Robert Ritter von Greim (∗22 June 1892 – †24 May 1945) was a German flying ace during WW1 and a Luftwaffe Field Marshal in WW2. Von Greim took part in the Beer Hall Putsch in 1923 together with Adolf Hitler and remained a devoted Nazi until the end of the war.
Career
Von Greim began his military career in World War One, where he earned the prestigious Pour le Mérite, Germany’s highest military decoration, for his exceptional piloting skills as a fighter ace. After WW1, von Greim became a key figure in rebuilding and developing the German Luftwaffe on invitation by Hermann Göring in 1933. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a lieutenant general. During World War Two, Von Greim served as a commander in various air fleets and participated in numerous campaigns, like the Invasion of Poland, the Battle of Britain and Operation Citadel.
The Last Field Marshal
In April 1945, in the last days of World War Two, Hitler summoned Von Greim to his Fuhrerbunker in Berlin. Together with Hanna Reitsch, Von Greim made the dangerous journey into the city while the Battle for Berlin was fully raging. There Hitler appointed Von Greim the new Generalfeldmarschall (Commander in Chief) of the Luftwaffe, after he had dismissed Hermann Göring for treason and gave him the order to arrest Heinrich Himmler for treason. Von Greim is the last person ever promoted to field marshal in the German Armed Forces.
Capture and Death
After the surrender of Nazi Germany in May 1945, Greim was captured by the Allies in Salzburg, Austria. He committed suicide in an American-controlled prison in Salzburg on May 24th 1945.
Visit
You can visit the grave of Generalfeldmarschall Robert Ritter von Greim at the 1939-1945 section of the Kommunalfriedhof Salzburg, Austria.
NOTE: Hanna Reitsch is also buried at this cemetery (Grave number 013-014).
