Nickname: No information found
Date of birth: 27.05.1914 - Würzburg, Bayern (German Empire)
Date of death: 10.01.1990 (or 11.01.1990) - Aalen, Baden-Württemberg (West Germany)
Buried: Stadtfriedhof Aaalen, Feld 19.
Service number: SS-nr.: 114.921 // NSDAP-nr.: 3.435.930
Religion: No specific information (grave lacks Christian symbols)
Parents: No detailed information found
Siblings: No information
Spouse: Annelies (Anneliese) Weidinger, née Völter (born 24.04.1918, died 26.01.2015)
Children: No information found
Promotions:
00.04.1934: Joined SS-Verfügungstruppe
01.04.1936: SS-Untersturmführer
00.00.1938: SS-Obersturmführer
00.07.1940: SS-Hauptsturmführer
01.11.1941: SS-Hauptsturmführer (taktiklehrer)
00.06.1943: SS-Sturmbannführer
09.11.1944: SS-Obersturmbannführer
Career:
00.04.1934: SS-Verfügungstruppe
00.00.1934: camp guard at the SS-Wachsturmbann, Dachau concentration camp
00.05.1935: SS-Junkerschule, Braunschweig
01.04.1936: promoted to SS-Untersturmführer
00.05.1936: SS-Ustuf, Zugführer, Zug, 3. Kompanie, SS-Regiment „Deutschland", Ellwangen
00.00.1936: Lehrgang, SS-Pionier-Bataillon then Kampfschule, München
00.00.1938: promoted to SS-Obersturmführer
00.09.1939: campaign in Poland
00.00.1939: Adjutant, SS-Kradschützen-Bataillon N
00.03.1940: campaign in the Netherlands, SS-Kradschützen-Abteilung, SS-Regiment „Deutschland"
00.05.1940: SS-Ostuf, Divisionsadjutant
00.07.1940: promoted to SS-Hauptsturmführer, Stab, SS-Division "Das Reich"
00.00.1941: campaign in the Balkans
00.06.1941: Barbarossa, SS-Hstuf, Chef, schwere Kompanie, Kradschützen-Abteilung, SS-Division „Das Reich"
01.11.1941: SS-Hstuf, Taktiklehrer, Lehrgruppenkommandeur, SS-Junkerschule in Bad Tölz
00.06.1943: SS-Sturmbannführer, Kommandeur, I. Bataillon, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 „Deutschland", 2. SS-Division „Das Reich"
00.08.1943: SS-Stubaf, Kommandeur, SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 2, 2. SS-Panzer-Division „Das Reich"
19.08.1943: SS-Stubaf, severely WIA
14.06.1944: SS-Sturmbannführer, Kommandeur, SS-Panzergrenadierregiment 4 „Der Führer", 2. SS-Panzer-Division „Das Reich"
09.11.1944: promoted to SS-Obersturmbannführer
00.12.1944: battle of the Bulge
00.03.1945: campaign in Hungary and Austria
00.05.1945: POW
Awards and Decorations:
SS-Ehrenring (SS-Totenkopfring)
Ehrendegen des Reichsführers-SS
SS-Dienstauszeichnung 4. Stufe (4 Jahre) - April 1938
Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938 - 02.03.1939
Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 - 1939
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse - 15.11.1939
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse - 25.07.1940 (or 15.07.1940 per some sources)
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Schwarz - 04.09.1941
Infanterie-sturmabzeichen (Bronze) - 21.10.1941
SS-Dienstauszeichnung 3. Stufe (8 Jahre) - April 1942
Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern - 31.01.1943
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Silber - 19.08.1943
Panzervernichtungsabzeichen in Silber - August 1943
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold - 26.11.1943
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes #2994 (21.04.1944) as SS-Sturmbannführer and Kommandeur SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 2 / 2.SS-Panzer-Division "Das Reich". Weidinger's Ritterkreuz recommendation reads as follows:
“During the major defensive battles in the area east of Zhitomir the SS-Pz.Aufkl.Abt. 2 ‘Das Reich’ repeatedly distinguished itself whilst under the bold and flexible leadership of SS-Sturmbannführer Weidinger.
On the 22.11.1943 the Abteilung was involved in the fierce defensive battle around Negrebowka. Along the northern front the Abteilung stood opposite 2 enemy regiments, while along the western front a strong hostile Pakfront shielded their breakthroughs towards the south in the direction of Sabelotsche. When the enemy achieved penetrations in the positions of the Aufklärungs-Abteilung at two locations it was Weidinger who eliminated them via personally conducted counterthrusts.
During the afternoon the enemy succeeded in achieving a major penetration in the sector of the right neighbouring unit, and following this success they pivoted to the right and thereby encircled the Aufklärungs-Abteilung. However Weidinger did not lose his nerve, and he employed his own weak reserves for an immediate counterattack. Although he had to guard a 5 km deep open flank in the west, he pulled out reserves from this sector in order to launch a nocturnal counterthrust with elements of his 2. and 3. Kompanien. The aim was to eliminate the new hostile penetration. Weidinger personally led a force of 17 men against an enemy grouping that had entered into the northeastern part of Negrebowka, and by doing so he managed to bring their advance to a halt. This counterthrust ultimately succeeded in pushing back the enemy group across the original frontline whilst inflicting heavy losses.
Although Weidinger’s orders at the time were to fall back in the face of strong enemy activity, he was instead able to hold his position successfully until being relieved by the armoured Gruppe ‘Stadler’.
The initiative, decisiveness and bravery that he displayed here enabled the Negrebowka bridgehead to be held. This in turn facilitated the subsequent execution of the successful offensive operation that would be launched from this area by the 1. SS-Pz.Div. ‘LSSAH’ and the 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division.
SS-Sturmbannführer Weidinger is worthy of receiving this high award on account of his personal bravery, prudent leadership and great decisiveness.”
Nahkampfspange in Bronze - 30.04.1944
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #688 (26.12.1944) as SS-Obersturmbannführer and Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 4 "Der Führer" / 2.SS-Panzer-Division “Das Reich”. Weidinger’s Eichenlaub recommendation reads as follows:
“At 23:45 on the 19.08.1944 the SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt. 4 ‘Der Führer’ received orders from the Division to thrust westwards along the road Trun—St. Lambert. The objective of the Regiment was to establish contact with the almost completely closed pocket of German troops at Falaise/Argentan and support their withdrawal towards the east.
On the 20.08.1944 SS-Obersturmbannführer Weidinger and his Regiment (with a combat strength [Kampfstärke] of 11 officers, 53 NCOs and 366 men) set out in the direction of Champosoult. The regimental commander led from the ranks of his foremost Kompanie, and under his inspirational leadership the Regiment reached the road junction near the U-Curve 1 km NE of Coudehard by 12:00.
At this time the Regiment had an open flank extending 6 km (the right neighbouring unit was still located east of Camenbert). Nonetheless, by around 12:15 the spearhead of the Regiment had already made contact with the lead elements of the encircled troops. However up until 13:00 the enemy pressure from the north continued to increase, and eventually they launched an attack with 12 tanks plus infantry support.
In response SS-Obersturmbannführer Weidinger immediately made the bold decision to attack northwards with all available troops in order to permit the continued withdrawal of our forces from the pocket. SS-Obersturmbannführer Weidinger led from the foremost line, and his brave Regiment was able to capture the Hill St. Leger. His unceasing boldness and skillful leadership repeatedly invigorated his troops to give the best that they had. The Hill was taken in bitter combat, 7 tanks were destroyed and the hostile attack was smashed. The regimental commander then decided to hold his attained position with all available forces in order to prevent the pocket from closing once again. All subsequent enemy attacks (launched with overwhelming force) were crushed following brutal combat that saw 4 more Sherman tanks being destroyed. SS-Obersturmbannführer Weidinger personally led the counterthrust and brought the enemy heavy losses.
At 18:15 the Regiment could report to the Division that the road was open, and that friendly formations were streaming out of the pocket. During the night more than 4000 soldiers from all branches (including over 300 officers and 3 generals) as well as 800 vehicles of all kinds were able to march eastwards along the road the Regiment had opened.
This outstanding achievement by the severely understrength Regiment ‘Der Führer’ was first and foremost due to the extraordinary bravery and decisiveness of the regimental commander. His willingness to demand the utmost of himself likewise inspired his men to achieve the highest standard of merit, dutifulness and élan.”
Weidinger is worthy of being awarded the Eichenlaub to the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.”
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern #150 (06.05.1945) as SS-Obersturmbannführer and Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 4 "Der Führer" / 2.SS-Panzer-Division “Das Reich”. Disputed. No formal confirmation exists in German Federal Archives; it was reportedly presented unlawfully by Sepp Dietrich of the 6th Panzer Army in the war’s chaotic final days. The sequential number "150" was assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (OdR), who counted Weidinger in their number
Specific detailed recommendations for the Schwerter are less documented in public sources compared to the earlier awards. They likely recognized Weidinger’s continued outstanding leadership of "Der Führer" Regiment during the Ardennes Offensive (Battle of the Bulge, December 1944–January 1945) and subsequent defensive campaigns in Hungary and Austria in 1945. These actions involved holding key positions against overwhelming Allied (and later Soviet) superiority, rapid counterattacks, and rear-guard actions that delayed enemy advances while facilitating withdrawals. In the final weeks, his regiment also covered the evacuation of ethnic German civilians and soldiers from Prague amid the chaos of the collapsing Reich.
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Otto Weidinger was a high-ranking officer in the Waffen-ss during World War Ii. Born on 27 May 1914 in Würzburg, Bavaria, in the German Empire, he grew up in a period of political and economic turmoil following the First World War. In April 1934, at the age of twenty, he enlisted in the Ss-verfügungstruppe, the precursor to the Waffen-ss. His early service included duty as a guard at the Dachau concentration camp. Showing leadership potential, he volunteered for officer training and attended the Ss-junkerschule in Braunschweig starting in May 1935. Commissioned as Ss-untersturmführer in April 1936, he served initially as a platoon leader in the Ss-regiment Deutschland. He underwent further specialized training with pioneer and combat schools before promotion to Ss-obersturmführer in 1938.
Weidinger first saw combat during the invasion of Poland in September 1939, serving as adjutant of a motorcycle reconnaissance battalion and earning the Iron Cross Second Class. In 1940 he participated in the campaign in the Netherlands, where he distinguished himself further and received the Iron Cross First Class. Promoted to Ss-hauptsturmführer, he served on the divisional staff of the Ss-division Das Reich during the Balkans campaign and Operation Barbarossa in 1941. He commanded a heavy company in the reconnaissance detachment before transferring to instructional duties as a tactics instructor at the Ss-junkerschule in Bad Tölz. In June 1943 he returned to the front as commander of the first battalion of Ss-panzergrenadier-regiment Deutschland. During the Battle of Kursk he suffered a serious head wound while leading his unit in intense fighting. By late 1943 he had taken command of the Ss-panzer-aufklärungs-abteilung 2 of the 2. Ss-panzer-division Das Reich.
In the defensive battles east of Zhitomir in November 1943, Weidinger earned the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his actions around Negrebowka. His reconnaissance battalion faced two Soviet regiments to the north and strong anti-tank defenses to the west. When enemy forces penetrated his lines and later encircled the unit after breaking through a neighboring sector, Weidinger launched immediate counterattacks. Ignoring orders to withdraw, he personally led a small assault group of seventeen men in a nighttime thrust that restored the position and held the vital bridgehead. This action enabled subsequent German offensives in the sector. For these exploits he received the Knight's Cross on 21 April 1944. Shortly afterward he assumed command of Ss-panzergrenadier-regiment 4 Der Führer, which he led during the Normandy campaign following the Allied D-day landings.
Weidinger's most celebrated feat came during the encirclement in the Falaise Pocket in August 1944. With his regiment reduced to a combat strength of only about 430 men, he received orders to thrust westward and open an escape corridor for trapped German forces. Leading from the front, his unit advanced under heavy pressure and linked up with encircled troops. When Allied tanks and infantry attacked, Weidinger ordered a bold counterattack northward, personally directing the capture of a key hill in bitter close combat. His men destroyed multiple enemy tanks while repelling repeated assaults. By evening the road was secured, allowing thousands of soldiers and hundreds of vehicles to escape the collapsing pocket. For this leadership he was awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross on 26 December 1944.
In the final months of the war Weidinger continued to command Der Führer during the Ardennes Offensive and subsequent defensive operations in Hungary and Austria. His regiment conducted rear-guard actions and, in the last days, helped cover the evacuation of ethnic German civilians and soldiers from Prague. He was reportedly recommended for the Swords to the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves around May 1945, though formal confirmation remains disputed and no clear archival evidence exists for an official presentation. Captured by American forces in May 1945, Weidinger spent more than six years in custody. Transferred to French authorities, he faced trial as a war criminal in Bordeaux but was acquitted in June 1951.
After his release Weidinger trained as a pharmacist and worked in that profession until retirement. From the late 1960s until the early 1980s he authored several historical works, including the regimental history Comrades to the End and a multi-volume account of the Das Reich division published by Munin Verlag. These books provided detailed operational narratives based on his experiences and unit records. He also published a controversial account addressing events at Tulle and Oradour. Otto Weidinger died on 10 January 1990 in Aalen, West Germany, at the age of seventy-five. He is buried alongside his wife Annelies, née Völter, at the Waldfriedhof in Aalen.
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_Weidinger
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/14074/Weidinger-Otto-Waffen-SS.htm
https://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Personenregister/W/WeidingerO.htm
https://ww2gravestone.com/people/weidinger-otto/
https://grokipedia.com/ (general reference)
https://rk.balsi.de/index.php?action=list&cat=300
https://www.unithistories.com/units_index/index.php?file=/officers/personsx.html
https://forum.axishistory.com/
https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/
https://www.geni.com/ (family cross-reference)
Mark C. Yerger - Otto Weidinger: Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords
Otto Weidinger's own works (e.g., Comrades to the End, Division Das Reich volumes)
Veit Scherzer - Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939-1945
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