Siegfried Haenicke and Hans Frank in Poland

 

In the front row, from left to right: Hans Frank (Generalgouverneur im Generalgouvernement) and General der Infanterie z.V. Siegfried Haenicke (Wehrkreisbefehlshaber im Generalgouvernement). Between them in the center is Dr. Ernst Boepple (2. Staatssekretär im Generalgouvernement), while Dr. Ludwig Losacker (Hauptabteilung Innere Verwaltung im Generalgouvernement) is in the right background. The SS-Oberführer at left is Dr. Herbert Böttcher (SS- und Polizeiführer Radom). They, and other German officials, is posed in front of the hunting lodge at Spała, central Poland, in 1943.

Source :

https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/4584/h:436/

https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/forum/wehrmacht-era-militaria/photos-and-paper-items-forum/11879237-rk-dk-in-gold-plm-general-official-w-kvk1-please-id

Ritterkreuz Action of Rolf Truxa

 

Rolf Truxa (6 June 1921 - 3 February 1983) in a pictures taken by Kriegsberichter Gerhard Ulrich. He received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 17 December 1943 as Oberleutnant and Führer 2.Batterie / Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 190. During the German attempt to recapture the city of Newel, Oberleutnant Truxa and his Sturmgeschütze had the mission of supporting the infantry of the 252. Infanterie-Division. After overcoming the Soviet minefields the German infantry became pinned down in their efforts to take the high ground at Sui Shmotki. At this point Truxa and his Sturmgeschütze were able to rally the attackers and then proceeded to capture the heights in a sharp, aggressive attack. This enabled the German attack to proceed once again and by evening the Soviets had been pushed back 6 km. Despite the overall failure of the German assault, Truxa was nonetheless decorated for the Ritterkreuz for his achievements in the attack.

Source:

ECPAD Archives, courtesy of Blanluet Christophe

https://www.facebook.com/groups/152986901863424/permalink/953089338519839/?__cft__[0]=AZX7I7-IjQNNjCcdtznmQJvb331bM9U5ZNYxGAxXAUJkxnY3Z_PquVMB7iX5onxn9Oqz-M7z9x4TsqYvwZxL_r155-LbXwnqqOWp9b5056HcK3ah20BNo_jLT43jVxTAn1dLFta5Flb6aZZI9Em8qhwRXMBzsYh_xmGyw2EuyVNExw&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/19811/Truxa-Rolf.htm

Ritterkreuz Action of Paul Adam

 Paul Adam (23 March 1892 - 1 December 1969) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 18 April 1943 as Major der Reserve and Führer Grenadier-Regiment 158 / 82.Infanterie-Division. The following wartime excerpt describes why Adam was awarded the Ritterkreuz: “Major der Reserve Adam and his Grenadier-Regiment were involved in heavy defensive combat east of Kursk on the 7 February 1943. In the midst of the bitter struggle to contain the enemy superiority, Major Adam ordered his reserve Bataillon to go from the defense and over to the attack. By doing this he enabled our forces to conduct their intended movements according to plan.”

 

 

Source :

ECPAD Archives, courtesy of Blanluet Christophe

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10158857538508308&set=gm.979639932531446

Günther Tribukait and Joseph Goebbels

Reichsminister Dr. Joseph Goebbels (Gauleiter of Berlin) is looking at the Soviet leaflet for the call to surrender, which were dropped to the German defender positions at Velikiye Luki, Russia. The Ritterkreuzträger who wears Bulgarian Order of Bravery at left is Major Günther Tribukait, who received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 8 February 1943 as Kommandeur of Jäger-Bataillon 5. At far right behind Goebbels is Karl Fröhlich, who later received the Ritterkreuz as Oberleutnant and Chef 2.Kompanie / Panzer-Abteilung 18 / 18.Panzer-Division on 28 September 1943. This picture itself was taken in Berlin (Germany) on 2 March 1943, and were first published in "Neueste Zeitung" newspaper three days later (5 March 1943).

Source :

https://waralbum.ru/175937/

https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/forum/wehrmacht-era-militaria/photos-and-paper-items-forum/11844414-unbekannte-ritterkreuztr%C3%A4ger-mit-kgl-bulgar-tapferkeitsorden-iv-klasse-i-stufe

Arnold Kessler with His Parents

Ritterkreuzträger Arnold Kessler (left) with his parents. Kessler (14 April 1906 - 13 November 1967) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 4 October 1944 as Major and Kommandeur Panzerjäger-Abteilung 61.

 

 

Source :

Denis Daum photo collection

https://www.facebook.com/groups/152986901863424/permalink/544172819411495/?__cft__[0]=AZU8Md-s6OQ82-p69evdM27gMJrwqxqMVRH4PP58d40_Pke9TBxxLB1BQjIfiG2GzCHEl1nhrmbqRhBGbWly849gOhrTkM0B7ssIFTz_UWCb7pTAaM-bV6AhJ1qfn8acQeqhrHEj7yZ2cMFLKAuo80u-lki7VDqV_cFNm_ymmu24iIuei-3t6zaSnfB0sQOOMzaQaAvl-Rb6ydWnj2SkdFEf&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

Georg Jauernik Playing Cards

Stuka ace Georg Jauernik (left) playing cards with his fellow pilots. Jauernik (23 November 1915 - 8 February 1945) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 27 November 1942 as Stabsfeldwebel and Flugzeugführer in II.Gruppe / Sturzkampfgeschwader 77 (StG 77). The medal was awarded for his successes over the course of 500+ ground attack sorties on all fronts, which included his heavily damaging a 7000 GRT freighter in the port of Tuapse. Georg Jauernik finally reached the rank of Leutnant. He lies presumably buried as an unknown soldier at the German War Cemetery in Poznan. He flew a total of over 1000 sorties during World War II, almost all of these with the Junkers Ju 87 Stuka.

Source :

https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2296241#p2296241

https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/23541/Jauernik-Georg.htm

Ritterkreuz Actions of Karl Koetz

Karl Koetz (8 February 1908 - 11 July 1977) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 2 October 1941 as Hauptmann and Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 463 / 263.Infanterie-Division. On 17-18 August 1941 previously the 263. Infanterie-Division was deployed to the Yelnya salient, where they faced desperate Soviet attempts to push back the Germans. In this context Hauptmann Koetz and his Bataillon distinguished themselves near Jakowlewo in the fighting around Hill 256.9, also known as the “Chimborasso”, in the time period 17-28 August 1941. The Bataillon put up a tremendous fight against the overwhelming Soviet attacks, and for this Koetz would be decorated with the Ritterkreuz.

Koetz received the Eichenlaub #374 for his Ritterkreuz on 24 January 1944 as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur Grenadier-Regiment 185 / 87.Infanterie-Division. On 13 December 1943 previously the Soviets began a major attack against the key positions of the 3. Panzerarmee north of Vitebsk. Despite fierce German resistance, the 87. Infanterie-Division became surrounded. It was however able to break out on the 16 December 1943 along with the subordinated Grenadier-Regiment 365 in the area Choljawki/Karewy, Slyndiki. It reached the main battle line of the 20. Panzer-Division near Ambrossenki (2 km northwest of Malaschenki), thus escaping the trap. This breakout was only able to succeed due to the performance of the Grenadier-Regiment 185, commanded by Oberstleutnant Koetz, and the Sturm-Bataillon Hochgartz. For his role in saving his Division Koetz would be decorated with the Eichenlaub.

Source :

https://alchetron.com/Karl-Koetz

https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/39158/Koetz-Karl.htm

Lothar Rendulic in the Balkan Front

 

General der Infanterie Lothar Rendulic (Oberbefehlshaber 2. Panzerarmee) with one of his officer in Tirana, Albania, 1943.

 

 General der Infanterie Lothar Rendulic (Oberbefehlshaber 2. Panzerarmee) aboard Junkers Ju 52 in the Balkan area.

Source :

https://www.ebay.de/itm/WW-2-General-Oberst-L-Rendulic-Oberbefehlshaber-2-Pz-Armee-Balkan-Tirana-43/274353125988?hash=item3fe0b87a64:g:gQAAAOSwnEFeq~-P

https://www.ebay.de/itm/WW-2-General-Oberst-L-Rendulic-Oberbefehlshaber-2-Pz-Armee-Balkan-in-JU-52/274353117997?hash=item3fe0b85b2d:g:-CUAAOSwCV5cerrq

Bio of Generalleutnant Christian Philipp

 

Christian Philipp (3 September 1893 - 16 October 1963) joined the Royal Bavarian Army as a war volunteer on August 4, 1914. The teacher's son came to the 3rd Royal Bavarian Field Artillery Regiment "Prince Leopold". Later he decided to become an officer in the infantry. He then came to the 6th Royal Bavarian Infantry Regiment "Kaiser Wilhelm, King of Prussia". With this he was promoted to lieutenant on December 31, 1915. His patent was then dated May 11, 1914. During the First World War, he was awarded both Iron Crosses. After the war he was first used in the Epp Freikorps. Then he came to the Iron Division in the Baltic States. Adopted from the army on March 31, 1920. He was now in the service of the Bavarian police. With this he was initially used as a lieutenant in Aschaffenburg. There he was promoted to first lieutenant of the police on August 1, 1922. As such, he married Hildegard Stadler in 1923. On June 1, 1929, he was promoted to captain of the police. On July 1, 1935, he even made it to major in the police. As such, he was accepted into the army on October 1, 1935 when the Reichswehr was expanded to include the Wehrmacht. His seniority was set on February 1, 1935. He was then appointed commander of 2nd Battalion of the 109th Infantry Regiment on April 1, 1936. On October 1, 1937, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. On August 1, 1938, he was appointed commander of the 2nd Battalion of the new Mountain Jäger Regiment 138 in Graz. He led this battalion into the Polish campaign at the beginning of World War II in the summer of 1939. In the western campaign in the spring of 1940 he was also used as commander of the 2nd Battalion of the 138 Mountain Infantry Regiment. After the campaign in the west he gave up his command of the battalion. He was already wearing both clasps on his iron crosses. He was appointed commander of the 524 Infantry Regiment on October 1, 1940. On the same day he was also promoted to colonel. At that time, this regiment was in Poland as an occupying force. He then led the regiment first in the beginning of the summer of 1941 in the eastern campaign during the attack on southern Russia. On October 10, 1941, he was awarded the Army Honorary Leaf Clasp. On October 27, 1941, he was awarded the German Cross in Gold. In November 1941 he then gave up his command. He apparently took over as commander for a short time of the Mountain Infantry Regiment 138, which was in Finland at the time. In mid-January 1942 he was then given the command of the 6th Mountain Division. On February 1, 1942, he was appointed commander of the 6th Mountain Division on the Murmansk Front while being promoted to major general. His seniority was set on April 1, 1942. For the next two and a half years, he and his division were deployed primarily on the Arctic front. He was promoted to lieutenant general on January 1, 1943. In mid-August 1944 he handed over his command of the 6th Mountain Division to Major General Max-Josef Pemsel. He was then transferred to the Führerreserve. On September 1, 1944, he was appointed as the successor to Lieutenant General Friedrich-Jobst Volckamer von Kirchensittenbach as commander of the 8th Jäger Division. As a result, he led the division in the southern section of the Eastern Front. On March 11, 1945 he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. In April 1945 he gave his command of the 8th Jäger Division to Colonel Bergener. He was apparently still with the deputy leadership from XXIX. Army Corps instructed. According to other information, he took over the leadership of the 88th Infantry Division. When he surrendered, he was taken prisoner. From this he was released on June 11, 1947.

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (11 March 1945) as a Generalleutnant and Kommandeur 8. Jäger-Division

 

 

Source :

https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=1983125#p1983125

Ritterkreuz Award Ceremony for Flaktruppen

 

Ritterkreuz award Ceremony for Oberleutnant d.R. Michael Fischer, which was held in April 1943. Also attending the event were Ritterkreuzträger (recipients of Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) from Flaktruppen (Anti-Aircraft Troops). From left to right: Wachtmeister Otto Gemünden (Geschützführer in 1.Batterie / I. Abteilung / Flak-Regiment 49 / Flak-Regiment 37. Ritterkreuz on 12 October 1942), Oberleutnant der Reserve Michael Fischer (Batteriechef in I.Abteilung / Flak- Regiment 14 [motorisiert]. Ritterkreuz on 8 April 1943), Hauptmann Walter Hartig (Chef 3. Batterie / leichte Flak-Abteilung 91 [motorisiert]. Ritterkreuz on 4 February 1942), and Oberleutnant Max Wippermann (Chef 7.Batterie / II. Abteilung / Flak-Regiment 4. Ritterkreuz on 16 November 1942).

Source: 

https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2135110#p2135110

https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=29879&start=16200

Hermann Graf with Hitlerjugend Boys

In the summer of 1943, at a Luftwaffe airfield, one of Nazi Germany's most celebrated fighter aces, Oberst Hermann Graf, met with a group of eager Hitlerjugend boys in a carefully staged propaganda encounter. Fresh from his extraordinary tally of over 200 aerial victories on the Eastern Front—making him the first pilot in history to reach that milestone—Graf, resplendent in his dress uniform and wearing the coveted Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub, Schwerter und Brillanten (Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds), hosted the young visitors beside his sleek Messerschmitt Bf 109-G6. With youthful faces alight under their caps, the boys listened intently as the 30-year-old ace explained the fighter's controls, demonstrated its features, and shared tales of dogfights against the Red Air Force, instilling in them the Nazi ideals of heroism, duty, and unwavering loyalty to the Fatherland. This meeting symbolized the regime's effort to inspire the next generation of pilots and soldiers, bridging the glory of seasoned warriors with the indoctrinated zeal of Germany's youth amid the escalating demands of total war. AI generated video.

Luftwaffe fighter ace and Brillantenträger Major Hermann Graf (Geschwaderkommodore Jagdgeschwader 50) explaining the aircraft he flew, a Messerchmitt Bf 109 G-6, to the visiting Hitlerjugend members, summer of 1943. Graf is credited with 212 victories in over 830 missions. He  recorded 202 victories over the Eastern Front. Of his 10 victories  recorded over the Western front, six were four-engine bombers.

Source :

Jim Haley photo collection

https://twitter.com/downedwarbirds/status/1065105637321916416?lang=en

Ritterkreuz Actions of Willy Langkeit

Willy Langkeit (2 June 1907 – 27 October 1969) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes #1338 on 9 December 1942 as Major and Kommandeur I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 36 / 14.Panzer-Division. The medal was awarded for his actions during the pursuit battles of the 14. Panzer-Division towards the Lower Don in mid-1942. He particularly distinguished himself on the 23 July 1942, west of Nowotscherkask. A week later, on the 30 July 1942, his Abteilung destroyed a Soviet tank unit near Kutejnikowskaja.

Willy Langkeit received the Eichenlaub #348 for his Ritterkreuz on 7 December 1943 as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur Panzer-Regiment 36 / 14.Panzer-Division. At the end of October 1943 Langkeit and his armoured Kampfgruppe contributed significantly to recapturing the previously lost Ingulez sector, reaching the line Nowo Iwanowka - Krassny. Later on the Kampfgruppe launched a new advance on the 20 November 1943 and in a hard tank battle destroyed 22 enemy tanks. On the 26 November 1943 the same Kampfgruppe attacked from Protopopowka towards the north, blocking the three important roads from Kossowka towards the west and destroying 21 enemy tanks. In this time an enemy infantry attack launched in strength of about two regiments was similarly crushed. For his accomplishments during this time Langkeit would be decorated with the Eichenlaub.

Source :

https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/10930/Langkeit-Willy.htm

https://www.stalingrad.net/german-hq/fate-german-generals/german-officers-became-general.htm

Leutnant Harald Gessner

Harald Gessner (28 January 1921 - 18 March 1944) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 13 September 1943 as Leutnant and Führer 10. Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment 61 / 7.Infanterie-Division. He had the rank of Oberleutnant at the time of his death.

Source :
Jim Haley photo collection
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Ge%C3%9Fner,_Harald
https://www.facebook.com/groups/152986901863424/
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/36167/Gessner-Harald.htm

Kurt von Briesen with His Officer and Horses

Kurt von Briesen (left) with one of his officer between the horses. Briesen received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 27 October 1939 as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur 30. Infanterie-Division.

Source :
https://www.ebay.de/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=karl+von+briesen&_sacat=0

Erich von Manstein and Hermann Breith

Generalfeldmarschall Erich von Manstein (left, Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe Süd) met with General der Panzertruppe Hermann Breith (Kommandierender General III. Panzerkorps) to discuss the upcoming military operation in northeastern Bjelgorod, May 1943, as a preparation of "Unternehmen Zitadelle" (Operation Citadel) a.k.a. the Battle of Kursk. The officer wearing the monocle at right is Oberst im Generalstab Ernst Merk (Chef des Generalstabes III. Panzerkorps). After the conclusion of the battle for the Donets, as the spring rasputitsa (mud) season came to an end in 1943, both the German and Soviet commands considered their plans for future operations. Manstein arguing for a mobile defence that would give up terrain and allow the Soviet units to advance, while the German forces launched a series of sharp counterattacks against their flanks to inflict heavy attrition. But for political reasons, Hitler insisted that the German forces go on the offensive, choosing the Kursk salient for the attack. On 15 April 1943 the Führer authorised preparations for Unternehmen Zitadelle.

Source :
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2011/10/album-foto-terbaik-erich-von-manstein.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Citadel

Bio of Generalleutnant Konrad-Oskar Heinrichs

Konrad-Oskar Heinrichs (5 May 1890 - 8 September 1944) joined the infantry regiment "Graf Tauentzien von Wittenberg" (3rd Brandenburgisches) No. 20 as a fahnenjunker in September 1911 and was promoted to fähnrich on May 22, 1912. His further training followed until August 1914 at the war school in Anklam. At the beginning of the First World War he was an adjutant to the 1st battalion of his regular regiment, was seriously wounded on the western front and was taken prisoner of war by the French on September 9, 1914. He remained there until August 1918 and returned to Germany in August 1919 after being interned in Switzerland. He was taken over in the Reichswehr and retired from active service in May 1934. He was reactivated in April 1939 and subsequently took over various infantry regiments as commander after the outbreak of World War II. As commander of Infantry Regiment 24 (21st Infantry Division (Wehrmacht)), he participated in the French campaign and the Barbarossa company. On July 1, 1942, he took over the 290th Infantry Division until the end of January 1944. From February 1 to 10, 1944, he was briefly transferred to the leadership reserve and then took over as commander of the 89th Infantry Division (Wehrmacht). He died during an attack on September 8, 1944 near Liège. His remains lie in the military cemetery in Lommel, Belgium.

Konrad-Oskar Heinrichs received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 13 September 1941 as Oberst and Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 24 / 21.Infanterie-Division.

Source :
http://medalsmilitary.com/en/third-reich-photos-postcards/1805-germany-heer-a-wartime-photo-of-generalleutnant-conrad-oscar-heinrichs-with-kc.html

Ritterkreuz Actions of Alexander Conrady

Alexander Conrady (16 July 1903 – 21 December 1983) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes #1269 on 17 October 1942 as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur I.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 118 (motorisiert) / 36.Infanterie-Division (motorisiert). Conrady’s Ritterkreuz  recommendation reads as follows:

“Oberstleutnant Conrady, commander of the I./Inf.Rgt. 118, repeatedly distinguished himself throughout the Eastern campaign because of his personal devotion to duty and energetic leadership of his troops. The result was that he was awarded the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on the 24 December 1941.

During the heavy defensive battles east of Rzhev Conrady led the Inf.Rgt. 118 in the absence of the regimental commander, who was on leave. Over the course of this fighting Conrady achieved a decisive success while leading the Regiment during the time period 11-21 August 1942 through his own brave decision-making.

On the 11 August 1942 the Regiment occupied a line with the following units:

III./118
I./118
II./118
Regimental command post
II./698

On this day the enemy attacked along the Wetrowo-Nossowyje road in the direction of Karmanowo, and they achieved successes in the sector of the right neighbour. In response Oberstleutnant Conrady received the mission of moving out with his Regiment and the subordinated II./698 as soon as darkness fell. He and his men were to go to the southern bank of the Jausa river and occupy the new frontline, which was located along the line Pudischi-Star Trupnja and the area to the west of it.

That evening the II./698 attempted to change riverbanks near Now Kurdjuki and form a bridgehead, however by this time such strong enemy forces had entered Star Kurdjuki that it was not possible for the II./698 to carry out its mission. Acting swiftly, Conrady now marched with his Regiment through trackless terrain to Star Trupnja and there captured the southern bank of the Jausa just in front of the enemy. But by this time the enemy had entered into the forest between Pudischi and Star Trupnja. As such the enemy was located right where Conrady wished to occupy his defensive position! Despite the darkness and the thick forest, Conrady immediately commenced an attack and brought his Bataillone into the ordered position despite all the difficulties. The enemy forces that had established themselves in the forest and were now behind the frontline were eliminated on the next day.

The brave decisiveness of Oberstleutnant Conrady and his military brilliance ensured that the Inf.Rgt. 118 was able to swiftly enter its assigned position on the night of the 11-12 August 1942 despite the enemy activity and the great terrain difficulties. This was an action of decisive importance as the enemy immediately continued their attacks out of the area Nossowyje-Kurdjuki in the direction of Karmanowo with strong forces.

The enemy gave the Regiment no time to consolidate itself in its position. They already attacked it with strong forces on the 12 August 1942. By the 21 August 1942 the enemy had launched more than 60 attacks against the position of the Inf.Rgt. 118. The enemy occasionally entered the positions; however these were immediately thrown back in close combat. Even after a few tanks broke through the position the Regiment nonetheless held its ground until these had been eliminated. Despite strong and coordinated artillery/mortar fire, which inflicted heavy losses on the Regiment, all enemy attacks failed. Over 1000 dead Russians were counted before the Regiment’s frontline. The Regiment had not given up an inch of ground.

As the leader of the Regiment, Oberstleutnant Conrady had a decisive share in this brilliant defensive success. He had chosen to set up his command post in the immediate vicinity of the frontline. As such he endured all the crises of this days-long struggle alongside his men and while enduring periods of torrential rain. His very proximate influence on the battlefield did much to motivate his officers and men to hold their position with great fanaticism.

The magnificent defensive success of the Inf.Rgt. 118 in the time period 12-21 August 1942 near Kurdjuki (northeast of Karmanowo) was of decisive importance for the continuation of the defensive battles of the entire Korps, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of Oberstleutnant Conrady. I therefore recommend him for the award of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.”

Conrady received the Eichenlaub #279 for his Ritterkreuz on 22 August 1943 as Oberst and Kommandeur Grenadier-Regiment 118 / 36.Infanterie-Division (motorisiert). Previously, on 14 July 1943, the enemy launched an assault with 180 tanks and strong infantry against Conrady’s Regiment (reinforced by Pioniere) while it was in its positions east of Orel. Oberst Conrady held onto his command despite being wounded, and thus remained to serve as an example of bravery to his men. The Regiment was overrun by Soviet armour several times, however on each occasion it did not allow its resistance to diminish. It continued to offer up impressive resistance on the following month as well. Conrady was thus awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub for his successes during this time.

Source :
Adolfo Diaz photo collection
https://www.alexautographs.com/auction-lot/alexander-conrady_4BE4FB6807
https://historicalsocietyofgermanmilitaryhistory.com/german-history-of-world-war-ii/wehrmacht-armed-forces-of-world-war-two/officers-and-personnel-of-the-wehrmacht/heer-officers-and-men/world-war-2-generals-c-thru-e-weltkrieg-2-generale-c-durch-e/
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/3200/Conrady-Alexander.htm?c=aw

Ritterkreuz Actions of Klaus Feldt

Klaus Feldt (14 April 1912 - 7 September 2010) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 25 April 1941 as Oberleutnant zur See and Kommandant "S 30" / 2.Schnellbootsflottille. The following press article, dated 29 April 1941, describes why Feldt would be awarded the Ritterkreuz. By this time he had participated in at least 35 sorties:

“Oberleutnant Feldt has especially distinguished himself during the Norwegian campaign. During later operations as an S-Boat commander he sunk an enemy destroyer and four armed merchant ships with a total of 6100 GRT. He demonstrated very good seamanship during numerous operations, and has mastered even the most difficult of situations through his cold-bloodedness. As the acting commander of a Schnellbootsflottille he and his formation sank a total of 13000 GRT worth of shipping during a sally against the southern English coast. This success is to Feldt’s credit in particular.”

Feldt received the Eichenlaub #362 for his Ritterkreuz on 1 January 1944 as Korvettenkapitän and Chef 2. Schnellbootsflottille. The following press article, dated 5 January 1944, describes why Feldt would receive the Eichenlaub:

“Korvettenkapitän Feldt received the Ritterkreuz on the 25 April 1941, and since then he has similarly led his Flottille to great successes (despite being heavily wounded by a mine explosion in the meantime). Personally participating in 64 sorties, his masterfully led boats have sunk 35 ships with 92260 GRT as well as 2 destroyers and 2 patrol ships. In this time the fighting often took place just off the English coast. Klaus Feldt was involved in these successes while leading from the point group. In every naval theatre, west, south, north and east, he has brought his ships’ powerful and feared weapons to bear against the enemy.”

It should be noted that since the award of the Ritterkreuz Feldt probably participated in an actual total of 57 sorties (totally 92 altogether).

Source :

Adolfo Diaz photo collection

https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/34512/Feldt-Gustav-Waldemar-Klaus.htm

Ritterkreuz Action of Arnold Jürgensen

Arnold Jürgensen (17 May 1910 - 23 December 1944) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 16 October 1944 as SS-Sturmbannführer and Kommandeur I.Abteilung / SS-Panzer-Regiment 12 / 12.SS-Panzer-Division "Hitlerjugend". Jürgensen’s Ritterkreuz recommendation reads as follows:

“SS-Sturmbannführer Jürgensen has participated in all the campaigns of this war. He is the commander of the I.(Panther)-Abteilung of the SS-Panzer-Regiment 12 and has in this capacity especially distinguished himself in the fighting on the Invasion front by great bravery and prudent leadership. In the battles on the Invasion front his Abteilung destroyed 321 enemy tanks under his command.

That said SS-Sturmbannführer Jürgensen conducted himself particularly well during the fighting on the 8 August 1944. On the previous day (the 7 August 1944) the enemy succeeded in breaking through the positions of the 89. Infanterie-Division in the sector Garcelles—Laize Mündung (in the area south of Caen). In response SS-Sturmbannführer Jürgensen was on the 8 August 1944 dispatched from the sector of the left neighbouring Division in order to prepare for a counterattack in the area north of Rouvres. In this area he was however surprised by the sudden appearance of about 60 enemy tanks.

SS-Sturmbannführer Jürgensen went over to the attack with his tanks without delay, retook the commanding Hill 140 and brought the enemy assault to a halt. By this it was possible for us to once again occupy the ordered positions that were best suited for the terrain. An enemy breakthrough towards Falaise was also rendered impossible by this action. The Panzers led by SS-Sturmbannführer Jürgensen were able to destroy 32 enemy tanks during this fighting. SS-Sturmbannführer Jürgensen was himself wounded in the battle, however continued to lead his unit until the conclusion of the fighting.

The energetic, brave leadership of SS-Sturmbannführer Jürgensen is to be credited for the fact that the enemy was unable to break through to Falaise on the 8 August 1944. His exemplary leadership is also responsible for the long-term success of his Panther-Abteilung, which destroyed over 300 enemy tanks during the 10 weeks of combat on the Invasion front.

I hold SS-Sturmbannführer Jürgensen as being worthy of the award of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.”

Source :
Adolfo Diaz photo collection
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/13544/J%FCrgensen-Arnold-Bernhard.htm?c=aw
https://www.vojsko.net/armady/126-waffen-ss/velitele/1129-arnold-j-rgensen

Ritterkreuz Action of Alfred Feldmann

Alfred Feldmann (20 February 1915 - 14 January 1943) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 20 August 1942 as Hauptmann and Führer I.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 454 / 254.Infanterie-Division. Feldmann’s Ritterkreuz recommendation reads as follows:

“After long and costly attacks into the Volkhov pocket, after weeks-long marching and fighting through thick forests and trackless swamps, after the storming of countless bunkers and field positions, after the capture of a number of important forest swathes the Russians were using to supply their forces, and after the breaking of all enemy resistance at great cost in physical effort, at around 18:00 on the 26 June 1942 Feldmann’s Bataillon reached the edge of forest along the Kerestj river (northeast of Kretschno). By then reduced to 121 men, it was the first Bataillon of the Division to reach this location. The soldiers were at the end of their strength. They had had insufficient quantities of food for a while and had received no warm meals for many days. Ammunition resupply via horse columns encountered almost insurmountable difficulties. The Bataillon was almost burned out.

A crossing of the Kerestj river (8 metres wide and about 1.5 metres deep) appeared to be a nigh impossible task with such exhausted soldiers. The small railroad bridge over the river had been destroyed by the Russians following the appearance of the Bataillon at the forest edge. Under these circumstances the Regiment decided to disregard the order to form a bridgehead. Such a move would be especially foolhardy as a completely open area of ground about 70 metres deep lay between the forest edge and the river. Similarly, another treeless meadow over 100 metres in depth was to be found on the other side of the river. At the edge of this the Russians had dug into the forest and its undergrowth with numerous heavy and light infantry weapons, and kept a constant watch over the open spaces adjacent to the river.

However Hauptmann Feldmann saw how the Russians were being constantly reinforced on the other side. Anti-tank guns and artillery were being brought into position and dug-in. These additional forces would likely ensure the failure of any assault on the following day, or at least result in intolerably high losses for the whole Division. He thus made the independent decision to order an attack and the formation of a bridgehead immediately. He would dispense with any artillery support so as to avoid any further delay.

At 20:10 on the 22 June 1942 Hauptmann Feldmann gave the signal to attack. As his own Bataillon proceeded slowly and hesitantly out of the protection of the woods, Hauptmann Feldmann stormed forwards with the 2. Kompanie, specifically the point Zug. He was the first man of the Bataillon to cross the river (which was chest deep) and inspired his men to do the same. After the 2. Kompanie and then the whole Bataillon had crossed the river, an assault was launched over the open fields and a bridgehead was formed on the opposite bank as far as the forest edge. Despite the enemy’s superior numbers in weapons and men, they were so surprised by this attempt that they were unable to bring their heavy weapons to bear effectively. The result was that the Bataillon was spared heavy losses.

On the same evening all the remaining units of the Infanterie-Regiment 454 crossed over in the wake of its I. Bataillon. In the early morning hours of the 23 June 1942 the remaining elements of the 254. Infanterie-Division crossed over into the bridgehead along with parts of Kampfgruppe Gurran (61. Infanterie-Division). As such it was Hauptmann Feldmann’s independent action and outstanding personal bravery that created the foundation for the continued advance of the entire 254. Infanterie-Division along the Russian field railway as well as the Friedrich and Erika forest areas. It was along this axis that most of the captured equipment and prisoners mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht were taken. It was also the route along which the Volkhov pocket would be pierced through, an advance which ended in the establishment of contact with Gruppe Wandel after a few days.”

Source :
Adolfo Diaz photo collection
https://www.garnison-koeln.de/Ritterkreuztraeger/
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/30091/Feldmann-Alfred.htm