Slavko Kvaternik

Slavko Kvaternik (25 August 1878 – 7 June 1947) was a one of the founders of fascist Ustaša movement, and one of the persons most directly responsible for the Holocaust in Independent State of Croatia. Kvaternik was Croatian military commander and Minister of Domobranstvo (Armed Forces). On 10 April 1941 he declared the creation of the Independent State of Croatia. Kvaternik was an officer in the Austro-Hungarian Army and was involved in World War I. After collapse of the Austria-Hungary he joined the National Council of State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs and became Chief of the General Staff of unrecognized State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs. As such, he defended the region of Međimurje against Hungarians. He later transferred to the Royal Yugoslav Army and remained there until 1921.

In 1930s he was one of the founders of the Ustaša - Croatian Revolutionary Movement in Italy.

After Germany invaded Yugoslavia in March 1941, he declared the creation of the Independent State of Croatia on 10 April 1941 with the support of the Axis. In the newly created state, he became the Minister of the Armed Forces and in 1943 he retired.

Early life
Kvaternik was born in Moravice (then known as Komorske Moravice) in Kingdom of Croatia Austria-Hungary on 25 August 1878, the son of Ljudevit, a postman, and his wife Marija Frank, who was of German descent and Catholic by religion. 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 Chief of General Staff. At the end of the year, Kvaternik commanded Croatian troops during the successful campaign in Međimurje against the Hungarian army.

World War II
After the German invasion of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia on 6 April 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 Ustasha 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. This carried the title of vojskovođa (marshal). The Croatian Home Guard was established on 11 April. He stayed at this position until his retirement on 4 January 1943.

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.

Crimes
Mass murders of Jews, Serbs and Roma and anti-fascist Croats. Creation and operation of Ustasha concentration camps which were established on the model of Nazi concentration camps, among which stands out the Jasenovac.

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

Family
His wife was Olga Frank, daughter of Josip Frank, Croatian nationalist politician of Jewish descent, who converted from Judaism to Catholicism. Son of Slavko Kvaternik and Olga Frank was Dido Kvaternik, a general in the NDH army and a member of the Ustasha.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross of 1914, 1st class
 * Military Order of the Iron Trefoil, 1st class
 * Grand Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit
 * Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary
 * Grand Cross of the Order of the German Eagle