Sunday, January 30, 2022

Funeral of Brillantenträger Adelbert Schulz


Funeral in the Eastern Front for Generalmajor (Major General) Adelbert Schulz, who was killed in action on January 28, 1944 during World War 2, after taking Command of the 7th Panzer Division, only a month earlier. A brass band can be heard playing the mournful strains of the song, "Ich hat ein Kameraden. Front and rear views of soldiers dressed in black, accompanying a German Panzer III tank, bearing the flag-covered coffin of the diseased. Glimpse of German Field Marshal Erich Von Manstein, saluting with his baton, as pall bearers approach carrying the flag-covered coffin. Brief view of the military brass band playing the funeral music. The coffin resting beside the open grave. Contingent of 7th Panzer Division troops assembled behind the grave. View from rear of Marshal von Manstein and two other officers with bared heads in respect. Soldiers standing in front of the tank. Closeup of some soldiers. Field Marshal Von Manstein salutes with his baton and then with help of a soldier, places a large wreath by the open grave. Banner on wreath includes words "Pz. Rgt. Rothenburg", short for Panzerregiment Rothenburg or Panzer Regiment Rothenburg. (That was the nickname of the 25th Panzer Regiment, part of the 7th Panzer Division, in honor of General Karl Rothenburg, who commanded it until he was killed in 1941.) A large honor guard fires three volleys from their rifles. Film ends with Closeup of General Shultz's military decorations.



Source ;
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2012/01/album-foto-terbaik-adelbert-schulz.html
https://www.criticalpast.com/video/65675054009_funeral-procession_military-band_Nazi-soldiers_wreath-placed-on-grave

Bio of Generalmajor Adelbert Schulz (1903-1944)

Adelbert (Adalbert) Schulz

Date of Birth: 20.12.1903 - Berlin, Brandenburg (German Empire)
Date of Death: 28.01.1944 - Shepetovka, Khmelnitsky Oblast (Soviet Union)

Promotions:
20.12.1925 Polizeianwärter
00.00.1927: Polizeiwachtmeister
20.04.1934 Polizeileutnant
01.10.1935 Oberleutnant
00.00.1940 Hauptmann
01.01.1942 Major
00.01.1943 Oberstleutnant
01.11.1943 Oberst
01.01.1944 Generalmajor

Career:
00.00.192_ Abitur in Bankfach
00.00.1923 - 00.00.1924 Handelshochschule
20.12.1925 Entered the Polizei as Anwärter
12.10.1937 Chef 1.Kompanie / Panzer-Regiment 25
06.06.1940 Kommandeur I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 25
05.03.1943 Kommandeur Panzer-Regiment 25
01.01.1944 - 28.01.1944 Mit der Führung beauftragt 7. Panzer-Division, but first home leave with reception of the Brillanten on 09 January 1944 in the Führerhauptquartier. It was not until 26 January 26 1944 that von Manteuffel left the 7.PzD. 2 days later, on January 28th, 1944, the successor Schulz fell during the recapture of Schepetovka, through two head hits when shells hit near the command tank. It was his 178th tank deployment. He died on the flight to the hospital.

Awards and Decorations:
00.00.193_ Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938
00.00.1939 Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938
00.00.19__ Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung, IV. und III.Klasse
24.05.1940 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
29.05.1940 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber
00.00.194_ Panzerkampfabzeichen in Bronze
00.00.194_ Panzerkampfabzeichen in Silber
29.09.1940 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Hauptmann and Chef 1.Kompanie / I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 25 / 7.Panzer-Division. Hauptmann Schulz led a company, and later a full battalion, of Panzers over a total of 17 armoured attacks during the Western campaign, where he showed himself to be a fine commander of armour. Over the course of the campaign he particularly distinguished himself on 14 May 1940 during the heavy fighting in the Dinant bridgehead, and later on 23 May 1940 where he helped resolve a critical combat situation near Hersin.
31.12.1941 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #47, as Hauptmann and Kommandeur I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 25 / 7.Panzer-Division. Awarded for distinguishing himself near Klin during the winter of 1941/1942. Despite having only a handful of operational tanks, being outnumbered 8-1 and having to contend with -40 Celsius weather, he nevertheless was able to successfully cover the retreat of friendly German forces. These included a full field hospital with over 4000 wounded men.
00.00.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/1942" (Ostmedaille)
06.08.1943 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern #33, as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur Panzer-Regiment 25 / 7.Panzer-Division. On 11 July 1943, during the attack of the 7. Panzer-Division in the southern sector of the battle of Kursk, Schulz was able to conduct a successful armoured breakthrough south of Scheino. Smashing through Soviet fieldworks, and in spite of enemy probes on all sides, he launched an armoured pursuit with his Kampfgruppe and was able to catch a foot-bound Soviet group in the process of withdrawing. Schulz's men were able to capture almost 600 prisoners, 83 cannons and over 100 heavy machine guns and mortars. In addition to this notable success, Schulz and his regiment were also able to destroy a total of 76 enemy tanks over the course of 11 days of battle in the attempted attack towards Kursk. In recognition of these achievements.
14.12.1943 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten #9, as Oberst and Kommandeur Panzer-Regiment 25 / 7.Panzer-Division. Awarded for the distinguished command of his Panzer-Regiment during the fluid battles around Kiev and Zhitomir in October/November 1943
30.01.1944 Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht: "The commander of an armoured division major general Schulz, who received the highest award for bravery from the Führer a few days ago, found at the head of his division a heroic death in this combat. With him the army loses one of his best officers, the armoured force an exemplary commander."

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Adelbert Schulz (20 December 1903 – 28 January 1944) was born on 20 December 1903 in Berlin. The Berliner worked as a bank clerk before joining the police on December 2, 1925 as a police officer. Albert Schulz's son went to the Brandenburg police academy. From October 1, 1926 to March 31, 1933, he belonged to the Berlin police stand-by. In 1932 he married Hildegard Holz. He then decided on an officer's career and attended the Higher Police School in Eiche near Potsdam from April 1, 1933. On April 20, 1934 he was promoted to lieutenant. On August 1, 1935, he was promoted to Oberleutnant in the police force.

When the associations were exposed during the expansion of the Reichswehr into the Wehrmacht, he was accepted into the army on October 15, 1935 as a lieutenant. He was appointed chief of the 2nd company of the anti-tank battalion 40. As a result, Schulz completed several tactics and weapons courses at infantry schools before switching to the tank force, which was under construction. On October 6, 1936, he was appointed commander of a company from Panzer Regiment 3. On October 12, 1937 he was appointed chief of the 1st company of the 25th Panzer Regiment in Erlangen. As such, he was promoted to captain on March 1, 1938. The intelligent and extremely energetic Adelbert Schulz also stayed with the reorganization of the 2nd light division to the 7th armored division in October 1939 when the captain took over the 1st company of the 25th armored regiment under Pour-le-Mérite-Colonel Rothenburg. Under the command of the later legendary Erwin Rommel, the 7th PD went on the campaign in the West in May 1940. In just a few days, the division's tanks advanced more than 500 kilometers at high speed, broke all resistance, destroyed several French divisions and distinguished themselves at Dinant, Cambrai, Lille, Rouen and Le Havre, among others. When Hauptmann Schulz and his 1st company fought free the tenaciously defended forest of Saumont on June 7, 1940 and fended off a counterattack by French tanks, he was awarded both classes of the Iron Cross together with Colonel Rothenburg at the request of his division commander, as well as the still very rare Knight's Cross. At the age of 36 he was also promoted to major and commander of the 1st Section of the 25th Panzer Regiment. On June 22, 1941, the 1st Division at the head of the "Ghost Division" rolled across the Russian border. Dozens of Soviet infantry and armored brigades were crushed by rapid and powerful attacks, and Wilna, Smolensk, Minsk and Klin were taken. In the Battle of Vyazma, the division fought in the formation of the "Panzergruppe Guderian", whereby more than 600,000(!!) Soviet soldiers could be forced to surrender. In all these skirmishes, the man who later called him "Panzer-Schulz" showed excellent leadership and tactical qualities. His inner peace always ensured his success. Heavy defensive fighting followed in the Lama sector, along the Königsberg line and around Montrowskopje. When Lieutenant Colonel (01.43.43) Schulz at the head of a combat group stopped a much superior opponent in the attack, forced him to retreat and finally rolled up, he was awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross as the eighth armored officer in the army. His counterattack had enabled, among other things, the timely transfer of more than 4,000 wounded from a hospital near the front, which had been threatened by the Russians. During the war year 1942 "Panzer-Schulz" again led its formations at the Königsberg line and at Rshew before the division was refreshed in France. After security tasks on the Atlantic coast, the association took part in occupying the previously free zone in southern France with the II SS Panzer Corps (Hausser). In the winter of 1942/43 the order to move east was again issued. In the first battles on the Donets, Adelbert Schulz once again distinguished himself as a brilliant tank leader. On March 11, 1943, the 7th Panzer Division, part of the 4th Panzer Army (Hoth), launched a counter-offensive in the direction of Kharkov, which had just been evacuated. Schulz, who had taken over the 25th Panzer Regiment just a few days earlier, led his battle groups in one of the most successful battles of the "Ghost Division" - during the destruction of the 3rd Soviet Panzer Army, his crews shot down over 100 enemy tanks and blew up several artillery positions. The mass deployment of 12 battle-experienced tank divisions finally succeeded in recapturing the city, with the Red Army losing over 52 divisions and 1,000 tanks! But one difference to the earlier German victories was striking - in contrast to the hundreds of thousands of prisoners in 1941/42, only almost 9,000 Red Army soldiers surrendered to the German troops in Kharkov. And so it was also said in the battle report of a German general: “...the Russians are no longer surrendering so quickly. The majority of the troops are now fighting extremely tough and motivated.” Tough operations followed for the 25th Panzer Regiment at Isjum, Oboyan and in the Kremenschug area. In July, the 7th Panzer Division joined the III. Panzer Corps (Breith) near Kursk for the most massive tank offensive of the eastern campaign to date. Although the offensive under the alias "Zitadelle" was unsuccessful, Adelbert Schulz was only the 8th army officer to receive the Swords of the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves for his services during the tank battles at Bjelgorod, Dorogobushino, Scheino and Prokhorowka. In the autumn of 1943, the 25th Panzer Regiment was partially equipped with the new, heavy Tiger tanks. Schulz achieved particular success with this type. Again and again his tanks shot up dozens of enemy tanks and anti-tank guns, sealed off attacks and then attacked in turn. Schulz often jumped out of his tank immediately after a successful defense, gathered his department commanders, took a quick look at the situation on the staff map and summarily ordered a counterattack - usually he was very successful. In the fall and winter of 1943, the Wehrmacht was increasingly forced onto the defensive, with the 7th PD deployed as a "fire brigade" in the southern section of the eastern front. In November, after lengthy trench warfare, the division launched a counterattack on Zhitomir, near Kiev. At the head of his tanks, Schulz, who had already been promoted to colonel (01.11.43), fought his way to the outskirts of the city, overcame a defensive belt manned with anti-tank guns and, together with a reinforced grenadier battalion, forced the evacuation of the city. In the heavy battles, his tanks shot down over 200 Russian tanks in just 12 hours! For this success as well as outstanding achievements in the leadership of the regiment, Colonel Schulz was awarded the diamonds of the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords on December 14, 1943 as the 9th soldier and only 2nd Army officer - after his former division commander Erwin Rommel! When he received the order to report to Berlin for the presentation of the high decoration, the colonel simply refused, referring to the unstable situation at the front in the divisional area. Only when the situation was under control did Schulz fly to Germany. On January 26, 1944, Adelbert Schulz was once again highly honored when he took over command of the glorious 7th Panzer Division as the successor to the later diamond bearer Hasso von Manteuffel and, at the age of 41, was preferably promoted to major general. As the commander of this elite unit, the Berliner had big plans, but as is so often the case, things turned out very differently. On January 28, 1944, the "Ghost Division" tanks attacked enemy positions near Shepetovka. These were secured with minefields and anti-tank belts, defended by experienced regiments and supported by masses of artillery. When the attack threatened to get stuck despite initial successes, Major General Schulz had his commanders line up for battlefield briefings. A few moments later, Russian mortar fire suddenly began on the German positions. Standing in the turret hatch of his tank, Schulz was hit in the head by shrapnel. Although he was immediately taken to a nearby field hospital, he died the same day. On January 30, 1944, his death was announced in the Wehrmacht report

The German army later honored the fallen diamond bearer with the "General Schulz" barracks in Munster.


 
Portrait of Generalmajor Adelbert Schulz in January 1944 by Walter Frentz.


 
Generalmajor Adelbert Schulz smiling amongst happy spectators all around him. In his neck is the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten (Knight's Cross of the Iron Crosses with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds), which he received on 9 January 1944 from the hand of the Führer, almost a month after the initial radio announcement (14 December 1943). Schulz became the 9th recipient of the prestigious medal, and it was given for his brilliant leadership as a commander of  Panzer-Regiment 25 / 7.Panzer-Division. On 1 January 1944 he was promoted from Oberst to Generalmajor, and on 26 January 1944 he became the commander of 7. Panzer-Division. Tragically, only two days after he got elected, Schulz was wounded in action in the area of Shepetivka on 28 January 1944, and died the same day.



Source :
Jim Haley photo collection
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Schulz,_Adelbert
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelbert_Schulz
https://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Personenregister/S/SchulzA-R.htm
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/216/Schulz-Adelbert.htm
https://www.weitze.net/militaria/87/Heer_Originalunterschrift_von_Ritterkreuz_u_Brillantentraeger_Oberst_Adalbert_Schulz__413387.html

Bio of Oberfeldwebel Heinrich Hennig (1917-1945)

Full name: Heinrich Hennig
Nickname: unknown
Date of Birth: 14 March 1917
Date of Death: 17 April 1945
NSDAP Number: unknown
SS Number: unknown
Academic Title: unknown
Family Member: unknown
Physical Feature: unknown

Beförderungen (Promotion):
Unknown

Karriere (Career):
Unknown
 
Orden und Ehrenzeichen (Medals and Decorations):
11.11.19__ Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
18.11.19__ Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
15.09.1943 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
09.06.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Oberfeldwebel and Zugführer in Stabskompanie / Füsilier-Regiment 22 / 1.Infanterie-Division

_______________________________________________________________



Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2380019#p2380019
http://www.ritterkreuztraeger.info/rk/h.html
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/6356/Hennig-Heinrich.htm

Monday, January 24, 2022

Friedrich Paulus and Alexander von Hartmann in Stalingrad

 
This picture was taken in the city of Stalingrad, at Ostrovsky Street near the department store, on 16 October 1942. From left to right: Generalmajor Alexander von Hartmann (Kommandeur 71. Infanterie-Division), Hauptmann Dr. Fritz Dobberkau (Kommandeur I.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 194 / 71.Infanterie-Division), General der Panzertruppe Friedrich Paulus (Oberbefehlshaber 6. Armee), and Oberst Johannes Schmidt (Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 191 / 71.Infanterie-Division).

Friedrich Paulus and Alexander von Hartmann in Stalingrad.

Source :
https://gall.dcinside.com/board/view/?id=dcbest&no=35067
https://infoflotforum.ru/topic/37953-muzei-plenenija-pauljusa-v-stalingrade/#entry564623

Sunday, January 23, 2022

Ritterkreuz Action of Hansjörg Hauser

Hansjörg Hauser (6 March 1916 - 30 August 1944) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 17 August 1943 as Hauptmann and Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment 35 (motorisiert) / 25.Panzergrenadier-Division. In mid-July 1943 Hauptmann Hauser and his II./Grenadier-Regiment 35 were deployed to guard the left flank and retreat road (Kirejkowo—Sereditschi) of the 25. Panzergrenadier-Division from Soviet forces attacking from the direction of Nogaja. Despite very strong opposing pressure, the Bataillon was able to master all crises it came up against and fulfill its vital mission for the Division. Hauptmann Hauser would be awarded the Ritterkreuz for his particularly flexible and successful combat leadership during this battle.


Source :
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_146-2008-0331,_Hansj%C3%B6rg_Hauser.jpg
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/6088/Hauser-Hansj%C3%B6rg.htm

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Bio of Generalmajor Richard Schmidt (1898-1977)

Full name: Richard Schmidt
Nickname: unknown
Date of Birth: 9 April 1898 at Kolmar, Posen (German Empire)
Date of Death: 7 November 1977 at Bad Ems, Rheinland-Pfalz (West Germany)
NSDAP Number: unknown
SS Number: unknown
Academic Title: unknown
Family Member: unknown
Physical Feature: unknown

Beförderungen (Promotion):
04.04.1928 Leutnant der Polizei
11.04.1930 Oberleutnant der Polizei
00.00.1934 Hauptmann der Polizei
01.06.1940 Major
01.03.1942 Oberstleutnant
01.12.1942 Oberst
01.03.1945 Generalmajor

Karriere (Career):
Richard Schmidt joined the Royal Prussian Army on October 12, 1917 as a war volunteer. He came to the motor vehicle replacement department 9. In 1918 he was then transferred to an infantry regiment at the front as an infantryman. In 1918 he was taken prisoner, from which he was released in 1919. In 1919 he received his retirement from the army. He then joined the police force. On April 4, 1928, he was appointed lieutenant in the police force in Hagen. On September 19, 1928 he married Lydia Neye. On April 11, 1930, he was also promoted to lieutenant in the police force in Hagen. In 1934 he was promoted to captain of the police force. During the expansion of the Reichswehr to the Wehrmacht, he was accepted into the army as a captain on October 15, 1935. His rank seniority was set to November 1, 1934. He has now been appointed commander of the 2nd company of the new 60th Infantry Regiment in Hamm. He then retained this command until the mobilization for World War II in the summer of 1939. He was then deployed as a battalion commander of an infantry regiment. In the spring of 1940 he led his battalion in the western campaign. He was promoted to Major on June 1, 1940. In autumn 1940 he was appointed commander of the III. Battalions of the 473 Infantry Regiment. With his battalion he then moved into positions in the West as an occupation force in the 253rd Infantry Division. In the spring of 1941 he moved to East Prussia with his battalion and the entire division. At the beginning of summer 1941 he then led his battalion in the division formation of the 253rd Infantry Division in the eastern campaign in the attack on northern Russia. He already wore both Iron Crosses. On August 19, 1941, he was entered in the Army Gazette. In the summer of 1941, the entire 253rd Infantry Division was transferred to the northern part of the central section of the Eastern Front. On December 1, 1941 he was awarded the German Cross in Gold. Also in early 1942 he was deployed with his battalion in central Russia. On March 1, 1942 he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. In the summer of 1942 he was appointed as such to command the 473rd Infantry Regiment. As such, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on November 6, 1942. On December 1, 1942 he was promoted to colonel. In 1943 he gave up his command. For this he has now been appointed commander of a teaching staff at the infantry school. In December 1943 he was appointed commander of the 290th Infantry Regiment. He then led this in the formation of the 98th Infantry Division in the retreat battles in the Crimea. In April 1944 he was wounded and had to relinquish his command of the 290th Infantry Regiment. After his recovery, he was then transferred to the Führerreserve. From August 7, 1944 to September 2, 1944 he was then ordered to the 13th Division Leaders' Course in Hirschberg. On December 18, 1944, he was appointed as the successor of Lieutenant General Alfred Thielmann to lead the 254th Infantry Division. On March 1, 1945, he was appointed commander of the 254th Infantry Division, while being promoted to major general. When the Wehrmacht capitulated, he was taken prisoner by the Soviets. From there he was extradited to Czechoslovakia in 1950. He was then sentenced to death for war crimes. Major General Richard Schmidt was convicted of destroying the Slovak village of Beniky. However, the sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment in 1960. His wife Lydia died while he was in prison. On December 20, 1961 he was released.

Orden und Ehrenzeichen (Medals and Decorations):
00.00.1941 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.00.1941 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
19.08.1941 Ehrenblattspange. Received for action in Lithuania on 22-25 June 1941
01.12.1941 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
06.11.1942 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 473 / 253.Infanterie-Division. The following newspaper excerpt (dated 16 November 1942) describes why Schmidt received the Ritterkreuz: "Oberstleutnant Schmidt defeated a Bolshevik breakthrough attempt that took place near Rzhev during the middle of September."




Source :
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10220885562357940&set=gm.1260440767784693
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2386594#p2386594
https://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Personenregister/S/SchmidtRichard.htm

Friday, January 14, 2022

Bio of Oberleutnant Georg Sattler (1917-1944)

Full name: Georg Sattler
Nickname: unknown
Date of Birth: 14 April 1917 at Münich, Bayern (German Empire)
Date of Death: 30 August 1944 at Melsbroek Airfield, Brussels (Belgium)
NSDAP Number: unknown
SS Number: unknown
Academic Title: unknown
Family Member: unknown
Physical Feature: unknown

Beförderungen (Promotion):
01.12.1940 Feldwebel
01.04.1942 Leutnant
01.10.1943 Oberleutnant

Karriere (Career):
00.00.1935 entered the Luftwaffe and eventually assigned to LG 1 on completion of training as a pilot
16.04.1936 - 25.09.1936 transferred to 1./FAR Neubiberg
26.09.1936 - 13.03.1937 transferred to 6./KG 155
14.03.1937 - 01.11.1938 transferred to 2./KG 355
02.11.1938 - 15.09.1939 with Schulerkompanie Neubiberg
00.09.1939 in LG 1
16.09.1939 - 31.10.1939 transferred to JFS Werneuchen
01.11.1939 - 12.11.1939 transferred to 3./KG.z.b.V. 172
13.11.1939 - 14.04.1940 transferred to 2./FFS Celle
17.06.1940 - 23.09.1940 in 2./Erg.KGr. 5
26.07.1940 - 14.12.1942 trf to 2./LG 1
01.01.1943 transferred to 3./LG 1
15.02.1944 - 30.08.1944 appointed Staffelkapitän 1./LG 1
 
Orden und Ehrenzeichen (Medals and Decorations):
00.00.19__ Flugzeugführerabzeichen
11.11.1940 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
18.11.1940 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
08.06.1941 Frontflugspange für Jäger in Bronze
13.08.1941 Frontflugspange für Jäger in Silber
17.09.1941 Frontflugspange für Jäger in Gold
02.03.1942 Ehrenpokal fur besondere Leistung im Luftkreig
06.03.1942 Orden za Hrabrost (Bulgaria)
12.01.1943 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
08.07.1943 Ärmelband "KRETA"
05.02.1944 Frontflugspange für Fern-Nachtjäger in Gold mit Anhänger
05.02.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Oberleutnant and Flugzeugführer in 1.Staffel (Kampf) / I.Gruppe / Lehrgeschwader 1 (LG 1). Awarded for his successes across all the major theatres of the war. By this time he had destroyed the following enemy materiel: 42,000 GRT of shipping, a torpedo boat, a destroyer, a coastal battery, at least 10 tanks, and numerous vehicles and artillery pieces
06.12.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #675, as Oberleutnant and Staffelkapitän 1.Staffel (Kampf) / I.Gruppe / Lehrgeschwader 1 (LG 1). Awarded posthumously in recognition of his wartime accomplishments, achieved over the course of 310 sorties.

_______________________________________________________________


* Georg Sattler and his crew of the Junkers Ju 88 (Werknummer 330715—factory number) were killed during the takeoff for a relocation flight on 30 August 1944 at Melsbroek near Brussels, Belgium. A heavy gust of wind had caused the accident during the takeoff procedure. He was buried with full military honors at Evere near Brussels. He was posthumously awarded the Eichenlaub to his Ritterkreuz on 6 December 1944, in recognition of his wartime accomplishments, achieved over the course of 310 sorties.

 




















Source :
"Luftwaffe Officer Career Summaries" by Henry L. deZeng IV and Douglas G. Stankey
https://imagesdefense.gouv.fr/fr/catalogsearch/result/?q=georg+sattler&avec_visuel=1
https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Georg_Sattler
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/26206/Sattler-Georg.htm

Sunday, January 2, 2022

Heinrich von Vietinghoff and Friedrich-Wilhelm Neumann

In the center is General der Panzertruppe Heinrich von Vietinghoff (Oberbefehlshaber 15. Armee), while at left is Generalleutnant Friedrich-Wilhelm Neumann (Kommandeur 712. Infanterie-Division). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Zoll (Propaganda-Kompanie 698) in the summer of 1943 in Northern France / Belgium, possibly during the inspection by General Vietinghoff to the area of 712. Infanterie-Division.

Source :
Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-293-1497-02

Ritterkreuz Action of Martin Eder

Martin Eder (22 December 1902 - 6 April 1983) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 28 November 1940 as Hauptmann and Führer I.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 481 / 256.Infanterie-Division. The following wartime excerpt describes why Eder would be awarded the Ritterkreuz: "On 26 May 1940, during the fighting for the Lys Canal (near Ecclee), Hauptmann Eder took up the leadership of the battle on his own initiative. He forced a crossing over the canal with his Kompanie and penetrated to a depth of 4 km into the enemy positions. He then held this position against violent enemy counterattacks, and in doing so enabled his Regiment to thrust through the forest positions near Cleith on the following day. This in turn led to the capitulation of the Belgian army on 28 May 1940."

The following press article provides some additional comments on this action: "Hauptmann Eder already outstandingly distinguished himself during the breakthrough of the Peel position near Mill. Here he placed himself at the head of his assault units and captured four bunkers that were flanking the anti-tank ditch all on his own. Later, at the Lys canal, he forced a crossing over the canal at the head of his Kompanie and penetrated 4 km deep into the enemy position. This action enabled the Regiment to launch its own thrust near Cleith, which led to the capitulation of the Belgian army. Hauptmann Eder also forced the canal crossing near Nieuport, held his position against tank-led counterattacks and thereby established the preconditions for the destruction of the Royal Fusileers and the capture of a substantial amount of British war materiel that would otherwise have been shipped to England."


Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2380019#p2380019
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/3878/Eder-Martin.htm

Saturday, January 1, 2022

Map Discussion of 19. Panzer-Division

 

Lagebesprechung (situation meeting) of the officers from 19. Panzer-Division during the Unternehmen Barbarossa (German invasion of the Soviet Union), summer 1941. Second from right is Generalleutnant Otto von Knobelsdorff (Kommandeur 19. Panzer-Division), while second from left is Oberst Gustav Schmidt (Kommandeur 19. Schützen-Brigade). Oberst Schmidt would later replace General Knobelsdorff as the Divisionskommandeur in January 1942. When the 19. Panzer-Division was torn apart by the Soviet counterattack in the Battle of Kursk, on August 7, 1943 Gustav Schmidt decided to commit suicide instead of being a prisoner of the hated Communists.

Source :
https://warhistory.livejournal.com/2706660.html

Bio of General der Infanterie Hans Zorn (1891-1943)

General der Infanterie Hans Wilhelm Karl Zorn
Born: 27.10.1891 in München / Bayern.
Killed in Action: 02.08.1943 near Krasnaja-Roschtscha, south of Orel, Eastern Front (in a Soviet air attack).

Promotions:
07.07.1911 Fähnrich
25.10.1913 Leutnant (ohne Patent)
14.12.1916 Patent vom 29.10.1912 erhalten
17.01.1917 Oberleutnant (ohne Patent)
01.10.1920 Patent vom 18.04.1916 erhalten
01.12.1922 Hauptmann
01.12.1931 Major (Patent vom 01.02.1931)
01.07.1934 Oberstleutnant
01.08.1936 Oberst
01.07.1940 Generalmajor
15.01.1942 Generalleutnant (mit RDA vom 01.03.1942)
01.06.1942 General der Infanterie

Career:
00.00.1905 - 07.07.1911 Member of the bayerische Kadettenkorps.
07.07.1911 - 00.00.1917 Entered service as Fähnrich, assigned to 2. bayerische Infanterie-Regiment Kronprinz. Assigned as Regiments-Adjutant, ca. 1914.
00.00.1918 - 00.00.1918 Assigned as Adjutant 1. bayer. Infanterie-Brigade on the Western Front.
00.00.1919 - 00.00.1919 Briefly employed in the bayerischen Kriegsministerium, München.
03.01.1920 (m.W.v. 01.10.1919) im Stab I./rw-Schützen-Regiment 41
01.10.1920 Assigned to Infanterie-Regiment 19.
01.10.1921 im Reiter-Regiment 17, kommandiert zur Führergehilfen-Ausbildung
01.10.1922 wieder im Infanterie-Regiment 19
01.10.1923 im Reichswehr-Ministerium, kommandiert zur Führergehilfen-Ausbildung
01.10.1925 im Infanterie-Regiment 20
01.10.1926 im Stab der 7. Division.
01.10.1929 Kompanie-Chef 4.(MG.)Kompanie im Infanterie-Regiment 19
01.10.1932 im Reichswehr-Ministerium, assigned as a Generalstabsoffizier to the Eisenbahn-Abteilung (Railways Department)
01.02.1933 im Reichswehrministerium; Leiter der Eisenbahn-Abteilung
01.10.1935 Abteilungschef Heerestransport-Abteilung / GenStdH
01.10.1937 bei der Wehrmacht-Akademie
01.04.1938 im Stab des Infanterie-Regiments 19
01.05.1938 - 01.09.1939 Kommandeur of Infanterie-Regiment 19.
01.09.1939 - 14.11.1940 Chef des Generalstabes of XXII.Armee-Korps.
14.11.1940 - 13.01.1942 Kommandeur of 20.Infanterie-Division (mot.).
15.01.1942 - 15.02.1942 Führer of XXXX.Panzer-Korps.
10.06.1942 - 00.06.1942 Führer of XXXII.Armee-Korps (mot.).
01.10.1942 - 21.11.1942 Kommandierender General of XXXXVI.Panzer-Korps. Succeeded by Hans-Karl Freiherr von Esebeck.
22.06.1943 - 02.08.1943 Kommandierender General of XXXXVI.Panzer-Korps. Succeeded by Hans Gollnick.

Decorations & Awards:
27.07.1941 Ritterkreuz des Eisernes Kreuzes as Generalmajor and Kdr. 20.Infanterie-Division (mot.) / XXXIX.Armee-Korps / 4.Panzer-Armee / Heeresgruppe Mitte, Eastern Front
03.09.1943 Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (291., posthumously) as General der Infanterie and Kom. Gen. XXXXVI.Panzer-Korps / 9.Armee / Heeresgruppe Mitte, Eastern Front
14.06.1942 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
00.00.191_ Ritterkreuz des Kgl. Preussische Hausordens von Hohenzollern mit Schwertern
26.05.1940 1939 Spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse
14.05.1940 1939 Spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse
29.06.1916 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse
23.10.1914 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse
00.00.191_ Kgl. Bayer. Prinz-Regent-Luitpold Jubiläums-Medaille
00.00.191_ Kgl. Bayer. Militär-Verdienstorden IV. Klasse mit Schwertern und mit der Krone
ca. 1918 Verwundetenabzeichen, 1918 in Schwarz
ca. 1943 Demjanskschild (?)
00.00.19__ Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 01.10.1938
00.00.19__ Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13.03.1938
ca. 1934 Ehrenkreuz fur Frontkämpfer
00.00.193_ Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung IV. bis I. Klasse


Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/31051/
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=157063
http://www.geocities.ws/orion47.geo/WEHRMACHT/HEER/General2/ZORN_HANS.html

Bio of Hauptmann Wilhelm Kaiser (1914-1993)

 

Full name: Wilhelm Kaiser
Nickname: unknown
Date of Birth: 30 November 1914 at Pockau, Sachsen (German Empire)
Date of Death: 24 September 1993 at Niedernhausen, Hesse (Germany)
NSDAP Number: unknown
SS Number: unknown
Academic Title: unknown
Family Member: unknown
Physical Feature: unknown

Beförderungen (Promotion):
01.01.1938 Leutnant
01.06.1940 Oberleutnant
01.04.1942 Hauptmann (advanced from 01.10.1942)

Karriere (Career):
01.10.1935 (01.11.1935?) entered the Luftwaffe
01.04.1938 assigned to Fliegergruppe 50 in summer 1938 and then to II./St.G. 163 (later III./St.G. 2) on 01.11.38
10.05.1940 in 9./St.G. 2 WIA - Ju 87 B lost ivo Vroenhoven, crashed near Roosteren
00.10.1940 with 2./St.G. 2. - Adj. of III./St.G. 2
21(22?).05.1941 in 2./St.G. 2, shot down over Canea Bay/Crete, but rescued from the sea and returned to unit
00.00.1941 WIA
00.07.1941 appointed Staka in III./St.G.2
00.08.1941 appointed Adjutant III./St.G. 2
00.07.1942 transfered to Stukaschule 2 Graz and a few months later began general staff training
00.09.1943 assigned to Stab/General der Schlachtflieger as a weapons and bombs specialist
01.07.1943 appointed Ia op 2/1. Fliegerdivision and temporary Ia / Luftflotte 6
02.08.1944 appointed acting Ia / II. Fliegerkorps
15.10.1944 appointed Ic/II. Jagdkorps
 
Orden und Ehrenzeichen (Medals and Decorations):
00.00.1938 Flugzeugführerabzeichen
10.05.1940 Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz. His Ju 87 B lost ivo Vroenhoven, crashed near Roosteren
00.00.194_ Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.00.194_ Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.05.1941 Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber. Shot down over Canea Bay/Crete, but rescued from the sea and returned to unit
20.10.1941 Ehrenpokal fur besondere Leistung im Luftkreig
19.01.1942 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
04.02.1942 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Oberleutnant and Adjutant III.Gruppe / Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 "Immelmann". Awarded after flying 130 ground attack sorties
00.00.1942 Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Gold
00.00.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)

_______________________________________________________________


* Flew a total of 180 sorties.



Source :
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/23656/Kaiser-Wilhelm-Stuka-Geschwader-2-Immelmann.htm

Bio of General der Panzertruppe Rudolf Veiel (1883-1956)


Rudolf Veiel

Date of Birth: 10.12.1883 - Stuttgart, Baden (German Empire)
Date of Death: 09.03.1956 -Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg (West Germany)

Nickname: Papa
Parents: Ludwig Veiel, Reichsgerichtsrat (+12.09.1905) and Hedwig Kleiner (+06.09.1920)
Spouse: Elisabeth Diefenbach (married 06.10.1916)
Children: 1 daughter (1917) and 1 son (1919)

Promotions:
04.04.1904 Fahnenjunker
18.08.1905 Leutnant (with Patent from 17.02.1904)
00.00.1910 Oberleutnant (with Patent from 18.02.1913)
24.12.1914 Rittmeister
01.02.1922 neues RDA vom 24.12.1914 (37) erhalten
01.02.1927 Major (27)
01.04.1931 Oberstleutnant (21)
01.12.1933 Oberst (3)
01.01.1937 Generalmajor (8)
01.10.1938 Generalleutnant (2)
12.04.1942 General der Panzertruppe mit RDA vom 01.04.1942 (1)

Career:
04.04.1904 entered the military as Fahnenjunker in Ulanen-Regiment “König Karl” (1. Württembergisches) Nr. 19, Ulm
04.08.1914 served in Württembergischen Reserve-Dragoner-Regiment, Ludwigsburg
10.08.1914 ins Feld
25.05.1915 Eskadron-Chef in Württembergischen Reserve-Dragoner-Regiment
01.01.1919 in Ulanen-Regiment 19, Abwicklung
!8.04.1919 - 13.06.1919 Adjutant Gruppenkommando West
00.05.1919 in der Württembergischen Freiwilligen-Abteilung Haas gegen die Münchner Räte-Republik eingesetzt
14.06.1919 - 25.06.1919 stellvertretender Führer Ulanen-Regiment 19
26.06.1919 - 26.07.1919 Adjutant 27. Division (2. Königlich Württembergische)
27.07.1919 - 09.10.1919 Adjutant höheren Auflösungsstabs 51
10.10.1919 Führer Feldkolonne 49
16.05.1920 in der Reichswehr-Fahr-Abteilung 13 der Reichswehr-Brigade 13, Stuttgart, des Übergangsheeres
12.06.1920 Führer Fahrkompanie 4
01.10.1920 in Reiter-Regiment 18
01.02.1922 Regimentsadjutant
01.06.1923 Chef 2. / Reiterregiment 10 (Torgau)
01.03.1927 Stab 3. Kavallerie-Division (Weimar)
01.02.1933 Kommandeur Reiter-Regiment 18 (Stuttgart)
15.10.1935 Kommandeur 2. Schützen-Brigade (Meiningen)
04.02.1938 Kommandeur 2. Panzer-Division (Würzburg)
10.11.1938 Komamndeur 2. Panzer-Division (Wien)
19.02.1942 mit der stellvertretenden Führung XXXXVIII. Armeekorps beauftragt
15.05.1942 Führerreserve OKH (XVII)
28.09.1942 Kommandierender General im Auffrischungsbereich Mitte
10.06.1943 Führerreserve OKH (XVII)
01.09.1943 Kommandierender General V. Armeekorps und Befehlshaber Wehrkreis V
12.04.1945 Führerreserve OKH (V)

Awards & Decorations:
00.00.191_ 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.00.191_ 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
02.08.1917 Ritterkreuz des Königlich Württembgische Militär-Verdienstordens
00.00.1934 Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer 1914-1918
02.10.1936 Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnungen IV. bis I.Klasse
00.00.193_ Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13 März 1938
00.00.1939 Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 mit spange "Prager Burg"
18.09.1939 1939 spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
29.09.1939 1939 spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.19__ Panzerkampfabzeichen
03.06.1940 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur 2. Panzer-Division. The following wartime excerpt (dated 30.08.1940) describes why Veiel received the Ritterkreuz: “Generalleutnant Rudolf Veiel broke through the Belgian border fortifications with his Panzer-Division and then forced a crossing over the Maas river north of Sedan. Thereafter his troops succeeding in breaking through to the Channel coastline in the direction of Boulogne under his outstanding personal leadership.”
00.00.194_ Panzerkampfabzeichen
15.08.1941 Königlich bulgarischer Militärverdienstorden I. Klasse mit Kriegsdekoration
03.11.1941 Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
00.00.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (1942)

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Rudolf Veiel (10 December 1883 – 19 March 1956) joined the army 1904, and was commissioned as an officer in 1905, serving in the Württemberg cavalry during World War I. After the war, Veiel was a member of the Freikorps in Württemberg (1919). From October 1920, he served in the Reichswehr. In 1938 he was given command of the 2nd Panzer Division. Veiel was promoted to oberst in 1933, a generalmajor in January 1937, and a generalleutnant in 1938.

In the early stages of World War II, Veiel commanded the division during the Invasion of Poland in 1939, the Battle of France in 1940, Operation Marita, invasion of Yugoslavia and Greece, and Operation Barbarossa in 1941. On 3 June 1940, Veiel was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. From 1 April 1942 to 28 September 1942, after the German defeat in the Battle of Moscow, Veiel was promoted to full general (General der Panzertruppe). He later commanded the XLVIII Panzer Corps. After 28 September, Veiel had a staff position with the Army Group Center.

From September 1943 to 20 July 1944, Veiel was Commanding General of Battle Sector V (Wehrkreis V) in Stuttgart. He was relieved of command because of complicity in the 20 July Conspiracy to assassinate Adolf Hitler. On 16 April 1945 he was put in the Officer Reserve (Führerreserve) of the Army High Command (Oberkommando des Heeres or OKH). After World War II, Rudolf Veiel spent two years in American captivity. He was released in 1947 and died in 1956.



Source :
Bundesarchiv photo collection
Jim Haley photo collection
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_146-1984-018-08A,_Rudolf_Veiel.jpg
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Veiel,_Rudolf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Veiel
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=120547&hilit=rudolf+veiel
http://www.geocities.ws/orion47.geo/WEHRMACHT/HEER/General2/VEIEL_RUDOLF.html
https://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Personenregister/V/VeielR-R.htm
http://sylviolassance.blogspot.com/2013/04/veiel-rudolf-1012188319031956.html
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/65120/Veiel-Rudolf.htm
https://web.archive.org/web/20111228124131fw_/http://www.ritterkreuztraeger-1939-45.de/Infanterie/V/Ve/Veiel-Rudolf.htm