Ritterkreuzträger with Nahkampfspange (Close Combat Clasp)

The Nahkampfspange, known in English as the Close Combat Clasp, was a highly esteemed German military award instituted on 25 November 1942 by Adolf Hitler to recognize soldiers of the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS who had taken part in fierce hand-to-hand fighting at close quarters, with primary eligibility for infantry but also extending to other Heer units, Waffen-SS formations, Luftwaffe ground forces, and Fallschirmjäger paratroopers. It was awarded in three grades - the bronze I. Stufe after fifteen days of close combat, the silver II. Stufe after thirty days, and the gold III. Stufe after fifty days - with close combat days counted from 1 December 1942 onward and retroactive credit granted for earlier Eastern Front service such as eight months equaling five days, twelve months ten days, and eighteen months fifteen days, plus discretionary reductions to ten, twenty, and forty days respectively for soldiers who had been severely wounded in such fighting and could no longer complete the full requirement. Designed by Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus of Berlin, the clasp was a long, slightly curved die-cast piece measuring about 9.7 cm in length and 2.6 cm in height, featuring a central national emblem of an eagle with swastika surmounting crossed bayonet and hand grenade, flanked by sprays of oak leaves with sunburst rays, manufactured initially in tombac and later in zinc with appropriate bronze, silver, or gold plating, and worn on the upper left breast above the ribbon bar with only the highest grade displayed. Approximately 36,400 bronze, 9,500 silver, and 631 gold clasps were issued overall, the rare gold version frequently presented personally by Hitler or high-ranking officials in a special black presentation case and often regarded by German infantry as more prestigious than the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes; from 4 August 1944 only verified front-line combat counted toward the award, while partisan fighting was redirected to the Bandenkampfabzeichen. A denazified version without the eagle and swastika was re-authorized in 1957 for post-war veteran wear.

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HEER

Major Joseph Rhein (1917-2005), born on 8 May 1917 in Duisburg in the Rhine Province and who died on 15 February 2005 in Linz, Rhineland-Palatinate, was a German Heer officer who served throughout the Second World War on the Eastern Front, where he rose through the ranks to Hauptmann and eventually Major while commanding troops in Grenadier-Regiment 530 of the 299. Infanterie-Division. As Kommandeur I. / Grenadier-Regiment 530 he demonstrated outstanding leadership and personal bravery during intense defensive and counterattack operations against superior Soviet forces in early 1944, actions that directly resulted in his award of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 23 February 1944. Earlier recognition for his service in the same unit included the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold awarded on 21 April 1943 as Hauptmann in Grenadier-Regiment 530 and the Ehrenblattspange des Heeres und Waffen-SS conferred on 17 February 1944, alongside the Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse, Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse, Nahkampfspange in Bronze, Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber, and Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Silber. Following the war Rhein continued a military career in the Bundeswehr, attaining the rank of Major and serving actively from 3 December 1956 until his retirement on 30 September 1975.



Hauptmann Friedrich Adrario (1918-2011) was an Austrian officer who served as a Captain in the Wehrmacht during the Second World War and later attained the rank of Generalmajor in the postwar Bundesheer. After early service in reconnaissance and anti-tank units on the Eastern Front, where he earned the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold as Leutnant in the 4. Kompanie of Radfahr-Bataillon 402 and other awards including the Nahkampfspange in Bronze, he was promoted to Hauptmann in July 1944 and appointed commander of the Panzerjäger-Abteilung 200 of the 21. Panzer-Division then engaged in the desperate defensive fighting around Caen in Normandy. Equipped with Jagdpanzer III and IV as well as powerful 8,8-cm Geschütze, his unit repeatedly countered heavily supported British and American armored assaults and, in the course of July and August 1944, destroyed at least 116 enemy tanks together with several Pak guns and other vehicles; these outstanding anti-tank successes, for which the formation became known as the Abteilung Adrario, earned its commander the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 26 December 1944, with Adrario being named in the Wehrmachtbericht, while he also reached the threshold for the Nahkampfspange in Silber. Shortly afterward he was transferred to command the Panzerjäger elements of the 272. Volksgrenadier-Division, continuing in combat until he was wounded and captured by American forces near the end of the war.



Hauptmann der Reserve Friedrich Anding, born on 26 June 1915 in Göttingen and deceased on 7 February 1996 in Radevormwald, was a German officer who served with distinction in the Wehrmacht during the Second World War, particularly as an anti-tank specialist renowned for his close-combat destruction of enemy armored vehicles using Panzerfausts. Initially enlisting in the 14. (Panzerabwehr) Kompanie of Infanterie-Regiment 82, he transferred with the unit into the formation that became the elite Panzergrenadier-Division "Großdeutschland", progressing through the ranks from Gefreiter in 1938 to Leutnant der Reserve by 1943 while serving in various anti-tank roles across the Western, Balkan, and Eastern campaigns. As Adjutant der Panzerjäger-Abteilung "Großdeutschland" / Panzergrenadier-Division "Großdeutschland", Anding earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 8 May 1945 for his extraordinary actions during the night of 14/15 April 1945 in the tank battle around Nettelkamp and Stadensen near Uelzen; after his unit withdrew toward Stadensen and encountered fierce resistance from the Glasgow Highlanders of the 227th Scottish Brigade supported by Churchill tanks, artillery, and anti-tank guns, Anding, along with Major Walle and Obergefreiter Stützle, dismounted from their vehicle loaded with Panzerfausts and engaged the enemy in bitter close-quarters night fighting, personally destroying six enemy tanks and five armoured cars (noted in records as likely including numerous Bren carriers mistaken for or conflated with full tanks) through individual handheld assaults that helped disrupt the British defense and inflicted significant losses despite the overwhelming odds. A triple recipient of the Panzervernichtungsabzeichen in Gold and holder of numerous other decorations including the Nahkampfspange in Silber, Eisernes Kreuz I. and II. Klasse, and Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen, Anding survived the war heavily wounded, later serving in the Bundeswehr as a Hauptmann der Reserve before his death.

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WAFFEN-SS


SS-Sturmbannführer Adolf Pittschellis (1914-1945) was a German officer in the Waffen-SS who served throughout World War II primarily with the 3. SS-Panzer-Division "Totenkopf", beginning his career in the Allgemeine SS and NSDAP in November 1932, attending the Junker Schule Braunschweig in 1936, and progressing through artillery roles such as Chef of the 1. Batterie of the SS-Artillerie-Regiment 3 and Kommandeur of the IV. (schwere) Abteilung before taking command of the SS-Sturmgeschützabteilung and then the SS-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 3 in 1944; he was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 23 August 1944 as Kommandeur of the SS-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 3 for his leadership on 19 July 1944 near Kielbaski on the Niemen front, where he assembled a Kampfgruppe of seven Sturmgeschützen and two Infanterie-Kompanien and was ordered to block the enemy supply bridges over the Niemen that sustained Soviet forces on the western bank while pushing those forces northwest; despite heavy pressure and determined enemy resistance he fought his way north from Kielbaski, detached one Infanterie-Kompanie to seal the vital bridge, and then continued the advance on his own initiative through darkness and difficult terrain toward Sopockinie, where his personal example and fearless attacking spirit inspired the exhausted troops to crush a strong enemy Pakfront, throw the defenders from the commanding heights on the eastern village edge southeast of Spockinie, and secure the settlement by 00:30 hours, thereby cutting off the rearward connections of three Guards cavalry divisions and two rifle divisions, preventing further Soviet reinforcements toward Augustow, and capturing large quantities of weapons and war materiel, actions for which his heroic devotion to duty and decisive success earned him the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes; he was killed in action on 26 January 1945 near Vereb, Hungary, while commanding the SS-Panzer-Regiment 3 during Operation Konrad 3, the third German relief attempt for the encircled Budapest.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Close_Combat_Clasp

Ritterkreuz Award Ceremony for Bruno Büchau

Ritterkreuz award ceremony for Hauptmann der Reserve Bruno Büchau. The medal was awarded by General der Infanterie Wilhelm Wegener (Kommandierender General L. Armeekorps). Büchau received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 19 August 1944 as Führer II.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment 159 / 69.Infanterie-Division.

Source :
Denis Daum photo collection
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28760/B%C3%BCchau-Bruno.htm

Hans Dorr in Color

SS-Sturmbannführer Hans Dorr (Kommandeur I.Bataillon / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Germania" / 5.SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking") photographed by Walter Frentz at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, after the Eichenlaub award ceremony with Hitler in November 1943. Dorr’s Eichenlaub recommendation reads as follows: "Hans Dorr was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes for his crossing of the Kuban river and creation of a bridgehead at Grigeripoliskaja on 2 August 1942. On 8 August 1942 SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr received the order to launch an advance with his Kampfgruppe (1 Schützen-Kompanie, 1 heavy Kompanie, 1 armoured car Kompanie, 1 Batterie of LFH howitzers) from Tengenskaja via Belescherskaja to Maikop. There he was to link up with the Vorausabteilung of the 16. Infanterie-Division (mot), commence an advance to Tuapse alongside this unit and block the coastal road Noworossisk-Tuapse. Moving out on 9 August 1942, SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr thrust through the enemy forces that were fleeing southward from the northern front of the Kuban river over the course of 2 violent days. The much larger enemy threatened to crush the Kampfgruppe on several occasions, however every time SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr succeeded in mastering the most confusing of situations with confidence and bravery. By the evening of 10 August 1942 SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr had fulfilled the first part of his mission, having made contact with the Vorausabteilung of the 16. Infanterie-Division (mot). On 15 August 1942 SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr once again moved out. The Kampfgruppe was subordinated to the 97. Jäger-Division as a Vorausabteilung. It’s new mission was to advance via Apscheronskaja to Muk through the 40 km wide forest belt in order to make contact with the southernmost attacking spearhead of the SS-Pz.Gren.Div. Wiking. Kampfgruppe Dorr fought through the forest zone between Maikop and Apscheronskaja in a bitter 4-day battle, eliminated much superior enemy forces and opened the path for the 97. Jäger-Division to Muk. Toughly defended and mined tree barricades over a distance of 15 km could not stop the irresistible forward drive of the Kampfgruppe. SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr constantly inspired his men to their greatest achievements through his own personal example. He appeared at the hotspots of the fighting whenever the attack ground down under the energetic enemy defensive fire, entering the close combat with machine-pistol and hand grenades and bringing the Kampfgruppe’s attack back into motion. His tireless, selfless devotion to duty played a major role in securing a decisive success, namely the clearing out and occupation of the oil area Maikop-Chadzhenskaja. On 17 March 1943 the enemy launched a surprise crossing over the Donez river between Ssemenowka and Bol Garaschewka with strong infantry forces. They penetrated into the positions of the 259. Infanterie-Division and tried to force a breakthrough towards Barwenkowo with swiftly brought up tank forces. When the Regiment commenced its attack against the broken-in enemy on 18 July 1943, Dorr’s Bataillon received orders to attack northwards from Barabaschewka against Ssredny and eliminate the enemy located there. They would then turn westwards and seize the decisive Soviet crossing point, the bridge at Bol Garaschewka. Moving out in the early morning, the Bataillon succeeded in seizing Ssredny from the enemy through a bold and energetically conducted thrust. The Bataillon cleared the village following bitter urban combat and destroyed major hostile elements. After securing the village the Bataillon pivoted towards the west as ordered, but it soon ran into a Soviet tank-led counterattack from the direction of Bol Garaschewka. At the same time the Bataillon received murderous defensive fire from the northern bank of the Donez river, which prevented the Bataillon from carrying out its plan as intended. A forward advance appeared to be out of the question. It would once again be SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr who would master the dangerous situation through his fearlessness and tactical skill. He gathered up a few MG squads, overcame the enemy’s blocking fire as the first in the line and then stormed Hill 64.8 (located 2 km northwest of Ssredny) with his troops while fighting with his own machine-pistol and hand grenades. The capture of this hill was of decisive importance for the continuation of this attack. SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr was wounded during the last phase of the attack against Hill 64.8, however he stayed in the foremost line and gave his orders and instructions for the continued attack against the bridge position. He only gave himself up for medical attention at the orders of the regimental commander. SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr and his Bataillon had a major share in the constriction of the bridgehead on this day, as well as in the destruction of significant enemy forces. On 19 September 1943 the Regiment took up a security position on both sides of the Chorol—Krementschug road, however its sheer width (12 km) meant that it could only be occupied in a strongpoint-like fashion. Bataillon Dorr, deployed on the left, deployed one Kompanie each to occupy strongpoints at Kutarshicha, Bairak and the Mogilen hill (1 km north of Worschio-Jenki). On the night of 20-21 September 1943 the enemy, utilizing the extremely good terrain conditions, succeeded in entering the rear of strongpoint Bairak (occupied by 2. Kompanie with a combat strength of only 25 men) with 200 men of their own, and they then began to roll up the strongpoint from the rear. 2. Kompanie was forced to abandon Bairak and pull back towards the south. Then SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr arrived on the battlefield. He gathered up the remainder of the heavily depleted Kompanie, brought a heavy infantry gun into position and began a counterthrust. Once more fighting at the spearhead with machine-pistol and grenades, he succeeded in seizing the southern part of Bairak from the Soviets. However despite strong friendly artillery support the enemy’s resistance stiffened, and our own counterthrust came to a halt. An immediately launched Soviet counterthrust threatened to encircle the small group. However, thanks to the shining example of their commander, the Kompanie was inspired to fight with determination to the last man. SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr and his remaining men succeeded in holding the southern part of Bairak long enough for a friendly self-propelled gun Kompanie to arrive from the Regiment. SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr then resolved to immediately renew his own assault. He swiftly issued orders, mounted up onto the first self-propelled gun and commenced the renewed attack. The Soviets were bewildered by the energetically executed thrust, and began to pull back while also defending each house bitterly. The commander’s vehicle received a direct hit, with the entire crew being either killed or badly wounded. Only the commander himself got away with minor injuries. Undeterred, SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr stormed forwards on foot and continued to prosecute the assault until Bairak was once again in friendly hands. The Soviets repeatedly tried again to seize Bairak, however they were bloodily repulsed every time. The enemy was once again badly battered by the fighting. Dorr’s Bataillon thus had a major share in the successes of the Division in the Chorol sector. Over the course of several days of furious struggle the enemy’s breakthrough attempts towards Krementschug had been prevented. The enemy succeeded in occupying the 2 km long Dnieper island located 4 km southeast of Pekari (south of Kannew). By orders of the III. Panzer-Korps, Dorr’s Bataillon was attached to the 57. Infanterie-Division in order to help liquidate the enemy’s presence on the Dnieper island. After hastily assembling for the fight the Bataillon launched its attack early on 27 September 1943. They overcame a sandbank, the only connection to the island, and succeeded in securing the island’s southern tip in a swift strike. However the difficult terrain, comprised of stunted trees and thick undergrowth, favoured the the defense and our own attack became heavily compromised. A man to man battle ensued, one that was fanatically prosecuted by both sides. The enemy attempted to break up the attack via bitterly conducted counterthrusts. However SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr held the Bataillon together with an iron hand, and mastered the difficult situations with his by-now legendary calm. When the Soviets finally managed to overrun 3. Kompanie in a counterthrust, SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr at once rushed to the site with 2 squads from 2. Kompanie and plunged into the broken-in enemy. The foe was crushed after an hour of gruelling combat. The front of 3. Kompanie was closed and our own attack could once again proceed. An enemy group of about 100 men that suddenly appeared in the rear of the Bataillon was destroyed/dispersed by SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr and the swiftly assembled messengers of the Bataillon staff. Dorr’s Bataillon ultimately managed to eliminate the enemy forces (about 300 men strong) over the course of a 10-hour battle. By nightfall the island was firmly in friendly hands. The Soviets had sustained heavy losses in men, equipment and weapons. On 30 September 1943 Dorr’s Bataillon was attached to the 3. Panzer-Division in order to eliminate the bridgehead east of Studinez (10 km north of Kannew). The Bataillon’s mission was to eliminate the enemy forces in the bridgehead and take control of the west bank of the Dnieper. Following a strong friendly artillery preparation the 3. Panzer-Division moved out at 06:40 on 2 October 1943. After a short yet fierce engagement Dorr’s Bataillon reached its first attack objective, the ravine east of Point 175.9. However the friendly forces on the left and right received strong fire from anti-tank guns and mortars. They were forced to go to ground, and eventually went back to their jump-off positions. Clearly recognizing the situation, the enemy launched a counterattack to interfere with these retreat movements. Dorr’s forward Kompanien took up all-round defensive positions in the ravine, however they were encircled by the enemy’s counterattack. The Bataillon’s situation was critical. The neighbouring groups once again went over to the attack, but made no better progress. An exhausted Kampfgruppe was similarly unable to reach the encircled elements of Dorr’s Bataillon. SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr thus launched his own attack towards the encircled elements of his Bataillon at 18:30 with 4 Sturmgeschützen. After bitter close combat the enemy’s encirclement ring was broken, and this permitted the encircled units to retreat to the lines of the neighbouring groups. The wounded were secured and taken to a safe place. The relief of these encircled elements is solely attributable to the abilities of the Bataillon commander, one highly respected by his men. The courage and dutifulness of SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr was enough to merit recognition by the commander of the 3. Panzer-Division, Generalleutnant Westhoven, as is clear from a personal letter he wrote to the commander of the SS-Pz.Gren.Div. Wiking, SS-Brigadeführer Gille: ‘The irrepressible SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr has achieved commendable merit through his prudent and yet brave attitude, and through these attributes he has brought valuable documents into the hands of the higher commands.’ SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr has thus had an outstanding share in the successes of his Bataillon and by extension the Regiment as a whole through his personal courage, decisiveness and calm, even in the most critical of moments."

Source :
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2011/07/album-foto-berwarna-perwira-dan_18.html
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/13247/Dorr-Hans-Waffen-SS.htm

Karl Frewer Misidentified as Theodor Tolsdorff

In many sites and publications (for example, HERE), this man is said as Theodor Tolsdorff (3 November 1909 - 25 May 1978), a recipient of Brillanten zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes with the last rank of Generalleutnant. In reality, he is actually Ritterkreuzträger Karl Frewer (21 July 1908 - 6 March 1945) who received the Ritterkreuz on 12 November 1943 as Major and Kommandeur I.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment 167 / 86.Infanterie-Division. The most obvious difference is that Frewer was alo a recipient of Nahkampfspange (visible in this picture), while Tolsdorff was never awarded the same medal.

Source :
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2011/09/kumpulan-identifikasi-salah-yang.html

Bio of Oberstleutnant Walter Kopp (1913-1974)

Walter Kopp

Date of Birth: 21.03.1913 - Alsenz, Bayern (German Empire)
Date of Death: 29.10.1974 - Gauting, Bayern (West Germany)

Promotions:
00.00.1933 Fähnrich
01.07.1938 Oberleutnant
01.07.1943 Major (9)
10.03.1945 Oberstleutnant (mit RDA vom 01.02.1945)

Career:
00.00.1940 Chef 3.Kompanie / Pionier-Bataillon 5
00.00.194_ Pionier-Bataillon 369 (Croatien)
27.05.1944 Führer Jäger-Regiment 75
20.08.1944 Führer Jäger-Regiment 56
11.11.1944 Führer Grenadier-Regiment 1077
24.02.1945 Führerreserve OKH
21.03.1945 Panzer-Pionier-Ersatz-Bataillon 5
00.00.195_ Joined the postwar Bundeswehr
31.03.1971 Retired as an Oberst der Bundeswehr

Awards and Decorations:
00.00.1935 Ehrensäbel
15.07.1937 Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht IV.Klasse (4 Jahre)
01.12.1939 Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938
27.05.1940 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
14.06.1940 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
24.10.1940 Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen
01.08.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)
15.01.1943 Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (for the wound received on 14.01.1943)
25.03.1943 Željezni trolist (Croatian Military Order of the Iron Trefoil), 3rd Class
11.05.1944 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
07.09.1944 Panzervernichtungsabzeichen in Silber
15.09.1944 Nahkampfspange in Bronze
03.10.1944 Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber (for the wound received on 22.08.1944)
07.10.1944 Ehrenblattspange des Heeres und Waffen-SS (According to the Karteikarte, awarded on 29.09.1944)
18.11.1944 Verwundetenabzeichen in Gold (for the wound received on 21.10.1944)
09.02.1945 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Major and Führer Grenadier-Regiment 1077 / 542.Volksgrenadier-Division
13.02.1945 Nahkampfspange in Silber

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After attending high school and graduating with a high school diploma, Walter Kopp began studying engineering at the University of Munich in 1932. In the same year, however, he decided to pursue a military career and joined the engineer corps or the pioneers of the Reichswehr.

During the Russian campaign, he distinguished himself as a company commander of the pioneers. Later, as a major and commander of the 5th Pioneer Battalion (5th Infantry Division), Kopp distinguished himself particularly during the heavy defensive and retreat battles in the summer of 1944. He was awarded the German Cross in Gold on May 11, 1944, was named in the German Army's Honor Sheet and was awarded the Honor Sheet Clasp on October 17, 1944. Kopp then led the Volksgrenadier Regiment 1077 (542nd Volksgrenadier Division) and was awarded the Knight's Cross on February 9, 1945.

At the end of the war, Kopp was taken prisoner by the US and  released in June 1945.

After his release, he returned home and took over the management of the family business. He did this very successfully and became wealthy.

At the end of 1948, the headquarters of the CIA's "Office of Special Operations" (OSO) in the Federal Republic of Germany began the first stay-behind programs. The KIBITZ and VULTURE projects were run from the OSO headquarters in Karlsruhe to provide agents and the radio equipment they needed for this purpose. One of the agents recruited for KIBITZ was Walter Kopp (code name "KIBITZ 15"). In 1950, Kopp wrote to High Commissioner John Jay McCloy because, as a patriot and anti-communist, he no longer wanted to tolerate the communist activities in the Palatinate (KPD and the armed left wing of the SPD), nor the influence of the Soviet Union on post-war politics. The group around Kopp feared a Russian invasion and wanted to make themselves available to the US in the event of a national defense, including as partisans.

He brought his own network of agents into the program, which comprised around 60 people. Kopp, who initially received 1,000 DM in monthly expenses plus travel expenses and additional food expenses, saw himself as an independent freelance employee and partner, not as an "agent of a foreign occupying power" who stubbornly defended his men against the US attacks. This network consisted essentially of former Wehrmacht officers; the CIA leadership in Washington, which only wanted vassals and not "patriotic employees", finally dissolved the network in the spring of 1953 against the resistance of the German CIA section.

The CIA documents on Kopp were released in 2005 and show that as late as April 1953 the German CIA section was still trying to pass on Chief Agent (main agent) Kopp as an informant to another secret service or another CIA section. His commanding officer described him as "powerful, dynamic and energetic", he was a "typical German", Kopp was "nationalistic, educated, a tireless worker, a strong leader, albeit with a tendency towards daring and recklessness" ("Rashness"), which was, however, "balanced out by the prudence of his adjutant". The Americans, who neither know nor understand the German concept of honor "loyalty for loyalty", were annoyed that Kopp described his men as "good, honorable Germans" and was not prepared to distrust them or question them. Kopp and the CIA finally parted ways "extremely amicably" in May 1953.

In mid- or late 1953, Kopp was transferred to the "Blank" office, then joined the newly founded Bundeswehr. He retired as a colonel on March 31, 1971.

In the 1960s, Kopp was, among other things, the liaison officer of the military district command in Munich to the political parties. As such, in 1968 he confirmed the statement of NPD leader Adolf von Thadden

"I estimate the number of members of our party in the Bundeswehr to be around 1,500. Half are non-commissioned officers, around 250 are officers."

Walter Kopp did not think von Thadden's estimate was exaggerated to Spiegel:

"There is increasing interest in the NPD's slogans in the young officer corps."

Walter Kopp as a young Leutnant and adjutant of the Wehrmacht before the war. He is wearing a shoulder cords (Adjutantenschnur).

Oberleutnant Walter Kopp (center) with the members of Pionier-Bataillon 369 / 369.Infanterie-Division (Kroatien).

Hauptmann Walter Kopp (right) with the members of Pionier-Bataillon 369 / 369.Infanterie-Division (Kroatien).

Hauptmann Walter Kopp (left) with the members of Pionier-Bataillon 369 / 369.Infanterie-Division (Kroatien).



Beginnings of the German Bundeswehr in 1956: The first military officers are being introduced to the public by Oberstleutnant Walter Kopp (right), on a press conference which were held in Münich (Bavaria, Germany) on 26 January 1956. Kopp is a former Wehrmacht officer and also a Ritterkreuzträger.



Major Hans Endres and Oberst Walter Kopp of the Bundeswehr wearing their 1957 version medal bars. Endres received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 14 August 1943 as Hauptmann and Führer I.Bataillon / Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 74 / 2.Panzer-Division, while Kopp received the same medal on 9 February 1945 as Major and Führer Grenadier-Regiment 1077 / 542.Volksgrenadier-Division.

Walter Kopp awards and decorations (1957 version). This, along with other items from his grouping, were auctioned by Andreas Thies. Pictures from this grouping can be seen HERE.

 

Source :
Agustin Vazquez photo collection
https://www.alamy.com/the-first-military-officers-are-being-introduced-to-the-public-by-lieutenant-colonel-walter-kopp-ron-a-press-conference-in-munich-bavaria-germany-on-26-january-1956-usage-worldwide-image243758289.html?imageid=17F49B68-3757-46ED-BAE7-FF09749A05D7&p=173981&pn=1&searchId=6eb46a111f6eb74f6c4ca0344b541ce8&searchtype=0
https://www.andreas-thies.de/katalog/A81.html
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Kopp,_Walter_(1913)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Kopp
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=168068&hilit=walter+kopp
https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/the-first-military-officers-are-being-introduced-to-the-news-photo/1137802917
https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/agnse/wiki-Kopp.html
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/10266/Kopp-Walter-WH-GrenRgt-1077.htm
https://web.archive.org/web/20110105151154fw_/http://ritterkreuztraeger-1939-45.de/Infanterie/K/Kopp-Walter.htm
https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/forum/wehrmacht-era-militaria/-1957-medals-orders-and-decorations/646561-vets-wearing-their-57ers?p=7353270#post7353270

Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary in Color

 
Oberstleutnant Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary (Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 108 / 14.Panzer-Division) photographed by Walter Frentz at the Berghof Obersalzberg after the Eichenlaub award ceremony with Hitler on 25 May 1944. The medal was formally awarded on 6 April 1944 for the leadership of his Kampfgruppe during the Cherkassy encirclement, where he and his men were separated from their parent division but managed to break out with other German forces encircled in the pocket.



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.walter-frentz-collection.de/fotoarchiv/personenarchiv-a-z/personen-c-f/
https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/german-photographs-postcards/show-your-signed-photos-284539-53/

Ritterkreuz Award Ceremony for Max Wandrey

Ritterkreuz award ceremony for Oberleutnant der Reserve Max Wandrey (Chef 11.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Jäger-Regiment 1 "Brandenburg" / Division "Brandenburg") which was held in Lamia, Greece, January 1944. Flanking Wandrey (center) were Major Wilhelm Walther (Kommandeur Jäger-Regiment 1 "Brandenburg" / Division "Brandenburg") who wore the same tropical colored stahlhelm as Wandrey, and General der Flieger Hellmuth Felmy (Kommandierender General LXVIII. Armeekorps) wearing a tropical Luftwaffe uniform complete with his "Hermann Meyer" cap. Wandrey was awarded the Ritterkreuz on 9 January 1944 for his performance in the attack on the island of Leros during Operation Leopard. Later he would also receive the Eichenlaub #787 posthumously on 16 March 1945 as Major der Reserve and Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Jäger-Regiment 1 "Brandenburg".

Max Wandrey (8 April 1910 - 21 February 1945) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 9 January 1944 as Oberleutnant der Reserve and Chef 11.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Jäger-Regiment 1 "Brandenburg". The medal was awarded for his contribution to the German conquest of Leros Island in November 1943. Landing on the island on the 16th of that month, Wandrey's Kompanie commander was quickly wounded and so Wandrey stepped in to fill this role. At around 15:00 that day Wandrey stormed the dominant Hill 204 with about 50 men, and located the British HQ there. With 20 soldiers, Wandrey stormed the command post and took the British commanding officer (Brigadier Robert Tilney) as a prisoner. Jäger-Regiment 1 "Brandenburg" itself was a part of Division "Brandenburg", but subordinated temporarily to Kampfgruppe "Müller" (22. Infanterie-Division) for the invasion of Leros.

Wandrey received the Eichenlaub #787 on 16 March 1945 as Major der Reserve and Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Jäger-Regiment 1 "Brandenburg" / Panzergrenadier-Division “Brandenburg”. The medal was awarded posthumously for the major role he played in the breakout of Gruppe von Saucken in early 1945. Around mid-February, as commander of an inexperienced Bataillon of the Panzergrenadier-Division "Brandenburg", Wandrey led a stubborn defense east of Sprottisch-Waldau. The leadership of Saucken's moving pocket thus oriented their breakout efforts towards this point, pushing north from the Primkenauer forest and linking up with Wandrey's forces on the 11-12 February 1945. Only nine days later Wandrey was succumbed to his wound near Kruschwitz, Rothenburg/Oberlausitz.

Ritterkreuz award ceremony for Oberleutnant der Reserve Max Wandrey (Chef 11.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Jäger-Regiment 1 "Brandenburg" / Division "Brandenburg") which was held in Lamia, Greece, January 1944. General der Flieger Hellmuth Felmy (back to the camera, Kommandierender General LXVIII. Armeekorps) lead the ceremony, while Major Wilhelm Walther (Kommandeur Jäger-Regiment 1 "Brandenburg" / Division "Brandenburg") put the medal behind Wandrey.



Ritterkreuz award ceremony for Oberleutnant der Reserve Max Wandrey (Chef 11.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Jäger-Regiment 1 "Brandenburg" / Division "Brandenburg") which was held in Lamia, Greece, January 1944. General der Flieger Hellmuth Felmy (back to the camera, Kommandierender General LXVIII. Armeekorps) shakes hands with Wandrey after awarded the medal. After the war, Felmy would be accused of war crimes and tried at Nuremberg. He was sentenced to fifteen years' imprisonment, but freed in 1951. He died in Darmstadt, Germany, on 14 December 1965.

Oberleutnant der Reserve Max Wandrey (Chef 11.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Jäger-Regiment 1 "Brandenburg" / Division "Brandenburg") smiles for the camera after being awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes in a ceremony which were held in Lamia, Greece, January 1944. In February 1945 Wandrey, by this time a Major, was fatally wounded. He was posthumously awarded the Eichenlaub to his Ritterkreuz.

Source :
"Brandenburger: Wartime Photographs of Wilhelm Walther" by Anthony Rogers
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2014/03/album-foto-brandenburgers-sonderverband.html
https://www.andreas-thies.de/auctions/67-750747
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/20271/Wandrey-Max-Brandenburg.htm

Bio of Feldwebel Willibald Unfried (1919-1994)

Willibald "Willi" Unfried

Date of Birth: 26.06.1919 - Großenried-Feuchtwangen, Bayern (Germany)
Date of Death: 21.07.1994 - Neuendettelsau, Bayern (Germany)

Battles and Operations: Invasion of Yugoslavia (1941), Operation Barbarossa (1941), Crimean Campaign (1941–1942), and Battle of the Kerch Peninsula (1942)

Promotions:
00.00.194_ Feldwebel

Career:
14.08.1940 1.MG-Schütze in 9.Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 213 / 73.Infanterie-Division

Awards and Decorations:
00.09.1941 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.00.194_ Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.194_ Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
04.03.1942 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Gefreiter and 1.MG-Schütze in 9.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 213 / 73.Infanterie-Division. On 15.01.1942 the Infanterie-Regiment 213 launched a counterattack on the town of Bairasch, which was captured after fierce combat. But on the following day the Soviets launched an assault of their own with two regiments at Adzhigol. During this attack it was the actions of Gefreiter Unfried that enabled the enemy forces to be crushed with heavy losses. By his bravery and determination he played a major role in mastering a critical situation and preventing a breakthrough of the German front. For this act, as well as his earlier successes on the Eastern front, he was awarded the Ritterkreuz.
00.00.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber
00.00.194_ Nahkampfspange in Bronze
00.00.194_ Krimschild

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Willibald Unfried was born on June 16, 1919 in Großenwied/Feuchtwangen.

On August 14, 1940 he joined the 9th company of the 213th Infantry Regiment, the 73rd Infantry Division and took part in the Balkan and Eastern campaigns. Within his company he was deployed as MG Rifleman 1.

In mid-August 1941 he particularly distinguished himself in a battle near Postolany and was one of the first to conquer the town of Novaya Majachka on September 10, 1941, for which he received the EK II.
In the battles around the Isthmus of Perekop and on the Tatar Wall, he repeatedly distinguished himself by his great bravery and enabled his comrades to advance towards the enemy positions, largely under the protection of their own machine-gun fire.

During the fighting for Kerch, he prevented a Russian counterattack and thus prevented the company from suffering heavy losses. For this he received the Iron Cross 1st Class. The enemy's counterattack near Tambovka on December 31, 1941 could only be prevented by Unfried, as was an attack on Adzhigol on January 16, 1942.

For his bravery and courage, the 22-year-old received the Ritterkreuz on March 4, 1942.

The regimental commander at the time, Oberst Otto Hitzfeld, wrote:

"The leader and supreme commander of the Wehrmacht has awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes to Gefreiter Willibald Unfried. This was awarded to a particularly brave and capable soldier in our regiment. Private Unfried took part in all of the regiment's battles in the east. His intrepidity, which he demonstrated several times, was rewarded. We owe the fact that we were able to achieve great success in attacking and defending against the strongest enemy counterattacks primarily to our incomparable fellow soldiers, especially to the intrepid, tough machine gunners. She was not frightened by the enemy's superior strength or by the incredible hardships of this war with Russia. They are the infantrymen who bear the brunt of the battle, the best soldiers in the world. The high award that Unfried received also recognizes the achievements of all of our brave compatriots in the regiment. But it should also be an incentive for the same soldier virtues. We are all proud and happy with our brave Unfried."

Due to the award of the Ritterkreuz, he was given special leave and was welcomed to his adopted home of Uttenhofen for several days. The following poem was written on the occasion of his visit on May 25, 1942:

                 Our Ritterkreuzträger

                 In Crimea - over in the Far East
                 Our Willibald stood at post with his comrades
                 So that the homeland can work in peace
                 Everyone over there is standing his ground today.
                 Once the Bolsheviks came at seven in the morning
                 “There’s something to clear out again today!”
                 That's what our "Willi" thinks and is ready
                 to give them their final escort.
                 They had to go back with bloody heads
                 and our men could breathe again.
                 They came running a second time
                 two companies were named.
                 But they too received a warm welcome
                 and went as the others had gone before.
                 But the Russian commissioners didn't give up yet
                 they constantly chased their men to their deaths.
                 In the afternoon a whole battalion came,
                 Our fuses had already gone back to the main battle line.
                 But our Willibald still remained lying there,
                 because this was about fighting and winning
                 "There's still time to go back!"
                 he thinks and gets ready to welcome the Russians.
                 A great machine gun and 500 rounds of ammunition,
                 A whole battalion can come.
                 He sets aside three drums of 50 each,
                 to send them a ticket for eternity.
                 They get closer and closer - they feel alone
                 and don't even think that there could be a German here.
                 The tension is extremely nerve-wracking
                 but he saves it for his effective fire.
                 Now they are already forming up to attack.
                 Now do what you can, you son of Franconia!
                 But it doesn't take long for him to arrive
                 and spoils the Russians' best trump cards.
                 The opponent is completely taken by surprise -
                 Our “Willi” makes sure that no one limps anymore.
                 But I quickly put another drum on
                 and held in so that it only stains.
                 They lie on their stomachs - one then stands up
                 he also raises his hands - the good man.
                 "Hello Ruski!" Willi calls her
                 and shows them the direction with his arm.
                 30 men come, only a few run away,
                 "Let them go," thinks Willi, "that's enough for them!"
                 So he arrives at his company as a victor,
                 That was a hello - everyone was happy.
                 Our guide gave him the best reward -
                 The Knight's Cross now adorns this brave son of Franconia.
                 He is in our midst today
                 and I know exactly how happy that makes us.
                 May heaven continue to protect him
                 and may the soldier's luck benefit him!

Willibald Unfried died on July 21, 1994 in Neuendettelsau.

Willibald Unfried studio photo.



Willibald Unfried studio photo.



Willibald Unfried with the Ritterkreuz.



Willibald Unfried in a group photo.



A grainy photo of Willibald Unfried.



Ritterkreuzträger Willibald Unfried (holding a bottle) partying with comrades.



Ritterkreuzträger Willibald Unfried (front right) partying with comrades.

Ritterkreuzträger Unteroffizier Willibald Unfried of 9.Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 213 / 73.Infanterie-Division during the attack on the Soviet position near Novorossiysk, a Russian port on the Black Sea, August 1942. He is armed with a captured SVT-40 semi-automatic rifle, against the background of a StuG III Ausf.F (7,5 cm Sturmkanone 40 L/43) from Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 210. Unfried received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 4 March 1942 for his heroic actions as a machine-gunner during the fierce battles at Bairasch and Adzhigol. Other pictures from this sequence can be seen HERE.

Ritterkreuz Vorläufiges Besitzzeugnis (preliminary award document) to Gefreiter Willibald Unfried.

The grave of Willibald Unfried.

Source :
Lionel H. photo collection
Agustin Vazquez photo collection
https://alchetron.com/Willibald-Unfried#willibald-unfried-a220e508-2f51-4f6b-ac41-2d224e35820-resize-750.jpeg
https://www.cafr.ebay.ca/itm/154670848532
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Unfried,_Willibald
https://www.facebook.com/Militaergeschichte18131945/photos/a.109126711510491/124069306682898/?type=3
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=159818&p=1418031&hilit=unfried#p1418031
https://imagesdefense.gouv.fr/fr/catalogsearch/result/?avec_visuel=1&q=unfried
https://imtw.ru/topic/5633-mig-voiny/page__st__50
https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Willibald_Unfried
http://www.oakleafmilitaria.com/131pc94.html
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/38336/Unfried-Willibald-Willi.htm
https://web.archive.org/web/20110105190518fw_/http://ritterkreuztraeger-1939-45.de/Infanterie/U/Unfried-Willibald.htm
https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/forum/wehrmacht-era-militaria/photos-and-paper-items-forum/832194-over-10-nice-kc-holders-from-my-collection-to-identify-help-needed/page3#post6515305

Bio of Oberfeldwebel Franz Bredemeyer (1913-1985)

Franz Bredemeyer

Date of Birth: 12.10.1913 - Dortmund, Nordrhein-Westfalen (German Empire)
Date of Death: 13.02.1985 - Bremen, Freie Hansestadt Bremen (West Germany)

Battles and Operations: Battle of France (1940), Invasion of Yugoslavia (1941), Operation Barbarossa (1941), Battle of Kiev (1941), Battle of the Caucasus (1942), Battle of Voronezh (1942), Battle of the Mius River (1943)

Promotions:
00.00.19__ Gefreiter
00.00.19__ Unteroffizier
00.00.194_ Feldwebel
00.00.194_ Oberfeldwebel

Career:
17.04.1935 - 02.10.1937 completed his active military service
18.08.1939 rejoined the Wehrmacht
19.09.1939 posted in the 1.Kompanie / Sicherungs-Regiment 1
01.08.1940 1.Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 156 (mot.) / 16.Infanterie-Division (mot.)
02.08.1941 - 15.10.1941 wounded and taken to the hospital
20.02.1942 3.Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 156 (mot.) / 16.Infanterie-Division (mot.)
25.03.1942 Zugführer in 2.Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 156 (mot.) / 16.Infanterie-Division (mot.)
23.06.1943 Zugführer in 2.Kompanie / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 156 / 16.Panzergrenadier-Division
25.08.1943 wounded for the fifth time and transferred to the hospital. There his lower leg is amputated
02.12.1943 recuperated in the Reserve-Lazarett Zakopane
12.01.1944 transferred to the Reserve-Lazarett Gronau / Wehrkreis-Kommando VI

Awards and Decorations:
26.07.1941 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.00.194_ Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen
17.10.1941 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
00.00.194_ Nahkampfspange in Bronze
00.00.194_ Nahkampfspange in Silber
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber
23.08.1943 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Feldwebel and Zugführer in 2.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 156 / 16.Panzergrenadier-Division. Awarded for distinguishing himself during the major defensive battles around Ssemenowskij in the time period 23.-25.07.1943. During this period he managed to master seemingly hopeless battlefield situations on two occasions, and by doing so he significantly contributed to the successful German defense to contain the Soviets along the Mius river. The first time was when he prevented an armoured breakthrough via a counterthrust that he led at the head of a few Panzergrenadiers. The second was when he held his position despite being attacked on all sides until a friendly counterattack restored the situation.

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

Franz Bredemeyer was born on October 12th, 1913 in Hörde near Dortmund and completed his active military service from April 17th, 1935 to October 2nd, 1937.

He rejoined the Wehrmacht on August 18, 1939 and, according to the report dated August 19, 1939, he was placed in the 1st Company of the Security Regiment 1. This company came from the 1st Company of the Field Replacement Battalion 22. On August 1, 1940 the Security Regiment was Regiment 1 in Sennelager was reclassified into Infantry Regiment 156 (motorized) and subordinated to the 16th Infantry and Panzergrenadier Division.

After the start of the Eastern campaign, Bredemeyer was wounded on August 2, 1941 and taken to a hospital. Having recovered, he returned to his 1st company in the field with a report dated October 15, 1941 from the staff company of the Infantry Replacement Battalion (with.) 156. Between February 20th and March 25, 1942, he moved first to the 3rd and then to the 2nd company of the regiment. Heavy fighting on the Mius then followed for the division, for which it was named in the Wehrmacht report. During this battle, an important high position had to be held, and Bredemeyer prevented a tank breakthrough with just a few Panzergrenadiers in the counterattack and held his position against any enemy attacks until the next day, until a counterattack of his own reached Bredemeyer's positions. During these battles the division was attacked by no less than 2 Guards Tank Corps, a Guards Tank Brigade and 8 Rifle Divisions. For Bredemeyer's bravery and courage, he was awarded the Knight's Cross on August 23, 1943, as a Feldwebel and platoon leader in the 2nd company of the Grenadier Regiment (mot.) 156.

Two days after being awarded the Knight's Cross, on August 25, 1943, Bredemeyer was seriously wounded for the fifth time and transferred to a hospital. There his lower leg is amputated. Shortly afterwards, Lieutenant General Count Schwerin handed him the Knight's Cross in the hospital. The award ceremony was shown in the newsreel on September 15, 1943.

On December 2nd, 1943 he was sent to the Zakopane reserve hospital for around 6 weeks and from January 12th, 1944 to the Gronau reserve hospital in Military District Command VI.

Bredemeyer's further career is not yet known. It has not yet been clearly proven whether he was promoted to Oberfeldwebel by the end of the war.

Franz Bredemeyer died on February 13, 1985 in Bremen.

Ritterkreuz award ceremony for Feldwebel Franz Bredemeyer (Zugführer in 2.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 156 / 16.Panzergrenadier-Division) which were held at the Lazarett in August/September 1943. Awarded the medal is Generalleutnant Gerhard Graf von Schwerin (Kommandeur 16. Panzergrenadier-Division). Other pictures from this occasion can be seen HERE.

Franz Bredemeyer with the Ritterkreuz.

Franz Bredemeyer in convalescence. Two days after being awarded the Ritterkreuz on 23 August 1943, Bredemeyer was seriously wounded for the fifth time since 1940 and transferred to Haupt-Verbandplatz 51 behind the frontline. There his lower leg is amputated. Shortly afterwards, Generalleutnant Gerhard Graf von Schwerin (Kommandeur 16. Panzergrenadier-Division) handed him the medal in the hospital. The award ceremony was shown in the 'Deutsche Wochenschau' (German Newsweek Reel)  Nr.680 which were published on 15 September 1943.



From left to right: Hinrich Ahrens (15 March 1921 - 31 December 2009. Ritterkreuz on 9 January 1945 as Geschützführer in 13.Kompanie / Grenadier-Regiment 1141 / 561.Volksgrenadier-Division. Last rank: Feldwebel) and Franz Bredemeyer (12 October 1913 - 13 February 1985. Ritterkreuz on 23 August 1943 as Feldwebel and Zugführer in 2.Kompanie / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 156 / 16.Panzergrenadier-Division. Last rank: Oberfeldwebel). The picture was probably taken in the 1980s.

Ritterkreuz Vorläufiges Besitzzeugnis (preliminary award document) to Feldwebel Franz Bredemeyer, presented on 28 August 1943. M. Zimmer collection.

Medal grouping of Franz Bredemeyer. The Ritterkreuz bears the horizontal "2" manufacturer mark of the Juncker firm. Bredemeyer was awarded the Ritterkreuz on 23 August 1943. He most certainly didn't receive this lazy 2 Ritterkreuz in August 1943. Maybe a very late replacement Ritterkreuz - if there is any connection to Bredemeyer at all - because lazy 2 model was a very late produced cross.

Source :
Bill D. photo collection
Agustin Vazquez photo collection
M. Zimmer photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/363610327369627/photos/a.363664750697518/378789025851757/?type=3&paipv=0&eav=Afb9iiDq5-cktMiOWAwXrCHo9lNNaV1UYyltJvD40ug_hDgolWBQ48PHn1y9uL4jxlU&_rdr
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=29879&p=2085599&hilit=bredemeyer#p2085599
https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Franz_Bredemeyer
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28674/Bredemeyer-Franz.htm
https://web.archive.org/web/20110105171709fw_/http://ritterkreuztraeger-1939-45.de/Infanterie/B/Br/Bredemeyer-Franz.htm
https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/forum/wehrmacht-era-militaria/crosses-of-the-wehrmacht/12730323-juncker-lazy-2-attributed-knights-cross

Karl-Heinz Euling Interview

This is a 1999 interview (in Münich) with Karl-Heinz Euling, ex-member of Totenkopf and Frundsberg divisions and a winner of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.

Herr Euling, what interested you in joining the Waffen SS, and what was your training like?
Karl: I was ten years old when I started following the political situation in Germany; I could not avoid it as my family always spoke about the direction Germany was taking. The Reds had made a concerted effort to turn Germany into a satellite of Russia, which worried most. It was not hard for me to see who was in the right, and who was in the wrong regarding the political situation. I joined the Hitler Youth and never looked back.
In 1938, I finished all my schooling, joined the NSDAP as a supporter, and wanted to join the SS; it was seen as the most elite formation of the NSDAP. I passed my entrance exams and after a night out with my friends dancing and drinking, I reported for duty. I was assigned to the Totenkopf Standarte Brandenburg. Training started from the moment we entered the barracks. Training in the SS was different from the other services. There was not a lot of yelling and screaming it was more “it’s your duty to perform this drill” rather than screaming “run you pig, run”, our instructors wanted to build and teach instead of tear down.
We had to rise early, go to bed early, eat well, run, march, run some more, march some more, and finally study military law and strategy. Politics were discussed as well as current news, but most focus was military drill and discipline. Later in training, we had weekends free to roam around, and heaven help the man who was late for roll call after an evening out. Our officers treated us as men, and comrades, they regularly ate and visited with us.
I would like to dispel a myth that many historians like to tell. The Waffen SS did not use “live fire exercises” on us as if we were reckless fanatics. I feel some like to portray us as being super human, which we were not, or war lovers, which we were not. The only time real bullets were used was later on for certain types of training, and it was closely watched, you would crawl low on your stomach while an enemy weapon was fired to simulate real combat.

As an American, I have always been taught the deaths head symbol of the SS is testament of the evil intentions that Himmler created the SS for. It looks sinister and satanic, can you explain why this was your symbol?
Karl: (Laughs) that is not surprising as most Americans are ignorant of their European Germanic history. Since early times the death’s head has been used for many things, but I will focus on the military side, as it is more appropriate. In the armies of old the death’s head was used to show that men were prepared to fight to the death, guided by the spirits of their fallen comrades. In recent times, the more elite units like Hussars, guards units, and many others adopted this symbol, in most every European army. Prussia used it very often and it became a symbol of esprit de corps, the Kaiser Reich used it, Freikorps units, and this is probably where RFSS Himmler decided to adopt this symbol for what was to be the very elite of the party. There is nothing sinister about it, it is a time-honored tradition for military forces, and even your “Jolly Rogers” use it today on their fighter jets. It has adopted many meanings as of today “Death before dishonor”, “Fight to the end”, “Fear not Death”, and many others. Are all armies satanic who use it? It has nothing to do with evil, only our enemies and the ignorant push that non-sense. To us it meant honoring our ancestors with loyalty until death, which would strike fear in those opposing us.

You were in Poland with Totenkopf, what was it like?
Karl: We knew something was brewing with Poland, German radio told us that ever since the border wars, some Poles had continued to attack Germans on German territory, killing some. This was common knowledge. Issued ammunition, extra rations and moved into staging areas, rumors we would attack Poland were rampart. Our officers met with us and told us plainly we may go to war, and that we must adhere to the rules of war regarding prisoners and civilians. They advised us to be careful at what we shot at, watch for the farmers who would be in their fields, and children playing.
The Polish army had become one of Europe’s largest, ever since they defeated the Reds they were brimming with confidence. We found maps and propaganda pamphlets on prisoners that showed the new Polish border stopped right at Berlin after they beat us. I remember recalling how the western part of Poland was very German-like and tidy, then the farther east we moved it was more desolate. We were disheartened to learn we were being used as a mopping up force instead of front line combat.
The reason was the Blitzkrieg tactics bypassed large numbers of enemy soldiers, so other units had to deal with them. TK came across some treacherous Polish units who were sending men out dressed in civilian clothes to try to get away, problem was they were still armed and engaged in fighting. When we caught these men, they could not be treated as soldiers as they broke rules, and killed our soldiers. This sadly was common in the area TK was in, and gave our detractors reason to accuse us of war crimes.
We dealt with sabotage, soldiers that would hide in a town, fire on us as we passed, and then play civilian when we searched for them. Some in the towns would hide these men, knowing what that meant. I remember a scene in which a Polish mob was ransacking a synagogue and had killed some Jews before we arrived and we prevented any further killings. Yes, a deaths head unit saved Jews from being beaten by an anti-Jewish mob.
Our life in Poland was not all bad, many of the people came out to either welcome us or at least see what we were like. We had good relations with the civilians, we traded food and cigarettes, many older ones remembered the soldiers from the first war with fond memories. One man was boastful in telling us his granddaughter was from a German soldier. We still hated being used as we were, collecting stragglers and fighting small bands who were trying to keep the war going. Lucky for us it was over quick.

You also took part in the war against France and the Low Countries?
Karl: No, I was selected to attend officers training in early 1940 and it went into the start of the western campaign, my unit fought but I did not. I was given leave after training, so it further delayed me from joining my comrades. I did make to the front but by then all was quiet.

What was officer training in the SS like?
Karl: Much like university with a boot camp twist, lots of studying the history of battles, tactics, but the most important was how to be a leader. The training taught us how to deal with battlefield stress, difficult men, insubordination, loss at home, loss of comrades, and to maintain morale without losing discipline. The instructors all had some form of combat experience or relevant leadership experience.
It prepared me for dealing with all the different types of people in the world, during and after the war. I enjoyed this time; I took my studies seriously and enjoyed the talks with the instructor and other candidates. One had to complete all courses and exams with good marks, but to be awarded the sword of the SS was a high honor when done.

You fought on the Russian front, what was it like for you and what do you remember about the invasion?
Karl: I was assigned to a few units right after graduating officer school, I ended up in a motorized infantry unit, which I was not thrilled about, as I wanted a front line combat unit, not mopping up isolated enemy forces. That is exactly what I got stuck doing again. The blitz tactics bypassed large areas of Soviets, and TK and other units had to fight them to get them to surrender.
We started from the south of Poland in July and moved into the south of Ukraine, stuck rounding up stragglers and pockets of resistance. I will comment on one odd encounter with Soviet paratroopers that we encountered. They seemed poorly led but had held out for a month, the officers told interrogators they were preparing for jumps into Poland, but we attacked first. This, along with the vast amount of material of an offensive nature, proved to us Stalin was planning an attack on us, but we struck first.
As we moved further into the Ukraine we saw our first partisans, or I call them criminals, because that is what they chose to do, break the laws of war. An army supply train was hit by a group of 20 if I remember right, they killed the soldiers clearly after they gave up, ransacked them, and a few showed signs of torture. We heard the shots, we were close by, moved toward the area, and immediately took fire, they ran off and we finally trapped them in a village.
They refused calls to surrender, and hid among the villagers, while they fired on us, we did not know this at the time, so we hit the village with mortars and machine gun fire as we saw no villagers we assumed it was abandoned. When the fight was over, we captured seven alive, and were angry that they caused the deaths of many in the village who had nowhere to hide.
We gave them a quick trial, charging them with fighting as criminals, and pronounced a sentence of death. This was hard to do, but the rage at these criminals was great. A survivor from the village said they came around a few times and demanded food, saying they were soldiers who were hiding while attacking our rear. This is the type of warfare we had to deal with, and because many of the ones we captured were fighting as illegal fighters, they were sent to camps most of the time so they could be put to use, or hung/shot if they caused any deaths. This is why so many accused us of crimes; we had to be tough with this type of war.
My unit did very well in combating the enemy behind the main front; we treated the civilians well, often welcomed as liberators. I shared the dwellings of many “enemies” whom we came to respect, and they returned that respect by giving us good meals, and good intelligence about what they heard and saw. Later in the fall, we saw Ukrainian axillaries in action, they moved into Russia with us and they had old scores to settle with their former communist masters.
Any Russian Jew or political leader who fell into their hands was shot on the spot if they proved to be no intelligence value. We were ordered to not interfere with them; we in the SS knew what the Soviet Jews did to these people during the revolution and after, millions were uprooted and killed. This was their time of revenge, we tried to get them to understand you only empower your enemies with harsh reprisals, but they would not listen. We too sought revenge when we caught those who criminally attacked areas behind the front, killing in a cowardly way.

Your unit, and anyone attached to the Totenkopf division, stands accused of committing war crimes on every front you fought on, from Poland, France, and Russia Totenkopf is accused of shooting prisoners, civilians, and killing clergy. Not to mention the Einsatzgruppen and killing of Jews. Can you comment on this?
Karl: I must be careful what I say, you understand, but these accusations come from who? It seems today anyone can make up a story. These accusations come from those who hated us from the very beginning. In regards to the “confessions” some scared or senile soldiers gave, people just do not use their deductive reasoning anymore. There is a fairytale where a person who is sentenced to die keeps telling fantastic stories each day, just to give one more day of life. This was true with many prisoners of the Allies, especially the Russians. Even today, some write memoirs supporting the Allies, but they have to in order to be published, even if it means losing your soul.
Tormented and tortured during our POW time, many would agree to anything just to stop it. I knew SS men who were sentenced to death, told the victors whatever they wanted to hear, no matter how ridiculous the stories are, just to stay alive one more day. These stories sadly made it into court testimony and the history books. It would appear all we did during our quiet time was hunt Jews and play evil games with them while we tried to eradicate them. According to the Russians, we raped everyone, even corpses, we killed babies while laughing, sometimes drunkenly ripping them out of the womb. A story I read recently about a Jewish child in Paris eating an apple while walking with her mother, when a SS man shot the mom just to have the apple and then raped the child. Or how about this, the panzer unit from the LSSAH, took babies from a Belgium orphanage and ran over them to lube the tracks. What non-sense.
I am dumbfounded by all the allegations against us that are preached as cold, hard truths. All the while, the vast crimes committed against us go unheard and researched. We will stand before our supreme judge with a clear conscience and be called blameless. The forces of darkness won the war, not the righteous as they claim.

You were in Holland during the Market Garden battles, what was it like for you?
Karl: Later in the war, I was transferred to Frundsberg, which I was proud of. I was now in a frontline panzer division that saw combat. After trying to repulse the allied onslaught in Normandy FB was forced out of the line to reorganize, or rebuild is a better term. The overwhelming superiority of the Allies was too much for us in the end. I was assigned to a panzer grenadier regiment, I fit right in as I was already a combat decorated officer. The vast allied artillery and air power made it hard for anything to move in Normandy, but FB did have some local success against the British. My boys showed tommy how to fight, even being outgunned and outnumbered. However sheer numbers wore us down in the end.
In August '44, we were a shadow of our former selves, and pulled out of the line to reorganize in Holland. A nice area to be in for my boys, friendly people, good food, and pretty girls who loved to dance. Monday thru Friday, we cleaned weapons and equipment, and repaired ourselves, but the weekends were spent mingling with the locals. September 17th our rest was interrupted by a sky full of planes and parachutes.
General Bittrich remarked in awe about the vast amount of planes the Allies had, and that if we only had half of that strength we would do well. Reports started coming in that allied paratroopers were dropping all over Holland, and right in my divisions sector. My unit was sent to the area around Nijmegen, it was easy to see the Allies wanted to capture the bridges, but we were forbidden to blown them.
We immediately started engaging Americans and blunted their attacks with our small force. I will state that the Allies bombed Nijmegen earlier, killing hundreds, and we were hesitant to use their homes as cover, there were hardly any German units inside the city, and a few NSB men went in to fight at the mayor’s request. I believe he wanted to show that the Dutch were fighting the Allies as well. The Allies had no problem throwing mortar shells and machine gun fire into the homes of civilians, killing many. Our medics had their hands full treating wounded civilians for the town.
The battle was a small victory for us, as we stopped the allied attack before Arnhem, and even though outnumbered, held the XXX corps from reaching their objective. I want to tell you also, I saw with my own eyes the Americans shoot two uniformed NSB members after they surrendered. I ordered a sharp shooter to try to hit the soldiers that did this but he was unsuccessful as they were far away. Allied planes attacked us recklessly and shot up an area where civilians were clearly marked with a red cross, killing many.

You won the Knight's Cross for your action in Normandy and Nijmegen.
Karl: Yes, I was sent to a combat unit after being on the staff of our panzer corps, and saw heavy fighting in Normandy, and then I had a hand in the defense around Nijmegen. My men were very hard fighters, so my success as an officer is owed to them. It was my men whom I wore the decoration for, as it was their sacrifice that earned this.
The Allies tried to surround my battle unit, but my officers and I were able to lead a breakout and in turn surrounded them forcing a surrender, or retreat. We held off a vastly superior force with a loose knit, motley crew of wounded soldiers, reservists, and some weary SS men. This was testament to the fighting spirit of the German soldier.

When did you see the war was lost? In addition, do you think Germany ever had a chance to win?
Karl- I studied history enough to know anything could happen at any time, so while Germany was clearly in trouble by late 1944, there was still hope for some type of negotiated peace. To me the war was not truly lost until after the Ardennes offensive. When we failed to break open the front and divide the Allies, I knew we had lost.
It is always easy to be an armchair general and second-guess decisions. The way I see it here is how we could have won. Some fronts we had to fight on, like Norway, Low Countries, Balkans, and Russia. Africa was a waste. We could have used the troops in Africa for Russia, invaded in May, took Moscow and severed the rail lines, and using greater forces on the North front to stop American aid. For Britain, we should have kept up the bombing of airfields to keep them off balance.
If we could have beaten Russia, we then could have turned our attention to Britain and America, focusing on U-boat construction to sink the convoys. The sad fact is that Germany was not prepared for war. Poland was a good example, sure, we beat them, but they had better equipment and their army was large and well-motivated, it was harder than historians admit. The Führer did not want war, but the Allies forced issues to spiral out of his control, where we were fighting the whole world, and only geared up to fight in 1943.


Source :
http://www.mourningtheancient.com/ww2-x14.htm