12 Facts About Josef Harpe

Josef Harpe was a German general during World War II who commanded the 9th Army.

Josef Harpe was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords of Nazi Germany.

Josef Harpe ended the war commanding the 5th Panzer Army on Western Front.

Josef Harpe was responsible for establishing the Ozarichi death camps, which is considered by historians to be one of the worst atrocities committed by the Wehrmacht.

Harpe joined the Prussian Army on 28 September 1909 and fought in World War I After the war, Harpe remained in the Reichswehr military service.

Josef Harpe was promoted to Oberstleutnant on 1 August 1934 and became commander of Panzer-Regiment 3 on 15 October 1935.

Josef Harpe was again promoted on 1 January 1937, and commanded the German 1st Panzer Brigade holding the rank of Oberst.

Josef Harpe said that anyone who even attempted to light a campfire was immediately gunned down.

Josef Harpe ended the war as the commander of the 5th Panzer Army on the Western Front.

Josef Harpe was taken prisoner by the United States Army on 17 April 1945.

Josef Harpe was released from custody on 14 April 1948, and died a free man in 1968.

Josef Harpe was prosecuted by a Soviet military court in the Minsk Trial for his role in the deportations and other atrocities against Soviet civilians.