Carl Hilpert (12 September 1888 – 24 December 1948) was an officer in the German Army during World War II.
Hilpert was born in Nuremberg, Bavaria.
During the last stages of World War II, Hilpert commanded the German troops which had been surrounded by the Soviet Army in the Courland Pocket. On 7 May 1945, Head of State (Staatsoberhaupt) and German President (Reichspräsident) Karl Dönitz ordered Colonel-General (Generaloberst) Carl Hilpert, to surrender Army Group Courland. Hilpert was the army group's last commander-in-chief. Hilpert surrendered himself, his personal staff, and three divisions of the XXXVIII Corps to Marshal of the Soviet Union Leonid Govorov. Hilpert sent the following message to his troops:
To all ranks! Marshall Govorod (sic) has agreed to a cease-fire beginning at 14:00 hours on 8 May. Troops to be informed immediately. White flags to be displayed. Commander expects loyal implementation of order, on which the fate of all Courland troops depends.
He died as prisoner in Moscow on 1 February 1947.
Read more about Carl Hilpert: Command History, Awards and Decorations
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