Ritterkreuzträger: Bio of SS-Standartenführer Wilhelm Dietrich (1912-1944)

Wilhelm Heinrich August Dietrich

Date of Birth: 17.11.1912 - Ehringhausen, Kreis Alsfeld, Oberhessen (German Empire)
Date of Death: 12.03.1944 - Lazarett Dorpat/Tartu, of wounds sustained at Petschur (Estonia)

NSDAP-Number : 693 321 (Joined 01.11.1931)
SS-Number : 38 886 (Joined 01.11.1931)

Promotions:
18.06.1935 Leutnant der Landespolizei (mit Wirkung vom 1.04.1935)
19.04.1935 Leutnant des Heeres
20.04.1937 Oberleutnant der Landespolizei (mit Wirkung vom 01.04.1937)
12.09.1937 SS-Obersturmführer
20.04.1939 SS-Hauptsturmführer
01.10.1939 Hauptmann der Schutzpolizei
09.11.1942 SS-Sturmbannführer
01.04.1943 SS-Sturmbannführer der Waffen-SS (per Führerkarte in his SS-Personalakte)
09.06.1943 Major der Schutzpolizei
30.01.1944 SS-Obersturmbannführer der Waffen-SS
00.00.1944 Oberstleutnant der Schutzpolizei
01.03.1944 SS-Standartenführer und Oberst der Schutzpolizei (mit Wirkung und RDA vom 01.03.1944 [posthumous promotion])

Career:
01.11.1931 entered the NSDAP and the SS - 5.Sturm / IV.Sturmbann / 33.SS-Standarte in Darmstadt
00.00.193_ Landespolizei in Hessen and then in Darmstadt
00.00.1933 - 10.06.1936 Leutnant in Infanterie Regiment 115
00.06.1936 police administration in Berlin then Kompanie-Chef with the Schutzpolizei in Treptow
12.09.1937 joined the SS as SS-Obersturmführer
00.00.1939 - 00.00.1941 Chef 8.Kompanie / SS-Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 1 / SS-Polizei-Division
10.06.1940 WIA (wounded in action)
00.00.1941 - 00.03.1942 Chef 2.Kompanie / SS-Polizei-Infanterie-Regiment 1 / SS-Polizei-Division
15.01.1942 - 15.02.1942 Bataillonskommandeur-Lehrgang in Chalons sur Marne, France
16.03.1942 - 00.06.1942 Chef 1.Kompanie / SS-Polizei-Grenadier-Regiment 1 / SS-Polizei-Division
00.06.1942 - 15.07.1942 Kommandeur II.Bataillon / SS-Polizei-Grenadier-Regiment 1 / SS-Polizei-Division
16.07.1942 - 04.09.1942 Kommandeur III.Bataillon / SS-Polizei-Grenadier-Regiment 1 / SS-Polizei-Division
05.09.1942 - 25.02.1943 Kommandeur I.Bataillon / SS-Polizei-Grenadier-Regiment 1 / SS-Polizei-Division
25.02.1943 SS-Brigade "Schuldt', WIA
16.03.1943 - 28.05.1943 Führer Polizei-Infanterie-Ersatz-Bataillon
15.06.1943 - 22.10.1943 Kommandeur III.Bataillon / SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 / Kampfgruppe "Reifflin" / SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Division
23.10.1943 - 12.03.1944 Kommandeur SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 / 4.SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Division
10.03.1944 wounded by shrapnel at Lake Pleskau
12.03.1944 DOW in the Lazarett Dorpat, Estonia

Awards and Decorations:
00.02.1934 Ehrenwinkel der Alten Kämpfer
00.00.193_ DRL-Sportabzeichen in Bronze
00.00.193_ Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft Abzeichen in Bronze
00.00.1936 Deutsches Olympia Ehrenzeichen 1936
00.12.1937 Julleuchter der SS
01.04.1939 Dienstauszeichnung der NSDAP 10 Jahre
00.00.1939 Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938
00.00.1939 Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938
10.06.1940 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse (other sources indicates 12.06.1940)
09.09.1940 Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (WIA 10.06.1940)
09.11.1940 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse (other sources indicate 15.01.1941)
01.11.1941 Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber
01.08.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)
25.09.1942 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold, as SS-Hauptsturmführer / Hauptmann der Schutzpolizei and Führer I.Bataillon / SS-Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 1 (motorisiert) / SS-Polizei-Division. “During the night of August 17-18, 1941, Hauptmann Dietrich, as the commander of a battalion strength assault detachment of the regiment, had the assignment of following another assault detachment in order to break through the heavily fortified forest positions along the route south of Luga. The forward assault detachment encountered heavy enemy resistance. Hauptmann Dietrich immediately realized the critical situation and skillfully kept his own assault detachment from being entangled in this fighting as well. In the pitch black night, in difficult terrain and under the heaviest hostile artillery fire from Luga, he personally scouted for a weak spot of the enemy and found it directly to the south of the encampment. Acting on a quick decision, he pulled up his assault detachment and always at the point of his assault detachment broke through the enemy positions. Despite the heavy enemy fire from the hutment, Hauptmann Dietrich swept forward his battalion through brilliant personal action and dash. That created the basis for the subsequent destruction of strong enemy forces by the regiment on the isthmus between Rakowetzkoje and, respectively, Lake Bol. Talon and Lake Tscheremeneskoje. Hauptmann Dietrich repeatedly distinguished himself through exemplary dash and outstanding personal bravery in these fierce engagements in wooded terrain of poor visibility and against an enemy vastly superior both in terms of numbers and materiel. On August 20-21, 1941, the Russians manage to penetrate the battalion’s thinly manned lines in some places and to outflank them in others. Through reckless personal action, Hauptmann Dietrich saved the situation by throwing himself against the enemy forces at the point of his numerically small staff and to destroy them in a daring charge. Hauptmann Dietrich, as the commander of I./SS-Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 1, contributed in an outstanding way both to the cutting-off and encirclement of the 2nd Russian Attack Army along the route south of Tschudowo in March 1942. He was also a major factor in the grim defensive fighting. Wading through chest deep snow on March 18, 1942, the battalion pushed forward to the south under the most difficult weather and terrain condition. They took the Polisty Brook despite the stubborn enemy resistance. The men, in an almost super-human performance, were inspired time and time again by the shining, rousing example of their battalion commander. The battalion had been seriously weakened by bloody losses and frostbite. Nevertheless, it reached the “Erika” lane by the next day, against heavy enemy resistance and was once again motivated by the dash and personal bravery of Hauptmann Dietrich. The enemy suffered heavy losses. Apart from other war materiel, the battalion captured: 25 trucks, two tractors, three motorized sleds, and several light and heavy machine guns. After the enemy supply lanes into the pocket had been blocked, days of the most intense defensive fighting followed. By pulling up strong infantry units, at times reinforced by tanks and specialized forces, the enemy tried time and time again to force a breakthrough at the sector of Dietrich’s battalion from March 20-25, 1942. The battalion has been decimated down to only two weak companies. Despite everything, the men who had been forced to lie in the snow without any tents for days are still in good spirits. This is due to the exemplary conduct of their battalion commander, which lifted their spirits time and time again. Forever in the thick of things, in relentless action despite the most intense enemy fire and thus motivating his men, Hauptmann Dietrich knows how to repel all enemy attacks through his tactically skilled command. Hauptmann Dietrich had already been decorated with the Iron Cross 2nd and 1st Class for shining personal dash and particular fearlessness as the commander of a machine gun company in the Western Campaign. In the Eastern Campaign, Hauptmann Dietrich was an example of energy, courage and determination for his men on repeated occasions as well. Shunning no hardships or dangers, this outstandingly brave officer always displays personal gallantry and relentless, sweeping dash.”
15.10.1942 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as SS-Hauptsturmführer / Hauptmann der Schutzpolizei and Führer I.Bataillon / SS-Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 1 (motorisiert) / SS-Polizei-Division. Dietrich’s Ritterkreuz recommendation reads as follows: “After the difficult yet successful defensive battles in the Neva bend in the time period 19.-25.09.1942 the II./SS-Pol.-Schützen-Regt. 1 under the command of Hauptmann Dietrich (which had been at the hotspot of the fighting and was heavily weakened) was relieved by III. Bataillon. Following a short pause, on the evening of the 30.08.1942 the enemy renewed their energetic breakout attempts. They were aided by tanks, bombers, ground attack aircraft and fighters. But above all they had abundant artillery of all kinds and equally bountiful ammunition supplies, which were expended in levels comparable to First World War intensities. With this support, constant new waves of enemy infantry forces commenced attacks against the positions of the III./1 in the subsequent days. The enemy’s initial goal was to take the road/railway bridge that led over the northern Tossna river, and from there they would thrust towards Mga and the relief forces outside the Leningrad encirclement ring. It was initially possible to repel several enemy tank-supported attacks while inflicting bloody losses. Isolated enemy penetrations were eliminated in bitter close combat. However, with the support of tanks, the enemy finally succeeded in breaking through the western position of III. Bataillon in the early morning hours of the 04.09.1942. At the same time they fed in strong reserves deep into friendly territory through the breach. Hauptmann Dietrich immediately recognized the danger that the Russians would thrust further forwards and thereby collapse the front of the entire Bataillon. An immediate friendly counterthrust failed in the heavy defensive fire of the enemy tanks. As was always the case during these days of battle, all communication links were down. Despite the strong artillery and Katyusha fire Hauptmann Dietrich personally rushed to the break-in point with a handful of men from his staff. Along the way he sent elements of the III./I.R. 435 to immediately block the path to the Kirow railway line, and ordered them to halt any southward thrust by enemy forces no matter what the circumstances. After Hauptmann Dietrich had gathered up a large number of stragglers he commenced a flanking counterthrust with these forces as well as part of 10. Kompanie. In bitter close combat, which was ultimately waged with hand grenades and spades, the Russians were thrown back and the breach closed. The rolling enemy attacks continued. Again supported by tanks and heavy drumfire, the Russians succeeded in breaking through the left wing of III. Bataillon already on the next day. All the officers in the sector of the penetration became casualties, and their units were completely shattered. A gap of 300 metres now existed between II. and III. Bataillon. Reserves or occupied delaying positions were not present in the area. The Russians eventually recognized the opportunity in front of them and carried on forwards. Hostile elements were soon in the rear of the still intact right wing of II. Bataillon along the Kirowbahn. The Russians moved in strong reserves and collapsed the right wing of the Regiment. Several friendly counterthrusts broke down in the strong enemy defensive fire. Undeterred and mindful of his duties, Hauptmann Dietrich initiated his countermeasures in these crucial hours. He launched a thrust along the Kirowbahn with what elements of his Bataillon were available, and he succeeded in making progress despite the bitter close combat and determined enemy action. After crushing strong enemy elements he was able to close the frontline gap, restore contact with II. Bataillon and rebuild the main battle line anew. The successful defense against the enemy attacks in these days, and especially during the decisive combat situations on the 04. & 05.09.1942, was above all thanks to the outstandingly brave actions of Hauptmann Dietrich. Almost all MGs and rifles had malfunctioned due to being dirtied by the strong enemy drumfire, and most of the mortars were likewise unavailable. Hand grenades and spades were by and large the only weapons available. In their ceaselessly conducted attacks along this narrow frontage the enemy lost about 10000 men as casualties. 13 enemy tanks were also destroyed or immobilized. The enemy’s considerable and (for the time being) final effort to capture the railway bridge over the Tossna and thereby secure a decisive foundation for the relief of Leningrad had failed. This is first and foremost due to the heroic actions of Hauptmann Dietrich and his infantrymen. Despite massive physical exertions, Hauptmann Dietrich was always able to inspire his men through his personal example and in doing so ensure that the enemy suffered major losses in men and materiel. On the grounds of his outstanding leadership skill, as well as the personal bravery he showed in the decisive moments, I hold Hauptmann Dietrich as being fully worthy of being awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.”
01.01.1943 Panzervernichtungsabzeichen in Silber

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

Born in Ehringshausen on November 17, 1912, Wilhelm Dietrich passed his Abitur before joining the SA in November 1931. He left the SA to the SS on March 11, 1932, with the 5./IV./33.SS-Standarte in Darmstadt. Dietrich next served with the Landespolizei in Hessen and then in Darmstadt, from April 19, 1933. When his unit was absorbed by the Army, he served with then Infanterie Regiment 115 as a junior officer until June 10, 1936. Leaving the Army and joining the Polizei, he served with the police administration in Berlin and then for 22 months as a Kompanie Chef with the Schutzpolizei in Treptow. Dietrich spent his last month there as adjutant to the district commander until October 4, 1939. At an unknown date he left the SS but rejoined on September 12, 1937, as an Obersturmführer.

Moving next to the new Polizei Division as a Hauptmann der Schutzpolizei, he was the first commander of the machine gun equipped 8./Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 1. Leading the Kompanie in the Western and early Russian campaigns, he briefly led the 4.Kompanie of the same regiment. He was wounded in the Western campaign on June 10, 1940. When Hauptsturmführer und Hauptmann der Schutzpolizei Gustav Zuschneid was badly wounded during the Luga fighting on August 15, 1941, Dietrich temporarily took over his command of the II./Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 1. He later resumed command of the 8.Kompanie under II.Bataillon commander Hauptmann der Schutzpolizei Karl Schümers. In January 1942 Dietrich returned from the front to attend a battalion leader course in Chalons sur Marne, France, from mid-January to mid-February 1942. He was then briefly placed in the available reserve of the division until given command of the I./SS-Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 1 on March 16, 1942, replacing wounded Hauptmann der Schutzpolizei Erwin Jäckert. Regimental commander Standartenführer und Oberst der Schutzpolizei Otto Gieseke submitted the following proposal for Dietrich to be awarded the German Cross in Gold on August 16, 1942, listing engagements up to late March 1942.

“During the night of August 17-18, 1941, Hauptmann Dietrich, as the commander of a battalion strength assault detachment of the regiment, had the assignment of following another assault detachment in order to break through the heavily fortified forest positions along the route south of Luga. The forward assault detachment encountered heavy enemy resistance. Hauptmann Dietrich immediately realized the critical situation and skillfully kept his own assault detachment from being entangled in this fighting as well. In the pitch black night, in difficult terrain and under the heaviest hostile artillery fire from Luga, he personally scouted for a weak spot of the enemy and found it directly to the south of the encampment.

Acting on a quick decision, he pulled up his assault detachment and always at the point of his assault detachment broke through the enemy positions. Despite the heavy enemy fire from the hutment, Hauptmann Dietrich swept forward his battalion through brilliant personal action and dash. That created the basis for the subsequent destruction of strong enemy forces by the regiment on the isthmus between Rakowetzkoje and, respectively, Lake Bol. Talon and Lake Tscheremeneskoje. Hauptmann Dietrich repeatedly distinguished himself through exemplary dash and outstanding personal bravery in these fierce engagements in wooded terrain of poor visibility and against an enemy vastly superior both in terms of numbers and materiel. On August 20-21, 1941, the Russians manage to penetrate the battalion’s thinly manned lines in some places and to outflank them in others. Through reckless personal action, Hauptmann Dietrich saved the situation by throwing himself against the enemy forces at the point of his numerically small staff and to destroy them in a daring charge.

Hauptmann Dietrich, as the commander of I./SS-Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 1, contributed in an outstanding way both to the cutting-off and encirclement of the 2nd Russian Attack Army along the route south of Tschudowo in March 1942. He was also a major factor in the grim defensive fighting.

Wading through chest deep snow on March 18, 1942, the battalion pushed forward to the south under the most difficult weather and terrain condition. They took the Polisty Brook despite the stubborn enemy resistance. The men, in an almost super-human performance, were inspired time and time again by the shining, rousing example of their battalion commander. The battalion had been seriously weakened by bloody losses and frostbite. Nevertheless, it reached the “Erika” lane by the next day, against heavy enemy resistance and was once again motivated by the dash and personal bravery of Hauptmann Dietrich. The enemy suffered heavy losses. Apart from other war materiel, the battalion captured:

25 trucks
Two tractors
Three motorized sleds
Several light and heavy machine guns

After the enemy supply lanes into the pocket had been blocked, days of the most intense defensive fighting followed. By pulling up strong infantry units, at times reinforced by tanks and specialized forces, the enemy tried time and time again to force a breakthrough at the sector of Dietrich’s battalion from March 20-25, 1942. The battalion has been decimated down to only two weak companies. Despite everything, the men who had been forced to lie in the snow without any tents for days are still in good spirits. This is due to the exemplary conduct of their battalion commander, which lifted their spirits time and time again. Forever in the thick of things, in relentless action despite the most intense enemy fire and thus motivating his men, Hauptmann Dietrich knows how to repel all enemy attacks through his tactically skilled command.

Hauptmann Dietrich had already been decorated with the Iron Cross 2nd and 1st Class for shining personal dash and particular fearlessness as the commander of a machine gun company in the Western Campaign. In the Eastern Campaign, Hauptmann Dietrich was an example of energy, courage and determination for his men on repeated occasions as well. Shunning no hardships or dangers, this outstandingly brave officer always displays personal gallantry and relentless, sweeping dash.”

Dietrich led the I./Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 1 until it was dissolved in late March 1942, afterwards leading its cadre until given temporary command of the II./SS-Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 1 in late June 1942. In mid-July 1942 Dietrich moved to command of the regiment’s III.Bataillon, succeeding Hauptmann der Schutzpolizei Egon Neuss, until early September. Heavy divisional losses instituted a period of combining elements until units could be replenished that summer. On September 5, 1942, he resumed formal command of the now designated I./SS-Polizei-Infanterie-Regiment 1 while it was being rebuilt in Debica. On September 18, 1942, regimental commander Otto Gieseke again wrote an award proposal, this time for Dietrich to be awarded the Knight’s Cross.

“Following the heavy, successful defensive engagements at the Newa bend from August 19-25, 1942, the II.Bataillon -which until then had been in the focus of the fighting, but was now greatly weakened - was relieved by the III./SS-Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 1 under the command of Hauptmann Dietrich.

After a brief respite, the enemy once again took up his energetic breakout attempts in the evening of August 30, 1942. In the days that followed, successive forces of enemy infantry set out to attack the positions of III./SS-Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 1, supported by tanks, bombers, fighters and ground attack aircraft. They were also supported by a heavily concentrated artillery fire of all calibers, combined with an enormous amount of ammunition comparable to the barrages of World War I. The objective of the enemy attacks was, after the taking of the road- and railway bridges that led across the northern Tessna, to push on in the direction of Mga and thus the relief of Leningrad.

Several heavy, armor-supported enemy attacks had already been repelled with high, bloody losses on the enemy's side and random enemy incursions were cleared out in grim close-quarters fighting. The enemy, with armor support, managed to break through the western positions of the III./SS-Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 1 in the early morning hours of September 4, 1942, and, by simultaneously pulling up strong reserves, to push deeply into the main combat field. Hauptmann Dietrich immediately recognized the critical situation should the Russians succeed to push further on and thus cause the entire battalion's front to waver. An immediately deployed counterattack failed under strong Russian tank defensive fire. As was the case on all the days of these engagements, all telephone lines were destroyed. Despite intense fire from "Katyusha" rocket launchers and artillery, Hauptmann Dietrich personally rushed to the area of the incursion with a handful of men from his staff. On his way to there, he immediately assigned elements of the III./Infanterie Regiment 435 to put up a blockade along the Kirow railway line, in order to keep the enemy forces from pushing on to the south at all costs.

After Hauptmann Dietrich had collected a large number of stragglers, he set out on a flanking counterattack with these men and a part of 10th Company. In grim hand-to-hand fighting, which was exclusively fought with hand grenades and spades, the Russians were thrown back and thus the area of the incursion was sealed.

The rolling enemy attacks continued. On the very next day, September 5, 1942, the Russians, with support from tanks and strong barrages, managed to break through the left wing of the III./SS-Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 1. All officers in the sector of the incursion were out of action, the respective units had also been scattered. A gap of 300 meters width was opened between the 2nd and 3rd Battalion. Reserves and manned alternative positions were not available. The Russians eventually recognized their great opportunities and followed up. Elements were already in the rear of 2nd Battalion's right wing, which still stood its ground at the Kirow railway line. If the Russians had brought up strong reserves, the regiment's right wing would have collapsed. Several deployed counterattacks broke down under the strong enemy resistance. Unshakably and resolutely, Hauptmann Dietrich took up his measures in these decisive hours. With the remaining men of his battalion that were at his disposal, he eventually managed to push on along the Kirow railway line in fierce hand-to-hand combat under constant enemy fire. After overcoming strong enemy elements, he closed the gap and established contact with 2nd Battalion to rebuild the main combat line.

The successful defense against the enemy attacks in those days, but especially the crucial tactical situations on September 4-5, 1942, were for the most part mastered due to the outstandingly brave and unshakably courageous conduct of Hauptmann Dietrich. Nearly all the machine guns and rifles were put out of action due to their being choked in sand because of the intense barrages. Most of the grenade launchers were buried. Hand grenades and spades became the almost exclusive weapons. In uninterruptedly conducted attacks, the enemy had suffered the bloodiest losses amounting to roughly 10,000 men in a most confined area. 13 tanks were destroyed or immobilized by fire.

The success was for the most part due to the heroic effort of Hauptmann Dietrich and his infantrymen, whom he swept along time and time again through his personal example despite the most superhuman strains put on them. The large scale and time final attempt by the enemy to capture the railway bridge across the Tessna to win the decisive basis for the relief of Leningrad was thwarted. Immense losses of men and material were inflicted on the enemy side.

Because of his outstanding leadership skills and his exemplary personal bravery in crucial moments, I hold Hauptmann Dietrich for being particularly worthy of being decorated with the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.”

In approving the recommendation, Polizei Division commander Alfred Wünnenberg added his own acknowledging comment.

“By mobilizing the final reserves in a bold counterattack, Hauptmann Dietrich, who was all on his own, has managed to thwart the Russian intentions of establishing a ground based connection between Leningrad and the forces east of Mga.”

It should be noted that both of Dietrich’s major awards were approved despite the short period between the two proposals. Often awards recommended close together were rejected in one case or the other as being to recent since a major award was granted. Obviously Dietrich’s conduct and performance fully negated that general rule regularly used by Berlin based higher echelons in determining approval.

Divisional Order of the Day No. 33 for October 14, 1942, included the announcement of Dietrich’s German Cross in Gold award, as well as the same decoration for Hauptsturmführer Hans Traupe who succeeded him in command of the 8.Kompanie. In December 1942 Dietrich’s battalion was attached as a component of temporary SS-Brigade “Schuldt,” led by then Standartenführer Hinrich Schuldt. While attached to the Brigade he was wounded on February 25, 1943, and his battalion command was assumed by Obersturmführer Alfred Lex. Dietrich was listed with the replacement battalion during his hospital stay and recovery that lasted from March 16 to May 28, 1943. Immediately posted to Truppenübungsplatz "Milowitz" commanding his former battalion, now designated as the I./SS-Polizei-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 1. During mid-June 1943 he returned to the front to command the I./SS-Polizei-Grenadier-Regiment 3 of Kampfgruppe “Reifflin,” succeeding temporary battalion commander Hauptsturmführer Kurt Rickert. On October 22, 1943, Dietrich became commander of SS-Polizei-Grenadier-Regiment 3, succeeding Obersturmbannführer Willy Reifflin. Hauptsturmführer Fritz Holwein then succeeded Dietrich as commander of the I.Bataillon. Wilhelm Dietrich died on March 12, 1944, in Petschur, Estonia, after being grievously wounded two days before and air evacuated to a hospital. Regimental command passed to then Sturmbannführer Hans Traupe. By all accounts Dietrich was an exceptionally brave and highly competent field grade officer.

Wilhelm Dietrich as a student before he got his "Schmiss" (dueling scars).

Wilhelm Dietrich received wounds after "Mensur" (academic fencing) duel which leaves him with the permanent "schmiss" (dueling scars) for the rest of his life.

Wilhelm Dietrich in his younger days.

Wilhelm Dietrich (second from right) as a hunter.

Wilhelm Dietrich (top) with friends when he still served in Infanterie-Regiment 115 (1933-1936).

Wilhelm Dietrich as a member of Landespolizei.

Wilhelm Dietrich as a member of SS-Polizei-Division.

Wilhelm Dietrich as a member of SS-Polizei-Division.

Wilhelm Dietrich in the uniform of Hauptmann der Schutzpolizei (1939-1942).

Wilhelm Dietrich at the train station with wife and daughter.

Wilhelm Dietrich playing with his dogs accompanied by his wife and daughter.

Wilhelm Dietrich reading before sleeping.

SS-Hauptsturmführer und Hauptmann der Schutzpolizei Wilhelm Dietrich (second from right) from SS-Polizei-Division with his men during operation in the Eastern Front, 1941-1942.

SS-Hauptsturmführer und Hauptmann der Schutzpolizei Wilhelm Dietrich from SS-Polizei-Division mounted a horse during operation in the Eastern Front, 1941-1942.

Wilhelm Dietrich with his horse in action.

Wilhelm Dietrich in white uniform (back to the camera) with his men.

Having fun with friends.

Wilhelm Dietrich (left).

Ritterkreuz award ceremony for SS-Hauptsturmführer und Hauptmann der Schutzpolizei Wilhelm Dietrich (left, Führer I.Bataillon / SS-Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 1 [motorisiert] / SS-Polizei-Division), which were held in October 1942. The medal was presented by SS-Obersturmbannführer Otto Gieseke (Kommandeur SS-Polizei-Schützen-Regiment 1 [motorisiert] / SS-Polizei-Division). Dietrich formally received the Ritterkreuz on 15 October 1942 for his outstanding leadership and bravery during defensive battles around Leningrad one month previously. Other pictures from this occasion can be seen HERE.

Certificate of congratulations from the hometown of Wilhelm Dietrich for the award of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.

SS-Sturmbannführer Wilhelm Dietrich as Kommandeur of SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3, part of 4. SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Division. From family collection.

SS-Sturmbannführer Wilhelm Dietrich as Kommandeur of SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3, part of 4. SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Division. From family collection.

SS-Sturmbannführer und Major der Schutzpolizei Wilhelm Dietrich (Kommandeur SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 / 4.SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Division) playing with his dog during "Heimaturlaub" (home leave). The picture was taken in 1943/1944. Other pictures from this sequence can be seen HERE.

Studio photo of SS-Sturmbannführer und Major der Schutzpolizei Wilhelm Dietrich (Kommandeur SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 / 4.SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier-Division) with his dog.

Winter in the Eastern Front. Wilhelm Dietrich is at left.

Source :
"German Cross in Gold Holders of the SS and Police, Volume 5 - Polizei Division and Police Units" by Mark C. Yerger, Ignacio Arrondo & R. James Bender
https://crainsmilitaria.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=3656
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=76397
http://sylviolassance.blogspot.com/2017/06/dietrich-wilhelm-heinrich-august.html
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/13244/Dietrich-Wilhelm-Heinrich-August-Waffen-SS.htm
https://www.weitze.net/militaria/68/Waffen_SS_grosser_Fotonachlass_Traeger_des_Ritterkreuz_des_Eisernen_Kreuzes_SS_Sturmbannfuehrer_Wilhelm_Dietrich_zuletzt_Kommandeur_des_SS_Polizei_Panzergrenadier_Regiments_3__451268.html

Ritterkreuzträger

Pages

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Bio of SS-Standartenführer Wilhelm Dietrich (1912-1944)

No comments:

Post a Comment