Herbert Scheibe

Herbert Scheibe (born Hohenmölsen 28 November 1914: died Berlin 7 February 1991) was an East German Generaloberst and, between 1967 and 1972, Commanding general of the country's Airforce.

Life

Early years Scheibe was born in a sleepy market town in Saxony-Anhalt, some 45 km (28 miles) south-west of Leipzig. His father was a labourer and his mother was a cook. Scheibe was bought up by his grandparents, both of whom were early members of the German Communist Party (KPD). He received a basic education at the small local school and then undertook an apprenticeship as a typesetter in Gohlis (Leipzig). From 1972 till his retirement from active service on 15 March 1985 General Colonel Scheibe served in succession to General Lieutenant Walter Borning as Head of the Department for Security Affairs of the Party Central Committee.

Honours and awards 1964 Patriotic Order of Merit in Silver 1966 “Order of Battle for services to the People and the Fatherland in Gold 1973 Grand Order for Military Service (Highest Chilean military decoration) 1974 Order of Karl Marx 1975 Friedrich Engels Prize 1979 Scharnhorst Order 1979 Ernst Schneller Medal in Gold 1979 Patriotic Order of Merit in Gold 1981 Patriotic Order of Merit Gold clasp East German Service Medal Distinguished Service Medal of the National People's Army in Gold