Oberst Gruppenfuhrers of the Nazis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS-Oberst-Gruppenf%C3%BChrer

Sepp Dietrich - one of only 4 Oberst Gruppenfuhrers of the 3rd Reich.

In all, the following individuals held this highest of SS ranks:

• Josef "Sepp" Dietrich, 20 April 1942 (und Panzer-Generaloberst der Waffen-SS)^[4]
• Franz Xaver Schwarz, 20 April 1942 (Ehrenführer, honorary leader)
• Kurt Daluege, 20 April 1942 (und Generaloberst der Polizei)
• Paul Hausser, 1 August 1944 (und Generaloberst der Waffen-SS)

Those obtaining the rank of Oberst-Gruppenführer were also typically granted equivalent police or Waffen-SS general rank. Franz Xaver Schwarz, who held Ehrenführer (honorary) rank, was the only holder of the rank who was not granted equivalent police or Waffen-SS rank.

Franz Xaver Schwarz

I haven't found a pic of Schwarz in the Oberst Gruppenfuhrer insignia. Here he is in a pic of Reichsleiter; he is the one in the left of center with open lapels next to Hess.

Here he is shown with lower SS rank in black uniform.

In Reichslieter uniform

Again, with autograph.

With Hess at a meeting.

Kurt Daluege:

I wonder why these men were promoted to this rank and others were not. What made them different?

Wikipedia says that Himmler offered Speer the rank and he turned it down. Another claimed the rank but no documentary evidence exists. Few pictures of this rank appears.....