Bio of Oberstleutnant Wilhelm Knapp (1912-1944)

Wilhelm Knapp

Date of Birth: 25.08.1912 - Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein (German Empire)
Date of Death: 10.06.1944 - Gießen, Hesse (Germany)

Spouse: Charlotte “Lotte” ter Meer (01.02.1920), married in 1941
Children: Edmund Knapp (00.00.1942)

Promotions:
01.01.1943 Major im Generalstab
08.10.1944 Oberstleutnant (posthumously)

Career:
00.00.1930 graduated from the high school and studied the medicine
02.07.1934 entry into the infantry of the Reichswehr as a cadet
01.10.1935 transferred to the Luftwaffe
00.00.1935 training in the Fliegerschule Braunschweig für Beobachter
10.03.1936 Beobachter (Observer) in the Aufklärungsgruppe 122 (Prenzlau)
16.04.1936 - 16.07.1936 advance training in the Flieger-Bildschule Hildesheim
06.11.1936 taken part in the Spanish Civil War in Aufklärungsstaffel (F) A/88 der Legion Condor
04.08.1937 training in the Flieger-Ersatz-Abteilung 14 (Detmold)
15.11.1937 advance training in the  Flugzeugführerschule Schönweide
01.03.1938 Beobachter (Observer) in the Aufklärungsgruppe 22
01.11.1938 Flugzeugführer in Aufklärungsgruppe 121
01.04.1939 Chef der Flughafen-Betriebs-Kompanie (Flugh.Betr.Kp.) of Aufklärungsgruppe 121
27.03.1940 - 09.10.1941 Staffelkapitän 3.Staffel (Fern) / Aufklärungsgruppe 121
00.05.1940 during the western campaign in 1940 with the II.Fliegerkorps / Luftflotte 3. Reconnaissance for the over Belgium and France as well as in the operation "Adler Attack" (He 111 and Bf 110)
02.11.1940 according to most sources, Knapp is said to have received the Ritterkreuz as a Staffelkapitän 3.Staffel (Fern) / Aufklärungsgruppe 123. When and if he was temporarily with Aufkl.Gr. 123 cannot be proven with certainty. Isolated sources indicate a continuous service as squadron captain of the 3.(F)/Aufkl.Gr. 121, whereby the Ritterkreuz is said to have been awarded at this time
10.10.1941 Stabsoffizier of the Ia IV. Fliegerkorps
20.12.1941 Stabsoffizier Luftwaffenpersonalamt des Reichsluftfahrtministerium / Oberbefehlshaber der Luftwaffe, and temporarily assigned to the Stab / Luftgaukommando Rostow for the purpose of service
00.00.1942 returned as Staffelkapitän 3.Staffel (Fern) / Aufklärungsgruppe 121
05.04.1942 - 31.10.1942 Stabsoffizier at IV. Fliegerkorps
01.11.1942 posted to the Generalstab der Luftwaffe (despite the fact that he had never attended the Luftkriegsakademie!)
10.04.1943 Gruppenleiter Ia im Stab / IV.Fliegerkorps
00.00.1943 Luftwaffen-Verbindungsoffzier zum Chef des Generalstabes des Heeres
29.03.1944 - 17.05.1944 Abteilung Ia im Stab / Transportfliegerführer 2
18.05.1944 Führer Aufklärungsgruppe 123
10.06.1944 KIA fallen, crashed near Obernau by Giessen
08.10.1944 posthumously promoted to Oberstleutnant at the request of the Chefabteilung des Chef des Luftwaffenpersonalamtes beim Reichsminister der Luftfahrt und Oberbefehlshaber der Luftwaffe

Awards and Decorations:
01.10.1936 Beobachterabzeichen der Wehrmacht
00.00.1938 Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung IV. Klasse (4 jahre)
04.11.1938 Flugzeugführerabzeichen
00.00.19__ Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.00.19__ Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.19__ Luftwaffe Ehrenpokale für Besondere Leistungen im Luftkrieg (Enrenpokal)
02.11.1940 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Hauptmann and Staffelkapitän 3.Staffel (Fern) / Aufklärungsgruppe 123
00.00.194_ Frontflugspange für Aufklärer in Gold
05.02.1942 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold

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Major Wilhelm Knapp fell together with his three crew on the night of June 10, 1944 near Obernau near Gießen when his plane (possibly a Junkers Ju 188) crashed during the encounter with enemy's aircraft.

In 1941, Wilhelm Knapp married his fiancee Charlotte “Lotte” ter Meer, his great love. Charlotte (born in February 1, 1920) was the daughter of Dr. Friedrich "Fritz" Hermann ter Meer (from 1925 to 1945 a member of the board of I.G. Farben AG and bearer of the Knight's Cross of the War Merit Cross). The death of Wilhelm hit her hard, their son Edmund was just two years old. Charlotte had lost her mother, both siblings and finally her husband in a short period of time as a result of the bombing terror!

After the end of the war, the widow had to leave her house, which was confiscated by the occupying forces, and move into a small room with her now three-year-old son Edmund. The ter Meer family was friends with the Kiep family, Charlotte with Erika Kiep as a girl. In 1939 she also met Erika's 13-year-old brother, who later became a CDU politician, Walther Gottlieb Louis Leisler Kiep (1926-2016), who, as a rascal, had fallen in love with the woman who was six years older than him, but who also admired and adored Knapp, winner of the Knight's Cross. After the war, Charlotte and the Kiep family, who had also lost their house, lived with the ter Meer family. Charlotte and young Walther became closer and in 1950 they married. The couple had four children of their own (an addition to the family, Michael, was born in 1951, followed by Walther two years later, daughters Charlotte and Christiane were added in 1956 and 1962), stepson Edmund kept his father's name "Knapp".

The presentation of the Luftwaffe Ehrenpokale für Besondere Leistungen im Luftkrieg (Honor Goblet of the Luftwaffe) for Oberleutnant Wilhelm Knapp (Staffelkapitän 3.Staffel / Aufklärungsgruppe 123). With him is Generalleutnant Curt Pflugbeil (Kommandierender General IV. Fliegerkorps)



Ritterkreuz award ceremony for Hauptmann Wilhelm Knapp (Staffelkapitän 3.Staffel / Aufklärungsgruppe 123), which were held on 2 November 1940.

Formal portrait of Wilhelm Knapp as a Hauptmann.



Wilhelm Knapp.



Hauptmann Wilhelm Knapp and crew.


The officers of IV. Fliegerkorps involved in a serious discussion. From left to right: General der Flieger Curt Pflugbeil (Kommandierender General IV. Fliegerkorps), Hauptmann Wilhelm Knapp (Stabsoffizier IV. Fliegerkorps), and Oberstleutnant i.G. Thorsten Christ (Chef des Generalstabes IV. Fliegerkorps). These three officers were all Ritterkreuzträger (Ritterkreuz medal recipient): Pflugbeil received it on October 5, 1941, Knapp on November 2, 1940, and Christ on October 2, 1942. This photo itself was taken in the summer of 1942 when IV. Fliegerkorps still operated in the southern region of the Eastern Front. At that time there were four Luftwaffe air wings under the command of the corps: Kampfgeschwader 27, Kampfgeschwader 4, Jagdgeschwader 77, and Lehrgeschwader 2



Wilhelm Knapp as a Hauptmann.

"Aufklärungsstaffelkapitän Hauptmann Wilhelm Knapp" by Wolfgang Willrich.

Source :
BPK Bildagentur Nr. 50058600
"Luftwaffe Officer Career Summaries - Section G-K" by Henry L. deZeng IV and Douglas G. Stankey
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Knapp,_Wilhelm
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2399385#p2399385
https://gmic.co.uk/topic/9499-a-luftwaffe-rk-winner-database/page/9/
http://www.ritterkreuztraeger.info/rk/k.html
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/23935/Knapp-Wilhelm.htm
https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/forum/wehrmacht-era-militaria/photos-and-paper-items-forum/177626-help-id-this-lw-rkt

Ritterkreuz Award Ceremony for Johann Baichl

Ritterkreuz award ceremony for Oberfeldwebel Johann Baichl (Zugführer in 5.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 33 / 4.Panzer-Division), which took place on October 23, 1944. He received the prestigious medal from Generalmajor Clemens Betzel (Kommandeur 4. Panzer-Division). On the same day Baichl was also awarded Nahkampfspange in Gold for an astonishing feat: surviving 50 days of close combat!

Source :
"The Face of Courage: The 98 Men Who Received the Knight's Cross and the Close-Combat Clasp in Gold" by Florian Berger
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2014/10/oberfeldwebel-johann-baichl-1918-1994.html
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Baichl,_Johann

Bio of Oberfeldwebel Johann Baichl (1918-1994)

Johann Baichl (birthname: Johann Bäuchl)

Date of Birth: 28.08.1918 - Gundersdorf, Steiermark (Austria)
Date of Death: 03.05.1994 Voitsberg, Steiermark (Austria)

Battles and Campaigns: Unternehmen Barbarossa (1941), Battle of Kursk (1943), Battle of Kovel (1944)

Promotions:
31.01.1941 Gefreiter
00.00.194_ Obergefreiter
01.09.1942 Unteroffizier der Reserve
20.02.1944 Feldwebel der Reserve
21.10.1944 Oberfeldwebel der Reserve

Career:
04.03.1940 - 27.05.1940 member of 11.Kompanie / Gebirgsjäger-Ersatz-Regiment 138
27.05.1940 - 01.09.1942 member of 1.Kompanie / Radfahr-Bataillon 403
01.09.1942 - 05.01.1943 advance training in 2.Panzergrenadier-Lehr-Kompanie / Lehr-Abteilung 2 / Kompanieführer-Schule für Schnelle Truppen
05.01.1943 - 24.10.1944 member of 5.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 33 / 4.Panzer-Division
24.10.1944 - 00.05.1945 Zugführer- und Stosstruppführer-Ausbildung in 5.Kompanie / Armee-Waffenschule der 3.Panzerarmee

Awards and Decorations:
31.07.1941 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse (for his action in Unternehmen Barbarossa)
00.00.1941 Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
00.00.194_ Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber
00.00.1942 Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 (Ostmedaille)
28.03.1943.1943 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse (for his action in the Battle of Kursk)
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber
14.12.1943 Nahkampfspange in Bronze
23.05.1944 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (for his action as Zugführer in the Siege of Kovel)
19.06.1944 Nahkampfspange in Silber
23.10.1944 Nahkampfspange in Gold (one of 19 member of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 33)
23.10.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Oberfeldwebel and Zugführer in 5.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 33 / 4.Panzer-Division, for his contributions and successive achievements in October in the battles for a bridgehead at Venta and Moscheiken and leading successful raids into the Gaidziai and Klates-Pulki regions

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The mechanized infantry—Panzergrenadiere—did not have it easy. Most of the time, their orders were to escort friendly tanks, exploit the paths through the enemy lines created by the tanks, eliminate enemy positions and bunkers, defend against the enemy’s mechanized infantry and engage enemy antiarmor defenses. It was not easy to remain on the heels of a 30ton tank in the attack. When it came to defending, it was imperative to separate the enemy tanks from their escorting infantry. That was no easy task, either…

Born the son of a carpenter as Johann Bäuchl in a small community near Graz on 28 August 1918, the future Knight’s Cross recipient started his military career by being conscripted in March 1940. Decades later—for reasons that still remain unknown—the man from Styria changed his family name to Baichl.

Although trained as an alpine soldier in Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 138, he was assigned to the 1./Radfahr-Bataillon 403 (bicycle battalion), an infantry division reconnaissance battalion, two months later. Baichl was not employed in the campaign against France. On 31 January 1941, he was promoted to Gefreiter. A little more than two months later, he experienced his baptism of fire in the Soviet Union.

His battalion participated in the campaign as a separate reconnaissance element. It reported directly to a corps, where it conducted reconnaissance, security and infantry missions. After a few weeks of fighting, Baichl had already earned the Iron Cross, Second Class and, in the vicious fighting associated with the winter of 1941/1942, he was slightly wounded. Already an Unteroffizier, the experienced squad leader received orders in September 1942 to report to the instructional battalion of the Company Commander School for Mechanized Forces in Berlin, where he was assigned as an assistant to an officer in the 2nd School Company. The veteran of the Russian Front helped in training future Company Commanders for five months, where he assisted in tactical instruction and during combat exercises.

Baichl returned to the front in January 1943 and took over the headquarters section of the 5./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 33 of the 4. Panzer-Division. Many fellow Austrians served in this combat-proven division; after all, many elements from the former Austrian Army had been absorbed into it.

Baichl quickly demonstrated that he was an asset to his new company. In the next few weeks he earned the Iron Cross, First Class during the operations at Kursk and Tim— Korowino—Obojan. Leading his fellow soldiers in all aspects of mounted warfare, Baichl started to collect close-combat days during operations at Sumy, Nowgorod and Sewsk. During the summer offensive at Kursk, he also earned the unvarnished respect of his Company Commander. Although the men of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 33, as part of the 9. Armee, knocked holes in the Soviet defenses over and over again at Teploje, Nikolskoje and Stepnaja, their attacks bogged down in the counterattacks of the T 34’s, as well as in the numerous minefields and antitank-gun belts.

After withdrawals conducted near Orel, the division was committed to a cycle of defensive fighting, where it proved its mettle and served as the lifesaver for the XXXV. Armeekorps, which was commanded by the Oakleaves recipient, Generalleutnant Lothar Rendulic. In the process, it knocked out hundreds of enemy armored vehicles.

Covering the withdrawal of the infantry along the Desna River, Johann Baichl and his men experienced the fighting in the Pripjet Marshes and conducted countless raids and combat patrols. In the meantime, he had been given a platoon and promoted to Feldwebel (20 February 1944). The Austrian was able to distinguish himself during the operations to relieve the Kowel Pocket, so much so that he received the German Cross in Gold on 23 May 1944. By then, the brave noncommissioned officer had also been awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Silver for his numerous combat operations against enemy mechanized infantry, tanks and antitank-gun positions.

The division was reconstituted, receiving new men and materiel, and was committed into the hell of the Soviet summer offensive in June 1944. The division’s armor regiment and mechanized infantry regiments suffered heavy losses, but they were also able to pull off impressive defensive successes. The 4. Panzer-Division showed its style and abilities at Baranovici, in the Schara Bridgehead, in relieving the encircled Armeekorps “von Vormann” at Slonim and during the forced relief of the beleaguered 28. Jäger-Division. It was able to report a high number of “kills” of enemy armored vehicles. The division then fought in Poland along the Narew River, in the armored engagements that took place around Warsaw and in the Vistula bend, before being allocated to Heeresgruppe Nord, where it fought in Lithuania and in Kurland (Courland).

the award of his Knight’s Cross two days after his promotion of Oberfeldwebel. He was also completely surprised by his nomination for the Close Combat Clasp in Gold. The primary reason for his receipt of the Knight’s Cross was his initiative during the storming of an important bridge in the Venta sector and the ensuing assault on Gaidziai.

Upon receipt of his awards, he was immediately pulled out of frontline service. His talent in training and his store of firsthand knowledge were used in the combat-arms school run by the 3. Panzerarmee, where Oberfeldwebel Baichl was especially employed in the training of platoon leaders and assault-detachment leaders.

It is most likely that he was later transferred to the mechanized infantry school, but this cannot be verified. Baichl was one of 19 members of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 33 who received the highest level of the Close Combat Clasp.

After the war, Johann Baichl returned to his beloved Styria, where he later changed his name, as mentioned at the beginning of the section. He died on 3 May 1994 and his final resting place is located in a small, peaceful mountain cemetery.

Ritterkreuz award ceremony for Oberfeldwebel Johann Baichl (Zugführer in 5.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 33 / 4.Panzer-Division), which took place on October 23, 1944. He received the prestigious medal from Generalmajor Clemens Betzel (Kommandeur 4. Panzer-Division). On the same day Baichl was also awarded Nahkampfspange in Gold for an astonishing feat: surviving 50 days of close combat!



Oberfeldwebel Johann Baichl shortly after he was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 23 October 1944 as a Zugführer (Platoon leader) in 5.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 33 / 4.Panzer-Division / XXXIX.Panzerkorps / 18.Armee / Heeresgruppe Nord, for contributions and his successive feats in October fighting for a bridgehead at Venta and Moscheiken and leading successful raids into the Gaidziai and Klates-Pulki areas. This photo was taken at the same time as the first photo above.



From this photo it is clear that Oberfeldwebel Johann baichl is not a non-commissioned officer "only for fun", and the bravery medals on his uniform proves that! Awards and decorations that he had won: Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse (31 July 1941); Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse (28 March 1943); Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber; Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (1941); Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 (1942); Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber; Nahkampfspange in Bronze (14 December 1943); Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (23 May 1944); Nahkampfspange in Silber (19 June 1944); Nahkampfspange in Gold (23 October 1944); and Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (23 October 1944). Note that the signature in this photo is still using his old name (before it was changed): Bäuchl!

Source :
"The Face of Courage: The 98 Men Who Received the Knight's Cross and the Close-Combat Clasp in Gold" by Florian Berger
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2014/10/oberfeldwebel-johann-baichl-1918-1994.html
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Baichl,_Johann
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiVzc36yfyAAxVbzjgGHblfC_44ChAWegQIBRAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ritterkreuztraeger.info%2Frk%2Fb%2FB038B%25E4uchl.pdf&usg=AOvVaw14aS_aAIGzJibnox8XBlSN&opi=89978449
http://rk.balsi.de/index.php?action=show&id=28594
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/1715/B%C3%A4uchl-Johann-Geb-Baichl.htm
https://web.archive.org/web/20111228112504fw_/http://www.ritterkreuztraeger-1939-45.de/Infanterie/B/Ba/Baichl-Johann.htm

Hermann Graf during Home Leave

Brillantenträger Major Hermann Graf during a visit to his birthplace Engen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. After receiving the Brillanten from Hitler and elevated to hero status by the Luftwaffe, he was promoted to Major on 29 September 1942 and forbidden from flying further combat missions. For the next few months, after home leave, Graf was sent on propaganda tours across Germany. He was also able to meet the Germany national football team and went to several of their international matches. The picture was taken by Hanns Tschira and first published by 'Berliner Illustrierte Zeitung' Nr.45/1942.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermann_Graf
https://forum.axishistory.com/index.php

Hermann Graf with His Brother

Brillantenträger Major Hermann Graf (right) talking with his brother, Wilhelm Graf, who is a medic NCO in the Wehrmacht. In front of them we can see a half-empty beer. The picture was taken by Hanns Tschira and first published by 'Berliner Illustrierte Zeitung' Nr.45/1942.

Source :
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/graf-hermann-colonel-and-fighter-pilot-germany12-10-1988-news-photo/543899601
https://ww2gravestone.com/people/graf-hermann/

Hitler with Adolf Dickfeld and Hermann Graf

Adolf Hitler (Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht) chats with two Luftwaffe fighter aces, Leutnant Adolf Dickfeld (left, Flugzeugführer in 7.Staffel / III.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 52) and Leutnant d.R. Hermann Graf (Staffelkapitän 9.Staffel / III.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 52), who just both receives the Eichenlaub and Schwerter respectively. Dickfeld received the Eichenlaub #94 on 19 May 1942 for 101 aerial victories, while Graf received the Eichenlaub #93 and Schwerter #11 on 17 and 19 May 1942 for 104 and 106 aerial victories. The picture was taken at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, on 8 June 1942.

Source :
https://blog.naver.com/naljava69/221371555217
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=46430&p=2021201&hilit=dickfeld+graf#p2021201

Heinz Reinefarth and the Cossacks

Wearing a Cossack fur hat called kubanka, SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS und Polizei Heinz Reinefarth (second from left, Kommandeur Kampfgruppe Reinefarth) having a discussion with members of Kosaken-Regiment 3 on Wola street during the Warsaw Uprising. The 3rd Cossack Regiment - led by Oberst Jakub Bondarenko (second from right) - composed of both Don and Kuban Cossacks. Cossack units constituted the largest ethnic group among foreigners fighting against the Polish insurgents. The SS officer in the center might be SS-Hauptsturmführer Alfred Spilker, the head of a special SD task force that carried out a large number of murders in the Wola area between 5 and 8 August 1944.

Source :
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-genera-heinz-reinefarth-w-czapce-kubance-i-3-puk-kozakw-171470629.html?imageid=C3B0BB6E-F5E6-4D16-BC8F-207EEBF25FCB&p=575952&pn=1&searchId=2366725a65359a6694aa88eaf47b3166&searchtype=0
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2016/07/foto-pemberontakan-warsawa-warsaw.html
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Genera%C5%82_Heinz_Reinefarth_w_czapce_kubance_i_3_pu%C5%82k_Kozak%C3%B3w.jpg
https://www.facebook.com/groups/691098008051629/posts/1619517001876387/
https://stabswache-de-euros.blogspot.com/2011/05/tragedy-of-faithful-wiking.html

Bio of SS-Sturmbannführer Karl Auer (1916-1997)

Karl Auer

Date of Birth: 20.10.1916 - Prienbach am Inn, Niederbayern (German Empire)
Date of Death: 31.03.1997 - Simbach am Inn, Niederbayern (Germany)

NSDAP Number: 4 687 39 (01.05.1937)
SS Number: 281 437 (01.10.1935)

Promotions:
00.00.1935 SS-Sturmmann
00.00.1937 SS-Unterscharführer
00.00.1939 Polizei-Leutnant
01.06.1940 SS-Untersturmführer
05.01.1942 SS-Obersturmführer
09.11.1943 SS-Hauptsturmführer
30.01.1945 SS-Sturmbannführer

Career:
00.04.1933 - 00.00.193_ joined the Hitlerjugend
01.10.1935 - 01.04.1938 Member of SS-Standarte "Germania"
01.04.1938 - 00.03.1940 Member of 3.Sturm / SS-Standarte "Der Führer"
00.00.1940 - 01.06.1940 training to become an officer at SS-Junkerschule Bad Tölz
00.03.1940 - 00.00.1941 Zugführer in Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 2 / Polizei-Division
00.00.1941 - 00.08.1941 Ordonnanzoffizier II.bataillon / Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 2 / Polizei-Division
00.08.1941 - 00.09.1941 Zugführer in 9.Kompanie / Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 2 / Polizei-Division
00.09.1941 - 08.08.1943 Chef 2.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 2 / Polizei-Division
08.08.1943 - 00.00.194_ Führer I.bataillon / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 8 / 4.SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Division
00.00.194_ - 00.05.1945 Kommandeur I.bataillon / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 8 / 4.SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Division
00.05.1945 - 00.00.1948 Soviet POW

Awards and Decorations:
00.00.1935 Julleuchter der SS
00.00.193_ Deutsches Reichssportabzeichnen (DRL-Sportabzeichen) in Bronze
00.00.193_ SA Sportabzeichen in Bronze
00.00.193_ Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. März 1938 (Anschluss Medal)
00.00.193_ Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 mit mit Spange Prager Burg (Sudetenland Medal)
04.05.1940 SS-Dienstauszeichnung IV.Stufe (4 Jahre)
21.08.1941 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse, after successfully leading an assault on a Soviet trench
01.11.1941 Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz, for the wounds received on 04.09.1941
01.11.1941 Infanterie Sturmabzeichen in Silber
17.02.1942 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
01.08.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)
01.10.1943 Nahkampfspange in Bronze
25.08.1944 Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber
31.10.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Führer I.Bataillon / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 8 / 4.SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Division
00.00.1944 Panzervernichtungsabzeichen in Silber (1)
25.11.1944 Nahkampfspange in Silber, for 30 days of close-quarters combat
20.03.1945 Verwundetenabzeichen in Gold
22.03.1945 Nahkampfspange in Gold, for more than 50 days of close-quarters combat
22.03.1945 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (for this one, it is still confusing because there is little evidence that he got it. The source of the award date is in the book "Karl Auer SS-Sturmbannführer életrajza" by László Sikora)

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Born on 20 October 1916 in Prienbach (Lower Bavaria) as a farmer’s son, Karl Auer joined the SS-Verfügungstruppe at the age of 19 upon completing vocational training for business. He was promoted to SS-Unterscharführer in 1937 after serving in both SS-Standarte “Deutschland” and SS-Standarte “Der Führer” (both regimental equivalents at the time). After passing an officers’ pre-selection course, subsequent training followed at the Junkerschule (officer-candidate school) in Bad Tölz along with courses at the Army Infantry School. He was promoted to SS-Untersturmführer on 1 June 1940 without having yet experienced combat operations.

To his disappointment, he was not assigned to an elite regiment. Instead, he went to Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 2 of the Polizei-Division (Police Division), which reported to the SS but was not yet a part of the Waffen-SS. He was a platoon leader there. The division did not see much employment in the French Campaign. Only when the war in the East began in June 1941 was he given the opportunity for combat service. In the meantime, the Police Division had been incorporated into the Waffen-SS, where Auer was “at home” again.

Auer experienced the successful advance through the Baltic States with the Polizei-Division. As a liaison officer on the headquarters staff of the II./Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 2, he took the place of wounded, killed or otherwise incapacitated platoon leaders on several occasions, thereby gaining his first combat experience. Finally designated a platoon leader in the 9./Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 2, he soon received the Iron Cross, Second Class for the assault of a Soviet trench line. He was then designated as the Company Commander of the 2./Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 2. One of his comrades was Helmut Dörner, the later recipient of the Swords to the Knight’s Cross and the Close Combat Clasp in Silver. Company Commanders such as Dörner and Auer made the reputation of the division and continually inspired the men under their command in actions taking place at Slusk and Luga. SS-Untersturmführer Auer was wounded for the first time on 4 September 1941 during an assault and, as a result, did not experience the harsh winter fighting at Leningrad. He was promoted to SS-Obersturmführer on 5 January 1942 while recuperating in a field hospital.

Having returned to the field and been placed back at the head of his old company once again, Auer then had the Iron Cross, First Class awarded to him retroactively, as well as the Infantry Assault Badge. With the institution of the Close Combat Clasp, the company commander was credited with a few days of close-combat service occurring from the summer to the fall of 1941. Another wound, sustained during an attack, was added to his medical file in 1942—by the end of the war this list would get longer…

The year 1942 not only saw fierce defensive fighting at Leningrad—the Red Army tried in vain several times to relieve the encircled city—but also demanding combat operations against partisan units in rear areas. These well-organized, surprisingly well-equipped and motivated opponents had become a genuine danger to rear-area services, small bases and especially railroad supply efforts. Entire battalions of the Polizei-Division were assigned to the struggle against the partisans, since almost every day a train was lost because of tracks having been blown up or sabotaged. Auer led his company during dangerous combat operations in endless forests and often found himself involved in bitter firefights.

Since capture often meant death and all available means were used to obtain information (on both sides), including torture, a partisan fighter seldom surrendered. Instead, he fought to the end and without mercy. More than once, a dying guerrilla would take an infantryman with him into death by pulling the pin on a final hand grenade or drawing out a hidden knife. This method of fighting was especially hard, and the German Armed Forces, in some instances, did not shrink from “punishment” of the civilian population. At no time did Auer participate in such actions.

Karl Auer finally received the Close Combat Clasp in Bronze in the fall of 1943 during combat operations against regular forces of the Red Army. Shortly thereafter, promoted to SS-Hauptsturmführer, he was given command of the I./SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 8, which was how his regiment had been redesignated. His regimental commanding officer was the aforementioned SS-Obersturmbannführer Dörner.

After several weeks of employment against partisans in Greece—the division had been sent there not only because of its need to be reconstituted and reorganized, but also because of its experience in combating such foes—Auer and his men fought in Rumania. Auer led his battalion through many a hard test in such places as Jassy, Szolnok and Temesvar. In September 1944, Auer was wounded once again.

In October, the Russians were only 50 miles from Budapest.

After becoming embroiled in heavy fighting taking place on the Hungarian Front, the division was able to free itself from being encircled by a Soviet army corps at Temeschburg and then pull back over the Theiß. For this hard-won defensive success, the successful break-out from a small encirclement, as well as vigorous counterattacks being conducted at Sag and Sandra, Auer was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31 October 1944. He also received the Close Combat Clasp in Silver somewhat later. By then, Auer had also been awarded the Tank Destruction Badge and was also a recipient of the Wound Badge in Silver.

The division fought in Hungary in late 1944 and sustained heavy casualties. The formation had been pushed back during the Soviet offensive and was forced to pull back to the northwest along with formations of the German Army. Kampfgruppe Auer, along with surviving remnants of the 4. SS-Polizei-Panzer-Grenadier-Division, was attached to an army division and saw operations on the Oder Front in January 1945. It was there that SS-Sturmbannführer Auer experienced the Red Army’s final offensive against Berlin (30 January 1945).

Forced into the so-called West Prussian Pocket by the fury and the superior might of the offensive, the SS grenadiers fought alongside the famous 7. Panzer-Division (commanded by Diamonds recipient Dr. Mauß) and the 251. Infanterie-Division in the Gotenhafen sector.

While the battalion defended its positions for days at Rahmel—in spite of heavy casualties, all the while suffering from a shortage of heavy weapons and ammunition, and combined with an enemy carrying out incessant attacks—Karl Auer was recommended for the Honor Roll of the German Army and then for the Oakleaves. Additionally, his battalion was twice submitted for mention in the Wehrmacht Daily Report. As a result of the confusion during the final weeks of the war and the chaos in the gradually shrinking pocketed, not one of the four (!) recommendations was processed. But at least the Close Combat Clasp in Gold, earned for participation in 50 raids, frontal assaults, antiarmor engagements and trench fighting was awarded to the battalion commander on 22 March 1945.

Taken prisoner within the pocket by the Russians in May, the Bavarian set foot on German soil again as a free man at the end of 1948 and later built-up a new existence for himself as a wholesaler of tobacco products.

Karl Auer died on 31 March 1997.

SS-Obersturmführer Karl Auer of Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 2 / Polizei-Division is seen wearing Ordnungspolizei uniform when his unit was still not part of the Waffen-SS although structurally responsible to the Reichsführer-SS. It was only after they returned to the Waffen-SS that the members of the Polizei-Division had the "right" to wear the SS uniform just like other Waffen-SS units. This photo was most likely taken before the start of the Unternehmen Barbarossa (German invasion of Russia) in the summer of 1941.

SS-Hauptsturmführer Karl Auer on the day he was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes as Führer of I.Bataillon / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 8 / 4.SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Division, 31 October 1944. The year 1942 brought him to fight against the communist guerrillas around Leningrad, who always pestered the rear lines of the German troops. After that Auer and his unit were sent to Greece for several weeks to fight partisans there, before being posted to Romania and Hungary. In Hungary the Polizei-Division survived the Soviet encirclement of Temeschburg and then withdrew to Theiß. For success in this heavy defensive battle, successful escape from encirclement, and successful counterattacks at Sag and Sandra, Auer was awarded the Ritterkreuz.

SS-Hauptsturmführer Karl Auer as Kommandeur of I.Bataillon / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 8 / 4.SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Division. He is one of only 98 men in the entire Wehrmacht to have earned both the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes and the Nahkampfspange in Gold, the latter is specifically given to those who have successfully survived at least 50 days of close combat, a.k.a. hand-to-hand fighting.

Waffen-SS veterans at a reunion held after the war, including early members of Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler in 1933. From left to right: Theodor "Teddy" Wisch, Jöhnke (behind Wisch), Blöth (behind Mohnke), Wilhelm Mohnke, Rudolf Sandig, Helmut Beermann, Bergmann, Johannes " Hans" Wellershaus, Alfred Gilles, Albert Stenwedel, Nebel, Karl Auer, Hans Krüger, Hermann Petersen, Karl Rettlinger, Alfred Bünning, Karl Grewe, Karl Kreutz, Dr. Harald Wagner, Hubert Meyer, and Webers. Markus Lippl photo collection.

Proposal for the award of Ritterkreuz to Karl Auer.

Vorläufiges Besitzzeugnis (Preliminary Certificate) of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes dated 16 November 1944 for SS-Hauptsturmführer Karl Auer (who formally received it on 31 October 1944). At first, usually the recipient receives a brief telegram with the news that he has been awarded the Ritterkreuz (or a medal of the equivalent/higher grade). With this announcement, he is entitled to have a Vorläufiges Besitzzeugnis as well as the posting of the date of the award on his Soldbuch. Next, he will receive an official award document known as "Ritterkreuzurkunde" (Certificate of the Knight's Cross). This document always comes with the medal which is housed in a red leather case bearing the Reichsadler's insignia. Most of the times the Hitler's signature was printed, but when there was time, the Führer always took the time to write his own signature.

Source :
"The Face of Courage, The 98 Men Who Received the Knight's Cross and the Close-Combat Clasp in Gold" by Florian Berger
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2014/10/ss-sturmbannfuhrer-karl-auer-1916-1997.html
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Auer,_Karl
https://www.emedals.com/germany-ss-a-lot-of-photographs-and-award-documents-to-ss-sturmbannfuhrer-karl-auer-96798
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=159818&p=1407008&hilit=karl+auer#p1407008
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28140/Auer-Karl-Waffen-SS.htm
https://web.archive.org/web/20110104225826fw_/http://ritterkreuztraeger-1939-45.de/Waffen-SS/A/Auer-Karl.htm

Waffen-SS Veterans at Reunion

 Waffen-SS veterans at a reunion held after the war, including early members of Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler in 1933. From left to right: Theodor "Teddy" Wisch, Jöhnke (behind Wisch), Blöth (behind Mohnke), Wilhelm Mohnke, Rudolf Sandig, Helmut Beermann, Bergmann, Johannes " Hans" Wellershaus, Alfred Gilles, Albert Stenwedel, Nebel, Karl Auer, Hans Krüger, Hermann Petersen, Karl Rettlinger, Alfred Bünning, Karl Grewe, Karl Kreutz, Dr. Harald Wagner, Hubert Meyer, and Webers.

Source :
Markus Lippl photo collection

Otto Carius Discussing Operation with His Crew

This picture was taken from the "Die Deutsche Wochenschau" clip and it shows Leutnant der Reserve Otto Carius (center) discussing an upcoming combat mission of his unit with his crew south of Dünaburg (Daugavpils, Latvia) in July 1944. They are gathered on top of the Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger "217" by making the cupola as the base! At least three of them (including Carius) were wearing brightly colored "Mausgrau" Panzerkombi (mouse grey overall). Far right is Unteroffizier Heinz Kramer (6 February 1921 - 27 January 1945), a Richtschütze (cannon gunner) of the Tiger commanded by Carius who were later awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 6 October 1944. He is possibly the only tank gunner in the world who shoot down an enemy aircraft with his cannon! From left to right: Gefreiter Wagner (ladeschütze/loader), Gefreiter Lönneker (Funker/radio operator), Leutnant d.R. Otto Carius (Führer 2.Kompanie / schwere Panzer-Abteilung 502), Stabsgefreiter Hennig, Feldwebel Albert Kerscher (Kommandant Tiger "213"), and Unteroffizier Heinz Kramer (richtschütze/gunner).

Source :
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2015/01/foto-otto-carius.html
http://www.redorchestra2.fr/forum/viewtopic.php?p=12890

Bio of Oberfeldwebel Christoph Krämer (1913-1990)

Christoph Krämer

Date of Birth: 21.08.1913 - Menden, Westfalen (German Empire)
Date of Death: 06.10.1990 - Brühl, Nordrhein-Westfalen (Germany)

Battles and Campaigns: Annexation of Sudetenland (1938), invasion of Poland (1939), invasion of the West (1940), invasion of the Soviet Union (1941)

Promotions:
00.00.19__ Oberfeldwebel

Career:
00.00.1933 entered the military as a member of Infanterie-Regiment 17 in Braunschweig
00.00.193_ transferred to Infanterie-Regiment 60
00.00.193_ transferred to Schützen-Regiment 4
00.00.193_ transferred to Schützen-Regiment 7
00.00.193_ transferred to Wach-Bataillon "Berlin"
00.00.193_ transferred to 2. leichten-Division (later became 7. Panzer-Division)
00.00.194_  Zugführer in 5.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 / 7.Panzer-Division

Awards and Decorations:
00.00.193_ Deutsches Reichssportabzeichen in Bronze
00.00.1937 Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht IV.Klasse (4 Jahre)
00.00.193_ Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938
00.00.193_ Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 mit Spange "Prager Burg"
00.00.19__ Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.00.19__ Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten" 1941/42 (Ostmedaille)
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
00.00.194_ Nahkampfspange in Bronze
00.00.194_ Nahkampfspange in Silber
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen in Gold
00.00.194_ Panzerkampfabzeichen in Bronze
07.08.1943 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
14.05.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Oberfeldwebel and Zugführer in 5.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 / 7.Panzer-Division
00.00.1945 Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht III.Klasse (12 Jahre)

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

In 1933 Christoph Krämer joined the Reichswehr, which was transformed into the Wehrmacht in 1935. Before the war he served in the Wach-Bataillon "Berlin".

During the war he served with the 7. Panzer-Division and its predecessor, the 2. leichten-Division. He took part in the Polish, Western and Russian campaigns as a platoon commander and later as a company commander.

Kramer was wounded eight times, once life-threateningly when he was hit by six shots from a submachine gun. He owes his life only to the fact that it was -50° C on the eastern front, since the bitter cold saved him from bleeding to death! In a letter to a comrade he wrote:

"Nevertheless, praise be to what makes hard."

After the war and released from the POW camp, Christoph Krämer was a member of the "Ordensgemeinschaft der Ritterkreuzträger" (Cologne section) and the "Traditionsgemeinschaft der 7. Panzer-Division" for many years.

In the war history of the 7. Panzer-Division, from the hand of the unforgotten Panzer general Hasso von Manteufel he wrote: "Oberfeldwebel Christoph Krämer became a rock against which the surf often broke."

Newspaper clipping on the award of the Ritterkreuz to Oberfeldwebel Christoph Krämer, taken from "Bonner Generalanzeiger", 22 June 1944 edition.

Obituary of Christoph Krämer from OdR (Ordensgemeinschaft der Ritterkreuzträger) publication.

Source :
Jim Haley photo collection
https://www.forum-der-wehrmacht.de/index.php?thread/58222-christoph-kr%C3%A4mer-ritterkreuztr%C3%A4ger/
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Kr%C3%A4mer,_Christoph
https://www.forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=246171
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/10376/Kr%C3%A4mer-Christoph.htm

Karayastaffel / Experten (9./JG 52): Graf Grislawski Süss & Füllgrabe

 After becoming the Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 50 (JG 50) in June 1943, Hermann Graf was allowed to pick any pilots he wished for the new unit, and he chose a three aces Alfred Grislawski, Ernst Süß, and Heinrich Füllgrabe from his old unit - the 9. Staffel of JG 52. This picture shows the first "Karayaexperten" (Karaya Experts) from JG 52 seated on the wing of the Messesrschmitt Bf 109, but now with the new high-altitude "Höhenjagdgeschwader" JG 50, in the defense of the Reich. From left to right: Hauptmann Alfred Grislawski (Gruppenkommandeur I. Gruppe), Major Hermann Graf (Geschwaderkommodore), Oberfeldwebel Heinrich Füllgrabe (Jagdlehrer), and Leutnant Ernst Süss (Staffelführer 1.Staffel / I.Gruppe).

During the war in the Eastern Front in the summer of 1942, 9.Staffel / III.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52) developed into the most successful Jagdstaffel of the entire war. At the same time, the "Karaya-men" were notorious for their lacking discipline. In his foreword to the book "Graf & Grislawski: A Pair of Aces" by Christer Bergström, Alfred Grislawski writes: "In 1941 - 1943, the Karayastaffel was probably the most non-militaristic unit in the entire Wehrmacht."

The Karayastaffel was characterized by the friends' quartet Hermann Graf, Alfred Grislawski, Heinrich Füllgrabe, and Ernst Süss. Within this quarter, Graf and Grislawski stuck together closest, while Füllgrabe and Süss were inseparable. "They even went together to the 'Thunderbeam' (latrine)," Alfred Grislawski recalls.

The Karaya mens' pranks alone could fill a volume. Once they drove a staff Oberst completely out of his mind when he arrived to inspect their first-line makeshift airfield. On one occasion, one of the men in the quarter hi-jacked Generaloberst von Richthofen's Storch to fly an injured comrade to a field hospital.

A Reichsverteidigung Geschwaderkommodore threatened to have Grislawski court-martialled. When a large formation of U.S. bombers shortly afterward approached, a fighter leader decided to nullify the court-martial: "Grislawski must lead our fighters! Who else can lead?"

In 1943, Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring personally instructed Graf to lead a new "Mosquito-hunting" fighter unit, JG 50. Graf received the Reichsmarschall's personal authorization to pick any man that he wanted. Graf picked not only his three friends Grislawski, Süss, and Füllgrabe - but also the entire German National Soccer Team. At the same time as Graf formed JG 50, he formed a new soccer team - "The Red Fighters" (which caused a senior Nazi functionaire to accuse Graf of spreading Communist propaganda) - of which the soccer legend Fritz Walter was a part.

Later, Graf was assigned to lead JG 1 in the Home Defense. Once again, he brought his three friends and the soccer players with him. "Wherever Graf goes, he brings his rat tail along," Fighter General Adolf Galland complained. Shortly afterward, Graf was shifted to command JG 11, also in the Home Defense.

Only two of the "Karaya Quartet" survived. Ernst Süss was shot dead by U.S. Mustangs (the unit in question is known) while he hung in his parachute straps. Heinrich Füllgrabe was killed in action on the Eastern Front during the last days of the war.

After the war, Grislawski became one of the first German POWs to become released, because his interrogation officer found out that Grislawski had never joined the Hitler Jugend, nor the NSDAP. (For this reason, Grislawski also had never been awarded with Göring's Goblet of Honor.)

Hermann Graf spent many years in Soviet captivity.

The first "Karayaexperten" (Karaya Experts) from 9./JG 52 but now with the new high-altitude "Höhenjagdgeschwader" JG 50, in the defense of the Reich. From left to right: Oberfeldwebel Heinrich Füllgrabe (Jagdlehrer), Major Hermann Graf (Geschwaderkommodore), Hauptmann Alfred Grislawski (Gruppenkommandeur I. Gruppe), and Leutnant Ernst Süss (Staffelführer 1.Staffel / I.Gruppe).

The same "experten" a few months earlier - May 1942 - as pilots of 9.Staffel / III.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52): three of them still as Oberfeldwebel shortly before promotion to Reservekriegsoffizier (reserve war officer). Oberleutnant d.R. Hermann Graf (second from left, Staffelkapitän) just came back from the Schwerter award ceremony with Hitler in the Führerhauptquartier, while Heinrich Füllgrabe holds on to the "Karaya" standard. Alfred Grislawski (second from right) and Ernst Süss is standing at right.

Source :
http://www.bergstrombooks.elknet.pl/gg/intro.htm
http://www.jg52.net/ritterkreuztraeger/hermann-graf/

Eichenlaub Recommendation for Heinz Reinefarth

By: Douglas E. Nash

Here is the recommendation for the award of the Eichenlaub to the Ritterkreuz for SS-Gruppenführer Heinz Reinefarth, submitted by his commander, SS-Obergruppenführer Erich von dem Bach.  A couple of things worth noting: it does not mention civilian deaths at all, only that of "Bandits" (Banden, which I have more correctly labeled here as "insurgents" in my translation.  Another thing is that he established his forward headquarters in an omnibus (I've seen the pictures, but didn't know that was his forward CP).  Lastly, I was unaware that he had himself flown over the city in a Stuka in order to better determine where his heavy weapons (and Stukas) could be most profitably employed.  Also noteworthy in the text that Reinefarth was to be found close to the front line at various times leading and exhorting his troops.  Whether that is true or not, I don't know but it makes a good write up.  Anyway, this was submitted to the Führerhauptquartier for approval on 9 September 1944 while the battle of Warsaw was still raging!  It was approved by Hitler on 30 September.  Here is the justification:

Brief explanation
1) The overall situation in Warsaw demanded that the east-west thoroughfare [i.e., Litzmannstadt Boulevard] to be cleared by the ruthless personal commitment of the Kampfgruppe commander. Gruppenführer Reinefarth directed the operation from the Kampfgruppen command post - an omnibus - which was located immediately behind the fighting troops. Only this measure, which contradicted every basic tactical principle, of tying oneself directly to the fighting troops in terms of leadership, was done in order to have the closest possible contact with officers and men day and night, and to be able to immediately play a decisive role in the fighting.
The basis for the successes was the ability to intervene personally in the conduct of the battle.
The fighting strength [of the Kampfgruppe], which was strengthened by bringing in units from SS-Gruppenführer Reinefarth's home service area and by other supporting units especially foreign formations, required a cohesive organization. It was possible within a few days to assemble a force from 31 different formation that was strong in every respect.
The decisive success of this battle can be attributed to the fact that Reinefarth personally took over the command and control of [overcoming] seemingly insurmountable obstacles, such as barricades and fortress-like strong points.
On 7 August 1944, when the attacking front had reached the fork in the road about 400 meters west of the Market Hall area in the Eisgrubenstrasse after overcoming 3 particularly strong barricades, and the further attack on the Market Hall with the aim of pushing through to the Wehrmacht Kommandantur had stalled due to strongest enemy resistance, Gruppenführer Reinefarth personally took over command and leadership of the operation. His personal bravery, demonstrated while leading the fighting, gave all of his combat troops the incentive to give their last [ounce of effort]. Thus, it was possible to carry out the main objective, the relief of the Wehrmacht commander General Rainer Stahel, who had been trapped [in the Brühl Palace] since 1 August 1944. On the same day it was possible to push all the way through to the Vistula.
This decisive act shattered the bandits' plan to cut off supplies to the Eastern Front [by seizing the bridges over the Vistula].

2) By his quick and decisive action, which was demonstrated within a few hours after regrouping [his] forces, Gruppenführer Reinefarth was able to achieve the goal of encircling the northern part of the city, in order to cut off the [Polish Home Army’s] supply routes for weapons and ammunition, as well as a connection between them, by concentrating the use of all of [his battle group’s] weapons. Gruppenführer Reinefarth repeatedly showed his tactical skills, personal readiness and decisiveness, especially during the execution of his plan of action.
The goal of defeating the [insurgents] in the northern part of the city [by forcing them into] the smallest possible space in order to destroy them, which forced them to raise the white flag was achieved in the morning hours of 2 September 1944, after a hasty attempt [by the insurgents] to break out had been thwarted on August 31, 1944.
The success mentioned in the daily Wehrmacht Report is, apart from the merit of each individual officer and man, a [testimony to the] merit of Gruppenführer Reinefarth, in that he, never tiring, was at every hour an example to the fighting troops by his own commitment in the front line. By the previous deliberate deployment of his formations, the march through Warsaw from east to west over the two upper [Vistula] bridges was thus ensured.

3) Taking advantage of what had been achieved so far, in only a few hours Gruppenführer Reinefarth reorganized his combat group and set it on a second all-out attack along the Vistula River in a thrust from north to south with the objective of capturing the [insurgents] in the city center. This objective was achieved on 9 September 1944. That this goal was achieved is the merit of the Gruppenführer Reinefarth, who embodies in himself the soldierly concepts of bravery, mature skill and superior calm.

4) In order to get an appreciation of the effect of his heavy weapons and how best to use the Luftwaffe, but especially how they could best be used against the roadblocks, barricades and pockets of resistance, Gruppenführer Reinefarth flew on a Stuka mission on 4 and 7 September 1944. The results of his reconnaissance became the basis for further tactical measures, which already had [been having] a successful effect. In the toughest street fighting of this battle, the peculiarity of the fight made it necessary to act not only a leader, but also a vanguard [of the attacking force]. These two conditions are expressed not least in the successes achieved so far [by Kampfgruppe Reinefarth].


Source :
https://www.facebook.com/groups/691098008051629/posts/1617020382126049/

Ritterkreuz Action of Léon Gillis

Léon Gillis (11 December 1913 - 24 March 1977) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 30 September 1944 as SS-Untersturmführer and Zugführer in 5. SS-Freiwilligen-Sturm-Brigade "Wallonie" / Kampfgruppe Wagner. Gillis’s Ritterkreuz recommendation reads as follows:

“As far back as 1941 Léon Gillis volunteered to join the Wehrmacht and repeatedly distinguished himself through notable bravery. He participated in the fighting at the Donetz, Don and Caucasus mountains. Due to his bravery before the enemy he was promoted to the officer level. He particularly distinguished himself during the fighting around Tcheriakov, where the Legion SS ‘Wallonie’ offered heroic resistance in the face of overwhelming Soviet forces over the course of six days and nights. Here Gillis was badly injured: two shell splinters tore into his lungs. He hung between life and death for a long time, and required 13 months of hospital care before he was discharged. However the shell splinters could not be removed.

Right after his recovery he took over a Pak-Zug in the SS-Freiwilligen Sturmbrigade ‘Wallonien’.

In the battle of Dorpat he fought with bravery beyond compare. From 19 to 22 August 1944 he took over command of the second Kompanie, whose commander had become a casualty. In bitter close combat he threw the Soviets back repeatedly near Kambja.

Along with his Pak-Zug he was ordered to march towards Noo on 22 August 1944, with his mission being to help secure the Riga—Dorpat road. On the night of 22-23 August 1944 the Soviets bypassed this position and began their thrust back up the road about 10 kilometres further north (near Lemmatsi). The troops in Noo were thus as good as cut-off. After extremely heavy fighting, and while enduring incessant counterthrusts, Gillis succeeded in leading back two of his Pak guns to safety (the third was destroyed by a direct hit).

Meanwhile the enemy had advanced into the Emajogi bight, and they tried to cross the river northwest of Dorpat. Their group was reinforced with 10 IS-2s. The Estonian troops located there fell back. Thus, almost all alone, Gillis found himself in position at the Voora bridge with his two Pak guns as the 10 IS-2 tanks approached at around 14:00. Our Pak opened fire. Gillis personally led one gun, and with great cold-bloodedness he allowed one enemy tank to approach to a range of 30 metres. Then he sent it up into the air with a shot. A second shot: direct hit on the second tank! Yet in this very moment a direct hit destroyed Gillis’s gun. He was thrown to the ground by the blast in a badly wounded state, he had lost his eyesight.

But, with almost superhuman energy, he then took over the fire control of the second gun, which commenced such effective fire that the Soviet tanks were compelled to pull back. But even then he did not allow himself to be brought back to the main dressing station, instead awaiting the message: the enemy was in full flight.

Gillis has shown repeatedly demonstrated bravery, exemplary leadership and sacrificial devotion. With these he dedicated himself to his duty up until the tragic fate that befell him on 23 August 1944 (no-one can say whether he will ever regain his sight). I thus recommend him for the award of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.”

Source :
https://www.facebook.com/groups/691098008051629/posts/1616963562131731/
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/85802/Gillis-L%C3%A9on-Waffen-SS.htm