Sunday, September 5, 2021

Ritterkreuz Actions of Ernst-Günther Baade

Ernst-Günther Baade (20 August 1897 - 8 May 1945) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (#1026 Heer award) on 27 June 1942 as Oberst and Kommandeur Schützen-Regiment 115 / 15.Panzer-Division. The following press excerpt describes why Baade was awarded the Ritterkreuz: "On 27 May 1942 Oberst Baade was able to prevent a strong British armoured attack in the rear of the Division through a combination of superior leadership, initiative and personal bravery in the foremost line. By doing so he laid the groundwork for the Division’s success on this day. Later, on 11 June 1942, he personally led a reinforced Bataillon of the Schützen-Regiment 115 against Hachheim’s fortified defense system. His unit was the first to enter these hostile positions, and under his leadership it was able to break the garrison’s tough resistance following 24 hours of uninterrupted combat. Oberst Baade’s superior leadership and personal bravery thus brought about victory at Hachheim".

Baade received the Eichenlaub #402 for his Ritterkreuz on 22 February 1944 as Oberst and Führer 90. Panzergrenadier-Division. The following press excerpt describes why Baade was awarded the Eichenlaub: "Generalmajor Baade has once again particularly distinguished himself during the heavy combat in southern Italy as the commander of a Panzergrenadier-Division. It is largely to his credit that all enemy efforts to take control of the hotly contested Cassino massif have so far failed. In order to instantly adjust his decisions to the situation at the frontline, Generalmajor Baade repeatedly occupied forward command posts between the infantry and foremost Batteries with only his Ordonnanzoffizier and a few messengers. From here, and despite the heavy enemy fire, he repeatedly intervened in the combat wherever it was most necessary and thereby reinforced the will to resist of his soldiers...”

Baade received the Schwerter #111 for his Eichenlaub on 16 November 1944 as Generalmajor and Kommandeur 90. Panzergrenadier-Division. The medal was awarded for distinguishing himself with his Division during the combat along the Italian front in 1944.


Source :
Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-315-1110-13
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/1514/Baade-Ernst-G%C3%BCnther.htm

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