Marshal of the GDR

[Taz]

a rank that, nobody achieved

Since the foundation of the national people's army (NVA) of the GDR in 1956 there were four general grades:

- Major-General
- Lieutenant - General
- Colonel - General
- Army General.

The grade Army general was reserved exclusively for the respective minister for national defense.

The rank of army general had:

Willi Stoph, minister for national defense from 19th. January 1956 – 1960.

Heinz Hoffmann, minister for national defense from 14th July 1960 to 1985.

Heinz Kessler, minister for national defense, 3rd December to 1989.

By order of the council of state of the German democratic republic (GDR) from the 25th March 1982 ( law sheet of the GDR (GBl)., part I, No. 12, p. 230 3GBl., part I, a. n.p) the Navy admiral who was to be equal to the Army General was introduced and also the rank of a Marshal of the GDR.

In the law sheet it says in addition:

The highest military grade in the German democratic republic is a Marshal of the GDR. The appointment Marshal of the GDR occurs in the defensive state or for unusual military achievements by order of the Chairman of the council of state of the German democratic republic.

This order came into effect on the 1st May, 1982.
In preparation of the introduction of the new rank 3 draft drawings and draft patterns were made. The draft drawings show a marshal's star which would have been worn on a red neck ribbon. These closely resemble the Soviet Marshal Stars.

Eddie.

Here are the 3 draft drawings, one of which would have been the Marshal of the GDR Star.