Reinhold Böhmke, Wilhelm Bürgel and Robert Rahlenbeck

From left to right: Oberfeldwebel der Reserve Reinhold Böhmke (Zugführer in 13.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment 162 / 61.Infanterie-Division. Ritterkreuz on 6 April 1944), Oberwachtmeister Wilhelm Bürgel (Batterieoffizier in 5.Batterie / II.Abteilung / Gebirgs-Artillerie-Regiment 8 / 8.Jäger-Division. Ritterkreuz on 29 February 1944), and Gefreiter Robert Rahlenbeck (Richtschütze in 16.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Jäger-Regiment 38 / 8.Jäger-Division. Ritterkreuz on 23 August 1943). The picture was probably taken during the spring or summer 1944.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2440357#p2440357

Bio of Leutnant d.R. Arno Geelhaar (1920-2009)

Full nama: Arno Geelhaar
Nickname: unknown
Date of Birth: 23 December 1920 at Tilsit, Ostpreußen (Germany)
Date of Death: 14 December 2009 at Mainz, Rheinland-Pfalz (Germany)
NSDAP Number: unknown
SS Number: unknown
Academic Title: unknown
Family Member: unknown
Physical Feature: unknown

Beförderungen (Promotion):
00.00.194_ Leutnant der Reserve

Karriere (Career):
Unknown

Orden und Ehrenzeichen (Medals and Decorations):
00.00.194_ Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.00.194_ Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.194_ Nahkampfspange in Bronze
16.04.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Leutnant der Reserve and Führer 7.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment 151 / 61.Infanterie-Division

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

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2366386#p2366386
http://www.ritterkreuztraeger.info/rk/g.html
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/44931/Geelhaar-Arno.htm

Ritterkreuz Actions of Walter Melzer

Walter Melzer (7 October 1894 – 23 June 1961) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 21 August 1941 as Oberst and Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 151 / 61.Infanterie-Division. On 22 July 1941, as the 61. Infanterie-Division began its attack on Poltsamas, and in the fighting which followed the Regiment led by Oberst Melzer found itself at the focal point of the battle. Despite having sustained heavy losses and ceaseless combat in the previous days, the Regiment nonetheless stormed the city with great courage. In addition the Regiment captured multiple river crossings undamaged, including the important concrete bridge running through Poltsamas itself. Largely on account of the actions of Melzer and his men, the city was firmly in German hands by 12:00 on that day. The capture of Poltsamas was of great importance for the continuation of the German operations in Estonia, and for his role in this battle Melzer would be decorated with the Ritterkreuz.

Melzer received the Eichenlaub #558 for his Ritterkreuz on 23 August 1944 as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur 252. Infanterie-Division. The medal was awarded for his actions while commanding the 252. Infanterie-Division during Operation Bagration. On 22 June 1944 the division defended against 8 rifle divisions and 2 tank brigades from the Soviet 43rd and 6th Guards Armies. On 24 June the Division was ordered to pull back behind the Daugava at Ulla, with a gap being formed on its right flank with the Korps-Abteilung D. The Soviets attacked relentlessly. On 27 June the Division held the line Poluoserje Lake - Ussweja Lake. The next day they reached the line north of the Woron Lake on both sides of Uschatschi. Here the connection to Korps-Abteilung D was restored. The Division retreated through Holubicze and reached Glembokie on 2 July 1944. Here the Soviets attempted to outflank the Division, but thanks to the brave German blocking positions and the skillful leadership of Generalleutnant Melzer this critical situation was resolved in the Germans’ favour and this maneuver failed. For his successes during this time Melzer was decorated with the Eichenlaub and named in the Wehrmachtbericht of 21 July 1944.

 

Source :
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2010/03/daftar-general-der-infanterie-heer.html
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/11904/Melzer-Walther.htm