Wilhelm Keitel

Date of Birth: September 22, 1882

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: October 16, 1946

Biography

Wilhelm Keitel was a German field marshal and a senior military leader during World War II. Born on September 22, 1882, in Helmscherode, Germany, Keitel pursued a career in the military from a young age, joining the Prussian Army in 1901. Over the years, he climbed the ranks, becoming one of Adolf Hitler’s most trusted military advisors. During World War I, Keitel served as a staff officer and continued to build his military career in the interwar period. In 1938, he was appointed Chief of the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW), the High Command of the German Armed Forces, a position he held throughout World War II. Keitel was known for his loyalty to Hitler, often endorsing and implementing the Führer’s strategic decisions without question. After Germany’s defeat in 1945, Keitel was arrested by the Allied forces and tried at the Nuremberg Trials. He was found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity, and was subsequently sentenced to death. Keitel was executed by hanging on October 16, 1946.

5 Interesting Facts about Wilhelm Keitel

1. Wilhelm Keitel was instrumental in planning and executing many of Nazi Germany’s military campaigns during World War II.

2. He was a key figure in the signing of the German Instrument of Surrender on May 8, 1945, which formally ended World War II in Europe.

3. Keitel was one of the highest-ranking officers to be tried and executed at the Nuremberg Trials.

4. He earned the nickname “Lakeitel,” which is a German play on words meaning “lackey,” due to his unwavering obedience to Hitler.

5. Despite his military intelligence, Keitel was often criticized for his lack of independent thinking and strategic innovation.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Wilhelm Keitel

1. “Obedience is the foundation of military order.”

2. “The hour will come when even the last soldier in the trenches will understand that this war was lost at the moment when our enemies succeeded in splitting our German unity.”

3. “I was always a soldier, and I felt that I was serving my country to the best of my ability.”

4. “I cannot escape the fact that I was one of Hitler’s most loyal followers.”

5. “My honor is loyalty.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Wilhelm Keitel’s net worth is not well-documented, as his role was primarily military and not financial. However, being a high-ranking officer, he would have had considerable influence and resources at his disposal during his tenure.

Children

Wilhelm Keitel had six children with his wife, Lisa Fontaine: 1. Karl-Heinz Keitel (1914–1968) 2. Friedrich-Wilhelm Keitel (1916–1963) 3. Hermann Keitel (1918–2001) 4. Paul-Wilhelm Keitel (1922-1945, killed in action) 5. Dorle Keitel (1925–2008) 6. Sigurd Keitel (1928–2013)