Introduction
Carl Hilpert (12 September 1888 – 1 February 1947) was a German general during World War II.
During the last stages of World War II, Hilpert commanded the German troops which had been surrounded by the Red Army in the Courland Pocket. On 7 May 1945, Karl Dönitz, in his capacity as head of state, ordered Hilpert to surrender Army Group Courland. Hilpert was the army group's last commander-in-chief. Hilpert surrendered himself, his personal staff, and three divisions of the XXXVIII Corps to Soviet Marshal Leonid Govorov. Hilpert sent the following message to his troops:
To all ranks! Marshal Govorod (sic) has agreed to a cease-fire beginning at 14:00 hours on 8 May. Troops to be informed immediately. White flags to be displayed. Commander expects loyal implementation of order, on which the fate of all Courland troops depends.
He died two years later as prisoner in Moscow on 1 February 1947.
Awards and decorations
- Iron Cross (1914) 2nd Class (7 October 1914) & 1st Class (18 October 1916)
- Clasp to the Iron Cross (1939) 2nd Class (20 April 1940) & 1st Class (16 June 1940)
- German Cross in Gold on 19 February 1943 as General der Infanterie and commanding general of the XXIII Armeekorps
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
- Knight's Cross on 22 August 1943 as General der Infanterie and commander of the LIV. Armeekorps
- Oaks Leaves on 8 August 1944 as General der Infanterie and commander of the I. Armeekorps