Bio of Generalmajor Hermann-Heinrich Behrend (1898-1987)

Full name: Hermann-Heinrich Behrend
Nickname: No information

Date of Birth: 25.08.1898 - Perleberg, Brandenburg (German Empire)
Date of Death: 19.06.1987 - Soltau, Niedersachsen (West Germany)

Battles and Operations: World War I Eastern Front, Polish Campaign 1939, Western Campaign 1940, Operation Barbarossa, battles around Leningrad, defensive operations in the Baltic region, encirclement breakout west of Luga 1944, defense of the Fladder Canal 1945, final actions on the Western Front.

NSDAP-Number: No information
Religion: Protestant (evangelisch, as typical for many Prussian officers of his background; no specific confirmation found).
Parents: No detailed information available on parents.
Siblings: No information available.
Spouse: No information available.
Children: No information available.

Promotions:
Gefreiter (04.01.1916)
Unteroffizier (29.03.1916)
Fähnrich (19.02.1917)
Leutnant (13.04.1917)
Oberleutnant (01.02.1926)
Hauptmann (01.09.1933)
Charakter als Major (25.11.1937)
Major der Reserve (21.01.1939)
Major (01.03.1939)
Oberstleutnant (01.09.1941)
Oberst (01.03.1943)
Generalmajor (16.04.1945 / 17.04.1945)

Career:
Entered Army Service (01 Jun 1915)
War Volunteer in the 90th Fusilier-Regiment (01 Jun 1915-14 Nov 1915)
Transferred into the 43rd Infantry-Regiment (14 Nov 1915-29 Feb 1916)
Fahnenjunker in the 43rd Infantry-Regiment (29 Feb 1916-14 APR 1917)
Detached to Officer-Aspirants-Course at Döberitz (29 May 1916-26 Aug 1916)
Company-Officer in the 43rd Infantry-Regiment (14 Apr 1917-05 Aug 1917)
Ordinance-Officer with the Staff of the II. Battalion of the 43rd Infantry-Regiment (05 Aug 1917-24 Jan 1918)
Platoon and Company Leader in the 2nd MG-Company of the 43rd Infantry-Regiment (24 Jan 1918-23 Jan 1919)
Transferred into the I. Volunteer-Battalion of the 43rd Infantry-Regiment, later renamed III. Battalion of the 2nd Rifle-Regiment (23 Jan 1919-21 Feb 1920)
Detached to the Corps-War-School I, Gumbinnen (16 Oct 1919-18 Dec 1919)
Transferred to the Processing-Office of the 43rd Infantry-Regiment (21 Feb 1920-01 Mar 1920)
Granted leave (01 Mar 1920-31 Mar 1920)
Retired from Army Service (31 Mar 1920)
Reactivated to Army Service (01 Jan 1924)
Leutnant in the 1st Infantry-Regiment (01 Jan 1924-10 Jan 1924)
Company-Officer in the 1st Infantry-Regiment (10 Jan 1924-01 Apr 1928)
Detached to the 1st Pioneer-Battalion (01 Apr 1925-13 May 1925)
Detached to Officer Weapon School Course at Dresden (01 Oct 1925-15 Feb 1926)
Detached to the 1st Pioneer-Battalion (02 May 1927-28 Jun 1927)
Detached to the 1st Signals-Battalion (19 Jan 1928-07 Apr 1928)
Signals-Officer of the I. Battalion of the 1st Infantry-Regiment (01 Apr 1928-01 May 1928)
Company-Officer in the Training-Battalion of the 1st Infantry-Regiment (0 May 1928-01 Oct 1930)
Transferred into the 18th Infantry-Regiment (01 Oct 1930-01 Jul 1933)
Company-Chief in the 18th Infantry-Regiment (01 Jul 1933-01 Oct 1934)
Company-Chief in Infantry-Regiment Paderborn (01 Oct 1934-15 Oct 1935)
Company-Chief in the 64th Infantry-Regiment (15 Oct 1935-31 Jan 1937)
Retired from Army Service due to a Riding accident (31 Jan 1937)
Defence-Representative of General-Command III at the Factory Rheinmetall Borsig AG, Tegel, Berlin (02 Mar 1937-05 Dec 1938)
Erlaubnis zum Tragen der Uniform des Infanterie-Regiments 64 (25 Nov 1937)
Selection-Training with the Supplemental-Battalion of the 16th Infantry-Regiment (06 Dec 1938-21 Jan 1939)
Assigned to Complete a Test as Supplemental-Officer-Aspirant with the Supplemental-Battalion of the 16th Infantry-Regiment (03 Jan 1939-31 May 1939)
Entered Army Service as Supplemental-Officer (01 Mar 1939); Active-Officer (01 Sep 1941)
Employed again by the Army – Director of the NCO-Courses with the 16th Infantry-Regiment (01 Feb 1939-25 Aug 1939)
Commander of the I. Battalion of the 489th Infantry-Regiment (25 Aug 1939-10 Sep 1941)
Wounded (10 Sep 1941-16 Oct 1941)
Führer-Reserve OKH – later 489th Infantry-Replacement-Battalion (16 Oct 1941-20 Dec 1941)
Commander of the Group Patrol-Service with the Wehrmachr-Commander Ukraine (20 Dec 1941-01 Aug 1942)
Commander of the Patrol-Services with the Wehrmacht-Commander Norway (01 Aug 1942-20 Dec 1942)
Commander of the Army-Patrol-Service for the Travel-Transport Centre (20 Dec 1942-01 May 1943)
Führer-Reserve OKH (01 May 1943-25 May 1943)
Commander of the 154th Grenadier-Regiment (25 May 1943-10 Oct 1943)
Taken ill, transferred back to Germany (10 Oct 1943-15 Oct 1943)
Führer-Reserve OKH (15 Oct 1943-06 Dec 1943)
Commander of the 154th Grenadier-Regiment (06 Dec 1943-20 Jun 1944)
Führer-Reserve OKH (20 Jun 1944-21 Jul 1944)
Commander of the 529th Grenadier-Regiment (21 Jul 1944-01 Aug 1944)
Commander of Division-Group 299 (01 Aug 1944-01 Sep 1944)
Commander of the 529th Grenadier-Regiment (01 Sep 1944-15 Dec 1944)
Führer-Reserve OKH (15 Dec 1944-16 Mar 1945)
17th Division-Leaders-Course (13 Feb 1945-15 Mar 1945)
Führer-Reserve OKH (16 Mar 1945-01 Apr 1945)
Delegated with the Leadership of Division 490 (01 Apr 1945-17 Apr 1945)
Commander of the 490th Infantry-Division (17 Apr 1945-08 May 1945)
In British captivity, from March 1946 was Commander of POW-Group Behrend (08 May 1945-15 May 1947)
Released (15 May 1947)

Awards and Decorations:
Eisernes Kreuz 1914 2. Klasse (09.06.1917)
Eisernes Kreuz 1914 1. Klasse (04.11.1918)
Grossherzoglich Mecklenburg-Schwerinsches Militär-Verdienstkreuz II. Klasse (02.01.1918)
Verwundetenabzeichen 1918 in Schwarz
Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer 1914/1918 (21.01.1935)
Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung IV. und III. Klasse (02.10.1936)
1939 Spange zum Eisernen Kreuz 2. Klasse (12.05.1940)
1939 Spange zum Eisernen Kreuz 1. Klasse (10.06.1940)
Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 (29.07.1942)
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Silber (29.07.1942)
Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber (20.04.1943)
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Gold (02.02.1944)
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes #353 (15.07.1941) as Major and Kommandeur I.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 489 / 269.Infanterie-Division. On 22 June 1941, Behrend’s battalion formed part of the assault forces targeting fortified Soviet positions southeast and east of Tauroggen (modern Tauragė, Lithuania) in the Baltic sector. The attack was scheduled after a heavy artillery preparation, but Behrend made a bold decision at approximately 3:05 a.m. to advance early. He exploited the thick morning fog combined with the dense dust and smoke from the German barrage, which obscured visibility and disrupted Soviet defensive coordination across a roughly 10-kilometer-deep fortified zone.
Leading from the front, Behrend’s troops surged forward in the limited visibility. Within 30 minutes they seized the critical railway viaduct over the Jeziorupa River, maintaining momentum despite sniper fire and grenade attacks from scattered Soviet defenders in the town’s outskirts. By 6:30 a.m.—just over three hours into the assault—the battalion had cleared the southern sector of Tauroggen, overrun and neutralized a Soviet motorized battery (forcing the crew to abandon two guns), and pushed to the northeastern edge of the town. They fully secured the eastern portion, creating a vital breach.
This rapid penetration enabled Kampfgruppe Badinski (attached to the 1. Panzer-Division) to exploit the gap and advance deeper, accelerating the German momentum in the northern thrust toward Leningrad. Behrend’s initiative, personal leadership under fire, and skillful use of terrain and weather conditions turned a standard assault into a decisive breakthrough against prepared defenses. The recommendation for the Knight’s Cross highlighted how his actions prevented a stalled attack and opened the path for larger forces.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #421 (06.03.1944) as Oberst and Kommandeur Grenadier-Regiment 154 / 58.Infanterie-Division. In early February 1944, during heavy defensive fighting in the Leningrad sector, Behrend’s regiment became isolated from the main body of the 58. Infanterie-Division. A full Soviet division launched intense assaults while partisan forces simultaneously severed rear supply lines and retreat routes, encircling the regiment behind enemy lines for three days in harsh winter conditions.
Behrend maintained unit cohesion amid relentless attacks. He integrated the attached Aufklärungs-Abteilung 158 as a vanguard for counter-maneuvers, using aggressive local counterattacks to seize key terrain and disrupt Soviet coordination. His forces fought their way into Potschap village, securing about three-quarters of it before fresh Soviet reinforcements arrived and halted further progress. Rather than risk annihilation in a static defense, Behrend orchestrated a skillful disengagement. Under cover of darkness on or around 13 February 1944, the regiment executed a night crossing of the Pljussa River, evading detection and linking up with German lines while preserving most of its fighting strength.
This breakout prevented the total destruction of the regiment despite overwhelming odds, partisan harassment, and severed communications. The award recognized Behrend’s calm command, tactical adaptability, and success in extricating his men from a near-hopeless encirclement west of Luga.
Mentioned in Wehrmachtbericht (18.04.1945)
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern #148 (26.04.1945) as Generalmajor and Kommandeur 490. Infanterie-Division. In mid-April 1945, Behrend assumed command of the hastily formed 490. Infanterie-Division, an improvised unit with regular troops, Volkssturm, and limited heavy weapons. It defended positions along the Fladder Canal against advancing U.S. armored forces. Facing severe shortages of ammunition, fuel, and anti-tank guns, Behrend stressed decentralized leadership and close-quarters anti-tank tactics using Panzerfausts from canal banks and urban cover.
During fierce fighting, Behrend personally engaged an Allied tank at close range and destroyed it with a Panzerfaust. This act of individual bravery rallied his troops and disrupted an enemy breakthrough. As U.S. forces pressed and encircled parts of the division, Behrend organized a coordinated breakout. Infantry assaults supported by Panzerfaust teams destroyed 14 Sherman tanks—most in close-quarters ambushes—inflicting disproportionate losses on the superior armored columns. The actions allowed elements of the division to withdraw successfully and even launch a counterattack that temporarily recaptured the Sage airfield.
These efforts delayed the Allied advance in northwest Germany through resourceful, determined resistance despite overwhelming material inferiority. The division earned special mention in the Wehrmachtbericht on 18 April 1945 for its “exemplary steadfastness.” The Swords recognized Behrend’s personal courage, inspirational leadership, and tactical success in the final desperate defensive battles.

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Hermann-Heinrich Behrend was a German general during World War II who rose to the rank of generalmajor in the Heer. Born on 25 August 1898 in Perleberg, Brandenburg, in the Kingdom of Prussia, he became a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, one of the highest decorations awarded by Nazi Germany. His military career spanned both world wars, marked by consistent frontline leadership, tactical initiative, and resilience in encirclement situations. Behrend served primarily on the Eastern Front during the Second World War before commanding a division in the final defensive battles in northwest Germany. He died on 19 June 1987 in Soltau, West Germany, at the age of 88.

Behrend enlisted as a war volunteer in the Imperial German Army on 1 June 1915 at the age of sixteen, joining Füsilier-Regiment 90 and deploying to the Eastern Front. After a brief period with Infanterie-Regiment 43, he gained rapid promotions through demonstrated competence under fire, advancing to gefreiter in January 1916, unteroffizier in March 1916, fähnrich in February 1917, and leutnant in April 1917. He served in various roles including company officer, ordinance officer, and machine-gun platoon and company leader. His World War I service earned him the Iron Cross second class in June 1917 and first class in November 1918, along with the Mecklenburg-Schwerin Military Merit Cross second class in January 1918 and the Wound Badge in black. After the armistice he participated in volunteer formations before retiring from active service in March 1920.

Reentering the Reichswehr in January 1924 as a leutnant with Infanterie-Regiment 1, Behrend undertook extensive training and staff roles, including signals and pioneer detachments and officer courses in Dresden. He progressed steadily through company commands in several infantry regiments, reaching hauptmann in September 1933. A riding accident forced his temporary retirement in January 1937, after which he worked as a defense representative at Rheinmetall-Borsig AG in Berlin. Recalled to service in 1939 as a supplemental officer, he directed noncommissioned officer courses before assuming command of the first battalion of Infanterie-Regiment 489 in the 269th Infantry Division upon mobilization.

During the 1939 Polish Campaign and 1940 Western Campaign, Behrend earned clasps to both classes of the Iron Cross. His most notable early World War II action came on the opening day of Operation Barbarossa, 22 June 1941. As major commanding his battalion on the left flank near Tauroggen in Lithuania, Behrend advanced ahead of schedule at around 3:05 a.m. to exploit morning fog and the dust of the German artillery barrage. His troops rapidly penetrated ten kilometers of fortified Soviet lines, seized a key railway viaduct over the Jeziorupa River within thirty minutes, cleared the southern sector of the town despite sniper and grenade resistance, and neutralized a motorized battery. By 6:30 a.m. they had secured the eastern part of Tauroggen, enabling a larger kampfgruppe breakthrough. For this decisive leadership from the front he received the Knight's Cross on 15 July 1941 as the 353rd recipient.

Behrend was wounded near Krasnogvardeisk in September 1941 and later held various staff and security commands in Ukraine and Norway. Promoted to oberst, he took command of Grenadier-Regiment 154 in the 58th Infantry Division in late 1943. In early February 1944 west of Luga his regiment became encircled for three days by a full Soviet division while partisan forces cut supply lines. Behrend maintained cohesion, integrated reconnaissance elements for counterattacks, secured much of Potschap village, and executed a nighttime breakout across the Pljussa River under darkness. This successful extrication preserved the regiment's fighting strength and earned him the Oak Leaves on 6 March 1944 as the 421st recipient, presented personally by Adolf Hitler later that April.

In April 1945 Behrend was promoted to generalmajor and assumed command of the improvised 490th Infantry Division on the Western Front. Positioned along the Fladder Canal with limited resources and mixed troops including Volkssturm, the division faced advancing American armored forces. Behrend emphasized close-quarters anti-tank defense with Panzerfausts. He personally destroyed an Allied tank at close range during intense fighting, rallied his men, and organized a breakout that accounted for fourteen Sherman tanks destroyed mostly by infantry ambushes. Elements of the division temporarily recaptured Sage airfield in a counterattack. These actions, which delayed the enemy advance despite overwhelming odds, brought him the Swords on 26 April 1945 as the 148th recipient and a mention in the Wehrmachtbericht. Captured by British forces at the end of the war, Behrend was released from captivity in May 1947 and lived quietly afterward, working as a farmer in the Soltau area.

Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermann-Heinrich_Behrend
https://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Personenregister/B/BehrendHH.htm
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28334/Behrend-Hermann-Heinrich.htm
https://grokipedia.com/page/hermann_heinrich_behrend
https://rk.balsi.de/index.php?action=list&cat=300
http://www.geocities.ws/orion47.geo/WEHRMACHT/HEER/Generalmajor/BEHREND_HERMANN.html
https://forum.axishistory.com/
https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/

Remi Schrijnen and Heinz von Brese Postwar

Two Ritterkreuzträger after the war, possibly in the 1980s : Remi Schrijnen (left) and Heinz von Brese. Remi Schrijnen (24 December 1921 - 27 July 2006) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 21 September 1944 as SS-Sturmmann and Richtschütze in 5.Panzerjäger-Kompanie / I.Bataillon / 6.SS-Freiwilligen-Sturmbrigade "Langemarck", while Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary (13 January 1914 - 3 December 1995) received the Ritterkreuz on 15 May 1943 and Eichenlaub on 6 April 1944, both as Major and Führer II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 108 / 14.Panzer-Division.

Source :
Nick Hessen photo collection
https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/german-photographs-postcards/show-your-signed-photos-284539-53/

Ritterkreuz Action of Franz Zejdlik

Franz Zejdlik (20 October 1906 - 8 September 1978) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 4 October 1942 as Major and Kommandeur Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 51 / 23.Panzer-Division. On 20 July 1942 the Vorausabteilung of the 23. Panzer-Division (consisting of the division's Pionier-Bataillon, Kradschützen-Bataillon and a Panzerjäger Kompanie), under the command of Major Zejdlik, was ordered to cross the Don at Nikolayevskaya and secure a bridgehead over the river. The town was reached at 19:00 that day, though still defended by the Soviets. They were cleared out during the night.

Shortly afterwards the Germans secured a 10-ton ferry intact, and using this as well as inflatable sacks, Zejdlik sent a company of motorcycle troops over the river against the Soviet positions there. They were able to secure a weak bridgehead, which was strengthened during the night.

Zejdlik realized that creating a viable bridgehead here would only be possible if the 7 km distant towns of Karenchov and Worosoff were captured, due to the swampy terrain immediately adjacent to the river. As such he decided to launch an attack on these positions at dawn with only part of his Vorausabteilung, despite the flank threat to the tenuous bridgehead. The gamble payed off however and both towns were taken.

The following night the Soviets attempted to counterattack with tanks and infantry. Zejdlik launched a counterattack against these forces, capturing or dispersing the infantry and destroying 6 tanks. Exploiting the confusion Zejdlik led his Kradschützen in pursuit, and they captured the 3 km distant village of Dolschowskaya.

By this action the security of the bridgehead was thus guaranteed. During the battle to capture the bridgehead the following losses were inflicted on the Soviets...

- 2 officers and 680 men captured
- 220 enemy dead counted
- 7 field guns (6.62 cm)
- 6 AT guns
- 35 AT rifles
- 1 heavy machine gun
- numerous mortars

By this action Zejdlik far exceeded his original mission of forming a limited bridgehead over the Don, all the more remarkable due to his lack of experience in leading infantry formations! This bridgehead would later be of great operational importance to both the division and the whole of the XXXX. Panzerkorps.

In addition to this act, in a subsequent battle Major Zejdlik distinguished himself further. Taking over the Panzergrenadier-Regiment 126 (whose commander had become a casualty), he led friendly forces to victory during a bitter battle to conquer a Soviet hilltop position. 1,000 prisoners, 6 field guns and numerous AT guns and rifles were captured.

For these achievements Major Zejdlik would be awarded the Ritterkreuz.


Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2493591#p2493591
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/82037/Zejdlik-Franz.htm

Bio of Oberstleutnant Franz Zejdlik (1906-1978)

Franz Zejdlik

Date of Birth: 20.10.1906 - Voitsberg, Steiermark (Austria-Hungary)
Date of Death: 08.09.1978 - Krems an der Donau, Niederösterreich (Austria)

Promotions:
00.00.1925 Wachtmeister (Austrian Bundesheer)
15.08.1931 Leutnant (Austrian Bundesheer)
15.08.1935 Oberleutnant (Austrian Bundesheer)
01.06.1938 Hauptmann
01.01.1942 Major
01.11.1942 Oberstleutnant
01.06.1956 Oberstleutnant (Austrian Bundesheer)
06.03.1957 Oberst (Austrian Bundesheer)
01.07.1963 Brigadier (Austrian Bundesheer)

Career:
02.03.1925 Joined the Austrian Bundesheer and posted in Pionier-Bataillon 5 in Graz
01.09.1929 Offiziersausbildung (Officer training) in Heeresschule Enns
00.00.1931 Zugskommandant in Pionier-Bataillon 4 in Linz
01.07.1932 Transferred back to Pionier-Bataillon 5 in Graz
00.10.1934 Training officer for the one-year volunteer courses
00.03.1938 Became the member of the Wehrmacht after Anschluss
00.05.1938 Transferred to Pionier-Bataillon 32 (mot.) in Schwedt/Oder
00.00.194_ After several assignments in a Panzer division as a company commander and battalion commander, he became commander of a grenadier regiment. Further functions followed in Heeresgruppe C as staff officer to the Generals der Pioniere und Festungen (General of Engineers and Fortresses), and later he came to the Army High Command. He taught at Pioneer School 1 as a tactics instructor for battalion and regimental leader courses and then became commander of Pioneer School 3.
15.07.1946 Joined the Oberösterreichische Landesbaudirektion
00.00.1950 Awarded the professional title of Ingenieur (engineer)
00.00.1952 Technischen Oberinspektor responsible for audits of water and waterworks cooperatives
01.06.1956 Joined the post-war Austrian Bundesheer as Oberstleutnant
26.08.1956 Kommandeur 3. Infanterie-Brigade (mot.) in commissioned in Krems-Mautern, later renamed the 3. Panzer-Brigade and then the 3. Panzergrenadier-Brigade
00.00.1956 - 00.00.1963 At the same time, Militärkommandant von Niederösterreich
01.10.1964 - 31.12.1971 Again, Militärkommandant von Niederösterreich

Awards and Decorations:
00.00.193_ Silberne Medaille für Verdienste um die Republik Österreich
00.00.19__ Panzerkampfabzeichen
00.00.19__ Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.00.19__ Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.19__ Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
00.00.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)
04.10.1942 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Major and Kommandeur Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 51 / 23.Panzer-Division. On 20.07.1942 the Vorausabteilung of the 23. Panzer-Division (consisting of the division's Pionier-Bataillon, Kradschützen-Bataillon and a Panzerjäger Kompanie), under the command of Major Zejdlik, was ordered to cross the Don at Nikolayevskaya and secure a bridgehead over the river. The town was reached at 1900 that day, though still defended by the Soviets. They were cleared out during the night. Shortly afterwards the Germans secured a 10-ton ferry intact, and using this as well as inflatable sacks, Zejdlik sent a company of motorcycle troops over the river against the Soviet positions there. They were able to secure a weak bridgehead, which was strengthened during the night. Zejdlik realized that creating a viable bridgehead here would only be possible if the 7 km distant towns of Karenchov and Worosoff were captured, due to the swampy terrain immediately adjacent to the river. As such he decided to launch an attack on these positions at dawn with only part of his Vorausabteilung, despite the flank threat to the tenuous bridgehead. The gamble payed off however and both towns were taken. The following night the Soviets attempted to counterattack with tanks and infantry. Zejdlik launched a counterattack against these forces, capturing or dispersing the infantry and destroying 6 tanks. Exploiting the confusion Zejdlik led his Kradschützen in pursuit, and they captured the 3 km distant village of Dolschowskaya. By this action the security of the bridgehead was thus guaranteed. During the battle to capture the bridgehead the following losses were inflicted on the Soviets: 2 officers and 680 men captured, 220 enemy dead counted, 7 field guns (6.62 cm), 6 AT guns, 35 AT rifles, 1 heavy machine gun, and numerous mortars. By this action Zejdlik far exceeded his original mission of forming a limited bridgehead over the Don, all the more remarkable due to his lack of experience in leading infantry formations. This bridgehead would later be of great operational importance to both the division and the whole of the XXXX. Panzerkorps. In addition to this act, in a subsequent battle Major Zejdlik distinguished himself further. Taking over the Panzergrenadier-Regiment 126 (whose commander had become a casualty), he led friendly forces to victory during a bitter battle to conquer a Soviet hilltop position. 1,000 prisoners, 6 field guns and numerous AT guns and rifles were captured. For these achievements Major Zejdlik would be awarded the Ritterkreuz.
00.00.19__ Goldenes Ehrenzeichen für Verdienste um die Republik Österreich
00.00.19__ Wehrdienstzeichen
00.00.19__ Ehrenzeichen für Verdienste um das Bundesland Niederösterreich
00.00.19__ Verdienstzeichen des Österreichischen Bundesfeuerwehrverbandes
00.00.19__ Verdienstzeichen des Niederösterreichischen Landesfeuerwehrverbandes

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After elementary school and community school, Franz Zejdlik attended three semesters of mechanical engineering at the Höheren technischen Bundes-Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt (Higher Technical Federal Teaching and Research Institute) in Graz-Gösting. Due to his father's accident, he dropped out of school and worked as a technical employee in a construction company.

On March 2, 1925, he joined the Austrian Armed Forces and achieved the rank of Wachtmeister in the Pionier-Bataillon 5 in Graz. On September 1, 1929, he began officer training at what was then the Enns Army School, where he was promoted as a Leutnant and "best of the year" on August 15, 1931.

Franz Zejdlik was assigned as a platoon commander to the Pionier-Bataillon 4 in Linz, but at his own request was transferred back to the Pionier-Bataillon 5 in Graz on July 1, 1932. In October 1934 he was assigned as a training officer for the one-year volunteer courses. On August 15, 1935 he was promoted to first lieutenant. For his services in training he received the Silver Medal for Services to the Republic of Austria.

After Austria was annexed to the German Empire, he was taken over by the Wehrmacht. In May 1938 he came to Schwedt/Oder to the Pioneer Battalion 32 (motorized) of the 2nd Infantry Division (motorized), later the 12th Panzer Division. On June 1, 1938 he was promoted to Hauptmann.

After several assignments in a tank division as a company commander and battalion commander, he became commander of a grenadier regiment. Further functions followed in Army Group C as staff officer to the General of Engineers and Fortresses, and later he came to the Army High Command.

He taught at Pioneer School 1 as a tactics instructor for battalion and regimental leader courses and then became commander of Pioneer School 3.

On January 1, 1942, Franz Zejdlik was promoted to major and, as commander of Panzerpionier Battalion 51 of the 23rd Panzer Division, received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on April 10, 1942. He was promoted to Oberstleutnant on November 1, 1942.

After the end of the Second World War, Franz Zejdlik worked in an architectural office. He joined the Upper Austrian State Building Directorate on July 15, 1946 and became a clerk for the land improvement cadastre. After graduating from high school in 1948, he was awarded the professional title of engineer in 1950. In 1952 he was appointed chief technical inspector. He was then responsible for audits of water and waterworks cooperatives.

On June 1, 1956, Franz Zejdlik was called up as a Oberstleutnant in the Federal Army of the Second Republic and from August 26, 1956 he was in charge of the 3rd Infantry Brigade (mot), which was later renamed the 3rd Armored Brigade and then the 3rd Armored Grenadier Brigade , commissioned in Krems-Mautern.

On March 6, 1957 he was promoted to Oberst.

From 1956 to 1963, in addition to his role in the brigade, he was also the military commander of Lower Austria. It was not until 1963 that this position was filled independently by Brigadier Ignaz Reichel. After being promoted to brigadier on July 1, 1963, he became military commander of Lower Austria again on October 1, 1964. He handed this post over to his successor Brigadier Herbert Müller-Elblein on December 31, 1971.

Franz Zejdlik in Lindau 1943.

Source :
https://www.bmlv.gv.at/sk/lask/brigaden/pzgrenbrig3/brigade.shtml
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Zejdlik
https://www.ebay.com/itm/145228018807
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2493591#p2493591
https://reibert.info/media/franz-zejdlik-jpg.430030/
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/82037/Zejdlik-Franz.htm

Bio of Generalmajor Alexander Conrady (1903-1983)

Generalmajor Alexander Conrady
Born: 16 Jul 1903 in Neu-Ulm
Died: 21 Dec 1983 in Augsburg

Promotions:
Fahnenjunker-Gefreiter (01 Aug 1924); Fahnenjunker-Unteroffizier (01 Nov 1924); Fähnrich (01 Oct 1925); Oberfähnrich (01 Aug 1926); Leutnant (01 Dec 1926); Oberleutnant (01 Apr 1929); Hauptmann (01 Dec 1934); Major (01 Jul 1940); Oberstleutnant (20 Apr 1942); Oberst (15 Feb 1943); Generalmajor (20 Apr 1944)

Career:
Entered Army Service (09 Apr 1923)
Schütze in the 19th Infantry-Regiment (09 Apr 1923-01 Aug 1924)
Appointed Offiziers-Anwärter in the 19th Infantry-Regiment (01 Aug 1924-18 Dec 1926)
Detached to I. Course at the Infantry-School (01 Mar 1925-31 Oct 1925)
Detached to II. Course at the Infantry-School (01 Mar 1926-30 Sep 1926)
Company-Officer in the 19th Infantry-Regiment (18 Dec 1926-06 Oct 1936)
Detached to Course for Hand-Held Weapons in Grafenwöhr (16 Sep 1927-01 Oct 1927)
Detached to Pioneer-Course in Klausdorf (30 Apr 1929-28 May 1929)
Detached to the War Academy (01 Oct 1934-06 Oct 1936)
Company-Chief in the 40th Infantry-Regiment (06 Oct 1936-11 Mar 1938)
Detached to Air-Defence-Course in Döberitz and Pillau (06 Oct 1937-18 Oct 1937)
Ordinance-Officer I with the Staff of the 27th Infantry-Division (11 Mar 1938-01 Jul 1940)
Commander of the II. Battalion of the 91st Infantry-Regiment (01 Jul 1940-09 Sep 1940)
Führer-Reserve OKH (09 Sep 1940-10 Oct 1940)
Tactics-Instructor with the Infantry-Course of the 71st Infantry-Division (10 Oct 1940-25 Mar 1941)
Führer-Reserve OKH (25 Mar 1941-21 Jul 1941)
Commander of I. Battalion of the 118th Infantry-Regiment (21 Jul 1941-15 Sep 1942)
Delegated with the Leadership of the 118th Infantry-Regiment (15 Sep 1942-15 Oct 1942)
Commander of the 118th Infantry-Regiment (15 Oct 1942-19 Feb 1944)
Delegated with the Leadership of the 36th Infantry-Division (19 Feb 1944-20 Apr 1944)
Detached to the 10th Division-Leaders-Course (15 Mar 1944-20 Apr 1944)
Commander of the 36th Infantry-Division (20 Apr 1944-01 Jul 1944)
In Soviet captivity (01 Jul 1944-09 Oct 1955)
Released (09 Oct 1955)

Awards & Decorations:
- Ritterkreuz (1269): am 17.10.1942 als Oberstleutnant und Kommandeur I. Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 118 (mot)
- Eichenlaub (279): am 22.08.1943 als Oberst und Kommandeur des Grenadier-Regiments 118 (mot)
- Deutsches Kreuz in Gold: am 24.12.1941 als Major und Kommandeur I. Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 118 (mot)
- 1939 EK I: 02.07.1940
- 1939 EK II: 04.10.1939
- Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung IV. bis III. Klasse: 02.10.1936
- Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13.03.1938
- Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen
- Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Bronze: 23.11.1941
- Verwundetenabzeichen, 1939 in Schwarz: 29.12.1941
- Medaille “Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/1942”: 16.07.1942
- Wehrmachtbericht: 09.02.1944

Source ;
https://www.alexautographs.com/auction-lot/alexander-conrady_4BE4FB6807
https://www.oocities.org/~orion47/WEHRMACHT/HEER/Generalmajor/CONRADY_ALEXANDER.html

Bio of Oberst d.R. Alfred Bollmann (1905-1978)

Alfred "Fred" Bollmann

Date of birth: September 9th, 1905 (Berlin/Brandenburg, German Empire)
Date of death: November 20th, 1978 (Lüneburg/Lowersaxony, West German)

Promotions:
?: Gefreiter der Reserve;
July 13th, 1935: Obergefreiter der Reserve;
June 4th, 1936: Unteroffizier der Reserve;
July 1st, 1936: Feldwebel der Reserve;
August 1st, 1938: Leutnant der Reserve;
October 1st, 1940: Oberleutnant der Reserve;
April 1st, 1943: Hauptmann der Reserve;
January 1st, 1944: Major der Reserve;
?: Oberst der Reserve.

Career:
?: 2. Kompanie, Ergänzungs-Bataillon 18;
?: 1. Kompanie, Schützen-Regiment 3;
?: II. Gruppe, Kampfgeschwader 26;
?: Stab, Führer der Luftwaffe West;
?: Stab Flieger-Division 10;
?: Stab X. Fliegerkorps;
?: 4. Staffel, Kampfgeschwader 26;
?: Stab Luftgruppenkommando VIII;
?: Generalkommando VIII. Fliegerkorps
?: Luftgruppenkommando XII/XIII;
?: IV. Gruppe, Kampfgeschwader 55;
?: Luftflottenkommando 4;
?: I. Gruppe, Kampfgeschwader 100
?: III. Gruppe, Kampfgeschwader 55;
?: Stab, Luftgruppenkommando III (Fuhrgerät);
?: Stab, Luftflotten..;
?: Stab, Luftgau XI.

Medals and Decorations:
Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 (1 September 1939)
Flugzeugbeobachterabzeichen (1940)
Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Bronze (18 April 1940)
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (18 May 1940)
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse (18 May 1940)
Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Silber (23 June 1940)
Narvikschild in Silber
Bulgarian Observers Badge (1 May 1941)
Bulgarian Order of Military Merit 3rd Class, awarded with War Decoration.(1942)
Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (1 September 1942)
Luftwaffe Ehrenpokale für besondere Leistungen im Luftkrieg (10 September 1942)
Krimschild (15 March 1943)
Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Gold (9 July 1943)
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Schwarz (28 August 1943)
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (17 October 1943)
Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Gold mit Anhänger (1 December 1943)
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (29 October 1944), as Major der Reserve and Gruppenkommandeur III.Gruppe / Kampfgeschwader 55 "Greif" (awarded for his achievements over the course of flying 290 bomber sorties).


Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2433536#p2433536
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/88957/Bollmann-Alfred-Fred.htm

Ferdinand Jodl and Staff Officers of 20. Gebirgsarmee

From left to right: Generalstabsarzt Dr.med. Kurt Bingler (Armeearzt 20. Gebirgsarmee), Generalleutnant Ferdinand Jodl (Chef des Generalstabes 20. Gebirgsarmee), Generalmajor Erich Wüerst (Armee-Pionierführer 20. Gebirgsarmee), and Generalveterinär Dr.med.vet. Franz Werner (Armeeveterinär 20. Gebirgsarmee). There is no information about when and where this picture was taken, but possibly in Norway between September 1943 to April 1944.

Source :
https://www.ebay.de/b/General-in-Militaria-Fotos-1900-1918-1945/15504/bn_7004515776

Erwin Rommel and Adolf Kuntzen at Canteleu

 

 

On 30 March 1944, Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe B und Generalinspekteur der Küstenbefestigungen West) held a meeting with Wehrmacht officers in Canteleu, Normandy, to discuss the development of the German defense network being built there. This photo shows the former Commander of the Afrikakorps pointed his finger to the map, while in front of him in attention is Generalleutnant Wilhelm Richter (Kommandeur 716. Infanterie-Division). The bald officer standing in the center is General der Panzertruppe Adolf-Friedrich Kuntzen (Kommandierender General LXXXI. Armekorps). Other high-ranking Wehrmacht officers who were present at the meeting in Canteleu but do not shows in this photo includes: Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt (Oberbefehlshaber West), Generalleutnant Rudolf Hofmann (Chef des Generalstabes 15. Armee), Generalleutnant Dietrich Kraiss (Kommandeur 352. Infanterie -Division), and Generalmajor Rudolf Stegmann (Kommandeur 77. Infanterie-Division).

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2403273#p2403273

Bio of Generalmajor Adelbert Schulz (1903-1944)

Adelbert (Adalbert) Schulz

Date of Birth: 20.12.1903 - Berlin, Brandenburg (German Empire)
Date of Death: 28.01.1944 - Shepetovka, Khmelnitsky Oblast (Soviet Union)

Promotions:
20.12.1925 Polizeianwärter
00.00.1927: Polizeiwachtmeister
20.04.1934 Polizeileutnant
01.10.1935 Oberleutnant
00.00.1940 Hauptmann
01.01.1942 Major
00.01.1943 Oberstleutnant
01.11.1943 Oberst
01.01.1944 Generalmajor

Career:
00.00.192_ Abitur in Bankfach
00.00.1923 - 00.00.1924 Handelshochschule
20.12.1925 Entered the Polizei as Anwärter
12.10.1937 Chef 1.Kompanie / Panzer-Regiment 25
06.06.1940 Kommandeur I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 25
05.03.1943 Kommandeur Panzer-Regiment 25
01.01.1944 - 28.01.1944 Mit der Führung beauftragt 7. Panzer-Division, but first home leave with reception of the Brillanten on 09 January 1944 in the Führerhauptquartier. It was not until 26 January 26 1944 that von Manteuffel left the 7.PzD. 2 days later, on January 28th, 1944, the successor Schulz fell during the recapture of Schepetovka, through two head hits when shells hit near the command tank. It was his 178th tank deployment. He died on the flight to the hospital.

Awards and Decorations:
00.00.193_ Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938
00.00.1939 Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938
00.00.19__ Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung, IV. und III.Klasse
24.05.1940 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
29.05.1940 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber
00.00.194_ Panzerkampfabzeichen in Bronze
00.00.194_ Panzerkampfabzeichen in Silber
29.09.1940 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Hauptmann and Chef 1.Kompanie / I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 25 / 7.Panzer-Division. Hauptmann Schulz led a company, and later a full battalion, of Panzers over a total of 17 armoured attacks during the Western campaign, where he showed himself to be a fine commander of armour. Over the course of the campaign he particularly distinguished himself on 14 May 1940 during the heavy fighting in the Dinant bridgehead, and later on 23 May 1940 where he helped resolve a critical combat situation near Hersin.
31.12.1941 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #47, as Hauptmann and Kommandeur I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 25 / 7.Panzer-Division. Awarded for distinguishing himself near Klin during the winter of 1941/1942. Despite having only a handful of operational tanks, being outnumbered 8-1 and having to contend with -40 Celsius weather, he nevertheless was able to successfully cover the retreat of friendly German forces. These included a full field hospital with over 4000 wounded men.
00.00.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/1942" (Ostmedaille)
06.08.1943 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern #33, as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur Panzer-Regiment 25 / 7.Panzer-Division. On 11 July 1943, during the attack of the 7. Panzer-Division in the southern sector of the battle of Kursk, Schulz was able to conduct a successful armoured breakthrough south of Scheino. Smashing through Soviet fieldworks, and in spite of enemy probes on all sides, he launched an armoured pursuit with his Kampfgruppe and was able to catch a foot-bound Soviet group in the process of withdrawing. Schulz's men were able to capture almost 600 prisoners, 83 cannons and over 100 heavy machine guns and mortars. In addition to this notable success, Schulz and his regiment were also able to destroy a total of 76 enemy tanks over the course of 11 days of battle in the attempted attack towards Kursk. In recognition of these achievements.
14.12.1943 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten #9, as Oberst and Kommandeur Panzer-Regiment 25 / 7.Panzer-Division. Awarded for the distinguished command of his Panzer-Regiment during the fluid battles around Kiev and Zhitomir in October/November 1943
30.01.1944 Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht: "The commander of an armoured division major general Schulz, who received the highest award for bravery from the Führer a few days ago, found at the head of his division a heroic death in this combat. With him the army loses one of his best officers, the armoured force an exemplary commander."

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

Adelbert Schulz (20 December 1903 – 28 January 1944) was born on 20 December 1903 in Berlin. The Berliner worked as a bank clerk before joining the police on December 2, 1925 as a police officer. Albert Schulz's son went to the Brandenburg police academy. From October 1, 1926 to March 31, 1933, he belonged to the Berlin police stand-by. In 1932 he married Hildegard Holz. He then decided on an officer's career and attended the Higher Police School in Eiche near Potsdam from April 1, 1933. On April 20, 1934 he was promoted to lieutenant. On August 1, 1935, he was promoted to Oberleutnant in the police force.

When the associations were exposed during the expansion of the Reichswehr into the Wehrmacht, he was accepted into the army on October 15, 1935 as a lieutenant. He was appointed chief of the 2nd company of the anti-tank battalion 40. As a result, Schulz completed several tactics and weapons courses at infantry schools before switching to the tank force, which was under construction. On October 6, 1936, he was appointed commander of a company from Panzer Regiment 3. On October 12, 1937 he was appointed chief of the 1st company of the 25th Panzer Regiment in Erlangen. As such, he was promoted to captain on March 1, 1938. The intelligent and extremely energetic Adelbert Schulz also stayed with the reorganization of the 2nd light division to the 7th armored division in October 1939 when the captain took over the 1st company of the 25th armored regiment under Pour-le-Mérite-Colonel Rothenburg. Under the command of the later legendary Erwin Rommel, the 7th PD went on the campaign in the West in May 1940. In just a few days, the division's tanks advanced more than 500 kilometers at high speed, broke all resistance, destroyed several French divisions and distinguished themselves at Dinant, Cambrai, Lille, Rouen and Le Havre, among others. When Hauptmann Schulz and his 1st company fought free the tenaciously defended forest of Saumont on June 7, 1940 and fended off a counterattack by French tanks, he was awarded both classes of the Iron Cross together with Colonel Rothenburg at the request of his division commander, as well as the still very rare Knight's Cross. At the age of 36 he was also promoted to major and commander of the 1st Section of the 25th Panzer Regiment. On June 22, 1941, the 1st Division at the head of the "Ghost Division" rolled across the Russian border. Dozens of Soviet infantry and armored brigades were crushed by rapid and powerful attacks, and Wilna, Smolensk, Minsk and Klin were taken. In the Battle of Vyazma, the division fought in the formation of the "Panzergruppe Guderian", whereby more than 600,000(!!) Soviet soldiers could be forced to surrender. In all these skirmishes, the man who later called him "Panzer-Schulz" showed excellent leadership and tactical qualities. His inner peace always ensured his success. Heavy defensive fighting followed in the Lama sector, along the Königsberg line and around Montrowskopje. When Lieutenant Colonel (01.43.43) Schulz at the head of a combat group stopped a much superior opponent in the attack, forced him to retreat and finally rolled up, he was awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross as the eighth armored officer in the army. His counterattack had enabled, among other things, the timely transfer of more than 4,000 wounded from a hospital near the front, which had been threatened by the Russians. During the war year 1942 "Panzer-Schulz" again led its formations at the Königsberg line and at Rshew before the division was refreshed in France. After security tasks on the Atlantic coast, the association took part in occupying the previously free zone in southern France with the II SS Panzer Corps (Hausser). In the winter of 1942/43 the order to move east was again issued. In the first battles on the Donets, Adelbert Schulz once again distinguished himself as a brilliant tank leader. On March 11, 1943, the 7th Panzer Division, part of the 4th Panzer Army (Hoth), launched a counter-offensive in the direction of Kharkov, which had just been evacuated. Schulz, who had taken over the 25th Panzer Regiment just a few days earlier, led his battle groups in one of the most successful battles of the "Ghost Division" - during the destruction of the 3rd Soviet Panzer Army, his crews shot down over 100 enemy tanks and blew up several artillery positions. The mass deployment of 12 battle-experienced tank divisions finally succeeded in recapturing the city, with the Red Army losing over 52 divisions and 1,000 tanks! But one difference to the earlier German victories was striking - in contrast to the hundreds of thousands of prisoners in 1941/42, only almost 9,000 Red Army soldiers surrendered to the German troops in Kharkov. And so it was also said in the battle report of a German general: “...the Russians are no longer surrendering so quickly. The majority of the troops are now fighting extremely tough and motivated.” Tough operations followed for the 25th Panzer Regiment at Isjum, Oboyan and in the Kremenschug area. In July, the 7th Panzer Division joined the III. Panzer Corps (Breith) near Kursk for the most massive tank offensive of the eastern campaign to date. Although the offensive under the alias "Zitadelle" was unsuccessful, Adelbert Schulz was only the 8th army officer to receive the Swords of the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves for his services during the tank battles at Bjelgorod, Dorogobushino, Scheino and Prokhorowka. In the autumn of 1943, the 25th Panzer Regiment was partially equipped with the new, heavy Tiger tanks. Schulz achieved particular success with this type. Again and again his tanks shot up dozens of enemy tanks and anti-tank guns, sealed off attacks and then attacked in turn. Schulz often jumped out of his tank immediately after a successful defense, gathered his department commanders, took a quick look at the situation on the staff map and summarily ordered a counterattack - usually he was very successful. In the fall and winter of 1943, the Wehrmacht was increasingly forced onto the defensive, with the 7th PD deployed as a "fire brigade" in the southern section of the eastern front. In November, after lengthy trench warfare, the division launched a counterattack on Zhitomir, near Kiev. At the head of his tanks, Schulz, who had already been promoted to colonel (01.11.43), fought his way to the outskirts of the city, overcame a defensive belt manned with anti-tank guns and, together with a reinforced grenadier battalion, forced the evacuation of the city. In the heavy battles, his tanks shot down over 200 Russian tanks in just 12 hours! For this success as well as outstanding achievements in the leadership of the regiment, Colonel Schulz was awarded the diamonds of the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords on December 14, 1943 as the 9th soldier and only 2nd Army officer - after his former division commander Erwin Rommel! When he received the order to report to Berlin for the presentation of the high decoration, the colonel simply refused, referring to the unstable situation at the front in the divisional area. Only when the situation was under control did Schulz fly to Germany. On January 26, 1944, Adelbert Schulz was once again highly honored when he took over command of the glorious 7th Panzer Division as the successor to the later diamond bearer Hasso von Manteuffel and, at the age of 41, was preferably promoted to major general. As the commander of this elite unit, the Berliner had big plans, but as is so often the case, things turned out very differently. On January 28, 1944, the "Ghost Division" tanks attacked enemy positions near Shepetovka. These were secured with minefields and anti-tank belts, defended by experienced regiments and supported by masses of artillery. When the attack threatened to get stuck despite initial successes, Major General Schulz had his commanders line up for battlefield briefings. A few moments later, Russian mortar fire suddenly began on the German positions. Standing in the turret hatch of his tank, Schulz was hit in the head by shrapnel. Although he was immediately taken to a nearby field hospital, he died the same day. On January 30, 1944, his death was announced in the Wehrmacht report

The German army later honored the fallen diamond bearer with the "General Schulz" barracks in Munster.

 

Portrait of Generalmajor Adelbert Schulz in January 1944 by Walter Frentz.

 

Generalmajor Adelbert Schulz smiling amongst happy spectators all around him. In his neck is the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten (Knight's Cross of the Iron Crosses with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds), which he received on 9 January 1944 from the hand of the Führer, almost a month after the initial radio announcement (14 December 1943). Schulz became the 9th recipient of the prestigious medal, and it was given for his brilliant leadership as a commander of  Panzer-Regiment 25 / 7.Panzer-Division. On 1 January 1944 he was promoted from Oberst to Generalmajor, and on 26 January 1944 he became the commander of 7. Panzer-Division. Tragically, only two days after he got elected, Schulz was wounded in action in the area of Shepetivka on 28 January 1944, and died the same day.

Source :
Jim Haley photo collection
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Schulz,_Adelbert
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelbert_Schulz
https://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Personenregister/S/SchulzA-R.htm
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/216/Schulz-Adelbert.htm
https://www.weitze.net/militaria/87/Heer_Originalunterschrift_von_Ritterkreuz_u_Brillantentraeger_Oberst_Adalbert_Schulz__413387.html

Bio of General der Infanterie Hans Zorn (1891-1943)

General der Infanterie Hans Wilhelm Karl Zorn
Born: 27.10.1891 in München / Bayern.
Killed in Action: 02.08.1943 near Krasnaja-Roschtscha, south of Orel, Eastern Front (in a Soviet air attack).

Promotions:
07.07.1911 Fähnrich
25.10.1913 Leutnant (ohne Patent)
14.12.1916 Patent vom 29.10.1912 erhalten
17.01.1917 Oberleutnant (ohne Patent)
01.10.1920 Patent vom 18.04.1916 erhalten
01.12.1922 Hauptmann
01.12.1931 Major (Patent vom 01.02.1931)
01.07.1934 Oberstleutnant
01.08.1936 Oberst
01.07.1940 Generalmajor
15.01.1942 Generalleutnant (mit RDA vom 01.03.1942)
01.06.1942 General der Infanterie

Career:
00.00.1905 - 07.07.1911 Member of the bayerische Kadettenkorps.
07.07.1911 - 00.00.1917 Entered service as Fähnrich, assigned to 2. bayerische Infanterie-Regiment Kronprinz. Assigned as Regiments-Adjutant, ca. 1914.
00.00.1918 - 00.00.1918 Assigned as Adjutant 1. bayer. Infanterie-Brigade on the Western Front.
00.00.1919 - 00.00.1919 Briefly employed in the bayerischen Kriegsministerium, München.
03.01.1920 (m.W.v. 01.10.1919) im Stab I./rw-Schützen-Regiment 41
01.10.1920 Assigned to Infanterie-Regiment 19.
01.10.1921 im Reiter-Regiment 17, kommandiert zur Führergehilfen-Ausbildung
01.10.1922 wieder im Infanterie-Regiment 19
01.10.1923 im Reichswehr-Ministerium, kommandiert zur Führergehilfen-Ausbildung
01.10.1925 im Infanterie-Regiment 20
01.10.1926 im Stab der 7. Division.
01.10.1929 Kompanie-Chef 4.(MG.)Kompanie im Infanterie-Regiment 19
01.10.1932 im Reichswehr-Ministerium, assigned as a Generalstabsoffizier to the Eisenbahn-Abteilung (Railways Department)
01.02.1933 im Reichswehrministerium; Leiter der Eisenbahn-Abteilung
01.10.1935 Abteilungschef Heerestransport-Abteilung / GenStdH
01.10.1937 bei der Wehrmacht-Akademie
01.04.1938 im Stab des Infanterie-Regiments 19
01.05.1938 - 01.09.1939 Kommandeur of Infanterie-Regiment 19.
01.09.1939 - 14.11.1940 Chef des Generalstabes of XXII.Armee-Korps.
14.11.1940 - 13.01.1942 Kommandeur of 20.Infanterie-Division (mot.).
15.01.1942 - 15.02.1942 Führer of XXXX.Panzer-Korps.
10.06.1942 - 00.06.1942 Führer of XXXII.Armee-Korps (mot.).
01.10.1942 - 21.11.1942 Kommandierender General of XXXXVI.Panzer-Korps. Succeeded by Hans-Karl Freiherr von Esebeck.
22.06.1943 - 02.08.1943 Kommandierender General of XXXXVI.Panzer-Korps. Succeeded by Hans Gollnick.

Decorations & Awards:
27.07.1941 Ritterkreuz des Eisernes Kreuzes as Generalmajor and Kdr. 20.Infanterie-Division (mot.) / XXXIX.Armee-Korps / 4.Panzer-Armee / Heeresgruppe Mitte, Eastern Front
03.09.1943 Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (291., posthumously) as General der Infanterie and Kom. Gen. XXXXVI.Panzer-Korps / 9.Armee / Heeresgruppe Mitte, Eastern Front
14.06.1942 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
00.00.191_ Ritterkreuz des Kgl. Preussische Hausordens von Hohenzollern mit Schwertern
26.05.1940 1939 Spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse
14.05.1940 1939 Spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse
29.06.1916 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse
23.10.1914 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse
00.00.191_ Kgl. Bayer. Prinz-Regent-Luitpold Jubiläums-Medaille
00.00.191_ Kgl. Bayer. Militär-Verdienstorden IV. Klasse mit Schwertern und mit der Krone
ca. 1918 Verwundetenabzeichen, 1918 in Schwarz
ca. 1943 Demjanskschild (?)
00.00.19__ Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 01.10.1938
00.00.19__ Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13.03.1938
ca. 1934 Ehrenkreuz fur Frontkämpfer
00.00.193_ Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung IV. bis I. Klasse

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/31051/
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=157063
http://www.geocities.ws/orion47.geo/WEHRMACHT/HEER/General2/ZORN_HANS.html

Hans Jordan and Georg-Hans Reinhardt

 

Archives ECPAD (PK697 F971 L29)
General der Infanterie Hans Jordan (Kommandierender General VI. Armeekorps) in the meeting of the leaders of 3. Panzerarmee. The bald officer in the background is Generaloberst Georg-Hans Reinhardt (Oberbefehlshaber 3. Panzerarmee). There is no information about when and where this picture was taken, but possibly in the Eastern Front in the period from December 1943 to April 1944.

Source :
Archives ECPAD (PK697 F971 L29)

Bio of Hauptmann d.R. Hans-Christian Hansen

Hans-Christian Hansen (18 September 1906 - 13 February 1984) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 11 February 1945 as Hauptmann der Reserve and Führer II.Bataillon / Fallschirm-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 "Hermann Göring" / Fallschirm-Panzergrenadier-Division 2 "Hermann Göring".

Source :
https://www.alexautographs.com/auction-lot/luftwaffe-knights-cross-recipients-6_B95430DA43
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/66160/Hansen-Hans-Christian.htm

Generalmajor Richard-Heinrich von Reuss

Richard-Heinrich von Reuss (23 November 1896 - 22 December 1942) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 24 January 1943 as Generalmajor and Kommandeur 62. Infanterie-Division. He was killed near Nischni Astachow/Rajon Kaschary/Oblast Rostow (russ. Нижний Астахов), a village which lies approximately at 49°09'26.4"N 41°22'44.6"E, during the Battle of Stalingrad. In the afternoon of December 22nd, 1942, a Soviet tank attack was breaking through the German defences at Ponomarev. Richard-Heinrich von Reuss rushed by kubelwagen towards the front. In doing this, between Zwetschnikov and Prokovskij, he was mortally injured by a bullet.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=191854&hilit=richard+heinrich+von+Reuss