Alfred Keller
| Alfred Keller | |
|---|---|
Keller as NSFK Korpsführer
|
|
| Born | 19 September 1882 |
| Died | 11 February 1974 (aged 91) Berlin |
| Allegiance |
 Nazi Germany
|
| Service/branch | Luftwaffe |
| Rank | Generaloberst |
| Commands held | Luftflotte 1 |
| Battles/wars |
World War II |
| Awards |
Pour le Mérite Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross |
Alfred Keller (19 September 1882 – 11 February 1974) was a general in the Luftwaffe of Nazi Germany during the Second World War who commanded the Luftflotte 1. His career in the Imperial German Armed Forces began in 1897; he became one of the most decorated generals of the former Luftwaffe.
In September 1939, when the Second World War begun, the then General Alfred Keller commanded the 4th Air Corps during the invasion of Poland, assuming this command on 13 October 1939. The following campaigns, during campaigns against Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium and the Battle of France, he commanded Luftflotte 2 with General Albert Kesselring as his superior. Keller was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 24 June 1940 as commander of the 4th Air Corps. Shortly afterwards, on 19 July 1940, he was promoted Generaloberst. On 19 August 1940, during the Battle of Britain, Alfred Keller was appointed as the commander of Luftflotte 1 and Air Force commander - East. Keller led this formation very energetically during the invasion of the Balkans Campaign and later during the Operation Barbarossa where he predominantly supported Army Group North. Keller remained with Luftflotte 1 until 12 June 1943, when he retired from active service at the age of 61, replaced by the 16 years younger Günther Korten. However he continued to perform important functions in NSFK (Nationalsozialistische Fliegerkorps – Organisation of Aerial National Socialist, a paramilitary unit that he organised to form a civil reserve of pilots). He was Korpsführer of the NSFK from June 26, 1943, until the German surrender on May 8, 1945. Towards the end of the war Keller was the responsible one for the antitank weapons department of the Luftwaffe.
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