Theodor Hoffmann (admiral)


Theodor Hoffmann was an East German Admiral who served as the head of the People's Navy and as the last Minister of National Defense of the German Democratic Republic and head of the National People's Army.

Early life

Hoffmann worked from 1949 to 1951 in agriculture. From 1951 to 1952, Hoffmann was a Pioneer Leader in the Wismar District Free German Youth.

Military career

In 1952, Hoffmann became a sailor in the Sea Police, which would later become the East German People's Navy. He attended the Officers School of the People's Police at Stralsund and joined the Socialist Unity Party of Germany in 1956. From 1960 to 1963, he attended the Soviet Naval War Academy in Leningrad and earned a diploma in military science, which he subsequently used to hold various senior positions in the 6th Fleet of the People's Navy. From 1971 to 1974, he was chief of the 6th Fleet with the rank of frigate captain. He later became deputy chief of staff for operational work in the People's Navy command. In 1985, he was appointed deputy chief of the People's Navy and chief of staff. In 1987, was appointed chief of the People's Navy in the rank of vice admiral.
He was promoted to admiral and replaced Heinz Kessler as the Minister for National Defence and head of the National People's Army, serving from 18 November 1989 to 23 April 1990. After his initial selection, Hoffmann was told by the outgoing Defence Minister that he would be promoted to Generaloberst in the army; Hoffmann refused to switch services, however, and obtained approval from Egon Krenz to remain a naval admiral. After the free 1990 elections, he was succeeded in the ministry by CDU politician Rainer Eppelmann, but remained commander of the National People's Army until its disbandment and incorporation into the Bundeswehr.
In 1993, Hoffmann published his reminiscences of last days of the National People's Army, Das letzte Kommando; Ein Minister erinnert sich. In 1995 he published his autobiography Kommando Ostsee; Vom Matrosen zum Admiral.

Personal life

Hoffmann married Helga Qualo in October 1957, and had two sons: Norbert and Rene. Hoffmann died on 1 November 2018 at the age of 83.

Awards and medals

Over his life, Hoffmann received the following awards: