🇩🇪 WILHELM KEITEL
September 1882 – October 1946
Wilhelm Keitel was born in September 1882 in Helmscherode, in the Duchy of Brunswick, Germany. Coming from a family of landowners, he began his military career in the Imperial German Army in 1901. He steadily rose through the ranks during World War I and remained in the military throughout the Weimar Republic era.
With the rise of the National Socialist regime, Keitel became increasingly influential. In 1938, he was appointed Chief of the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW)—the High Command of the Armed Forces—serving as Adolf Hitler’s senior military advisor. Though officially the top military authority under Hitler, Keitel was often seen as compliant and obedient, carrying out Hitler’s directives without opposition. His role included signing numerous orders related to military operations and policies during World War II, including those that enabled war crimes.
After Germany’s defeat, Keitel was arrested and tried by the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg. He was found guilty on all counts, including crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. He was executed by hanging in October 1946.
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