Agustín Muñoz Grandes

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Agustín Muñoz Grandes (January 27, 1896 – July 11, 1970) was a Spanish general, fascist leader, and politician best known as the commander of the Blue Division between 1941 and 1943.

Born to a humble family in Madrid, Muñoz Grandes enrolled at the Toledo Infantry Academy while in his teens. Upon graduating, he was deployed to Morocco in 1915 and took part in the Battle of Alhucemas. Muñoz Grandes fought for the Nationalists during the Spanish Civil War and was promoted to general, taking command in the Army of Africa. He led the Spanish Legionnaires in the attack that won Málaga for the Nationalists in February 1937.

In 1941, Muñoz Grandes was given command of the División Azul, Franco's volunteer unit created for service under the Wehrmacht in Russia. Muñoz Grandes was well acquainted with the German military establishment, having previously served as a tactical advisor under Wilhelm Canaris; moreover, he was an ardent fascist and supporter of Adolf Hitler.

During his command Muñoz Grandes was decorated with the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, with Oak Leaves personally added by Hitler. He was recalled to Spain in December 1942 in part because his intemperately pro-German attitudes alarmed the Caudillo at a time when Spain was under immense international pressure to remain neutral. In any case, a promotion to Lieutenant General awaited him at home, and his post on the Eastern Front was taken up by Emilio Esteban Infantes.

Muñoz Grandes was appointed Captain-General of I Military District in 1945 and Minister of Defence in 1950. He served as First Vice President of Spain from 1962 to 1967.

Muñoz Grandes died in 1970.