What is karl von vietinghoff-scheel?

Karl von Viethoff-Scheel (1901-1952) was a German general during World War II and a member of the noble family Viethoff. He began his military career in 1919 and was promoted several times until he became the commander of the 36th Grenadier Division in 1943. He fought on the Eastern Front, where he distinguished himself in the battles of Smolensk and Kursk.

In September 1944, he was appointed commander of the newly formed XIII SS Corps, which saw action on the Western Front. His troops were involved in the Battle of the Bulge and later fought the Allied forces in the Rhineland. He was known for his bravery and tactical skills, yet some of his actions on the Western Front were considered controversial, as he fought without regard for the Geneva Conventions.

After the war, he was tried and convicted of war crimes for the treatment of American and British prisoners-of-war under his command. He was executed by hanging in 1952.