# Oskar Dirlewanger

> German Nazi military officer and SS Regiment/Brigade Commander (1895–1945)

**Wikidata**: [Q58681](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q58681)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oskar_Dirlewanger)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/oskar-dirlewanger

## Summary
Oskar Dirlewanger was a German Nazi military officer and SS Regiment/Brigade Commander during World War II, known for his brutal leadership and involvement in war crimes. He served in the Schutzstaffel (SS) and was a key figure in the Nazi regime's paramilitary operations.

## Biography
- **Born**: September 26, 1895
- **Nationality**: German
- **Education**: Studied at Goethe University Frankfurt and the University of Mannheim
- **Known for**: Commanding the SS Regiment/Brigade and participating in various military operations during World War II
- **Employer(s)**: Reichswehr, Schutzstaffel (SS)
- **Field(s)**: Military, Politics

## Contributions
Oskar Dirlewanger's contributions are primarily tied to his military career and involvement in Nazi Germany's operations. He commanded the SS Regiment/Brigade, which was known for its brutal tactics and involvement in war crimes. His leadership in various military operations during World War II had significant impacts on the conflict's outcomes.

## FAQs
### What was Oskar Dirlewanger's role in World War II?
Oskar Dirlewanger was a key military officer in Nazi Germany, commanding the SS Regiment/Brigade. He was involved in various military operations and known for his brutal leadership.

### Where did Oskar Dirlewanger receive his education?
Oskar Dirlewanger studied at Goethe University Frankfurt and the University of Mannheim.

### What awards did Oskar Dirlewanger receive?
Oskar Dirlewanger received several awards, including the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, the Spanish Cross, and the War Victory Cross.

### What organizations was Oskar Dirlewanger affiliated with?
Oskar Dirlewanger was affiliated with the Schutzstaffel (SS), the Deutschvölkischer Schutz und Trutzbund, and the Sturmabteilung (SA).

### When did Oskar Dirlewanger die?
Oskar Dirlewanger died on June 7, 1945.

## Why They Matter
Oskar Dirlewanger's role in Nazi Germany's military operations had a significant impact on the course of World War II. His leadership in the SS Regiment/Brigade and involvement in various military operations contributed to the conflict's outcomes. His actions and the units he commanded are studied for their historical significance and the lessons they provide about the nature of war and leadership.

## Notable For
- Commanding the SS Regiment/Brigade during World War II
- Receiving the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
- Being a key figure in Nazi Germany's military operations
- Involvement in the Schutzstaffel (SS) and other Nazi organizations

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Oskar Dirlewanger was born on September 26, 1895. He studied at Goethe University Frankfurt and the University of Mannheim, which provided him with the educational background for his later military career.

### Military Career
Dirlewanger's military career began with the Reichswehr, the combined military forces of Germany from 1921 to 1935. He later joined the Schutzstaffel (SS), a Nazi paramilitary organization, where he rose to prominence as a commander. His leadership in the SS Regiment/Brigade was marked by brutal tactics and involvement in war crimes.

### Affiliations and Awards
Dirlewanger was affiliated with several Nazi organizations, including the Deutschvölkischer Schutz und Trutzbund and the Sturmabteilung (SA). He received numerous awards for his military service, including the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, the Spanish Cross, and the War Victory Cross.

### Role in World War II
During World War II, Dirlewanger commanded the SS Regiment/Brigade, which was known for its brutal tactics. His unit participated in various military operations, contributing to the conflict's outcomes. His actions and the units he commanded are studied for their historical significance and the lessons they provide about the nature of war and leadership.

### Legacy
Oskar Dirlewanger's legacy is complex and controversial. While he was a key figure in Nazi Germany's military operations, his actions and the units he commanded are often studied for their historical significance and the lessons they provide about the nature of war and leadership. His death on June 7, 1945, marked the end of a significant chapter in military history.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. WürzburgWiki
3. TracesOfWar
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. Munzinger Personen
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013