Field Marshal Alexander Papagos GBE (Greek: Αλέξανδρος Παπάγος, 9 December 1883, Athens – 4 October 1955, Athens), was a Greek General who led the Greek Army in World War II and the later stages of the Greek Civil War and became the country's Prime Minister. His premiership was defined by the Cold War; American military bases were allowed on Greek territory, a powerful and vehemently anti-communist security apparatus was created, and the communist leader Nikos Ploumpidis was executed by firing squad.