10 Facts About Matthias Kleinheisterkamp

Matthias Kleinheisterkamp was a high-ranking German SS commander during the Nazi era.

Matthias Kleinheisterkamp joined the Allgemeine-SS in November 1933, membership number 132,399.

Matthias Kleinheisterkamp transferred to the SS-Verfugungstruppe on 1 April 1935 and was assigned to the SS training school as an infantry instructor.

On 20 April 1937, Matthias Kleinheisterkamp joined the NSDAP, membership number 4,158,838.

Matthias Kleinheisterkamp's career stalled when in June 1938 he experienced serious legal and disciplinary troubles.

Matthias Kleinheisterkamp was reprimanded by the SS Court Main Office and placed on leave until August 1938.

Matthias Kleinheisterkamp was then transferred first to SS-Fuhrungshauptamt and later to the SS Division Das Reich.

Matthias Kleinheisterkamp was taken prisoner by the Soviet forces on 28 April 1945 near the village of Halbe, south-east of Berlin.

Matthias Kleinheisterkamp committed suicide a day later while in captivity.

Posthumously, Matthias Kleinheisterkamp was awarded Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross.