Göring, Hermann Wilhelm, << GEHR ihng, HEHR mahn VIHL hehlm >> (1893-1946), was second to Adolf Hitler as a leader of Nazi Germany. He became reich marshal and commanded the Luftwaffe (German air force). He also directed the build-up of Germany’s war industry before the outbreak of World War II in 1939. Göring, also spelled Goering, had earned a distinguished record in World War I (1914-1918). In that war, he served as the last commander of the famous squadron of fighter aircraft previously led by Baron Manfred von Richthofen.
Göring was born at Rosenheim on Jan. 12, 1893, and became one of Hitler’s followers in the early 1920’s. Elected to the Reichstag (German legislature) in 1928, he became its president. This enabled him to frustrate democratic procedures and help Hitler gain unlimited power in 1933. At the start of World War II, Hitler chose Göring as his chief aide. But Göring’s influence declined when the air force failed to subdue England or stop the invasion of the European continent or the bombing of Germany.
Göring loved extravagant entertainment, lavish uniforms, and unusual military decorations. But although he was jovial, he was ruthless with opponents and rivals. Göring was judged guilty of war crimes at Nuremberg. He committed suicide by taking poison on Oct. 15, 1946, just before he was to be hanged.
