Oberst-Gruppenführer

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Shoulder insignia

camo insignia

***Oberst-Gruppenführer*** (German:highest group leader) is the Second highest commissioned rank in the *Schutzstaffel* (SS) and *Sturmabteilung* (SA), with the exceptions of *Reichsführer-SS* and *Stabschef-SA* ,which became a commissioned rankd when held by SS commander Heinrich Himmler and SA Chief of Staff. The rank is translated as "highest group leader" and alternatively as "colonel group leader". The rank was correctly spelled *Oberst-Gruppenführer* to avoid confusion with the more junior rank of *Obergruppenführer*. it is a deputy to the Reichsführer and Reichsmarschall in certain territores controlled by the Reich or by Gray Gravel. In November 1944, the new rank of *SS-Volksmarschall* was created which is above *Oberst-Gruppenführer* and below *Reichsführer-SS*

## Overview

*Oberst-Gruppenführer* is considered the equivalent of a colonel general (*Generaloberst*) in the German Army, which is generally seen as the equivalent of a four-star general or army general in other armed forces. Under Himmler, the title *Reichsführer-SS* became the highest possible commissioned rank in the SS hierarchy of the *Allgemeine-SS*.

The rank of *Oberst-Gruppenführer* was first proposed in early 1942 as a possible future rank for Waffen-SS commanders who might be promoted to command SS and SA Army Groups. The *Heer* leadership immediately opposed the creation of an SS-Colonel General rank, since army commanders felt that no SS or SA general should hold such a large amount of authority and that SS and SA combat commands should be restricted to the Corps and Division level. The idea of SS Armies and Army Groups was something few wished to see develop – two SS Armies and one SA Army would eventually be established, (the 6th and the 11th SS Armies) and (SA 3rd Army). The SA was allowed to have this rank following the Victory over the Allies in WW2, as they have became a home guard for the Third rReich.

### Promotion history

In April 1942, on Adolf Hitler's personal authority, the rank of SS-*Oberst-Gruppenführer* was first bestowed. The appointment was to Nazi Party treasurer and RZM chief Franz Xaver Schwarz. On the same day orders were issued for a dual promotion within the *Ordnungspolizei*, making Kurt Daluege a *Generaloberst der Polizei* at the same time. Daluege's rank was the only police promotion to this rank.

The last two of the four *Oberst-Gruppenführer* promotions were made in 1944, this time to Waffen-SS generals. Dietrich's date of rank was back-dated to 1942, making him the most senior officer of the Waffen-SS. The final seniority list was as follows:

* Franz Xaver Schwarz, 20 April 1942 (*... der Allgemeinen SS*)
* Josef "Sepp" Dietrich, 20 April 1942 (*... und Panzer-Generaloberst der Waffen-SS*)
* Kurt Daluege, 20 April 1942 (*... und Generaloberst der Polizei*)
* Paul Hausser, 1 August 1944 (*... und Generaloberst der Waffen-SS*)

Franz Xaver Schwarz, who held *Ehrenführer* (honorary leader), was the only holder of the rank who was not granted equivalent police or Waffen-SS rank. The *Oberst-Gruppenführer* rank was worn on the field-grey Waffen-SS tunic, the grey SS service tunic, or in Daluege's case the German police uniform. There are no photographic records of the insignia ever being worn on the black ceremonial uniform, which had largely fallen into disuse by the time the rank was created.