalry Division in Kassel. From 1922 to 1925 squadron chief in the 18th Cavalry Regt., Stuttgart Constadt. In 1922, I was promoted to Major. From 1925 to 1927 I was tactical instructor at the infantry school (Ohrdruf and Dresden); from 1927 to 1923, Major with the staff in the 18th Cavalry Regt.
(Ludwigsburg); 1928, I was promoted to Lt. Colonel; from 1923 to 1930 I was commander of the 18th Mounted Regiment Stuttgart-Cannstadt; 1930 I was promoted to Colonel; 1930 to 1933 I was Chief of the General Staff of the 1st Cavalry Div. Frankfurt on the Oder; Feb. to Oct. 33, Infantry Fuehrer 3 in Potsdam. In 1933 I was promoted to Brigadier General from 1 October 1933; I was the commanding General of the 3rd Cavalry Division Weimar. From 1 Oct. 1935, this division was reformed into the 1st Panzer Division, the commander of which I remained until 1 Sct. 1937.
"In 1934 I was promoted to Maj. Gen., 1936 to Lt. Gen. Cavalry. From 1 Oct. 1937 I was Commanding General Infantry Corps, Nurnberg. In this position I participated in the occupation of Austria and of the Sudeten Land 1938, as well as Bohemia 1939.
"I participated in the Polish campaign in the 2nd World War as Commanding General of the XIIIth Inf. Corps., which I led from the district OILS/Gross-Wartenberg through Lodz to Warsaw.
"In Oct. 1939. I was nominated Commander-in-Chief of the and Army. I had to supervise the training of a number of divisions in the winter of 1939/40 in Wesel, then in Bonn.
"In the campaign in the West in 1940 the 2nd Army was brought in as a reserve Army and was not used during the 1st part.
"In the 2nd part, I led the attack of the Army from Chemindesdames through the Aisne at Reims, over the Marne to the Loire.
"After the Armistice, I first of all, conducted in France the changing of an Infantry Division into Panzer Division and motorized protective divisions."
Now, if your Honors, please, I believe there is missing from your Honors' document book one sentence which I would like to read slowly at this time:
"In October 1940 my staff was transferred to Munich where it was changed"----I beg your pardon---"where I was charged with the supervision of the training of a number of divisions."
"In October 1940 I was promoted to General.
"For the Balkan campaign the newly formed 2nd Army was deployed in Styria and West Hungary and then led the attack through Zagreb in the direction of Sarajevo and Belgrade. On 17 April 1941 I had to sign the Armistice with Yugoslavia in Belgrade. After finishing this mission I returned to Munich in order to continue the previous training missions.
"At the beginning of the campaign against Russia in 1941, my staff was committed to Warsaw and was not used at first. Some weeks later, relieved the staff of the fourth Army (Klunge) at the front, continued the attack begun through Minsk, then over the Dnjepr on both sides of Mohilev. Then, the Army participated in the battles at Doeml, Kiev, and Brjansk. In the winter of 1941/42 it was in a position somewhat East of the line Kursk/Orel. From this position, it led the attack against Vornesh on both sides of the Don in summer 1942. On 15 July 1942, I was named Commander-in-Chief of Army Group B which had the mission of taking the Don Front and Stalingrad. In the course of this attack, the heavy set-backs at Stalingrad and in the North occurred, from Nov. 1942 on. In Dec., the front of the Army Group was split through the entrance of the new Army Group Mannstein. During these battles, the Army Group had to be recalled considerably from the Don. On 15 Feb. 1943 the Army Group Staff was pulled out and remained, not utilized at first, in Viniza.
"On 1 Feb. 1943, I was promoted to General Field Marshal.
From February to the end of July 1943 I was in the home land without being used. Only in April and May for 6 weeks, I represented Field Marshal von Mannstein who was ill, in Shaporosche. At the end of July 1943 I received a mission from the OKW to make a tour of orientation in the Balkans principally Greece, and to hold myself ready for use in that district.
"In August 1943 the staff of the Army Group F was set up in Belgrade. On 26 August 1943 I took over the command, as Commander-in Chief of Army Group F, (Commander-in-Chief, Southeast), and held then the command of all the German combat troops committed in the Balkans.
The Army Group E which was already employed there and the High Command of the 2nd Panzer Army which had been brought in recently were subordinated to me for this purpose.
"Through the withdrawal of Army Group E from Greece and the commitment of the 2nd Panzer Army to Hungary at the end of 1944 the front of the Army Group was so shortened that its staff was unnecessary. It was accordingly deactivated. The Commander-in Chief of Army Group E became Commander-in-Chief Southeast. I myself was assigned from the 26th March 1945 to the Fuehrer reserve to which I belonged, until my capture on 2 May 1945 in Ettal (upper Bavaria).
"I have received the following order and decorations:
1st World War: Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class, Bavarian Military Service Order with Swords 4th Class.
Cerman: Clasp to the Iron Cross 2nd Class) ) in the Polish Campaign Clasp to the Iron Cross 1st Class) 1939 Knights cross of the Iron Cross in the Campaign in the West 1940 Oak Leaf to the Knights cross of the Iron Cross after close of the retreating battles in the Balkans, 1944.
Non-German: Great crosses to the:
Hungarian Service Order, Order of the Italian Crown, Bulgarian St. Alexander Order, Croatian Zvonimir-Order.
"I have never belonged to the Party or one of its branches.
"I have read the statement above, consisting of 4 pages in the German language, and I declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief it is the entire truth. I have had the opportunity to make changes and corrections in the above statements. I have made this statement voluntarily without any promise of reward and I was neither threatened nor compelled to do so."
Signed: "Freiherr v n Weichs," Nurnberg, German, dated 12 March 1947.
I should like to hand defendant von Weichs' affidavit to your Honors for examination of the signature.
DR. LATERNSER: (Counsel for the defendants List and Weichs) Your Honors, I would like to have two translation mistakes corrected on page 2. The word "Schuetzen Divisionen" was used as "protective divisions." It should be translated, as far as I know, as "rifle divisions." To protect --rifle divisions have nothing to do with protecting. It's on page 2, near the bottom.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: We'll accept whatever the Court Interpreter says on that.
INTERPRETER: Well, I agree Dr. Laternser. It should be "rifle divisions."
DR. LATERNSER: The second mistake-
THE PRESIDENT: Pardon me--we are having difficulty in locating it. Will you repeat again the place, the page and the line in the English?
DR. LATERNSER: In the English Document Book on page 2, last third of the page, bottom third, a paragraph begins with: "After the Armistice, I first of all, conducted in France the changing of an Infantry Division into Panzer Division and motorized protective divisions," and I suggest it to be "rife divisions."
THE PRESIDENT: As I understand it, the interpreter approves of the suggested change.
THE INTERPRETER: Yes.
THE PRESIDENT: The prosecution also accepts the change.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Very well.
DR. LATERNSER: Then on page 3 of the English Document Book -
DR. LATERNSER: Then on page 3 of the English document book -I beg your pardon, still on page 2 of the English document book, the German sentence on page 2 reads, I quote now: The word "abzuschliessen" is translated in the English text on page 2 as, --translated as "to sign" and this translation is not strong enough in my view.
It merely means to underwrite a treaty or to sign it, whereas "to conclude" means to conclude. That comprises negotiations, and well, conferences which lead to a treaty.
For this reason I ask for better translation of the word "abzuschliessen".
MR. FENSTERMACHER: I suggest we hand the original document to the court interpreter for his version of the text.
PRESIDENT WENNERSTRUM: It is so ordered.
INTERPRETER: This is on page 2, the last paragraph, and the sentence -- I repeat, that this is in the German document book, page 2, the last paragraph but one, and in the English document book it is on page 2, the paragraph starting, "After the Armistice," no, I am sorry , I must correct that. It is the last paragraph starting with, "For the Balkan campaign the newly formed 2nd Army was deployed in Styria and West Hungary and then led the attack through Zagreb in the direction of Sarajevo and Belgrade".
I think "concludes" is a better word than "signed" in this text.
DR. LATERNSER: I agree with this translation.
PRESIDENT WENNERSTRUM: You may proceed.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Turning next to page 6 of the English and page 4 of the German, Document NOKW 042, becomes Prosecution Exhibit 312. This is the German Army service record of Field Marshal von Weichs. Your Honors will note on page 6 of the English, page 4 of the German, the war time service record of the defendant Weichs, 1 September 39:
"Commanding General XIII Infantry Corps 23 Oct 39 C-in-C 2nd Army 13 July 42 C-in-C Army Group B 10 July 43 OKH Fuehrer Reserve 25 Aug 43 C-in-C Army Group F C-in-C Southeast 22 Mar 45 Fuehrer Reserve OKH at the disposal of the Fuehrer" Turning next to page 7 of the English, still page 4 of the German, various decorations which he received ---Turning next to page 8 of the English, and page 4 of the German, various commendations which he received from other commanders in the German army, 25 Feb 1941, General Leob writes of him:
"Perfect Army Commander-in-Chief with strong influence on training and a good insight for fiction and untruth. His next higher assignment cannot be sufficiently appreciated."
Then Rundstedt: A thoroughly proven Army Commander whose clear and well-defined leadership merits special mention. 29 Jan 42, v. Kluge: After an extended sick leave Weichs took over his 2nd Army recently when it joined Army Group South. I am unable to judge his army leadership since he was not subordinate to me. 3 Apr 42.v. Field Marshal von Bock: Continues to prove himself fully as Army Commander. Suitable for next higher assignment if required."
On page 9 of the English, page 5 of the German, there appears in chronological order the career in the German Army of the defendant von Weichs.
Turning next to page 11 of the English, page 6 of the German document NOKW 878, which becomes prosecution Exhibit 313, this is a biographical affidavit of the defendant, Rendulic, as commander of the 2nd Panzer Army, who as commander was subordinate to the defendant von Weichs, Commander -in-Chief, Southeast, and Commander of Army Group F:"I, Lothar RENDULIC, being duly sworn, say and declare:
I was born in Wiener-Jeustadt (lower Austria) on the 23 October 1887. My father was an officer in the Austro-Hungarian Army. I attended the elementary school and the Gymnasium of Wiener-Neustadt. I began to study Jurisprudence and political science at Vienna University in 1906/07. However, in the fall of 1907 I entered the Theresian Military Academy in Wiener-Neustadt. In 1910 I received my commission as an officer.
During World War I, I was a Company Commander, a Regimental Adjutant and finally an Officer of the General Staff Corps. I was promoted to Captain in 1917. After the end of the war I again studied law, and I received the degree of Doctor of Laws at the University of Vienna on the 24 December 1920. A short time prior to that I had been taken over by the Bundesheer, which had been recently organized. At first I had different assignments with the troops, later assignments with the Bundes Ministry for National Defense. I was promoted Colonel in the General Staff Corps in the Spring or summer of 1933. From the fall of 1933 until the beginning of 1935 I was military attache for France and for England with my residence in Paris. After that period I commanded a motorized brigade in Vienna.
I became a member of the National Socialist Party of Austria on 12 May 1932. The Party was already dissolved in the summer of the following year (1933). This ended my membership forever. After the Anschluss, I was taken over into the German Reichsheer on 1 April 1938, just like the majority of the officers of the Austrian Army. I became the Chief of the General Staff of the XVII Infantry Corps. With this Corps I participated in the Polish Campaign in 1939. The Commanding General of the Corps and the Commander-in-Chief of the Group applied for my promotion, waiving the customary period of service in rank, as early as spring 1939, (I had been a Colonel for 6 years), but the Army Personnel Office refused.
I became a General major (Brigadier General) in the normal course of procedure on the 1st of December 1939.
After the Polish Campaign I began to suffer from severe lumbago which made me unfit for service until June 1940. I was appointed commander of the 14th Infantry Division during the last days of the Western Campaign. When this Division was transferred home to be transformed into a motorized division I took over the command of the 52nd Infantry Division in France toward the beginning of October 1940. At the beginning of the war against Russia, the Division was sent to the East. I commanded this Division during the summer and fall offensive of 1941, during the winter battle 1941/42 and during the summer fighting 1942 to October 1942. Meanwhile -- I was promoted in the normal course of procedure to Generalleutnant (Major General) on 1 December 1941 after having held the rank of Generalmajor (Brigadier General) for just two years.
I became Commanding General of the XXXVth Infantry Army Corps on 23 October 1942. In view of my achievements the IVIIth Army Corps to which I was subordinate at that time, as well as the 4th Army, and Army Group "Mitte" had proposed my appointment as Commanding General, waiving the customary period of service in rank in February of the year 1942. I commanded the Corps until the 5th of August 1943, in the winter and summer battle of Orel (Central Russia).
I was promoted to General of Infantry on the 1st of December 1942. On 26 August 1943, I was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the 2nd Panzer Army in the Balkans at the suggestion of Field Marshal von Kluge. I was glad when I was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the 20th Mountain Army in North Finland (Lapland) on 24 June 1944. There the period of my command was filled up with the struggle to extract the Army from a three sided pincer-movement and to lead the men back to Norway during the Arctic winter, 1944/45."
"I was appointed Wehrmacht Commander Norway on 18 December 1944.
On the 22nd of January 1945 I took over the High Command of Army Group "North" in East Prussia. I had hardly done so when I was assigned to take over the High Command of Army Group "Kurland", which had been cuty off and which was fighting in the north of Lapland. There, the preliminaries for the "6th Battle for Kurland" were just under way.
On 6 April 1945 I was recalled and was appointed Commander-in Chief of Army Group "South" which was withdrawing from Hungary and Slovakia. My mission was to prevent the Russians from penetrating into the Alps and from pushing forward to the Danube Valley. On the 7th of May I surrendered the Army Group to the 3rd American Army.
I married in September 1916. I lost the elder of my 2 sons in the Polish Campaign. My wife and my younger son reside in See walchen in Upper Austria.
I have read the above statement, consisting of 3 pages in the German language. I declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief the statement contains the full truth. I had the opportunity to make changes and corrections in the statement above. I have made this statement voluntarily without any promise of reward, and I was neither threatened nor compelled to do so.
Nuernberg, Germany, 13 March 1947.
(signed) Dr. Rendulic Colonel-General".I ask your Honors to note only two things.
One is that the defendant studied law and received a degree of Doctor of Law, University of Vienna 24 December 1920, and ask your Honors to take note of the various promotions the defendant received, especially from the period August, 1943 on, when he commanded the 2nd Panzer Army in the Balkans, and the 20th Mountain Army in North Finland, Wehrmacht Commander Norway, and High Commander of Army Group North, High Commander of Army Group Kurland and finally Commander in Chief of Army Group South.
I ask your Honors to examine the affidavit and see the actual signature of the defendant, Rendulic.
I would like to point out just one more thing, if your Honors please, -- the membership in the National Socialist Party of Austria, of the defendant, Rendulic, in May 1932.
DR. FRITSCH: Counsel Fritsch for the Defendant Rendulic. Your Honor, from my experience in other trials before other tribunals I have found that a tribunal values objections made by the Defendant in his own affidavit or brought to the attention of the Tribunal in due time. I, therefore, intend at this stage of the trial not to bring any motions, but only to state that in view of my client -- the affidavit signed by him -- that for himself he had an opportunity to make alterations et cetera is not in conformity with the facts to the full extent. My client, when he was examined, asked to make additions to this affidavit, especially regarding the question of his membership in the National Socialist Party, which the Prosecutor has just been mentioning, as regards the time of entry into this party. He further wants to point out how his promotions came to take place in every case, and he especially wants to explain, his own position to the Party and to Hitler. The purpose of what I am saying today is merely to point out that to this affidavit further explanations will be submitted.
THE PRESIDENT(Judge Wennerstrum): I take it you are not making any objections at this time.
DR. FRITSCH: No, I don't make any objections at this time, Your Honor. Only in view of the discussions before other Tribunals to this point I merely want to make this statement for the record.
THE PRESIDENT: Counsel for the Defendant Rendulic and the Defendants will have ample opportunity at the time of the presentation of the evidence on behalf of the Defendants to make any explanation they may desire or that he may desire.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Continuing next on Page 14 of the English and Page 8 of the German Document Book, Document No. NOKW-063, which becomes Prosecution's Exhibit No. 314. This, if Your Honors please, is the Service Record of the Defendant Rendulic. It outlines on the first page his career. I think I need only call your attention to his knowledge of languages which appears on Page 14 of the English, Page 8 of the German:
"French, perfect; Italian and English, good." The remainder of the page simply outlines matters which we have already heard in the biographical affidavit. Turning to Page 15 of the English, page 8 of the German, the decorations of the Defendant are listed:
"Iron Cross 2nd Class 18.9.1939 Iron Cross 1st class 10.
10.39 German Cross in Gold 26.
12.41 Knight's Cross of the 6.3.42 Iron Cross Eastern Medal 2.8.42 Oak leaves to Knights 18.
1.45 Cross with Swords"
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Turning now to Page 16 of the English and Page 9 of the German are various statements made by other German commanders about the Defendant Rendulic.
"1/2/41, WAEGER: Clever, high military knowledge, clear thinking, acts decisive, possibly later Commanding General. Specially fit for leader of negotiations, by reason of his earlier activity in Paris.
11/4/42, KIRSHNER: Mentally as well as physically very well gifted, still very active and fresh, unobjectionable character. In possession of high tactic and operative knowledge and ability, a clear-thinking, energetic, and force-ful personality with clear judgement and view. Conduct in difficult defensive combats quiet and decisive. Commits himself completely in the interest of a subject. German Cross in Gold. Commanding General.
25/4/42, HEINRICI: Mentally highly rated, versatile, educated, forceful, personality. Brave. Also reliable when placed in the most difficult position. As leader against the enemy especially proven, tough, methodical, strong, willed.
Very good division commander, commanding general.
6/5/42, v. KLUGE: Agreed.'
At the fall Inquiry by Commander in Chief, Centre, aptitude for Commanding General adjudged.
1/3/43 SCHMIDT: Conducts his corps in the most difficult situations with considered calm and security. Very good nerves. Clear view for the most important things, above average. Later on commander in chief of an Army.
2/4/43, v. von KLUGE: Fit for commander in chief only after further, longer exployment as Commanding General.
15/8/43, MODEL: Superior leader equal to the most difficult situations. Especially proven by the hard defensive battle before Orel July/August 1943. Fully fit for Army Leader.
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Now, if your Honors please, the date in the next recommendation of von Kluge should be changed in the English Document Book to read 23 August 1943, and perhaps it needs to be changed also in the German Document Book. It should read 23.8.43 Von Kluge "A leader who has distinguished himself especially in the most difficult defensive battles at Orel. He constantly understood how to call on reserves which could be risked only by a specially responsible cheerful leader. A tough leader who has gained his aptitude for Army Commander by corresponding battles."
"1/3/44 - The Defendant Weichs who at that time was Commander in Chief, Southeast, says of him:
"Tough, strong-willed personality, with his own methods and clear point of view. Clean character stands strong on the ground of Nazi principles. As leader especially proven before the enemy. Leads his Army surely and circumspectly, understood how to use the troops subordinated to his command for combating bandits ably and successfully. Mentally high rated. Physically expecially efficient. Very good nerves.
Clear tactical point of view. Over average."
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Page 17 of the English and Page 10 of the German outlines in chronological order the career of the Defendant Rendulic, as he passed up through the Austrian and German Armies. I will call Your Honors' attention to Page 18 of the English and Page 10 of the German, to the career of the defendant from 1933 on.
"28.6.1933 Military Attache, France and England 21.
6.1933 Colonel in the Gen Staff.
1.1.1935 Army Inspectorate 1.6.1935 Commander of Light Infantry Brigade (motorized) 1.2.1936 Temporarily retired 16.
3.1938 Again active 1.4.1938 C. of S. XVIIth Infantry Corps Seniority 1.3.38 1.12.
1939 Brig. Gen.
1.12.1941 Major Gen.
1.12.1942 General of the Infantry 1.4.1944 General "
MR. FENSTERMACHER: Turning now to Page 19 of the English Document Book, Page 11 of the German Document Book, is Document No. NOKW-859, which is offered as Prosecution's Exhibit No. 315. This is the biographical affidavit of the Defendant Ernst Dehner, who as Commander of the 69th Special Reserve Corps, was subordinated to Defendant Rendulic, as Commander in Chief of the Second Panzer Army, and also to Defendant Weichs as Commander in Chief and Commander of Army Group F.
"I, Ernst Dehner, swear, testify, and declare:
I was born on 5 March 1889 in Hersbruck, Bavaria.
Schooling:
I attended the Elementary School from the 1st to the 4th class in Hersbruck and Ansback, the first and second class of the humanistic gymnasium in Ansback, the third class of the humanistic gymnasium in Nuernberg, where I passed the "Abitur" examination, in the year 1908.
(4th to the 9th class, Realgymnasium).
Military Career:
On 1 October 1908 I entered the Army as a I year volunteer with the 14th Bavarian infantry regiment, Nuernberg. Made exercise "A" in early 1917, and became staff sergeant in 1910. After transferring into the Corps of active officers, I visited the War College in Munich from 1910 to 1911, and was promoted in Fall of 1911 to 2nd Lt. in the 14th Bavarian Inf. Regt.
During World War I I was promoted:
In the year 1915 , to 1st Lt. After World War I:
In the year 1919 , to Capt. (Nuernberg and Regensberg garrison) In the year 1931 , to Major (Muenster in Westphalia garrison) In the year 1934, to Lt. Col.
(Muenster in Westphalia and Aix-1aChapelle garrisons).
On 1 October 1936 I was named C. O. of the 87th Inf. Regt., Wiesbaden and promoted to Col. With this regiment, I fought in World War II in South Belgium at Sedan and Verdun. In 1940 I was promoted to Brigadier General and made Commander of the 106 Division War Theatre: Russia, Summer 1941-early 1942, North France 1942. In 1942 -
MR. FENSTERMACHER: I believe the German Document book should be corrected --
I was promoted to Major Gen. On 1 Nov. 42 in charge of the IXXXIInd Corps, I was promoted to Lt. Gen., Inf. on 4 Dec 42 and made Commander of the IXXXIInd Army Corps. War Theatre: North France.
About the end of August (or the beginning of Sept. ) 1943 I commanded the IXIXth reserve Corps in Croatia until the beginning of March 1944.
Following that, I was promoted into the Fuehrer reserve of the OKH until August 44.
At the beginning of August 44, nominated to the Commander of the Army Area, South France; this Command was changed after several days into the Corps Headquarters, Dehner and subordinated to the 19th Army. War Theater: Franche Comte, Belfort, from Nov. 1944 to January 45 I was promoted again into the Fuehrer reserve of OKH. From Jan. 45 to Mar. 45, I was in command of the Refitting staff, Army Group Center, March 45 to 3 May 45, promotion to the Fuehrer reserve of the OKH. 3 May 45, day of Capture by American troops in Prien (Chiemsee) Decorations:
Before the first World War:
Bavarian Prince Regent Luitpold metal in Bronze In the 1st World War:
Bavarian Military Service Order 4th Class with swords.
Prussian Iron Cross 2nd Class, Prussian Iron Cross 1st Class, Wound decorations;"After the 1st World War:
Honer decoration for front line fighters, Service decoration 1st to fourth class in the 2nd World War Silver Clasp to the Prussian Iron Cross 2nd Class, Silver Clasp to the Prussian Iron Cross 1st Class, Infantry assault decoration, Knights Cross to the Iron Cross "Winter Battle in the East"medal Order of the Holy Zwenimus.
Party membership, Gen. Staff, SS:
I never belonged to the Party, the Gen. Staff, nor the SS. Family:
I have been married since 5 Feb. 18 and have two sons, 23 and 19 of age, respectively:
I have made this deposition voluntarily, without any sort of promise or reward and I was at no time put under pressure or threat.
I have read each of the 3 pages of this affidavit through carefully and signed each with my own hand, I have made the necessary corrections in my own handwriting, and signed with my initial, and affirm herewith under oath, that all of the facts given by me in this affidavit correspond to the complete truth, according to my best knowledge and conscience.
(Sgd.) Dehner" I ask your Honors to examine the actual photostatic copy for the defendant's signature.
Turning next to page 23 of the English, page 13 of the German, Document NOKW-609, which is offered as prosecution Exhibit 316, this is the German army service record of the defendant Dehner. I call your Honors' attention to page 23 of the English, page 13 of the German, to the middle of the page.
"15.7.43 Commanding General IXIX Infantry Corps (Reserve) "21.
1.44 Commanding General LXIX Inf. Corps for special assignment."
Now turning to page 24 of the English, page 15 of the German, are various comments made about the defendant by other members of the German army.
"On 15.2.41, Briesen said of him: Basically sound, unselfish, devoted to duty, energetic, absolutely diligent, a good teacher and trainer Suitable.
10.1.42, Ruoff: Vigorous, energetic person, takes pleasure in his work. Clear tactical judgment. Sense of the important. Indefatigable in looking after his men. The fact that the division, which had been severely depleted in strength, still had in Nov. and Dec. 1941 so much force for attack and defense, is above all due to General Dehner who applied himself daily without consideration.
1.4.42, Wetzel: Decidedly energetic, vigorous person with clear tactical sense. Indefatigable active, gets the last ounce of effort out of his division. Always rises above difficult situations. Suitable for Commanding General.
25.4.42, Field Marshal V. Kluge: Cannot yet decide whether suitable for Commanding General.
18.4.42, Ruoff: Entirely agree. Has again and again stood the test as Div. Commander. Commanding General.
10.3.43, v. Vietinghoff-Scheel: Honorable, straight character. Has stood the test of being Div. Commander in the East. Indefatigable will to work, without consideration of himself. Very capable trainer, Good average. Commanding General in the West. Tactical ability and sense of the important not yet quite sufficient for the broader framework of corps leadership.
v. Rundstedt: I agree.