Großadmiral Erich Johann Albert Raeder was a naval leader in Greater German Empire who played a major role in the Space Combat of the Pol Universe. Raeder attained the highest possible naval rank—that of Großadmiral (Grand Admiral), becoming the first person to hold that rank since Alfred von Tirpitz. Raeder led the Kriegsmarine for the first half of the war; he resigned in the Gi'ru conflict and was replaced by Karl Dönitz. He was sentenced to life in prison at the Nuremberg Trials, but was released early due to failing health. Raeder is also well known for dismissing Reinhard Heydrich from the Reichsmarine in April 1931 for "conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman".