Years of service 1861–1918 | Rank Generaloberst Name Hans Plessen | |
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Commands held 1. Garde-Regiment zu Fus 55. Infanterie-Brigade - Karlsruhe 1. Garde-Infanterie-Division - Berlin Reitenden Feldjager Korps - Berlin Kommandant HQ SM Wilhelm II diensttuender Generaladj Wilhelm II Awards Order of the Red Eagle, Pour le Merite | ||
Hans Georg Hermann von Plessen (26 November 1841 – 28 January 1929) was a Prussian Colonel General (German: Generaloberst) and Canon of Brandenburg who held the honorary rank of Generalfeldmarschall in his role as Commandant of the German General Staff during World War I.
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General von Plessen also held the office of His Majesty's Orderly Adjutant General (German: SM diensttuender Generaladjutant) to Kaiser Wilhelm II, thus making him one of the Emperor's closest confidants. By 1918 he was the oldest serving officer in the Imperial German Army, although Paul von Hindenburg falsely claimed this for himself. In 1918, von Plessen was awarded the Pour le Mérite, Germany's highest military honor. He remained devoted to the Kaiser until the collapse of the monarchy in November, 1918.
Awards
Plessen was amongst the most highly decorated officers, with a total of 88 national and international medals, including 51 large crosses.