The 72. Infanterie-Division was formed on 19 September 1939 in Trier from the pre-war Grenz-Division Trier, a border security unit. Initially stationed along the western frontier, it participated in the Battle of France in 1940 and later transferred to the Eastern Front in 1941, where it saw extensive combat in various sectors including the battles around Rzhev, the Cherkassy Pocket, and defensive actions in Ukraine. The division earned a reputation for toughness and was mentioned several times in the Wehrmachtbericht for its performance. It was largely destroyed in heavy fighting in March 1944 but was quickly reformed in June of that year and continued fighting until the final capitulation in May 1945. Throughout its existence, the 72nd Infantry Division exemplified the grueling service and high casualties experienced by many standard German infantry formations during World War II.
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RITTERKREUZTRÄGER
Oberleutnant der Reserve Joachim Hundert (1920-1944) was born on 22 January 1920 in Mayen, Rhine Province. He joined the Wehrmacht in November 1938 and rose through the ranks to become Leutnant der Reserve and later Oberleutnant der Reserve. He commanded the 5. Kompanie of Infanterie-Regiment 124, which was later redesignated as Grenadier-Regiment 124, participating in major campaigns including the Battle of France, the Siege of Sevastopol, and intense fighting on the Eastern Front. For his exceptional leadership and bravery in combat, particularly during defensive and offensive operations in the East, he was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 15 January 1943 as Führer of the 5./Grenadier-Regiment 124. Hundert continued to serve until he was killed in action on 9 August 1944 near Glazow, Poland, at the age of 24, leaving behind a legacy of courage recognized by one of the highest honors in the German military.
Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/72nd_Infantry_Division_(Wehrmacht)
https://www.feldgrau.com/ww2-german-72nd-infantry-division/
https://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/Infanteriedivisionen/72ID.htm
http://www.old.axishistory.com/list-all-categories/150-germany-heer/heer-divisionen/3785-72-infanterie-division
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