Theodor Hoffmann (admiral)
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (January 2013) |
Heinz Kessler | |
---|---|
Preceded by | Wilhelm Ehm |
Succeeded by | Hendrik Born |
Personal details | |
Born | GDR | 27 February 1935
Branch/service | Volksmarine |
Years of service | 1963–1990 |
Rank | Admiral |
Commands |
|
Theodor Hoffmann (27 February 1935 – 1 November 2018) was an East German Admiral who served as the head of the People's Navy (Volksmarine) and as the last Minister of National Defense of the German Democratic Republic and head of the National People's Army.
Early life
Hoffmann worked from 1949 to 1951 in agriculture. From 1951 to 1952, Hoffmann was a Pioneer Leader in the Wismar District Free German Youth (FDJ).
Military career
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In 1952, Hoffmann became a sailor in the Sea Police (Seepolizei), which would later become the East German People's Navy (Volksmarine). He attended the Officers School of the People's Police at
He was promoted to admiral (three stars) and replaced
In 1993, Hoffmann published his reminiscences of last days of the National People's Army, Das letzte Kommando; Ein Minister erinnert sich. In 1995 he published his autobiography Kommando Ostsee; Vom Matrosen zum Admiral.
Personal life
Hoffmann married Helga Qualo in October 1957, and had two sons: Norbert (born in 1958) and Rene (born in 1965). Hoffmann died on 1 November 2018 at the age of 83.[1]
Awards and medals
Over his life, Hoffmann received the following awards:[citation needed]
- Patriotic Order of Merit
- Scharnhorst Order
- Combat Order for Merit for the Nation and Fatherland - Silver
- Distinguished Service Medal of the National People's Army - Gold
- Medal for Loyal Service in the Shipping Industry - Silver
- Medal Brotherhood in Arms - Gold
- Medal "For Strengthening of Brotherhood in Arms"
- Jubilee Medal 30 Years of the National People's Army
References
- ^ "DDR-Politiker tot: Ex-Minister Hoffmann (†83) stirbt in Klinik". TAG24 (in German). 2 November 2018. Retrieved 2 November 2018.
Bibliography
- Klaus Froh, Rüdiger Wenzke: Die Generale und Admirale der NVA. Ein biographisches Handbuch. 4. Auflage. Ch. Links, Berlin 2000, ISBN 3-86153-209-3.