| Mathias Ferdinand Kräutler | |
| Birth Date: | 2 May 1895 |
| Death Date: | 8 September 1968 (aged 73) |
| Birth Place: | Vienna, Austria-Hungary |
| Death Place: | Salzburg, Austria |
| Allegiance: | (1915-1918) Austria (1918-1938)(1938-1945) |
| Serviceyears: | 1915-1945 |
| Rank: | General Major |
| Servicenumber: | A451685 |
| Battles: | |
| Known For: | Commanding German forces in the Lapland War |
| Awards: | German Cross in Gold 20 January 1945Finnish Order of the Cross of Liberty 2nd Class |
| Spouse: | Gertrud Engl |
| Children: | 2 |
Mathias Ferdinand Kräutler (2 May 1895 – 8 September 1968) was an Austrian military officer, attainingthe rank of Major General during World War II, notably serving in the Lapland War.[1]
Mathias Kräutler was born in Vienna, Austria-Hungary. He studied at the Teresian Academy between 1913 and 1915.He began his military career on March 15, 1915, by joining the Austro-Hungarian army and participating in the First World War. After the war, on February 24, 1919, he continued his service in the Austrian army.
From March 2, 1937, he became the commander of the 1st battalion of the 12th infantry regiment. After the Anschluss on March 15, 1938, he became part of the Wehrmacht. From April 26, 1938, he was the 1st officer of the General Staff of the Commander of the 2nd Infantry. From May 20, 1938, he was the commander of the 3rd Battalion of the 12th Infantry Regiment (from August 1, 1938, he was the 135th Mountain Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Mountain infantry division). On December 5–17, he passed the General Staff officer's course. From January 27, 1942, he was the commander of the 139th Mountain Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Mountain Infantry Division. On March 1, 1944, he was sent to the reserve, he completed the courses of division commander and officer of tank forces. From August 10, 1944 - the commander of the "Kreutler" divisional group (from October 1 - the 140th division for special assignments, from May 5, 1945 - the 9th mountain-infantry division "Nord").
On May 8, 1945, he was captured by British troops. He was later dismissed on January 15, 1947. He passed away at the age of 73 in Salzburg.[2]