Johann Fortner

Generalleutnant Johann Fortner
Nickname(s)	Hans
Born	(1884-11-25)25 November 1884 Zweibrücken, Kingdom of Bavaria, German Empire
Died	26 February 1947(1947-02-26) (aged 62) Belgrade, PR Serbia, FPR Yugoslavia
Cause of death	Execution by hanging
Allegiance	Bavaria  Germany
Service/branch	Royal Bavarian Army Heer
Years of service	1903–1944
Rank	Generalleutnant
Commands held	718th Infantry Division
Battles/wars	Western Front 1914–1916 World War II in Yugoslavia 1941–1943
Awards	Iron Cross 1st Class

Johann Fortner (25 November 1884 – 26 February 1947) was a German Generalleutnant during World War II who commanded the 718th Infantry Division from its formation in May 1941 until he was relieved in March 1943. During his command the division engaged in anti-Partisan operations throughout occupied Yugoslavia, mainly within the Independent State of Croatia. The Nazi security warfare conducted by the division whilst under his command involved brutal and widespread massacres and burning of villages. He was retired from active duty in 1944. After the war, Fortner was extradited to Yugoslavia, convicted in a war crimes trial and executed.