Karl Wilhelm Krause
Karl Wilhelm Krause | |
|---|---|
| Born | 5 March 1911 Michelau, West Prussia, Prussia, German Empire |
| Died | 6 May 2001 (aged 90) Germany |
| Allegiance | Weimar Republic Nazi Germany |
| Branch | ReichsmarineLSSAH Kriegsmarine Waffen-SS |
| Years of service | 1931–1945 |
| Rank | SS-Hauptsturmführer |
| Unit | 1st SS Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, Führerbegleitkommando; 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend |
| Battles / wars | Invasion of Norway |
| Awards | Destroyer War Badge Narvik Shield Iron Cross 1st Class Iron Cross 2nd Class |
Karl Wilhelm Krause (5 March 1911 – 6 May 2001) was a Waffen-SS officer (SS number: 236,858) who rose to the rank of SS-Hauptsturmführer (captain) during World War II. He was a personal orderly (valet) and bodyguard to Adolf Hitler from 1934 to mid-September 1939. Thereafter, he served in the 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend. Krause came up with the concept of an anti-aircraft tank that became known as the Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind. At the war's end he surrendered to American troops. Krause was interned until June 1946.