Slavko Kvaternik

Slavko Kvaternik (1878 - June 7 1947) was the deputy leader and founding member of the Croatian Ustaša movement in the 1930s and later one of the leaders of the Independent State of Croatia.

During World War I, Kvaternik served as an adjutant of field marshal Svetozar Boroević and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class.

In 1918 he joined the newly-formed National Council of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs, becoming the army chief of general staff. At the end of the year, Kvaternik commanded Croatian troops during the successful campaign in Međimurje against the Hungarian army.

After the German invasion of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia on April 6 1941, the Ustaše formed their government with Ante Pavelić as leader. Four days later Kvaternik proclaimed the establishment of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH) and formed the first Ustashi government. At the same time, at Kvaternik's request, Vladko Maček (the leader of the Croatian Peasant Party, who had refused to cooperate with the Germans when they requested he lead the new nation) told the people to cooperate with the new regime.

Kvaternik's position at this time was commander-in-chief of the Croatian Armed Forces. The Croatian Home Guard was established on April 11. He stayed at this position until his retirement in 1943.

Award

He was awarded the 1st Class Cross of the Military Order of the Iron Trefoil during his service to the NDH. This award gave him the title of "vitez" (knight), which is sometimes included in his name.

Execution

After the Second World War's end, Kvaternik was tried and sentenced to death for his crimes during NDH regime, by Yugoslav officials. He was executed on June 7 1947.

Family

His son Dido Kvaternik was also a member of the Ustasha.

References

External links

* [http://www.vojska.net/eng/biography/k/kvaternik/slavko/ Biography of Slavko Kvaternik]