So today I present to you:

He hasn't always gone by this name.

Early copies of the novel have him called General Hoffman.  However, at some point I decided that General didn't sound write in my head.  However, Colonel when I speak it with an exaggerated German accent in my mind sounds perfect.

So we then had Colonel Hoffman but I felt Hoffman was too nice a name for my ultimate antagonist as set about searching for a new name for him.

I don't know exactly when I settled on von Vogler but I do recall that it was close enough to vulgar to appease my need for a name suitable for the character.  He is not a very nice person as you'll find out if you read the book.