Ritterkreuzträger with Artur Axmann at Reichsjugendführung (2)

In 3 November 1942, a big delegation of Ritterkreuzträger (German Knight's Cross recipients) visited the Reichsjugendführung, doing inspections of training places and communications with young Hitlerjugend members. This picture was taken when they met the HJ leader, Reichsjugendführer Artur Axmann. The identification as follow: (1) Oberleutnant Günter Klappich (Chef 11.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 60 [motorisiert] / 16.Infanterie-Division [motorisiert]. Ritterkreuz on 31 July 1942), (2) Hauptmann Erich Löffler (Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 57 / 9.Infanterie-Division. Ritterkreuz on 7 October 1942), (3) Hauptmann Wilhelm Spindler (Chef 13.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 98 / 1.Gebirgs-Division. Ritterkreuz on 21 December 1940), (4) Hauptmann Max Sachsenheimer (Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Jäger-Regiment 75 / 5.Jäger-Division. Ritterkreuz on 5 April 1942), (5) Hauptmann Hans-Gotthard Pestke (Chef 3.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 176 / 61.Infanterie-Division. Ritterkreuz on 15 November 1941), (6) Generalleutnant Friedrich Herrlein (General der Infanterie beim Oberkommando des Heeres. Ritterkreuz on 22 September 1941), (7) Oberleutnant der Reserve Richard Grünert (Kommandeur 3.Kompanie / Kradschützen-Bataillon 7 / 7.Panzer-Division. Ritterkreuz on 14 October 1941), (8) Oberleutnant Peter Kiesgen (Führer 1.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 239 / 106.Infanterie-Division. Ritterkreuz on 5 October 1941), (9) unidentified, (10) Reichsjugendführer Artur Axmann, (11) Oberleutnant Hans Guhr (Regimentsadjutant Infanterie-Regiment 513 / 294.Infanterie-Division. Ritterkreuz on 10 September 1942), and (12) Generalmajor Friedrich-Jobst Volckamer von Kirchensittenbach (Stellvertretenden Inspekteur der Inspektion des Erziehungs- und Bildungs-Wesens im Oberkommando des Heeres. Ritterkreuz later on 26 March 1944).

Studio Portrait of Friedrich-Wilhelm Bock

SS-Oberführer Friedrich-Wilhelm Bock (6 May 1897 - 11 March 1978) was an outstanding Waffen-SS artillery officer who during his career commanded three SS-divisions: 4. SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Division (20 October 1943 - 19 April 1944), the Latvian 19. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (15 March 1944 - 13 April 1944), and 9. SS-Panzer-Division "Hohenstaufen" (31 July 1944 - 29 August 1944). He participated in anti-partisan actions following the invasion of Poland, and took part in Operation Barbarossa and the siege of Leningrad during the winter of 1942-43. He was also a winner of the following medals and decorations: 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse (27 July 1917); Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer 1914/1918 (1934); 1939 spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse (21 August 1941); 1939 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse (16 September 1941); Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 (1942); Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz; and the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (28 March 1943) mit Eichenlaub #570 (2 September 1944).

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedrich-Wilhelm_Bock
https://id.pinterest.com/pin/403775922822272585/
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/55673658_german-cross-recommendation-for-friedrich-wilhelm-bock

General der Infanterie Ferdinand Neuling

General der Infanterie Ferdinand Neuling (22 August 1885 - 20 February 1960) joined the Kaiser's army as ensign in 139th Infantry Regiment in 1905. A year later he was promoted to Leutnant. He served in World War I and, after 1918, continued his service in the Reichswehr. In 1929, he was promoted to major, in 1933 to colonel. In the same year, he took command of Infanterie-Regiment 23. On 1 January 1939 he became Generalmajor and three months later took command of Landwehr in Oppeln. On the eve of World War II he was ordered to create the 239. Infanterie-Division, basing on Landwehr soldiers. The Division's battle value was considered very low and the unit was scheduled to be used as reserve. On 2 September 1939, his division crossed German-Polish border in Gierałtowice. The troops marched towards Ornontowice, then Mikołów. On 3 September, following the retreat of Polish Army from Upper Silesia, Neuling entered Mikołów. A day later, he seized Katowice, where was warmly greeted by German citizens and fiercely attacked by Poles. Three days later, his soldiers burned down the synagoge in Katowice. After capturing Upper Silesia Neuling's division headed east. In October 1939 they guarded the German-Soviet border on Bug River, which was created after the fall of Poland. In 1940 Neuling's men took part in the offensive against France, stormed the Maginot Line, and captured Colmar and Strasbourg. After that, he was put into army's reserve. Since 1942 he commanded LXII ArmeeKorps in France. On 18 August 1944, his corps was crushed by advancing units of the US Army. Neuling was taken prisoner and transferred to the POW camp in Clinton, Mississippi. He returned to Germany in 1947 and died in Hildesheim in 1960. He never faced any charges concerning crimes committed during the war. Neuling received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 28 February 1942 as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur 239.Infanterie-Division. Other medals and ceorations that he receives: Ritterkreuz I. Klasse des Königlich Sächsischen Albrechts-Ordens mit Schwertern (14 October 1917); Ritterkreuz des Königlich Sächsischen Militär St. Heinrichs-Ordens (9 September 1918); 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse und I.Klasse; Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer 1914/1918; 1939 spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse (17 November 1939) und I.Klasse (15 June 1940); Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung IV. bis I.Klasse; Rumanian Ordinul Mihai Viteazul 3rd Class (19 September 1941); and Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (19 December 1941).

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferdinand_Neuling
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=210856

Himmler and the Ritterkreuztrüger from Panzertruppen

Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler and the Ritterkreuzträger from Panzertruppen: This picture was taken on April 1942 by Bildberichter Haine and showing, from left to right: Hauptmann Artur Wollschlaeger (Ritterkreuz on 12 January 1942 as Oberleutnant and Chef 2.Kompanie / I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 35 / 4.Panzer-Division), Hauptmann Hans-Günther Bethke (Ritterkreuz on 4 September 1940 as Oberleutnant and Führer 5.Kompanie / II.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 11 / 6.Panzer-Division), Heinrich Himmler (Reichsführer-SS und Chef der deutschen Polizei), and Hauptmann Wilhelm Renner (Ritterkreuz on 5 August 1940 as Oberleutnant and Chef 8.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Schützen-Regiment 2 / 2.Panzer-Division).

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/35837/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/

Karl Wiegand After He Received the Ritterkreuz

Oberleutnant Karl Wiegand (4 December 1918 - 19 January 2006) after receiving his Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 9 May 1942 as Chef 2.Batterie / I.Abteilung / Flak-Regiment 18 (motorisiert). He joined the Luftwaffe in 1937, after the completion of his labor service obligation, as a Fahnenjunker in the II.Abteilung / Flak-Regiment 14 in Cologne. In 1941 he came to Africa as a Batteriechef (battery chief) of the Flak Regiment 18 (mot.). Here he received the Ritterkreuz from the hands of Erwin Rommel. Wiegand had excelled in many fights and, during a fierce battle at Saunu, in spite of the most severe enemy shelling, intervened decisively in the battle with his artillery. So many times he had fulfilled his mission and were distinguished by a special leadership skills and exemplary personal bravery. His last rank at the end of the war was Hauptmann. Other medals and decorations: Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse und I.Klasse; Flakkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe; Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber; Medaglia commemorativa della campagna italo-tedesca in Africa; and Ärmelband Afrika.

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/35714/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
http://das-ritterkreuz.de/index_search_db.php?modul=search_result_det&wert1=7015&searchword=wiegand
http://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Wiegand,_Karl
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/40857/Wiegand-Karl.htm?c=aw

Walther von Brauchitsch Wearing Leather Mantel

Generalfeldmarschall Walther von Brauchitsch (Oberbefehlshaber des Heeres) wearing ledermantel (leather jacket). He received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 30 September 1939 as Generaloberst and Oberbefehlshaber des Heeres for his conduct in the German invasion of Poland.

Source :
https://fotoshop44.de/Fotos/Ordenstraeger
http://das-ritterkreuz.de/index_search_db.php?modul=search_result_det&wert1=643&searchword=brauchitsch

Reinhard Günzel at the Front

Kampfflieger (bomber pilot) and Ritterkreuzträger (Knight's Cross recipient) Major Reinhard Günzel (Gruppenkommandeur II.Gruppe / Kampfgeschwader 27 [KG 27] "Boelcke") briefs his men at the front, while wearing a fliegerkombi. The picture was taken on january 1943, after he received the Eichenlaub #184 for his Ritterkreuz (21 January 1943). Previously, Günzel received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 17 September 1941 as Hauptmann and Gruppenkommandeur II.Gruppe / Kampfgeschwader 27 (KG 27) "Boelcke". His last rank in the war was Oberstleutnant. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Sperling.

Source:
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/31046/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
http://das-ritterkreuz.de/index_search_db.php?modul=search_result_det&wert1=1992&searchword=guenzel
http://de.metapedia.org/wiki/G%C3%BCnzel,_Reinhard_(1907)

Hans Christern and Peter Sauerbruch

Front seat of the Schützenpanzerwagen Sd.Kfz. 251/3 mittlerer Funkpanzerwagen, from left to right: Oberst Hans Christern (Kommandeur Panzer-Regiment 35 / 4.Panzer-Division) and Oberstleutnant im Generalstab Peter Sauerbruch (Ia [Erster Generalstabsoffizier] 4. Panzer-Division). The picture was taken in Kurland pocket in 1944. 4PzD fought in Latvia and Kurland from the summer of 1944 until January 1945 when it was transferred to West Prussia, where it surrendered to the Red Army in April 1945. 

Source :
http://www.axishistory.com/books/150-germany-heer/heer-divisionen/3956-4-panzer-division
http://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Christern,_Hans

Ritterkreuz Award Ceremony of 4. Panzer-Division

Award ceremony of 4. Panzer-Division, 12 August 1944. Divisionskommandeur Clemens Betzel (back to the camera) awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes to Bataillonsführer Kurt Schäfer (on the right facing Betzel). From left to right: Oberst Hans Christern (Kommandeur Panzer-Regiment 35), Generalmajor Clemens Betzel (Kommandeur 4. Panzer-Division), Oberstleutnant Gerlach von Gaudecker-Zuch (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Regiment 33), Oberstleutnant im Generalstab Peter Sauerbruch (Ia [Erster Generalstabsoffizier] 4. Panzer-Division), Hauptmann Wilhelm Westermann (Kommandeur Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 4), Major der Reserve Fritz-Rudolf Schultz (Kommandeur II.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 35), unidentified officer, Hauptmann Kurt Schäfer (Führer I.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 33), and another unidentified officer.

Source :
http://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Datei:Ritterkreuztr%C3%A4ger_der_14._Panzer-Division.jpg
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=29879&start=14025

Award Ceremony at Berlin

Berlin, 20 May 1942 : Ritterkreuzträger Gefreiter Hans Krohn (Ritterkreuz on 6 April 1942 as Gefreiter and Richtschütze in 1.Kompanie / Panzerjäger-Abteilung 20 / 20.Infanterie-Division [motorisiert]) decorating the Ritterkreuz des Kriegsverdienstkreuz ohne Schwertern to Franz Hahne, Obermeister in der Firma Rheinmetall -Altmärkische Kettenwerke (Alkett). At left is Hauptmann Leo Drossel (Ritterkreuz on 19 July 1940 as Hauptmann and Kommandeur III.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 102 / 24.Infanterie-Division) and Korvettenkapitän Heinrich Liebe (Ritterkreuz on 14 August 1940 and Eichenlaub on 10 June 1941, both as Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant U-38), while at right is SS-Hauptsturmführer Heinrich "Hein" Springer (Ritterkreuz on 12 January 1942 as SS-Hauptsturmführer and Führer 3.Kompanie I.Bataillon / SS-Infanterie-Regiment "LSSAH" [motorisiert] / Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler [motorisiert]).

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/48376/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=29879&p=2110191#p2110191

Portrait Photo of U-Boat Ace Asmus Nikolai "Niko" Clausen

Kapitänleutnant Asmus Nikolai Clausen (2 June 1911 - 16 May 1943) pictured in March 1942. Clausen joined the Reichsmarine in October 1929 as a seaman. He spent the next few years on torpedo boats (T-185 and G-10) and on the Segelschulschiff (sailing school ship) Gorch Fock. In September 1935 he transferred to the new U-boat force and after some months of training, joined U-26 under Kapitänleutnant Werner Hartmann in April 1936. In March 1937 he entered Marineschule (Naval Academy) Mürwik and received several months of officer training. In the next two years he served on the battlecruiser Admiral Graf Spee and the minesweeper M-134. When war broke out in autumn 1939, his former commander Werner Hartmann requested his services, and Niko Clausen became the 1st Watch Officer (I WO) on U-37. He completed three patrols on U-37, mostly in the Atlantic, and on returning from the first patrol received his Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse from Karl Dönitz personally. He left U-37 in summer 1940 and in August commissioned the type IID U-boat U-142. After only two months he returned to U-37 to replace Victor Oehrn as commander. In May 1941 he left U-37, which then became a training boat. Three weeks later he commissioned the type IXC U-boat U-129. The first three patrols on U-129, mostly in the Atlantic, ended without success, but during the fourth patrol, in Caribbean waters, Niko Clausen sank seven ships with a total of 25,613 tons. During this patrol he was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 13 March 1942. After returning from this patrol in May 1942 he turned over command of U-129 to Hans-Ludwig Witt. In July 1942 Kapitänleutnant Clausen commissioned U-182, another long range boat. On his first patrol, in the Indian Ocean, he sank five ships totalling 30,071 tons. On the return journey, U-182 was lost with all hands, sunk on 16 May 1943 by the American destroyers USS MacKenzie and Lamb.

This photo was taken in autumn 1941. Clausen, at the time commander of U-129, was on holidays with his crew in the Austrian Alps town of Pörtschach, the god-parent town of U-129. He was then 30 years old.

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/2734/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
https://uboat.net/men/clausen.htm
http://collectinghistory.net/U-182/

Karl Ens at El Alamein

The working position of 5 cm Pak 38 (L/60) (5 cm Panzerabwehrkanone 38 (L/60)) at El Alamein positions, October 1942. Ritterkreuzträger Oberstleutnant Karl Ens (left) checks the camouflaged netting works. He got the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 14 May 1941 as Major and Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 125 (motorisiert). During the First World War, Ens was Leutnant in the Baden Grenadier Regiment. During this war he received both 1914 Eisernes Kreuzes, Ritterkreuz des Königlichen Hausordens von Hohenzollern mit Schwertern, Baden Militär-Karl-Friedrich-Verdienstorden Ritterkreuz, Baden Orden vom Zähringer Löwen Ritterkreuz II. Klasse, and the Verwundetenabzeichen 1918 in Silber. Karl Ens finally reached the rank of Oberst during the Second World War. He was missing in action on 15 April 1945 and was formally declared dead by the AG Baiersbronn on 11 December 1957. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Dohm.

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/1407/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5_cm_Pak_38
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/30000/Ens-Karl.htm?c=aw

Three Ritterkreuzträger from 19. Infanterie-Division

October 1940: Three Ritterkreuzträger (the recipients of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) from Infanterie-Regiment 74 / 19.Infanterie-Division. From left to right: Oberfeldwebel Johann Pongratz (Zugführer in 2.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 74. Ritterkreuz on 4 September 1940), Oberst Gustav Schmidt (Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 74. Ritterkreuz on 4 September 1940), and Oberleutnant der Reserve Gustav Hippler (Führer 5.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 74. Ritterkreuz on 4 September 1940). In the German invasion to the West on the summer of 1940, four member of 19. Infanterie-Division (changed to 19. Panzer-Division on 1 November 1940) received the coveted Ritterkreuz, which was given on the same day, 4 September 1940. Three of them (pictured above) comes from Infanterie-Regiment 74, while the last one, Feldwebel Karl Jürgens, was a Zugführer in 2.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 73.

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/35635/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/

Eichenlaub Award Ceremony for Josef Harpe

Generalmajor Josef Harpe (Kommandeur 12. Panzer-Division) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #55 from the hand of Adolf Hitler (Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht), on the award ceremony held at Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze (Rastenburg/East Prussia), early January 1942. Harpe already got the award announcement from 31 December 1941. He had been awarded the Ritterkreuz previously on 13 August 1941 (as Generalmajor and Kommandeur 12. Panzer-Division), and would received the Schwerter #36 for his Ritterkreuz and Eichenlaub on 15 September 1943 as General der Panzertruppe and Kommandierender General XXXXI.Panzerkorps. This picture was first published in 'Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung', 21 January 1942 edition,

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/35583/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
http://das-ritterkreuz.de/index_search_db.php?modul=search_result_det&wert1=2127&searchword=harpe

Ritterkreuz Award Ceremony for Italo Gariboldi

5 April 1943: From left to right: Oberstleutnant Gerhard Engel (Adjutant des Heeres und Verbindungsoffizier des Heeres zu Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht), Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Keitel (Chef des Oberkommando der Wehrmacht), Generalleutnant Rudolf Schmundt (Chefadjutant des Heeres beim Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht), Adolf Hitler (Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht), Generale di Brigata Efisio Marras (Head of the Italian Mission in connection with the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht), Generale d'Armata Italo Gariboldi (Commander Italian Army in Russia), and unknown Italian Generale di Divizione. The picture was taken by Presse-Hoffmann photographer at the Ritterkreuz award ceremony for Gariboldi, held in Berghof Obersalzberg. Gariboldi already received the radio/telegram news for his award from 1 April 1943.

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/29865/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=75&t=231761&p=2107830#p2107830

Ritterkreuz Award ceremony for Heinz Strüning and Alfons Köster

From left to right: Hauptmann Paul Semrau (Staffelkapitän 3.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 2), Leutnant der Reserve Heinz Strüning (Flugzeugführer in 3.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 1), Oberfeldwebel Alfons Köster (Flugzeugführer in 3.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 2), and Leutnant Wilhelm Beier (Flugzeugführer in 3.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 1) on 9 November 1942 on the occasion of the award of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes to Struning and Köster. They already received the news of their award via radio/telegram on 29 October 1942 previously. The picture comes from a collection of Hans-Jakob Schmitz.

Source :
Book "Nachtjagd Defenders of the Reich 1940-1943" by Martin W. Bowman

Veteran Aces from Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52)

Six Ritterkreuzträger (Knight's Cross recipients) and former Luftwaffe fighter aces from Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52) in front of the aircraft hangar in Ebern, Altenstein (Germany), 2002. From left to right: Günther Rall (275 victories. Ritterkreuz on 3 September 1942, Eichenlaub on 26 October 1942, and Schwerter on 12 September 1943), Friedrich "Fritz" Obleser (120 victories. Ritterkreuz on 23 March 1944), Peter "Bonifaz" Düttmann (152 victories. Ritterkreuz on 9 June 1944), Viktor Petermann (64 victories. Ritterkreuz on 29 February 1944), Walter Wolfrum (137 victories. Ritterkreuz on 27 July 1944), and Heinz "Esau" Ewald (84 victories. Ritterkreuz on 20 April 1945).

Source :
http://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Jagdgeschwader_52

11 Aces from Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52)

"11 Männer 1676 Luftsiege" (11 Man 1676 Air Victory): Newspaper article from the end of 1944 about Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52). They were as follow: Oberstleutnant Dietrich "Dieter" Hrabak (Geschwaderkommodore Jagdgeschwader 52 with 126 victories. Ritterkreuz on 21 October 1940 and Eichenlaub on 25 November 1943), Oberleutnant Erich "Bubi" Hartmann (Staffelkapitän 7. Staffel with 303 victories. Ritterkreuz on 29 October 1943, Eichenlaub on 2 March 1944, Schwerter on 2 July 1944, and Brillanten on 25 August 1944), Major Gerhard "Gerd" Barkhorn (Gruppenkommandeur II. Gruppe with 273 victories. Ritterkreuz on 23 August 1942, Eichenlaub on 11 March 1943, and Schwerter on 2 March 1944), Hauptmann Wilhelm "Willi" Batz (Gruppenkommandeur III. Gruppe with 208 victories. Ritterkreuz on 26 March 1944, Eichenlaub on 20 July 1944, and Schwerter on 21 April 1945), Oberleutnant Otto Vönnekold/Fönnekold (Staffelkapitän 5. Staffel with 134 victories. Ritterkreuz on 26 March 1944), Leutnant Franz Schall (Staffelkapitän 3. Staffel with 117 victories. Ritterkreuz on 10 October 1944), Leutnant Karl "Charlie" Gratz (Stab Jagdgeschwader 52 with 116 victories. Ritterkreuz on 1 July 1942), Hauptmann Adolf Borchers (Gruppenkommandeur I. Gruppe with 118 victories. Ritterkreuz on 22 November 1943), Oberleutnant Friedrich "Fritz" Obleser (Staffelkapitän 8. Staffel with 116 victories. Ritterkreuz on 23 March 1944), Leutnant Hans-Joachim Birkner (Staffelkapitän 9. Staffel with 101 victories. Ritterkreuz on 27 July 1944), and Leutnant Anton "Toni" Resch (Flugzeugführer in 3. Staffel with 64 victories. Ritterkreuz on 7 April 1945).

Source :
http://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Datei:Zeitung_luftsiege_JG52_Oktober_1944.jpg

Fritz Jäger with Other Officers of the Wehrmacht

Oberst Friedrich Gustav "Fritz" Jäger (center) with other officers of the Wehrmacht. He display a rare combination of Lippisches Kriegsverdienstkreuz II.Klasse (ribbon) and I.Klasse (medal below the Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse spange). Fritz Jäger received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 26 May 1940 as Major and Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 8 / 3.Infanterie-Division. He was a resistance fighter in Nazi Germany and a member of the 20 July Plot. On 20 July 1944, the day of the attempt on Hitler's life, Jäger was commander of the Panzer reserve troops in defence districts II (Stettin) and XXI (Kalisch). After the briefcase bomb exploded at the Wolf's Lair in East Prussia, Jäger received orders from Claus Schenk von Stauffenberg to arrest an SS Oberführer. Furthermore, he was also to arrest Joseph Goebbels and occupy the radio station in Masurenallee. After it became known that Hitler had survived the attempt on his life, however, the soldiers under his command would no longer take his orders. Jäger himself was arrested by his own army on the same day when the plot failed. On 21 August 1944, Friedrich Gustav Jäger was sentenced to death for treason by Roland Freisler at the Volksgerichtshof, and he was hanged later the same day at Plötzensee Prison in Berlin. His family's property was confiscated.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedrich_Gustav_Jaeger
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=29879&start=7680

Wilhelm Freuwörth with Hitlerjugend Boys

Ritterkreuzträger (Knight's Cross recipient) Oberfeldwebel Wilhelm "Willi" Freuwörth from Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52) shares his experiences with the boys from the air section of the Hitlerjugend in Rossitten, East Prussia, 16 July 1944. In his sleeve is a cufftitle of "Jagdgeschwader Schlageter", the nickname of Jagdgeschwader 26 (JG 26), the first unit of Freuwörth. He received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 5 January 1943 as Feldwebel and Flugzeugführer in 2.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 52 after 53 air victories (his total is 58). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Engel.

Source:
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/47757/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
http://www.jg52.net/ritterkreuztraeger/wilhelm-freuworth/

U-Boat Aces and Ritterkreuzträger from 29. U-Flottille

German submarine aces and Ritterkreuzträger (Knight's Cross recipients) of 29. Unterseebootsflottille (29. U-Flottille) at La Spezia, Northern Italy, between August and September 1942. They were  all wearing Weißer Dienstrock (summer white uniform). From left to right:

1. Kapitänleutnant Friedrich Guggenberger (Kommandant U-81). 17 ships sunk (66,848 tons) from 10 patrols, 324 days at sea. Ritterkreuz on 10 December 1941 and Eichenlaub on 8 January 1943.

2. Kapitänleutnant Helmut Rosenbaum (Kommandant U-73). 9 ships sunk (57,863 tons) from 10 patrols, 265 days at sea. Ritterkreuz on 12 August 1942.

3. Kapitänleutnant Heinrich Schonder (Kommandant U-77). 15 ships sunk (29,368 tons) from 12 patrols, 291 days at sea. Ritterkreuz on 19 August 1942.

4. Kapitänleutnant Fritz Frauenheim (Flottillenchef 29. U-Flottille). 18 ships sunk (78,248 tons) from 9 patrols, 170 days at sea. Ritterkreuz on 29 August 1940.

5. Kapitänleutnant Hans-Werner Kraus (Kommandant U-83). 8 ships sunk (12,702 tons) from 10 patrols, 292 days at sea. Ritterkreuz on 19 June 1942.

Source:
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=29879&start=7680
https://uboat.net/flotillas/29flo.htm

Bruno Bogert and Walter Scheller

Two officers from the besieged German forces in Brest-Litovsk, Belarus, discussing the strategy, summer of 1944. From left to right: Hauptmann Bruno Bogert (Kommandeur Sicherungs-Bataillon 670) and Generalleutnant Walter Scheller (Kommandant Festung Brest-Litowsk). As can be seen from this picture, they were both Ritterkreuzträger (Knight's Cross recipients): Bogert received it on 21 April 1944, while Scheller received it on 3 April 1943. Not long after this picture was taken, Scheller would be killed on 21 July 1944 in the fighting for the city during the Soviet Lublin–Brest Offensive.

Source :
https://www.emedals.com/europe/germany/german-documents-photos/third-reich-photos-postcards/a-wartime-period-photo-of-kc-recipient-lieutenant-general
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=29879&start=13965
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Personenregister/S/SchellerW.htm

Erhard Jähnert Color Portrait

Erhard Jähnert (17 August 1917 - 23 July 2006) showed an early interest in the aviation by joining the NSFK (Nationalsozialistisches Fliegerkorps) in his youth. In 1936 he joined the Luftwaffe, where he was trained as a pilot. In 1938 he attended the Militärflugzeugschule in Kaufbeuren. Then he was transferred to II.Gruppe / Schlachtgeschwader 122. In 1939 he participated in the invasion of Poland, after retrained on Junkers Ju 87 'Stuka'. In 1940 he then flew over France and England. From December 1940 he moved to the Mediterranean theater of war, where he flew missions against Malta and in North Africa. In the spring of 1943 he was transferred to the Eastern Front, and in here that Jähnert received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 18 May 1943 as Leutnant and Flugzeugführer in III.Gruppe / Sturzkampfgeschwader 3 (StG 3). He flew over 622 combat sorties with StG 3 and sank three Russian destroyers in a single day! He finally reached the rank of Major on May 1945. According to his own words, he was awarded the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz on 30 April 1945. However, no evidence has been found yet. At the end of the war he was captured by British troops in Flensburg after flying with his unit from Courland Pocket. Jähnert then was released in July 1945. Other medals and decorations he receives: Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938; Flugzeugführerabzeichen; Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse (20 October 1939); Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse (2 July 1940); Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Silber (4 August 1941); Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Gold (25 August 1941); Italian Medaglia d'argento al Valore Militare (6 December 1941); Luftwaffe Ehrenpokale für besondere Leistungen im Luftkrieg (18 March 1942); Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (17 June 1942)

Source :
http://www.aircrewremembered.com/KrackerDatabase/?q=j%C3%A4hnert%2C+erhard
http://www.historicalwarmilitariaforum.com/topic/6937-ritterkreuztr%C3%A4ger-photos-in-color-thread/?page=37&tab=comments#comment-61026http://www.historicalwarmilitariaforum.com/topic/6937-ritterkreuztr%C3%A4ger-photos-in-color-thread/?page=9&tab=comments#comment-36907
https://ipfs.io/ipfs/QmXoypizjW3WknFiJnKLwHCnL72vedxjQkDDP1mXWo6uco/wiki/Erhard_J%C3%A4hnert.html
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/23517/J%E4hnert-Erhard.htm?c=aw

Adolf Hitler Receives Hubert Brinkforth

Adolf Hitler (Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht) receives Obergefreiter Hubert Brinkforth from Schützen-Regiment 25 / 12.Panzer-Division in the Reichskanzlei, Berlin, on Friday, 4 April 1941. Brinkforth is most notable for being the first enlisted man to be awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Knight's Cross of the Iron Crosses). Prior to the restoration of the Eisernes Kreuz in 1939, most awards of German major medals for bravery were made to officers and the nobility. This award was designed to be given without regard rank or position. He was awarded the medal for his actions as a Schütze in 14.Kompanie (Panzerjäger) / III.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 25 (motorisiert) / 2.Infanterie-Division (motorisiert) on 27 May 1940 during the Battle of France, when he destroyed nine British tanks near Huppy using his PAK 36 anti-tank gun. This action earned him mention in the Wehrmachtbericht: "An der Südfront wurden einzelne mit Panzern geführte feindliche Angriffe an der unteren Somme abgewiesen. Dabei wurden dreißig feindliche Panzer vernichtet, allein neun hiervon durch den Schützen Brinkforth" (On the southern front, lone enemy attacks with tanks were repulsed on the lower Somme. Here thirty enemy tanks were destroyed, nine of them by Schütze Brinkforth). Promotion to Gefreiter and the immediate award of the Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse followed. General der Infanterie Erich von Manstein (Kommandierender General XXXVIII. Armeekorps) nominated him for the Ritterkreuz, which was awarded on 7 March 1941 (received on 1 April 1941 from Generalmajor Josef Harpe, Commander of 12. Panzer-Division) along with the Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse and a promotion to Obergefreiter. Brinkforth later was killed in action on 5 June 1942 during a Soviet artillery attack near Pogostje, Leningrad Oblast. He was also awarded the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz, Panzerkampfabzeichen, Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 (Ostmedaille), and was promoted to Unteroffizier shortly before his death.

Source :
http://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-hitler-receives-corporal-brinkforth-36996841.html
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/35548/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
http://das-ritterkreuz.de/index_search_db.php?modul=search_result_det&wert1=694&searchword=brinkforth
http://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Brinkforth,_Hubert
https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=132226692

Helmut Lent Portrait Photo

Oberstleutnant Helmut Lent (Geschwaderkommodore Nachtjagdgeschwader 3) in a studio portrait, taken by bildberichter Doeffs. He is wearing the highly prestigious medal in his neck, the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub, Schwerter und Brillanten (Knight's Cross of the Iron Crosses with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds), which he received on 31 July 1944 after becoming the first pilot in history who scored the 100th night victory (15 June 1944)!

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/35484/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/

Otto Kretschmer Playing Curling during Winter

January 1941 : U-boat ace Kapitänleutnant Otto Kretschmer (Kommandant U-99) playing curling in the snow during vacation. Kretschmer, of the German Kriegsmarine, was the most successful submarine commander of any navy during the Second World War. In the first 18 months of the war he sank 44 ships totalling over 266,000 tons. His reward was celebrity status in Nazi Germany and he was awarded the coveted Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern (Knight's Cross of the Iron Crosses with Oak Leaves and Swords).

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/31067/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/obituary-admiral-otto-kretschmer-1173919.html
https://uboat.net/men/kretschmer.htm

Ritterkreuzträger of the Kriegsmarine Speech to the Hitlerjugend

Hitlerjugend demonstration under the banner of "Die Ritterkreuzträger der Kriegsmarine Rede an die Hitlerjugend" (The Knight's Cross Recipients of the German Navy Speech to the Hitler Youth) at the Berlin Sportpalast, 16 June 1943. The Kriegsmarine banners and flags entry to the venue.

Hitlerjugend demonstration under the banner of "Die Ritterkreuzträger der Kriegsmarine Rede an die Hitlerjugend" (The Knight's Cross Recipients of the German Navy Speech to the Hitler Youth) at the Berlin Sportpalast, 16 June 1943. Hitlerjugend leader, Reichsjugendführer Artur Axmann, arrives to the venue with the Ritterkreuzträger. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Jacques. The identification as follow :

1. Admiral Walter Warzecha (Chef des Allgemeinen Marinehauptamtes)

2. Kapitän zur See Kurt Thoma (Chef Abteilung K III M im Oberkommando der Marine)

3. Reichsjugendführer Artur Axmann

4. ???

5. ???

6. Kapitänleutnant Reinhard Hardegen (Kommandant U-123)
7. ???

Hitlerjugend demonstration under the banner of "Die Ritterkreuzträger der Kriegsmarine Rede an die Hitlerjugend" (The Knight's Cross Recipients of the German Navy Speech to the Hitler Youth) at the Berlin Sportpalast, 16 June 1943. From left to right:

1. ???

2. ???

3. Kapitänleutnant Reinhard Hardegen (Kommandant U-123)

4. ???

5. ???

6. ???

7. Kapitän zur See Kurt Thoma (Chef Abteilung K III M im Oberkommando der Marine)

8. Admiral Walter Warzecha (Chef des Allgemeinen Marinehauptamtes)

Hitlerjugend demonstration under the banner of "Die Ritterkreuzträger der Kriegsmarine Rede an die Hitlerjugend" (The Knight's Cross Recipients of the German Navy Speech to the Hitler Youth) at the Berlin Sportpalast, 16 June 1943. General view of the venue.

Hitlerjugend demonstration under the banner of "Die Ritterkreuzträger der Kriegsmarine Rede an die Hitlerjugend" (The Knight's Cross Recipients of the German Navy Speech to the Hitler Youth) at the Berlin Sportpalast, 16 June 1943. Kapitänleutnant Reinhard Hardegen at the podium. He receives the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 23 January 1942 and Eichenlaub #89 on 23 April 1942, both as Kommandant of U-123.

Hitlerjugend demonstration under the banner of "Die Ritterkreuzträger der Kriegsmarine Rede an die Hitlerjugend" (The Knight's Cross Recipients of the German Navy Speech to the Hitler Youth) at the Berlin Sportpalast, 16 June 1943. Young Hitlerjugend listen to the speech of Kapitänleutnant Reinhard Hardegen (Kommandant U-123).

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/46778/5e28e96352ea4081586bbeb2b0257d23/
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/46785/5e28e96352ea4081586bbeb2b0257d23/
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/46787/5e28e96352ea4081586bbeb2b0257d23/
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/46789/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/46794/5e28e96352ea4081586bbeb2b0257d23/
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/46798/5e28e96352ea4081586bbeb2b0257d23/

Color Photo of Ludwig Stautner

Ludwig Stautner (4 May 1895 - 5 January 1983) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 20 June 1940 as Major and Kommandeur I.Bataillon / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 139 / 3.Gebirgs-Division / XXI.Armeekorps. Other medals and decorations he receives: 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse und I.Klasse; Verwundetenabzeichen 1918 in Silber; Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer 1914/1918; 1939 spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse und I.Klasse; Narvikschild; Heeresbergführer; and Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 (1942). Stautner participated in the following battles and operations: Invasion of Poland (1939), Norwegian Campaign (1940), Battles of Narvik (1940), Operation Barbarossa (1941), Operation Silberfuchs (1941), Operation Renntier (1941), Operation Platinfuchs (1941), and the Siege of Leningrad (1941-1944). His last rank is Oberst.

Source :
http://das-ritterkreuz.de/index_search_db.php?modul=search_result_det&wert1=6242&searchword=stautner

The Commanders of NJG 1 in the Summer of 1944

The commanders of NJG 1 (Nachtjagdgeschwader 1). From left to right: Hauptmann Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer (Gruppenkommandeur IV.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 1), Hauptmann Martin Drewes (Gruppenkommandeur III.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 1), Major Hans-Joachim Jabs (Geschwaderkommodore Nachtjagdgeschwader 1), Hauptmann Paul Förster (Gruppenkommandeur I.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 1), and Hauptmann Eckart-Wilhelm von Bonin (Gruppenkommandeur II.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 1). The picture was taken in the summer of 1944 - between May and June - at Fliegerhorst Leeuwarden (Netherlands).

Source :
http://www.asisbiz.com/il2/Bf-110/NJG1-Schnaufer/pages/Aircrew-Luftwaffe-pilots-Heinz-Wolfgang-Schnaufer-Drewes-Jabs-Forster-von-Bonin-01.html

Helmut Lent, Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer and Hans-Joachim Jabs

Nachtjagd Experten at St. Trond, early spring 1944. From left to right: : Major Helmut Lent (Geschwaderommodore Nachtjagdgeschwader 3), bandmaster, Oberleutnant Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer (Gruppenkommandeur IV.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 1), and Hauptmann Hans-Joachim Jabs (Geschwaderkommodore Nachtjagdgeschwader 1). The picture is part of the collection of Martin Drewes, another Nachtjagd experten.

Source :
Book "Nachtjagd: Defenders of the Reich 1940-1943" by Martin W Bowman

Helmut Lent and Raumführer Heinrich Ruppel

From left to right: Major Helmut Lent (Geschwaderkommodore Nachtjagdgeschwader 3) with Hauptmann Heinrich Ruppel (Nachtjagd Raumführer Leeuwarden / Area Controller of Leeuwarden) in 1943. Raumführer Ruppel had been a pilot on the Western Front in World War I and he was acknowledged to be one of the most skilful fighter controllers in Nachtjagd.

Source :
Book "Nachtjagd: Defenders of the Reich 1940-1943" by Martin W Bowman

Portrait Photo of Heinrich Boigk

Heinrich Boigk (30 October 1912 - 28 March 2003) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 5 March 1943 as Oberjäger der Reserve and Gruppenführer in 2.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Jäger-Regiment 49 / 28.Jäger-Division / XXVI.Armeekorps / 18.Armee / Heeresgruppe Nord. He also received the Eichenlaub #370 for his Ritterkreuz on 18 January 1944 as Feldwebel der Reserve and Zugführer in 2.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Jäger-Regiment 49 / 28.Jäger-Division / XXXVIII.Armeekorps / 18.Armee / Heeresgruppe Nord. His last rank was Leutnant der Reserve.

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/35781/fa1335aa4db6816042ff741122491141/
http://das-ritterkreuz.de/index_search_db.php?modul=search_result_det&wert1=542&searchword=boigk
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/JagerReg/JReg49.htm

Paul Gildner and Wilhelm Beier

November 1941: Two Luftwaffe Senior Sergeants whom also a Ritterkreuzträger (recipient of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) and night aces. From left to right: Oberfeldwebel Paul Gildner (Flugzeugführer in 3.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 1. Ritterkreuz on 9 July 1941 after 11 victories. Total score: 48 victories, with 44 at night) and Oberfeldwebel Wilhelm Beier (Flugzeugführer in 3.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 2. Ritterkreuz on 10 October 1941 after 14 victories. Total score: 38 victories, with all of them at night). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Doelfs. BTW, Gildner achieved one of the first recorded night victories of the war after he shot down a British Hampden bomber with his Messerschmitt Bf 110 on the night of 2/3 September 1940, his first night victory.

Source :
http://www.aircrewremembered.com/KrackerDatabase/?q=beier%2C+wilhelm
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/35780/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showthread.php?t=18402
https://ww2gravestone.com/people/gildner-paul/

Rolf Carls Congratulates Siegfried Strelow

November 1942: Generaladmiral Rolf Carls (left, Oberbefehlshaber Marinegruppenkommando Nord) congratulates Kapitänleutnant Siegfried Strelow (right) for his award of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, which he received on 27 October 1942 as Kommandant of U-435. Visible second from left is Eichenlaubträger (recipient of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub), Kapitänleutnant Herbert Emil Schultze (Kommandant 3. U-Bootsflottille).

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/35672/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/

Günter Kuhnke Welcomes Helmut Witte

13 July 1942: Kapitänleutnant Günter Kuhnke (left, Kommandant U-125) welcomes fellow U-boat commander, Kapitänleutnant Helmut Witte (Kommandant U-159), who just returning to the base of 10th U-boat Flottilla (10. Unterseebootsflottille) at Lorient, France, after sank 12 steamers in American waters. For that amazing feat - and additional victims from the next patrol - Witte received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 22 October 1942, while Kuhnke himself had received the same medal previously: on 19 September 1940 as Kapitänleutnant and Kommandant U-28.

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/2742/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
https://uboat.net/men/kuhnke.htm

Portrait Photo of Wolfhart Wicke

Hauptmann Wolfhart Wicke (25 September 1919 - 13 August 1944) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 8 February 1943 as Oberleutnant der Reserve and Chef 5.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 144 / 3.Gebirgs-Division / Heeresgruppe Don. From Seelower Tageblatt, 13. February 1943 edition: "Oberleutnant Wolfhart Wicke, am 25.9.1919 als Sohn des Studienrats Arnold W. in Oberursel geboren, stieß bei den Kämpfen im Dongebiet Ende Dezember nach Abwehr eines feindlichen Angriffs an der Spitze eines Stoßtropps rasch entschlossen dem weichenden Gegner nach und vernichtete dabei ein bolschewistisches Bataillon" (Oberleutnant Wolfhart Wicke, born on 25.9.1919 as the son of the Councilor Arnold Wicke in Oberursel, quickly engaged his opponent in the fighting in the Don region at the end of December, after defending a hostile attack at the head of a battalion, thereby destroying a Bolshevik battalion). Other medals and decorations he receives: Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse und I.Klasse; Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz; and Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber.

Source :
http://wehrmacht-awards.com/FORUMS/showthread.php?t=931571

Manfred Meurer in the Hoffmann Postcard Series

Hauptmann Manfred Meurer (8 September 1919 - 22 January 1944) in the Hoffmann Postcard Ritterkreuzträger Series R 165. Bauer received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 16 April 1943 as Oberleutnant and Staffelkapitän 3.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 1 (NJG 1), and Eichenlaub #264 for his Ritterkreuz on 2 August 1943 as Hauptmann and Staffelkapitän 3.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 1 (NJG 1). His last rank is Hauptmann.

Source :
http://das-ritterkreuz.de/index_search_db.php?modul=search_result_det&wert1=4152&searchword=meurer
http://pantorijn.blogspot.co.id/2015/03/hoffmann-postcards-knight-cross-holders.html