Hans Kreysing at a Football Match

Gewneralmajor Hans Kreysing (Kommandeur 3. Gebirgs-Division) at a football match, surrounded by his mountain soldiers. From October 1940 to August 1943 he commanded the 3rd Mountain Division, serving in Norway, Lapland and the Eastern Front. Kreysing ended the war with the rank of General of Mountain Troops (German: General der Gebirgstruppe).

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Kreysing
https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/forum/wehrmacht-era-militaria/photos-and-paper-items-forum/152358-general-photos?p=13621383#post13621383

Bio of Generalmajor Hubertus Lamey (1896-1981)

Hubert "Hubertus" August Maria Ulrich Lamey

Date of birth: 30.10.1896 - Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg (German Empire)
Date of death: 07.04.1981 - Augsburg, Bavaria (West Germany)

Promotions:
01.10.1915 Fahnenjunker
24.04.1916 Leutnant
01.04.1925 Oberleutnant
00.00.19__ Hauptmann
00.00.19__ Major
01.04.1939 Oberstleutnant
01.07.1941 Oberst
01.09.1944 Generalmajor

Career:
01.10.1915 Entered the German Army as a Fahnenjunker
24.04.1916 Commissioned a Leutnant in 2. Badisches Grenadier-Regiment Kaiser Wilhelm I. Nr.110
00.00.1918 Remained in the post-World War I German Reichswehr
01.07.1938 Ia 27. Infanterie-Division
15.10.1939 Chief Quartermaster 7. Armee
01.08.1942 Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 328
01.11.1943 Mit der Führung beauftragt 21. Infanterie-Division
01.12.1943 Mit der Führung beauftragt 28. Jäger-Division
01.02.1944 Attended the Division Leader Course
10.07.1944 Kommandeur 118. Jäger-Division

Awards and Decorations:
31.12.1916 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
17.10.1917 Baden Orden vom Zähringer Löwen, Ritterkreuz II.Klasse mit Schwertern
19.08.1918 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
21.01.1935 Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer 1914-1918
02.10.1936 Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht IV. bis II.Klasse
00.00.19__ 1939 spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.00.19__ 1939 spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
28.07.1943 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
12.02.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Oberst and Führer 28. Jäger-Division

Source :
Dave Danner document collection
https://www.feldgrau.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=594
https://forum.axishistory.com/search.php?keywords=hubertus+lamey&terms=all&author=&sc=1&sf=all&sr=topics&sk=t&sd=d&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search

Traugott Herr in Color

Generalmajor Traugott Herr (Kommandeur 13. Panzer-Division) in a photo studio taken by Walter Frentz after he received the Eichenlaub for his Ritterkreuz from Hitler, in a ceremony held at Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze. Herr received the medal on 9 August 1942 for his Division’s capture of Rostov in the summer of 1942.

Source :
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/34578/Herr-Traugott.htm
https://www.walter-frentz-collection.de/

Bio of Oberstleutnant Gerhard Werner (1916-1944)

Gerhard Werner

Date of birth: 21.05.1916 : Baden-Baden, Baden, German Empire
Date of death: 08.09.1944 : Southeast of Banat (Rumania)

Promotions:
00.00.1936 Soldat
01.09.1938 Leutnant
01.08.1940 Oberleutnant
01.07.1942 Hauptmann
01.05.1944 Major
00.00.1945 Oberstleutnant (posthumously, mit wirkung 01.09.1944)

Career:
15.10.1936: Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 99
10.11.1938: Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 137
26.08.1939: Infanterie-Regiment 499
00.05.1940: Bataillons-Adjutant, Infanterie-Regiment 499
00.06.1941: Kompaniechef, Infanterie-Regiment 499, Barbarossa
29.08.1941: severely WIA
16.12.1941: Chef, 5. Kompanie, Jagdkommando 8, 281. Sicherungs-Division, operations against Partisans, Nordabschnitt
00.01.1942: Kampfgruppe "Scherer", Cholm - Ritterkreuz
00.04.1942: severely WIA, flown out of the Kessel
16.06.1942: Chef, 3. Kompanie, Hochgebirgs-Bataillon 1
23.10.1942: Führer, II. Bataillon, Gebirgsjäger-Regiments 98
00.12.1942: Ordonnanz-Offizier, Stab, 1. Gebirgs-Division
00.07.1943: Führer, I. and II. Bataillon, Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 99
01.11.1943: Führer, I. Bataillon, Jäger-Regiment 734
08.09.1944: KIA during an operation against Tito-Partisans, on the road Mecovon near Mon Perestini in Western Greece

Awards and Decorations:
00.00.1940 Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung IV.Klasse
02.09.1940 1939 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.00.1941 Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Schwarz
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Silber
10.11.1941 Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Gold
01.02.1942 1939 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
23.02.1942 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Oberleutnant and Chef 5.Kompanie / Jagdkommando 8 / 281.Sicherungs-Division
00.00.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)
00.00.1943 Cholmschild
13.07.1943 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
23.03.1945 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #793, awarded posthumously as Major and Kommandeur I.Bataillon / Jäger-Regiment 734 / 104.Jäger-Division

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
Jim Haley photo collection
https://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Personenregister/W/WernerG.htm
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/20649/Werner-Gerhard.htm
https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/forum/wehrmacht-era-militaria/photos-and-paper-items-forum

Herbert Berger in Color

Leutnant der Reserve Herbert Berger in a picture taken by Hitler's personal photographer Hugo Jaeger, possibly in July 1944. He received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 12 March 1944 as Oberfeldwebel and Zugführer in 10.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment (motorisiert) "Feldherrnhalle" / Panzergrenadier-Division "Feldherrnhalle".

Source :
https://artsandculture.google.com/entity/m064km4b?hl=en

Bio of Generalleutnant Wolf-Günther Trierenberg (1891-1981)

Wolf-Günther Trierenberg

Date of birth: 18.06.1891 at Forst, Brandenburg (German Empire)
Date of death: 25.07.1981 at Detmold, Nordrhein-Westfalen (West Germany)

Vater: Arthur Trierenberg, Oberleutnant d.R. a.D.
Mutter: Marie Trierenberg, geb. Wolf
19.09.1928 Heirat mit Augusta Sophie Stephanus
1 Sohn (*1937), 1 Tochter (*1934)

Promotions:
18.11.1911 Leutnant mit Patent vom 20.11.1909 (Vv)
18.09.1915 Oberleutnant
18.10.1918 Hauptmann
01.02.1922 neues RDA vom 18.10.1918 (16) erhalten
01.04.1932 Major (8)
01.11.1934 Oberstleutnant (9)
01.08.1937 Oberst (12)
01.08.1941 Generalmajor (11)
01.11.1942 Generalleutnant (20)

Career:
07.03.1910 eingetreten als Fahnenjunker
08.08.1914 ins Feld mit dem Füsilierregiment 38
15.11.1914 Bataillonsadjutant
25.05.1916 Kompanieführer
03.12.1916 Führer der Unteroffizierschule der 11. Infanteriedivision
07.01.1917 im Stab der 11. Infanteriedivision
13.05.1917 Bataillonsführer
22.06.1917 im Stab der 11. Infanteriedivision
26.08.1917 Ordonnanzoffizier im Stab der 11. Infanteriedivision
04.10.1917 im Stab der 93. Infanteriedivision
04.02.1918 im Stab der 38. Landwehrdivision
21.05.1918 im Generalstab des Marinekorps
19.09.1918 im Generalstab des XXXX. Armeekorps
22.01.1919 Kompanieführer im Füsilierregiment 38
16.04.1919 stellvertretender Bataillonsführer
17.05.1919 stellvertretender Brigadeadjutant
24.10.1919 stellvertretender Adjutant des Infanterieführers VI
09.01.1920 Führer der 9. / Reichswehr-Infanterieregiment 11
27.01.1920 Leiter Übernahmekommission Ratibor
12.05.1920 im Stab der Kommandantur von Breslau
01.02.1922 in der heeresstatistischen Abteilung des Truppenamtes
01.04.1922 im Generalstab der 2. Kavalleriedivision (Breslau)
01.10.1924 im Generalstab des Infanterieführers VI (Hannover)
01.04.1927 Chef der 9. / Infanterieregiment 4 (Deutsch Krone)
16.01.1930 im Stab der 2. Division (Stettin)
01.10.1933 im Stab der Wehrgauleitung Münster
01.02.1935 Ia der 16. Division (Münster)
12.10.1937 Kommandeur des Infanterielehrregiments (Döberitz)
26.08.1939 Chef des Generalstabes des stellvertretenden VI. Armeekorps
01.11.1940 Kommandeur der 12. Schützenbrigade
11.08.1941 Kommandeur der 167. Infanteriedivision
25.11.1943 Führerreserve OKH (III)
10.12.1943 Kommandeur der 347. Infanteriedivision
27.03.1944 zugleich mit der stellvertretenden Führung des LXXXVIII. Armeekorps beauftragt (bis 02.04.1944)

Awards and Decorations:
00.00.191_ 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.00.191_ 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.1918 Verwundetenabzeichen 1918 in Schwarz
00.00.193_ Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer 1914-1918
17.04.1941 Kriegsverdienstkreuz II.Klasse mit Schwertern
12.07.1941 1939 spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
23.07.1941 1939 spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
05.05.1942 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
05.08.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)
10.05.1943 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur 167. Infanterie-Division

Source :
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_146-1975-025-12,_Wolf-G%C3%BCnther_Trierenberg.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolf-G%C3%BCnther_Trierenberg
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=197158
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/19776/Trierenberg-Wolf-G%C3%BCnther.htm

Officers of the Wehrmacht Schools in Berlin

Some of the officers of the Wehrmacht schools in Berlin area posing in a picture taken in the winter of 1937-38. From left to right: Oberst Wolf-Günther Trierenberg (Kommandeur Infanterie-Lehr-Regiment Döberitz. Last rank Generalleutnant), unknown, Oberst Hans-Valentin Hube (Kommandeur Infanterie-Ausbildungsstabes Döberitz. Last rank Generaloberst), Generalleutnant Friedrich Freiherr von Wilmowsky (Inspekteur der Wehrersatzinspektion Potsdam. Last rank Generalleutnant), unknown, unknown, and Major Hasso von Manteuffel (Lehrgangsleiter an der Panzertruppenschule. Last rank General der Panzertruppe). This picture was taken from the album belong to Infanterie-Regiment 2 in Allenstein.

Source :
https://www.ebay.de/b/General-in-Militaria-Fotos-1900-1918-1945/15504/bn_7004515776
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=1726526#p1726526

Herbert Ihlefeld Freed from Captivity

Luftwaffe fighter ace Hauptmann Herbert Ihlefeld was liberated from serbian captivity in Blace, Yugoslavia, 14 April 1941. The photo came from the album of 5. Panzer-Division during Balkanfeldzug. Hauptmann Ihlefeld was Gruppenkommandeur I.Gruppe (Jagd) / Lehrgeschwader 2 (LG 2) at the time of the Balkan Campaign. His group was equipped with Messerschmitt Bf 109E fighters. In the first day of the invasion, 6 April 1941, Ihlefeld was brought down by Yugoslavian Anti-Aircraft guns. The pilot landed near Nis, and got slight head injuries. In the words of Ihlefeld himself: "In early 1941 we found ourselves operating in the Balkans and here, during a deep penetration mission on 6 April, I was shot down by flak, badly wounded and placed in a Yugoslav prisoner of war camp, from which I was freed, eight days later, by advancing German troops. I then travelled to the Eastern Front to rejoin my unit after six weeks rehabilitation."

Source :
Jim Haley photo collection
https://www.asisbiz.com/il2/Bf-109E/LG2-Stab.html
http://www.elknet.pl/acestory/belgra/belgra.htm
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=31421
https://www.militarysignaturearchive.co.uk/pilot/herbert-ihlefeld/

Ritterkreuz Action of Ludwig Köchle

Ludwig Köchle (28 January 1921 - 9 June 1942) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 28 February 1942 as SS-Oberscharführer and Zugführer in 5.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 1 / SS-Totenkopf-Division. Kochle earned his Ritterkreuz through his actions in the Demyansk pocket. As part of Max Simon’s kampfgruppe (itself an offshoot of the SS-Totenkopf division), Kochle led a group of 100 men from his division to success, repelling over 30 Russian attacks. He also received special recognition for one action where he and an assault team from 5. Kompanie outflanked a dangerous Russian position, destroying 6 bunkers with hand grenades as well as an enemy MG position. The group then held this area against multiple counterattacks.

 


Source :
Jim Haley photo collection
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/42393/K%C3%B6chle-Ludwig.htm

Walter Wriedt and His Children

Original caption from this propaganda picture, taken by Kriegsberichter Scheerer: "Vati ist auf urlaub gekommen. Gross ist die wiedersehensfreude auf beiden seiten" (Dad is come on vacation. The joy of seeing each other again is great on both sides). The Ritterkreuzträger is Oberfeldwebel Walter Wriedt. He received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 25 October 1943 as Zugführer in 13.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 138 / 3.Gebirgs-Division.

Source :
https://onb.digital/result/10D7676B

Wilhelm Ritter von Thoma and Spanish Officer

Oberst Wilhelm Ritter von Thoma (right, Kommandeur Gruppe Imker / Legion Kondor) with fellow Spanish officer. The picture was taken on 27 May 1939 after the end of the Spanish Civil War. From 23 September 1936 to 8 June 1939, at the disposal of the Army High Command, Oberst Von Thoma was appointed as Commander of Group “Imker” (Beekeeper), the ground contingent of the German Condor Legion in Spain. Arriving in Spain in early October 1936, the personnel of Group “Imker” were originally volunteers from Panzer Regiment 6 “Neuruppin” of the 3rd Panzer Division. Tasked with training General Francisco Franco’s Spanish Nationalist officers and men in tanks, infantry tactics, and artillery and signals employment, Group “Imker” maintained two, then three panzer training companies equipped with PzKpfw I light tanks (panzer units were codenamed Group “Drohne” or Drone. After completion of their training, the Spanish troops took custody of the tanks at which time a new shipment of PzKpfw I tanks arrived from Germany. Additionally, Group “Drohne” made use of large numbers of the superior Russian tanks captured from Republican forces (the T-26 tank was particularly prized). While ostensibly in Spain in a training capacity, the German Army instructors also rotated to the front to provide further technical advice to the Spanish and to engage in direct combat operations. Ritter von Thoma was a frequent visitor to the combat zones; he later claimed to have taken part in 192 tank actions in Spain.

Source :
https://onb.digital/result/10D742AD
http://www.specialcamp11.co.uk/General_der_Panzertruppe_Wilhelm_Ritter_von_Thoma.htm

Georg Lindemann as a Model for Sculpture

A sculptor - which also a member of the German Wehrmacht - is seen busy making a bust of Generaloberst Georg Lindemann, while the general can be seen sitting in a relaxed position. This photo itself was taken in 1943 when Lindemann served asOberbefehlshaber of the 18th Armee on the Eastern Front.

Source :
https://onb.digital/result/10DE85B5

Eugen Ritter von Schobert in Color

General der Infanterie Eugen Ritter von Schobert (Kommandierender General VII. Armeekorps) on a visit to the Sudetenland, shortly after this part of Czechoslovak were occupied by German troops without a fight, in October 1938. Later he would be killed on the Eastern Front when the light plane Fieseler Storch he was traveling in landed on a Soviet minefield on September 12, 1941. His last rank was Generaloberst. Photo by Hugo Jaeger.

Source :
https://artsandculture.google.com/entity/m064km4b?hl=en

Bruno Stolle in Color

Bruno Stolle received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 17 March 1943 as Hauptmann and Staffelkapitän 8.Staffel / IV.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen" after achieving 29 aerial victories along the channel coastline. He also demonstrated considerable devotion to duty in engagements against English anti-submarine vessels.

Source :
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/27140/Stolle-Bruno.htm

Eberhard von Mackensen and Unknown Kradschützenbataillon Commander

General der Kavallerie Eberhard von Mackensen (Kommandierender General III. Panzerkorps) gives an order to the commander of Wehrmacht Kradschützen Battalion in the front line, somewhere on the Eastern Front. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Grimm-Kastein on 30 August 1942.

Source :
https://onb.digital/result/111B703D

Harald Krieg and German Composer

Norbert Schultze (right), Composer of "Das Lied der Panzergrenadiere", in conversation with Ritterkreuzträger Hauptmann Harald Krieg (Stabsoffizier in Oberkommando des Heeres). Krieg received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 15 July 1941 when he served as Oberleutnant and Chef 4.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Schützen-Regiment 1 / 1.Panzer-Division. This picture was taken on 7 September 1942 in Wünsdorf during the premiere of the song for Panzergrenadiers.

Source :
https://onb.digital/result/10D480BF
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/10499/Krieg-Harald.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rrn1S3Q_A8

Bio of Oberstleutnant Henning Hoffmeister

Henning Hoffmeister

Date of birth: 29 June 1912 (Goldap, East Prussia, German Empire)
Date of death: 19 January 1980 (Cologne, Northrhine-Westphalia, West Germany)

Promotions:

Career:

Awards and Decorations:
00.00.19__ Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.00.19__ Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
01.08.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)
30.09.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Major and stellvertreter Führer Grenadier-Regiment 6 / 30.Infanterie-Division

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Henning Hoffmeister finally reached the rank of Oberstleutnant. After the Second World War he served with the Bundeswehr where he finally reached the rank of Oberst.

Source :
Hill 60 photo collection
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2452730#p2452730
https://media.gab.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1102.5,quality=100,fit=scale-down/system/media_attachments/files/124/820/684/original/b16927c1a69b46c7.jpg
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/39322/Hoffmeister-Henning.htm

Bio of Hans-Detloff von Cossel (1916-1943)

Johann-Detloff "Hans" Eberhardt Magnus von Cossel

Date of birth : 1 July 1916 (Swakopmund, German South-Western Africa)
Date of death : 22 July 1943 (Kromy, Orel, Soviet Union)

Promotions:
00.00.1934 Fahnenjunker
00.00.1935 Fähnrich
00.00.1936 Oberfähnrich
01.04.1937 Leutnant
01.10.1939 Oberleutnant
01.03.1942 Hauptmann
01.05.1943 Major

Career:
06.04.1934 Completed basic training in Reiter-Regiment 6
00.00.193_ Transferred to Reiter-Regiment 7 (reorganized as Panzer Regiment 2 in 1935)
10.11.1938 Zugführer in 6.Kompanie / Panzer-Regiment 35
01.04.1939 Führer 6.Kompanie / Panzer-Regiment 35
00.09.1939 Seriously wounded during the campaign in Poland
00.07.1941 Chef 6.Kompanie / Panzer-Regiment 35
04.07.1941 Seriously wounded during the campaign in Russia and flown to Berlin hospital
23.07.1941 Returned to his unit
00.09.1941 Wounded during the Battle of Kiev. His wounds were so severe that he was not able to return to his unit until spring of 1942
01.11.1942 Führer I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 35
01.01.1943 Kommandeur I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 35
21.07.1943 Kommandeur Kampfgruppe "Von Cossel"
22.07.1943 Fatally hit by bombs from Soviet bombers during counter attack

Awards and Decorations:
00.09.1939 Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
22.09.1939 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
20.12.1939 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.19__ Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht IV.Klasse
00.00.194_ Panzerkampfabzeichen in Silber
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber
19.08.1941 Ehrenblattspange des Heeres und Waffen-SS #237
08.09.1941 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Oberleutnant and Führer 1.Kompanie / I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 35 / 4.Panzer-Division
00.12.1941 Verwundetenabzeichen in Gold
00.00.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)
05.05.1943 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
29.08.1943 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #285 (posthumously), as Major and Kommandeur I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 35 / 4.Panzer-Division

Source :
Jim Haley photo collection
https://www.forum-der-wehrmacht.de/index.php?thread/41920-ritterkreuztr%C3%A4ger-cossel/
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjptPL13878AhWnSmwGHZrYBUQQFnoECCkQAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ritterkreuztraeger.info%2Frkel%2Fc%2FEL285Cossel.pdf&usg=AOvVaw1xKONdegz6SHERR4C-d-Zc
https://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Personenregister/C/CosselJDv.htm
http://www.mediafire.com/?8v47wshl6aiki
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/3218/Cossel-von-Johann-Dettleff-Hans-Detloff.htm
http://voncossel.blogspot.com/

Ferdinand Neuling in Kremenchug

Generalleutnant Ferdinand Neuling (left, Kommandeur 239. Infanterie-Division) with Oberstleutnant Hans von Ahlfen (Kommandeur Pionier-Regimentsstab z.b.V. 617) in Kremenchug, Ukraine, 7 September 1941. Both units served under Heeresgruppe Süd.

Source :
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_B_145_Bild-F016205-25,_Bei_Krementschug,_Oberstleutnant_Hans_v._Ahlfen.jpg

Bio of Oberstleutnant d.R. Wilhelm Schöning (1908-1987)

Georg Wilhelm Schöning

Date of birth: 8 June 1908 (Gumbinnen an der Pissa, Ostpreußen, German Empire)
Date of death: 2 November 1987 (Bochum, Westfalen, West Germany)

Promotions:
01.10.1937 Leutnant der Reserve
00.00.1940 Oberleutnant der Reserve
01.03.1942 Hauptmann der Reserve
01.10.1943 Major der Reserve
21.01.1945 Oberstleutnant der Reserve

Career:
00.00.1937 Reserveoffizier in Infanterie-Regiment 23
26.08.1939 Drafted to Infanterie-Regiment 23 during mobilization
00.11.1939 Chef 10.Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 244
00.00.1940 Chef 10.Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 120
00.05.1942 Ordonannzoffizier in Infanterie-Regiment 120
01.06.1942 Führer III.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 120
16.10.1942 Seriously wounded near Kalatsch
00.03.1943 Kommandeur I.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment "Feldherrnhalle"
08.02.1944 Führer Füsilier-Regiment "Feldherrnhalle"
26.07.1944 Kommandeur Panzer-Brigade 110
00.09.1944 Führer Panzergrenadier-Regiment 66
00.05.1945 POW of the Soviet
00.10.1945 Released from the POW camp

Awards and Decorations:
00.00.19__ Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnungen
11.07.1940 1939 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
12.08.1941 1939 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.194_ Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber
00.00.194_ Nahkampfspange in Bronze
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen in Bronze und Silber
14.02.1942 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
00.00.1942 Medaille “Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42”
00.00.194_ Order of Bravery 4th Class (Bulgaria)
00.00.194_ Ordinul Mihai Viteazul 3rd Class (Rumania)
00.00.194_ Krimschild
16.10.1942 Ehrenblattspange des Heeres und Waffen-SS
07.02.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Major der Reserve and Kommandeur I.Bataillon / Füsilier-Regiment (motorisiert) “Feldherrnhalle” / 246.Infanterie-Division
21.01.1945 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #707, as Major der Reserve and Führer Panzergrenadier-Regiment 66 / 13.Panzer-Division

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Wilhelm Schöning (8 June 1908 – 2 November 1987) served as commander of the 66th Panzergrenadier Regiment of the 13th Panzer Division during the Siege of Budapest.

Most of the division was encircled and destroyed in Budapest between December 1944 and February 1945. Those who escaped, consisting of 200-300 men, were reformed under Schöning. Wounded during the battle, Schöning broke through Soviet lines and reached the German 3rd Cavalry Brigade on the Buda side. Schöning remembered it thus:

"Suddenly I had the feeling that my leg was being torn off. (...) As my pistol was empty I ordered my lieutenant to finish me off because I didn't want to be taken prisoner. He was himself wounded in the arm. He then called to me: “Only another 2,000 metres, Lieutenant Colonel. We have to make it!'” I crept through the snow up a hill with the major...Two wounded grenadiers from our battle group picked us up under the arms under the heaviest fire and stood us upright and I dragged myself with several wounds to the feet the two kilometres to the German position."

Source :
https://artsandculture.google.com/entity/m064km4b?hl=en
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Sch%C3%B6ning,_Wilhelm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelm_Sch%C3%B6ning
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=96192
https://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Personenregister/S/SchoeningW-R.htm
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/18011/Sch%F6ning-Wilhelm.htm?c=aw

Job Odebrecht with His Staff Officer

General der Flakartillerie Job Odebrecht (left, Kommandierender General II. Flakkorps) with one of his staff officer (which can be recognized by his carmine-red stripes on his breeches). The picture was probably taken in 1943 or 1944. Odebrecht himself would receive the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 5 September 1944.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2450088#p2450088

Friedrich Siebert and Arthur Boje

Generalleutnant Friedrich Siebert (right, Kommandeur 44. Infanterie-Division) and Oberstleutnant Arthur Boje (Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 134 / 44.Infanterie-Division) on the Eastern Front during the opening phase of Unternehmen Barbarossa, June 1941. Both would receive the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes while still in their function: Siebert on 18 November 1941 and Boje on 5 February 1942.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewforum.php?f=5

Bio of Oberfeldwebel d.R. Johann Biehl (1917-2017)

Johannes "Johann" Biehl

Date of birth: 29 January 1917 (Philippsheim/Rheinprovinz, German Empire)
Date of death: 12 March 2017 (Germany)

Promotions:
01.10.1939 Gefreiter der Reserve
01.11.1940 Unteroffizier der Reserve
01.11.1941 Feldwebel der Reserve
01.02.1944 Oberfeldwebel der Reserve

Career:
14.11.1938 Granatwerferschützen in 1.Kompanie / Grenz-Infanterie-Regiment 124 in Trier
01.10.1939 Granatwerfer-Truppführer in 1.Kompanie / Grenz-Infanterie-Regiment 124
00.00.1940 Gruppenführer in 2.Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 124
01.11.1941 Zugführer in 2.Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 124
18.06.1942 Wounded in Sebastopol
14.09.1942 Instructor in 2.Genesenden-Kompanie / Infanterie-Ersatz-Bataillon 124
27.11.1942 Transferred to 1.Kompanie / Grenadier-Ersatz-Bataillon 124
29.10.1943 Instructor in Genesenden-Kompanie / Grenadier-Ersatz- und Ausbildungs-Bataillon 124
00.09.1944 Recruited for the army (Heeres-Werber) at the stellvertretenden Generalkommando des XII. Armeekorps. He remained in this position until the end of the war.

Medals and Decorations:
18.07.1940 Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber
11.08.1941 Medalia "Bărbăţie şi Credinţă" (Rumania)
11.08.1941 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
11.10.1941 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
19.02.1942 Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
00.00.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)
30.07.1942 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Feldwebel der Reserve and Zugführer in 2.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 124 / 72.Infanterie-Division
10.06.1943 Krimschild
10.06.1943 Medalia comemorativa Cruciada Impotriva Comunismului (Rumania)

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* Biehl, who was a member of the local council in Philippsheim for 20 years, is the 18th recipient of the Ritterkreuz to have reached the age of 100  - he would not lived to see his 101st birthday.
* Oberfeldwebel a. D. Johannes "Johann" Biehl passed away in March 2017 at the age of over 100. On March 16, 2017, his urn was buried in the presence of family and friends.

Source :
Jim Haley photo collection
"Die Ritterkreuzträger der Deutschen Wehrmacht 1939-1945. Teil III: Infanterie Bialetzki - Bottler (Bi-Bo)" by Thomas, Franz and Günter Wegmann
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Biehl,_Johann
https://www.facebook.com/groups/152986901863424
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=89254
https://hb-militaria.de/product/foto-ritterkreuztraeger-johann-biehl-originale-unterschrift/
https://reibert.info/media/johannes-biehl.468055/
http://www.ritterkreuztraeger.info/rk/b.html
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28439/Biehl-Johann.htm

Walter Model Visiting Aachen in Kübelwagen

Generalfeldmarschall Walter Model (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe B) aboard a Kübelwagen on an inspection trip to German command posts in the vicinity of Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen (Germany), on 9 October 1944. Here he was visiting 246. Volksgrenadier-Division, led by Oberst Gerhard Wilck who doubles as Kampfkommandant Aachen. The command post is located in a bunker of the Westwall fortification. Seated in the back seat are two staff officers of Heeregruppe B who were also Ritterkreuzträger (recipient of Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes), from left to right: Leutnant der Reserve Hans Luthardt and SS-Hauptsturmführer Heinrich Springer. This photo also shows the use of the Zeltbahn as tarnung (camouflage) on the front hood, an unusual practice! The photo was taken by Kriegsberichter Scheerer and was first published on October 16, 1944. The city of Aachen itself became the first German territory to fall into the hands of the Allies after the battle that took place from October 2 to 21, 1944.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Aachen

Ritterkreuz Action of Willy Apitz

Willy Apitz (27 January 1916 - 28 February 2004) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 1 January 1944 as Obergefreiter and Funker in 10.Batterie / IV.Abteilung / Artillerie-Regiment 81 / 97.Jäger-Division. In the autumn of 1943, after heavy fighting at the Kuban bridgehead, the 97. Jäger-Division withdrew to the Kerch Strait on the Crimean peninsula. From there they moved to the lower Dnieper, between the bridgeheads of Nikopol and Kherson, fighting against the 4th Ukrainian Front. Obergefreiter Apitz found himself engaged in his Division’s heavy defensive combat. In this time, while he was serving as a radio operator at a forward observation post, all of his comrades were killed during a large-scale Soviet attack. When the Soviets proceeded to launch a renewed thrust with tanks and infantry, Apitz decided to personally direct the fire of his attached artillery even though he had no training in this role. However, despite being all alone, he managed to fulfill this role effectively and direct devastating artillery fire onto the attacking Soviet forces. A unit of Soviet infantry that were passing by suddenly attacked Apitz at his position. He initially held them off with his carbine before ordering his own artillery to bombard his position. He had to repeat the order twice before his stunned comrades proceeded to do just that. Fierce artillery fire was then plastered on Apitz’s position for about a minute. However Apitz survived. By the time the firing ceased and the smoke cleared, the Russians had suffered such losses that they withdrew to their starting positions. The enemy attack was finally completely repulsed.

For this feat, Obergefreiter Willy Apitz was awarded the Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse on 27 November 1943. Oberkommando der Wehrmacht also appreciated that his action was decisive for the success of the defense against the Soviet offensive and he was awarded the Ritterkreuz at the recommendation of his superiors, also receiving his promotion to Unteroffizier.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=207409&p=2450865#p2450865
https://sites.google.com/site/gymdietaexplosive2015/a/apitz-willy
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28123/Apitz-Willy.htm

Eduard Dietl and Fritz Berger in Norway

German officers at Norddalsbron before departure towards Narvik, Norway, spring/summer 1940. They're met with Norwegian officer. Facing the camera from left to right: Generalleutnant Eduard Dietl (Kommandeur 3. Gebirgs-Division), Fregattenkapitän Fritz Berger (Kommandeur Marine-Regiment "Berger"), and Fregattenkapitän Hans-Joachim Gadow (Marinebeauftragter in Narvik).

Source :
https://digitaltmuseum.se/021017845379/tyska-militarer-vid-norddalsbron-norge

Karl Eibl and the Officers of 44. Infanterie-Division

Officers of 44. Infanterie-Division in Vienna, Ostmark. The Ritterkreuzträger facing the camera is Oberst Karl Eibl (Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 132), the latter Schwerterträger. The 44. Infanterie-Division was formed on 1 April 1938 in Wien, Austria following the Anschluss from the 2. Division and 3. Division of the Austrian Army, the Österreichischen Bundesheer. It was mobilized in August 1939 as part of the 1. Welle (wave). The division took part in the campaign in Poland, advancing into the area allocated to the USSR. It later fought in the west suffering heavy losses against stiff French resistance. After the French surrender the division spent ten months on occupation duty and in March 1941 it was transferred to Poland for training. It took part in the invasion of the Soviet Union on the southern sector of the front fighting at the Pripet Marshes and at Kiev. It took part in the fighting in the Caucasus area before advancing to Stalingrad where it was destroyed in January 1943.
The division was reformed on 17 February 1943 and on 1 June 1943 redesignated (44.) Reichs-Grenadier-Division Hoch und Deutschmeister.

 

Source :
https://www.axishistory.com/books/150-germany-heer/heer-divisionen/3355-44-infanterie-division
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2450676#p2450676

Bio of Generalmajor Alois Weber (1903-1976)

Alois Weber

Date of birth: 26.07.1903 Kastl / Oberpfalz, Bavaria (German Empire)
Date of death: 19.06.1976 Freising, Bavaria (West Germany)

Vater: Ferdinand Weber, Landwirt
Mutter: Maria Weber, geb. Walter
18.07.1936 Heirat mit Betti Klöckner
1 Tochter (*1937)
[Of his five brothers, four were killed and the last one was missing in 1944]

Promotions:
01.07.1934 Leutnant mit RDA vom 01.07.1928
01.07.1934 Oberleutnant mit RDA vom 01.04.1932 (37)
01.12.1935 Hauptmann (7)
01.02.1941 Major (5)
28.06.1942 Oberstleutnant mit RDA vom 01.04.1942 (723a)
xx.xx.1944 Oberst mit RDA vom 01.03.1944 (19e)
30.01.1945 Generalmajor

Career:
01.10.1921 Eintritt in das Ausbildungsbataillon des Infanterieregiments 21 (Erlangen) [LdW says IR 20]
[should have been retired after 12 years in 1933]
01.07.1934 Kompanieoffizier in der 11. / Infanterieregiment 19 (Freising)
01.10.1934 Chef der 11. / Infanterieregiment 19 (Freising)
10.11.1938 Chef der 9. / Infanterieregiment 19 (Freising) [laut Stellenbesetzung]
11.04.1940 Kommandeur des Infanterieersatzbataillons 19
23.08.1940 Kommandeur des I. / Infanterieregiment 19
13.05.1942 Führerreserve OKH (VII)
01.09.1942 kommandiert zur Heeresunteroffiziervorschule Marienberg
15.09.1942 Kommandeur der Heeresunteroffiziervorschule Marienberg
01.04.1943 Kommandeur der Heeresunteroffiziervorschule Wetzlar
15.10.1943 Führerreserve OKH (VII)
01.12.1943 Kommandeur des Grenadierregiments 61
24.09.1944 Führerreserve OKH (VII)
19.10.1944 kommandiert zum 15. Divisionsführerlehrgang
01.11.1944 Kommandeur der 79. Volksgrenadierdivision (bis 30.01.1945 mFb) [jedoch schon am 29.12.1944 verwundet]
25.02.1945 Kommandeur der 363. Volksgrenadierdivision

Awards and Decorations:
28.09.1939 1939 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
29.11.1939 1939 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
05.11.1941 Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen
26.11.1941 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Major and Kommandeur I.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 19 / 7.Infanterie-Division
14.10.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
21.09.1943 Nahkampfspange in Bronze
30.08.1944 Mentioned in Wehrmachtbericht
10.09.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #579, as Oberst and Kommandeur Grenadier-Regiment 61 / 7.Infanterie-Division

Source :
Jim Haley photo collection
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alois_Weber
https://www.facebook.com/groups/152986901863424
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/36116/Weber-Alois-WH-Infanterie.htm

Ritterkreuz Action of Walter Denkert

Walter Denkert (23 February 1897 - 9 July 1982) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 14 May 1944 as Oberst and Stellvertreter Divisions Führer 19. Panzer-Division. Denkert’s Ritterkreuz recommendation reads as follows:

“Oberst Denkert had been assigned command of the 19. Panzer-Division, and in this capacity he launched an attack with his heavily weakened Kampfgruppe from the Skala area along the road towards the northwest on 31 March 1944. The Kampfgruppe succeeded in taking Gusztyn following extremely tough combat against much larger infantry and tank forces. Thereafter, following fluid and costly fighting for both sides, Losiacz was stormed, all while Oberst Denkert was continually inspiring his troops from the foremost line.

As contact with Gruppe Back did not exist at the time, Oberst Denkert decided to launch a further attack during the night. He would advance beyond Losiacz towards the northwest and assault an enemy position that was protecting Davidkowce from the eastern edge of a forest. Despite a heavy snowstorm he and his Division, along with the subordinated elements of the Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 16, succeeded in breaking through the strong anti-tank gun positions. Through the capture of this forest he created the preconditions for the capture of Davidkowce, which took place on the following day. The capture of this village was of great importance for the protection of Korpsgruppe Chevallerie’s northern flank as well as the prevention of the enemy’s goal to outflank this unit. Numerous tank kills were the measurable successes of this heavy combat. With this the decisive precondition for the thrust towards and across the Seret river for the bulk of the Korpsgruppe was attained.”

Submitted on 3 May 1944.
Preliminary document and decoration on 16 May 1944 to Heeresgruppe Nordukraine.

Source :
HILL60 photo collection
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2449452#p2449452
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/3405/Denkert-Walter.htm

Ritterkreuz Award Ceremony for Alfred-Hermann Reinhardt

Ritterkreuz award ceremony for Oberstleutnant Alfred-Hermann Reinhardt (Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 421 / 125.Infanterie-Division). Awarding the medal is Generalmajor Wilhelm "Willi" Schneckenburger (Kommandeur 125. Infanterie-Division). Reinhardt received the medal on 4 December 1941. It was awarded for his achievements during the operations of his Regiment during the encirclement battle of Kiev. Through the capture of Tarassowka by his Regiment on 20 September 1941 the Germans were able to prevent a large portion of Soviet soldiers escaping the Kiev pocket. Reinhardt presumably had a key part in this major tactical success with far-reaching operational significance.

Source :
Jim Haley photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/groups/152986901863424
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/16456/Reinhardt-Alfred-Hermann.htm

Ritterkreuz Action of Albert Müller 'PaK-Müller'

Albert Müller (20 September 1913 - 2 February 1993) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 4 September 1943 as SS-Hauptscharführer and PaK-Zugführer in 4.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment “Westland” / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division “Wiking”. Müller commanded a platoon of Pak guns in the Wiking division during the first battle of Izyum. The details of the action that led to his award are not known with precision, but enough is known about the actual fighting itself. Muller’s Zug came under a heavy tank attack during a rainstorm, and he continually exhorted his men despite the difficult circumstances. At one point he took command of a cannon himself, and through the Zug’s combined efforts 11 tanks were destroyed. The Soviets then attacked with an infantry battalion, but Muller and his men were able to defeat this threat as well. For his efforts in preventing a Soviet breakthrough, Muller was subsequently awarded the Ritterkreuz and given the nickname ‘Pak-Muller’.

Source :
Jim Haley photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/groups/152986901863424
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/35628/M%C3%BCller-Albert-Waffen-SS.htm