About Willi Stoph
Wilhelm Stoph was a German politician. He served as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the German Democratic Republic from 1964 to 1973, and again from 1976 until 1989. He also served as chairman of the State Council from 1973 to 1976. He was assigned to the 293rd Infantry Division's artillery regiment, and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class and rose to the rank of Unteroffizier. As defense minister, he was awarded the rank of Armeegeneral. After Ulbricht's death in 1973, Stoph became Chairman of the Council of State—a post equivalent in rank to president of the GDR.
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