Kurt Student

Kurt Student
Student in 1941
Born12 May 1890
Birkholz, German Empire
(now Borów, Poland)
Died1 July 1978 (aged 88)
Lemgo, West Germany
Allegiance
Service / branchKingdom of Prussia Prussian Army
Reichsheer
Luftwaffe
Years of service1910–1945
Rank Generaloberst
Commands7th Air Division
XI Fliegerkorps
1st Parachute Army
Battles / warsWorld War I
World War II
AwardsKnight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
Criminal statusReleased in 1948
Criminal chargeWar crimes
Penalty5 years imprisonment
Details
VictimsCretan civilians
Allied prisoners of war
DateMay 1941
CountryGreece
Location(s)Crete

Kurt Arthur Benno Student (12 May 1890 – 1 July 1978) was a German general in the Luftwaffe during World War II. An early pioneer of airborne forces, Student was in overall command of developing a paratrooper force to be known as the Fallschirmjäger, and as the most senior member of the Fallschirmjäger, commanded it throughout the war. Student led the first major airborne attack in history, the Battle for The Hague, in May 1940. He also commanded the Fallschirmjäger in its last major airborne operation, the invasion of Crete in May 1941. The operation was a success despite German losses, and led the Allies to hasten the training and development of their own airborne units.

In 1947, Student was tried and convicted of war crimes for the mistreatment and murder of prisoners of war by his men in Crete. Student was also responsible for a wave of reprisal massacres committed against Cretan civilians in 1941 but avoided harsh punishment.


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