Joachim Peiper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joachim Peiper
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 30 January 1915 Berlin, German Empire |
| Died | 14 July 1976 (aged 61) Traves, Haute-Saône, France |
| Buried |
St Anna's Church
Schondorf, Germany |
| Allegiance |  Nazi Germany |
| Service/ |
 Waffen-SS |
| Years of service | 1933–45 |
| Rank | lieutenant colonel (Obersturmbannführer) |
| Service number | SS #132,496 |
| Unit | 1st SS Panzer Regiment, 1st SS Division "Leibstandarte" |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords |
| Other work | Technician at Porsche, sales trainer at Volkswagen |
Joachim Peiper (born January 30, 1915 – died July 14, 1976) was a German officer during World War II. He served in the Waffen-SS, which was the military branch of the Nazi Party's SS organization. Peiper was also a personal assistant, called an adjutant, to Heinrich Himmler. Himmler was a very powerful leader in Nazi Germany.
Peiper fought in major battles on both the Eastern Front against the Soviet Union and the Western Front against the Western Allies. He received a very high award for his bravery, the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.
After the war, Peiper faced legal issues related to his actions in Belgium. He was held in prison for nearly 12 years. He was also investigated for actions in Italy, but courts found there wasn't enough proof to charge him.
Once released from prison, Peiper worked for well-known car companies like Porsche and Volkswagen. Later, he moved to France. There, he translated books from English into German. He used a different name, "Rainer Buschmann," for his translation work. Joachim Peiper passed away in France in July 1976.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
Joachim Peiper was born in Berlin, Germany, on January 30, 1915. His family had a military background. He joined the SS, a powerful organization in Nazi Germany, in 1933. This was the start of his military career.
Joining the Waffen-SS
In 1938, Peiper joined the Waffen-SS. This was the combat part of the SS. It became a large and powerful fighting force during World War II. Peiper quickly rose through the ranks.
Becoming Himmler's Adjutant
From November 1940 to August 1941, Peiper worked directly for Heinrich Himmler. As Himmler's adjutant, he helped with daily tasks and official duties. This role gave him a close view of the Nazi leadership.
World War II Service
Peiper was a dedicated soldier and participated in many key battles. His units were often involved in intense fighting. He was known for his aggressive leadership style.
Fighting on the Eastern Front
Peiper's first major combat experience was on the Eastern Front. This was where Germany fought against the Soviet Union. The fighting here was very harsh and involved huge armies.
Battles in the West
Later in the war, Peiper also fought on the Western Front. Here, German forces faced the American, British, and other Allied armies. He led tank units in important campaigns.
Awards and Recognition
Peiper received several military awards for his service. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was one of Germany's highest honors. He later received the Oak Leaves and Swords additions to this award. These were given for exceptional bravery and leadership in combat.
Life After the War
After World War II ended in 1945, Peiper's life changed dramatically. He faced legal challenges and then tried to build a new life.
Legal Challenges and Imprisonment
Peiper was accused of actions during the war that were considered illegal. He was put on trial for these actions in Belgium. He was found guilty and spent almost 12 years in prison.
New Career Paths
After his release, Peiper worked in the automotive industry. He was a technician at Porsche, a famous sports car company. Later, he became a sales trainer at Volkswagen, another well-known car manufacturer.
Moving to France and Later Years
Peiper eventually moved to a small village in France. He worked as a translator, changing books from English to German. He used a different name to keep his identity private. Joachim Peiper passed away in France in July 1976.
Images for kids
-
The senior officers of the SS inspecting Nazi-occupied France: (left-right) SS General Sepp Dietrich, Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, and his adjutant, Joachim Peiper, at Metz, in September 1940.
-
The Spanish Head of State, Generalíssimo Francisco Franco, is host to the Third Reich officials Karl Wolff (lt.), Joachim Peiper (ctr.), and Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler (rt.) in October 1940.
