The Complete Knights Cross The Years of Stalemate 1942-1943

Index of Knight’s Cross Holders (1942–43)

ISBN: 978-1-78155-782-2

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Text

For Joe Dever,
old war-gamers never die, they just fail their moral test

Fonthill Media Language Policy
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has been adopted in this publication.
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First published in the United Kingdom and the United States of America 2021
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Contents
Plates Section
Glossary
Introduction
A Short History of the Medal
1 1942
2 1943
Bibliography
Index of Knight’s Cross Holders (1942–43)

Plates Section

Herman Ruppert, 1289.

Helmut Wagner, 1327.

Hans-Diedrich von Tiesenhausen, 1330.

Kurt Kirchner, 1395.

Bruno Sassen, 1408.

Lothar Rendulic, 1433.

Nikolai Clausen, 1443.

Hans Strelow, 1456.

Johann Mohr, 1475.

Friedrich Moch, 1478.

Hermann Kroll, 1500.

Otto Baum, 1550.

Horst Hannig, 1558.

Karl-Friedrich Merten, 1606.

Kurt Brändle, 1631.

Reinhold Knacke, 1634.

Siegfried Simsch, 1635.

Siegfried Freytag, 1643.

Dietrich Kraiss, 1662.

Gunter Halm, one of only nine privates to be awarded the Knight’s Cross,
1689.

Adolf Piening, 1725.

Hans-Arnold Stahlschmidt, 1753.

Anton Hafner, 1766.

Hans Mader, 1803.

Wilhelm Lemke, 1848.

Peter Gilow, 1857.

Werner Lucas, 1893.

Hugo Primozic, 1895.

Wilhelm Crinius, one of only four men to be awarded the Knight’s Cross and
Oak Leaves at the same time, 1897.

Helmuth Böhlke, 1898.

Helmut Bennemann, 1930.

Paul Semrau, 1960.

Friedrich Alpers, 1985.

Alexander Conrady, 2004.

Siegfried Fehre, 2157.

Paul Klatt, 2263.

Ulrich Heyse, 2330.

Otto Leupert, 2349.

Eugen-Ludwig Zweigart, 2351.

Kurt Geisler, 2359.

Alfred Günther, 2469.

Joachim Peiper, 2477.

Heinz Schumann, 2525.

Max Hansen, 2564.

Hans Becker, 2566.

Wilhelm Beck, 2567.

Walter Gerth, 2568.

Hermann Weiser (left), 2569.

Christian Tychsen, 2575.

Alfred Langguth, 2582.

Arzelino Masanrie, 2605.

Heinz Macher, 2617.

Sylvester Stadler, 2632.

Willi Pieper, 2644.

Wilhelm Klüber, 2676.

Wilhelm Galland, Adolf Galland’s brother, 2797.

August Geiger, 2814.

Wolf-Werner Graf von der Schulenburg, 2867.

Martin Gross, 2918.

Johannes Friessner, 2923.

Josef Niemietz, 2931.

Helmuth Schreiber, 2949.

Rupert Gruber, 3014.

Walter Kniep, 3015.

Ernst Dehmel, 3030.

Carl Hilpert, 3051.

Walter Ehle, 3110.

Hermann-Gustav Jochims, 3229.

Emil Bitsch, 3117.

Lothar Linke, 3233.

Adolf Abel, 3248.

Bodo Spranz, one of only four men to be awarded the Knight’s Cross and Oak
Leaves at the same time, 3281.

Ludwig Franz , 3289.

Richard Metzger, 3315.

Gerhard Schmidhuber, 3332.

Erich Hartmann, 3386.

Otto Loose, 3412.

Helmuth Ott, 3468.

Helmut Fuhrhop, 3486.

Gustav Schreiber, 3533.

Josef Rettemeier, 3546.

Josef Jennewein, 3552.

Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer, 3680.

Heinz Seiffert, 3681.

Glossary
Abwehr:
Alpini:
Ardennes offensive:
Arzt:
Assault gun:

German Intelligence Department
mountain
last major German attack in the West
doctor
tracked armoured fighting vehicle with a fixed
gun
Assistenzarzt (equal in rank assistant doctor
to Leutnant):
Barbarossa:
the invasion of Russia
Batallionführer (equal to
battalion leader
Hauptmann):
Bau-Pionier:
construction troops
Berchtesgaden:
Hitler’s hilltop retreat
Bf 110:
twin-engined heavy fighter
Blitzkrieg:
lightning war
Bolshevism:
a communist form of government formed in
Russia
Brandenburg/Brandenburger commando unit, sometimes dressed in enemy
:
uniform
Bundesmarine:
post-war German navy
Bundeswehr:
post-war West German government
Campaign in the West:
refers to the invasion of Belgium, Holland,
France, and Luxembourg
Claymore:
a double-edged broadsword
Condor Legion:
German forces used in the Spanish Civil War
Conducător:
leader
Cupola:
fortified domed firing position
Destroyer wing:
heavy fighter unit
Do 215:
twin-engined medium bomber/night fighter
90

Ersatz:
Fallschirmjäger:
Feldmeister (equal to
Leutnant):

replacement
paratrooper
foreman

Fieseler Storch:
Fliegerkorps:
Flugplatz:
Freiherr von:
Freikorps:
Freiwilligen:
Friedhof:
Fw 190:

single-engined light reconnaissance aircraft
flying corps
airfield/airport
baron of (noble family title)
right-wing nationalist
volunteer
cemetery
single-engined fighter, also used for ground
attack
Gebirgsjäger:
mountain troops
Gestapo:
secret police
Handelsmarine:
merchant navy
He 111:
twin-engined bomber
Heer:
army
Jagd-Panzer IV:
assault gun armed with a 75-mm anti-tank gun
Jäger:
hunter, also used to indicate a mountain unit
Ju 87 ‘Stuka’:
dive bomber
Ju 88:
twin-engined bomber/night fighter
Kaiserlichemarine:
Imperial Navy
Kampfgruppe:
a battlegroup made of several other units
K-Boat Flotilla:
Klein boat, a small craft unit
Kirchhof:
churchyard
Kirkegard:
cemetery
Krieg:
war
Kriegsmarine:
war navy
L-boat:
landing or assault boat
Luftflotte:
air fleet
Luftwaffe:
German Air Force
Marine-Schreiber:
navy clerk
Marsch Company/Battalion: ad hoc or temporary unit
Matilda tank:
British infantry tank with very thick armour
91

M-Boat:
Me 163:
Me 262:
Nord:

minesweeping boat
single-engined jet fighter
twin-engined jet fighter
north

P-38 ‘Lightning’:
P-51 ‘Mustang’:
Pak:
Panzerfaust:
Pour le Mérite:

twin-engined US fighter
single-engined US fighter
anti-tank gun or unit
handheld anti-tank weapon
Imperial Germany’s highest award up until 1918,
commonly known as the Blue Max
push
patrol boat
empire
large forest on Germany’s border with Holland
army allowed Germany under the Treaty of
Versailles, limited to 100,000 men
knight, title awarded by royal decree
medic
fast torpedo boat, called E-boats by the British,
possibly ‘E’ for enemy boat
fast
German code name for the planned to invasion
of Britain
group of about eight men

Oberarzt (equal in rank
to Oberleutant):
senior doctor
Oberbaustab:
Construction HQ Staff
Oberfeldarzt (equal in rank senior field doctor
to Oberleutnant):
Oberfernschreibmeister:
senior telegraph operator
Oberfeuerwerker:
blacksmith or metal worker
Oberschirrmeister:
over harness master
Oberstabsarzt (equal in rank senior staff doctor
to Hauptmann):
Ost:
east

Putsch:
R-Boat:
Reich:

Reichswald:
Reichswehr:
Ritter:
Sanitäts:
S-boat:

Schnelle:
Sea Lion:
Section:

Sonderkommando:
Sortie:
Spiess:

Stab:
Stabsarzt (equal in rank to
Leutnant):
Strafing:
Sturm:
Sturmovik:
Swordfish:
T-Boat:
U-Jäger:
Verband:
Volk:

Volkssturm:
VP-boat (Vorpostenboot):
Waffen-SS:

Wehrmacht:
Werfer (thrower):
Westwall:

unit that take part in the killing of Partisans,
Jews, and civilians
a patrol made by aircraft
senior NCO responsible for the welfare of the
men
staff
staff doctor
low-level attack made by aircraft
assault
heavily armoured Russian twin-engined fighter
biplane with three crew
torpedo boat
submarine chaser
ad hoc or improvised unit
people
People’s Army, mostly consisting of young buys
and old men
heavily armed coastal patrol boat
armed-SS. When used as a prefix to a rank/unit,
it indicates a non-Germanic SS volunteer or unit
Germany’s military forces
rocket artillery
German defensive position on its border with
France, more commonly known as the Siegfried
Line

Acronyms and Abbreviations
aka
AKCR
AOK
APC
BEF
CO

also known as
Association of Knight’s Cross Recipients
Army Over Commando
Armoured Personal Carrier
British Expeditionary Force
Commanding Officer
93

CWG Commonwealth War Graves Commission
C
FA
Flieger Abteilung (Flying Section)
FA(A) Flieger Abteilung Artillerie (Flying Section Artillery)
FFA Feldflieger Abteilung (Field Aviation Unit)
GC
George Cross
GD
Grossdeutschland
GG
General Göring
GWC German War Cemetery
HG
Hermann Göring
HMAS His Majesty’s Australian Ship
HMCS His Majesty’s Canadian Ship
HMS His Majesty’s Ship
HQ
Headquarters
JG
Jagdgeschwader (Fighter Wing)
LAH Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler
LSI
Landing Ship Infantry
LST Landing Ship Tank
MI6 British Secret Service
MTB Motor Torpedo Boat
MV
Merchant Vessel
NCO Non-Commissioned Officer
NKVD Russian security police
OBdl Reconnaissance Group Command of the Luftwaffe
OKH Oberkommando der Heer (Supreme Command of the Army)
OKL Oberkommando der Luftwaffe (Supreme Command of the Air Force)
OKM Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine (Supreme Command of the Navy)
OKW Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (Supreme Command of the Armed
Forces)
POW Prisoner of War
RAAF Royal Australian Air Force
RAF Royal Air Force
SD
Security Police
SOE Special Operations Executive
US
United States
94

Comparative Ranks

The Army
Fähnrich/SS-Standartenjunker/Fahnenjunker
Feldwebel/Wachtmeister/SS-Oberscharführer
Gefreiter/SS-Sturmmann
General/General de corp de armaă (Romania)
Generalfeldmarschall/Airmarschall
Generalleutnant/SS-Obergruppenführer/
SA-Obergruppenführer/Generale di Divisions
(Italian)/General de diviszie (Romanian)/
Altábornagy (Hungarian)
Generalmajor/SS-Gruppenführer/
Generale di Brigata (Italian)/
General de Brigadă (Romanian)
Generaloberst/SS-Oberstgruppenführer/
Generale di Corpo (Italian)/
General de armată (Romanian)
Grenadier/Pioneer/Jäger/Flieger/
SS-Schutze/SS-Mann/SS-Grenadier/
SS-Kanonier/Volkssturmmann
Hauptfeldwebel/SS-Stabsscharführer
Hauptgefreiter
Hauptmann/Rittmeister/SSHauptsturmführer/Stabsintendant (a rank for officials)
Leutnant/SS-Untersturmführer
Major/SS-Sturmbannführer/Maior (Romanian)
Oberfähnrich/SS-Standartenoberjunker
Oberfeldwebel/Oberwachtmeister/SS-Hauptscharführer
Obergefreiter/SS-Rottenführer
Obergrenadier/SS-Oberschtze
Oberleutnant/SS-Obersturmführer
95

Officer Cadet
Staff Sergeant
Lance Corporal
General
Field Marshal
LieutenantGeneral

Major-General

None

Private

Company
Sergeant Major
None
Captain
Second
Lieutenant
Major
None
Warrant Officer
Class 2
Corporal
None
First Lieutenant

Oberst/SS-Standartenführer/
SS-Oberführer/Colonel (Romanian)
Oberstleutnant/SS-Obersturmbannführer

Colonel

SS-Brigadeführer
Stabsfeldwebel/Stabswachtmeister/
SS-Sturmscharführer
Stabsgefreiter/SS-Stabsrottenführer*
Unterfeldwebel/SS-Scharführer
Unteroffizier/Oberjäger/SS-Unterscharführer

LieutenantColonel
Brigadier
Warrant Officer
Class 1
Corporal
Sergeant
Corporal

* These ranks did not officially exist, but have been used in many written
records of the period.

The Navy
Admiral
Bootsmannsmaat
Fähnrich zur See
Fregattenkapitän (Frigate)
/Korvettenkapitän (Corvette)
/Capitano di Corvetta (Italian)
/Capitano di Fregata (Italian)
Generaladmiral
Grossadmiral
Kapitän zur See
Kapitänleutnant
Kommodore
Konteradmiral/Contraadmiral

Admiral
Petty Officer 2nd Class
Officer Cadet
Commander

None
Admiral of the Fleet
Captain
Lieutenant-Commander
Commodore
Rear-Admiral

(Romanian)

Leutnant zur See
Matrose
Matrosengefreiter
Oberbootsmannsmaat
Oberfähnrich zur See

Sub-Lieutenant
Seaman
Seaman 1st Class
Petty Officer 1st Class
None

Oberleutnant zur See
Obermaat
Obermaschinist
Oberstabsgefreiter
Obersteuermann
Seekadett
Stabsoberfeldwebel
Stabsobermaschinist
Stabsobersteuermann
Vizeadmiral

Lieutenant
Petty Officer 3rd Class
Chief Machinist
Seaman 2nd Class
Chief Helmsman
Midshipman
Senior Sergeant-Major
Senior Chief Machinist
Senior Chief Helmsman
Vice-Admiral

Introduction
This book is about bravery, nothing else. I say this because, when I told a
friend I was writing it, he asked me ‘Why are you writing a Nazis book?’ My
answer was did he think that only the Allied soldiers were brave? To quote
Karl Wegner from the 914 Regiment of the 352nd Grenadier Division, ‘…we
were young men fighting for our country. Yes, it was an evil government, but
we had known no other.’
This is the fourth book in my series of ‘The Complete’. It tells the story of
the 7,364 men who were awarded the Knight’s Cross. Volume One deals with
the awards from 1939-41 (numbers 1-1267) and is subtitled The Years of
Victory. Volume Two deals with 1942-43 (numbers 1268-3685) and is
subtitled The Years of Stalemate. Volume Three deals with 1944-45 (numbers
3686-7364) and is subtitled The Years of Defeat. They are listed in the order
of the date of award.
Like my last book The Complete Blue Max you may notice this book is
not in exactly the same format as the first two; this is due in part to the fact
that the Knight’s Cross was not always awarded for a signal act of bravery but
also for reaching a level of achievement or for successful military leadership.
Also many holders have no known graves and the unknown whereabouts of
their medals makes doing such a list pointless.
The Knight’s Cross was awarded a total of 7,364 times (including all the
disputed awards); the Oak Leaves were awarded 890 times, on four occasions
they were awarded at the same time as the Knight’s Cross, to Wilhelm Crinius
(1897), Bodo Spranz (3281), Isoroku Yamamoto (2824) and Mineichi Koga
(4446), the last two being political awards made by Hitler after the death of
the recipient. The Swords were awarded 160 times, the Diamonds 27 and the
Golden Oak Leaves Swords and Diamonds only once, to Hans-Ulrich Rudel
(1273). Likewise the Grand Cross was only awarded once, to Hermann
Göring (1).
There are a number of disputed awards and they fall into four main
categories; first is those awarded it under the Dönitz-Decree. Dönitz declared
that all awards of the Knight’s Cross and its higher grades which had been
98

received by the OKW up until the surrender becomes effective are approved.
In 1988 these awards were deemed illegal by the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt).
Second are the awards that were unlawfully presented by field commanders
without authorisation during the closing weeks of the war (Sepp Dietrich
claims to have been authorised by Hitler to award the Knight’s Cross in May
1944. This is questionable and there is no documentation to confirm it). Then
there are the recommended awards where the paperwork was started but not
finished by the end of the war. The Association of Knight’s Cross Recipients
(AKCR), headed by Walther-Peer Fellgiebel (3162) looked into many of these
cases and decided whether the awards were justified and, if so, assigning them
a date. Then there are the ‘recipients’ who claim to have been awarded it
without any real evidence. Then there is Günther Nowak (6706) who did not
exist but was awarded it and Walter Lippelt (7259) who may not have existed.
But I guess the most interesting case is Heinrich Scherhorn (6786) who was
awarded it as a POW working for the Russians! All of these have been
included and I leave it up to the reader to decide what he thinks of them. One
interesting case is that of Fritz-Adolf Geisendorf. He was unlawfully presented
the Knight’s Cross in January 1944 by Generaloberst Josef Harpe (772), but
unlike the other ‘unlawfully’ presented awards Geisendorf does not appear on
any Knight’s Cross list (although there are photos of him wearing it) so he is
not included.
A note on place names; the Soviet Union is referred to as Russia
throughout because to the German soldiers it was Russland. Names used
when referring to places during the war may of course have been in a different
country after it. For example; a soldier who was killed in Kiev, Russia is
buried in Kiev, Ukraine.
Every effort has been made to check facts, dates and names; however
errors are bound to creep in and the responsibility is entirely mine, and mine
alone. Should you find any errors or indeed have any new information I would
be grateful if you could let me know, I can be contacted at;
kib1856@yahoo.co.uk or find me on Facebook, search Kevin Brazier author.

A Short History of
the Medal
The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, to give it its full name, owes its origins
to the Pour le Mérite (Blue Max). An imperial award dating back to 1740; it
was only awarded to officers and was not awarded posthumously. At the start
of the Second World War Hitler reintroduced the Iron Cross 1st & 2nd Class
(which date back to 1813 but was re-issued in 1870 and 1914) and the Grand
Cross of the Iron Cross. Having served in the First World War he wanted to
bridge the gap between the Iron Cross 1st Class and the Grand Gross, which in
the First World War was only for senior commanders. So Hitler introduced the
Knight’s Cross on 1st September 1939. The new award could now be awarded
to all ranks and would also be awarded posthumously. The Knight’s Cross
measures 48.8mm and weighs approximately 28 grams. It was suspended
around the neck from a 45mm wide striped ribbon which was black, white,
red, white and black.
The Knight’s Cross could be awarded for extreme battlefield bravery or
successful military leadership. But it could also be awarded for reaching a level
of achievement. Fighter pilots were awarded it for shooting down 26 enemy
aircraft, but as the war went on this figure was increased. U-boat commanders
needed to sink 100,000 tons of shipping, but there were exceptions in both
cases.
The Knight’s Cross could not be awarded until the recipient had been
awarded the Iron Cross 1st & 2nd Class, but all three awards could and
sometimes were awarded on the same day, especially during the early stages of
the war. The Oak Leaves (OL) to the Knight’s Cross (which were also awarded
for the Blue Max) were introduced on 3 June 1940 and were worn above the
Knight’s Cross. As the war went on, it was necessary to introduce further
awards and the Swords (S) were introduced on 21 June 1941 and these were
worn under the Oak Leaves but still above the Knight’s Cross. On the same
day the Diamonds (D) were introduced and these were placed on the Oak

100

Leaves themselves. One more award was introduced on 29 December 1944,
the Golden Oak Leaves Swords and Diamonds (GOLSD).
To bridge the gap between the Iron Cross 1st Class and the Knight’s Cross
Hitler introduced the German Cross (awarded in Silver & Gold) on 28
September 1941. This award was however often presented after the award of
the Knight’s Cross and indeed not every Knight’s Cross holder was awarded it,
although most were.
On 3 March 1945 Hitler banned the award of the Knight’s Cross for
successful military leadership. However this message was either ignored or due
to the military situation just did not get through as a number of high ranking
officers were still presented with it after this date.
In 1957 the Bundeswehr government of West Germany reintroduced all of
the classes of the Iron Cross and Knight’s Cross apart from the Grand Gross.
The new awards differ only in that the Swastika has been replaced with the
Oak Leave cluster and the date 1939 has been replaced with 1957. To date
none have been awarded. Also at this time living veterans were allowed to
wear their wartime awards but again, the Swastika has been replaced with the
Oak Leave cluster, the 1939 date was retained.
A quick note on other awards mentioned in the text. The Wound Badge,
not surprisingly was for being wounded. It came in three grades, Black for one
or two wounds, Silver for three to five wounds or one wound resulting in the
loss of a hand, eye or causing deafness and Gold for five or more wounds, or
one wound resulting in total disability, permanent blindness or loss of
manhood. The Close Combat Clasp was awarded for continuous days in
combat. It also came in three grades, Bronze for 15 days, Silver for 25 days
and Gold for 50 days. Gold award recipients were meant to be relieved from
combat duties, however some men still chose to stay on at the front after its
award. The Tank Destruction Badge was awarded for the single-handed
destruction of an enemy tank. The Silver award was for a single tank and the
Gold for five tanks.

101

1942
1268. Kapitänleutnant Niels BÄTGE
Bätge was born on 19 April 1913 in Tallinn, Russia. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September 1940 and the 1st Class in June 1941. Bätge was
commander of S-Boat Flotilla 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4
January 1942. On 25 September 1943, he took command of the destroyer Z35. On 12 December 1944, his ship and the Z-36 hit a German mine in the
Gulf of Finland, and both ships sank. Bätge survived the sinking but froze to
death in a lifeboat. He is believed to be buried in Föglö Cemetery, Åland
Islands, Finland.

1269. Generalmajor Dietrich von SAUCKEN
Von Saucken was born on 16 May 1892 in Fischhausen. He fought in the First
World War, being awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Von
Saucken took part in the 1939 Polish campaign and was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939). He took part in the invasion of Russia and
was wounded in the crossing of the Dnieper. Von Saucken took command of
4th Panzer Division and was wounded again on 1 January 1942. He was
awarded the Knight’s Cross five days later for this part in the winter battles of
1941–42.
While recovering from his wounds, he commanded the Army’s Panzer
training school until the end of May 1943 when he returned to the Russian
Front. He fought at Kursk and was awarded the Oak Leaves on 22 August
1943 for his leadership. At Kalinkavičy, he halted a Russian force ten times the
size of his own and for this was awarded the Swords on 31 January 1944.
Given command of XXXIX Army Corps, he was encircled at Minsk in the
summer of 1944, suffering a great loss. Von Saucken managed to free himself
and withdraw to Poland. He commanded the Grossdeutschland from
December 1944 to March 1945 when he took over II Panzer Army.
102

At this time, he was holding out on the Baltic coast for as long as possible
so that some of the 300,000 refugees could be taken out by sea. Von Saucken
was awarded the Diamonds on 8 May 1945, and he was the last person to be
awarded them. He was ordered out by Dönitz but refused to leave his men
and went into Russian hands. He was held for ten years and left confined to a
wheelchair. Von Saucken died on 27 September 1980 and is buried in
Waldfriedhof, Plot 17, Row 1, Grave 12, Munich.

1270. Hauptmann Helmut-Wolfgang BUCHLER
Buchler was born in Fürth on 8 September 1913. He was commander of I
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 204, when he was killed in action near Kalinovo
on 10 December 1941 and has no known grave. Buchler was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 6 January 1942.

1271. Hauptmann Wolfgang WAHL
Wahl was born on 15 July 1913 in Döbeln. He fought in France and was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class. He was also wounded for the first time.
Wahl went to Africa with the 8th Panzer Regiment in early 1941, taking part
in the action against Capuzzo, the Halfaya Pass, and at Sollum. He
subsequently took command of II Battalion, Panzer Regiment 8.
During action at Sidi Rezegh, Wahl was wounded for the third time. He
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 January 1942. Wahl took part in the
summer offensive of 1942 and participated in the Battle of Bir el Tamar and
the attack on Tobruk. Wounded again in July, he was captured by the British.
Wahl died on 26 September 1985 and is buried in Schopfheim Friedhof,
Baden-Württemberg.

1272. Oberleutnant Robert-Georg Freiherr von MALAPERT
(aka von NEUFVILLE)
Freiherr von Malapert was born on 7 August 1912 in Darmstadt. He was a
squadron leader in Dive Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class after the fall of Poland and the 1st Class after the fall of France; he
sank 20,000 tons of shipping. Von Malapert was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 6 January 1942 after completing 315 combat missions. He was shot down
103

on his 510th combat mission and landed behind enemy lines at Seiffersdorff,
Russia, on 21 May 1942. He and his radio operator were killed by Russian
soldiers while trying to reach the Germans lines. He has no known grave. Von
Malapert was awarded the Oak Leaves on 8 June 1942.

1273. Oberleutnant Hans-Ulrich RUDEL—‘The Eagle of the
Russian Front’
The most highly decorated man in Germany, Hans-Ulrich Rudel was born on
2 July 1916 in Konradswaldau. He took part in the Polish campaign as an
observer, being awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. At his own request, he
transferred to dive-bombers and thus missed the French campaign. His first
mission with the Ju 87 was over Crete in May 1941. Rudel took part in the
invasion of Russia, and after several missions, he was awarded the Iron Cross
1st Class on 18 July 1941. Rudel sunk the 23,600-ton battleship Marat at her
anchorage in Kronstadt on 23 September 1941. For this, he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 6 January 1942.
Rudel’s unit kept up a punishing pace of operations throughout 1942, and
in February 1943, after his 1,000th mission, he helped in the development of
the anti-tank version of the Ju 87, with 37-mm guns under the wings. Rudel
tested this new aircraft in the Black Sea, where he sunk seventy landing craft.
In March 1943, the new weapon was used against tanks with great effect.
Rudel was awarded the Oak Leaves on 14 April 1943. From this point on, he
would run up a considerable tally of tanks. On the first day of Kursk, he
knocked-out twelve Russian tanks.
Awarded the Swords on 25 November 1943, Rudel was promoted to
Major after 1,500 missions in March 1944. During the same month, when one
of his pilots was shot down behind enemy lines, Rudel landed nearby to pick
the downed airmen up, but the ground was too soft to take off. He destroyed
his aircraft and the four men made their way across country pursued by the
Russians. Finally swimming the River Dniester, Rudel’s gunner—Knight’s
Cross holder Erwin Hentschel—drowned during the crossing and the two
crew he landed to help were killed by gunfire; Rudel himself was wounded.
This was one of six occasions that he risked his life landing behind enemy lines
to help his comrades. For this, he was awarded the Diamonds on 29 March
1944. Rudel was awarded the Golden Swords and Oak Leaves with Diamonds
on 29 December 1944, the only man to receive them. In February 1945, Rudel
104

was badly shot up and had to have his right leg amputated, but this did not
stop him from flying combat missions. A common soldier’s prayer was ‘Dear
God, let Rudel come’.
His record speaks for itself. During more than 2,500 missions, he badly
damaged the battleship October Revolution, sank another battleship, two
cruisers, a destroyer, seventy landing craft, 519 tanks, seventy artillery guns,
1,000-plus other vehicles, and eleven enemy aircraft. He also destroyed
numerous bridges and bunkers. Rudel was also shot down thirty times
himself. He surrendered to US forces on 8 May 1945. Rudel met Douglas
Bader and enjoyed almost celebrity status. His autobiography is called Stuka
Pilot. Rudel died on 18 December 1982 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof,
Dornhausen, Bavaria.

1274. Leutnant Erich BACHEM
Bachem was born on 29 December 1920 in Horrem. He was an artillery
observer in Artillery Regiment 262 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 6 January 1942. Bachem died on 8 July 1993 in Bremen.

1275. Oberfeldwebel August HACHTEL
Hachtel was born on 6 March 1916 in Stuttgart. He was a pilot in Dive
Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 January 1942.
Hachtel died on 3 September 1985 in Mexico.

1276. Generale di Divisione Fedele di GIORGIO (also spelt
DEGIORGIS) (Italian Army)
Di Giorgio was born on 28 August 1886 in Chivasso, Italy. He was
commander of 55th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 9 January 1942. Di Giorgio died on 4 February 1964 and is believed
to be buried in Cimitero Flaminio, Rome.

1277. Generalleutnant Karl von OVEN

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Von Oven was born on 29 November 1888 in Berlin. He fought in the First
World War and awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Von Oven
was commander of 56th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 9 January 1942. He died on 20 January 1974 and is buried in
Waldfriedhof, Singen, Baden-Württemberg.

1278. Leutnant Hans-Georg RIECHERT
Riechert was born on 3 December 1914 in Königsberg. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 311 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 9 January 1942. Riechert died accidentally near Leningrad on 28
March 1942 and has no known grave.

1279. Oberfeldwebel Heinrich REINKE
Reinke was born on 30 October 1914 in Krienke. He was a platoon leader in
Infantry Regiment 89 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 January
1942. Reinke died on 3 March 1984 in Techau, Schleswig-Holstein.

1280. Oberfeldwebel Hermann ZÜHLSDORFF
Zühlsdorff was born on 6 September 1914 in Pamitz. He was a platoon leader
in Infantry Regiment 94 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9
January 1942. Zühlsdorff was killed in action at Gorodicse, Russia, on 26 July
1944 and has no known grave.

1281. Hauptmann Günther PRÖHL
Pröhl was born on 14 March 1895 in Schwerin. He was commander of Panzer
Jäger Battalion 290 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 January
1942. Pröhl died on 19 November 1977 and is believed to be buried in
Evangel Friedhof, Ahrensburg, Schleswig-Holstein.

1282. Generalleutnant Hermann MEYER-RABINGEN
—‘Johann’

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Meyer-Rabingen was born on 7 August 1887 in Rotenburg an der Wümme.
He fought in the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and
2nd Class (1914). Meyer-Rabingen was commander of the 197th Infantry
Division when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 January 1942. He
died on 21 February 1961 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof, Feld C111, Eutin,
Schleswig-Holstein.

1283. SS-Hauptsturmführer Heindrich SPRINGER
Springer was born on 3 November 1914 in Kiel. He fought in France, where
he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class, and in the Balkans. Springer took
part in the invasion of Russia and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class.
During the Battle for Rostov on 20 November 1941, he led the attack and
captured the bridge over the River Don. Wounded the next day, he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 January 1941.
On his return to the front, Springer was given command of 3rd Company,
which he led until he was severely wounded at Kharkov in March 1943. While
recovering, he was posted to the staff of 12th SS-Panzer Division. In October
1943, Springer was posted to the staff of Walter Model, a position he held
until the end of the war. Springer died on 27 October 2007 in Oelixdorf,
Schleswig-Holstein.

1284. Hauptmann Hans WOLFF
Wolff was born on 7 April 1912 in Salzkotten. He was a squadron leader in
Reconnaissance Group 124 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12
January 1942. Wolff died on 5 May 2003 and is believed to be buried in
Gartenfriedhof, Marienstrasse, Hanover.

1285. Oberleutnant Franz KETTERL
Ketterl was born on 21 March 1898 in Viechtach. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 438 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 12 January 1942. Ketterl died on 27 July 1979 in Gross Gerau,
Hesse.

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1286. Oberleutnant Bernhard KUHNA
Kuhna was born on 15 May 1908 in Mittel-Lazisk. He was commander of II
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 508, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
12 January 1942. It is not known when Kuhna died.

1287. Oberleutnant Artur WOLLSCHLÄGER
Wollschläger was born on 21 May 1916 in Jachzenbrück. He was a company
commander in Panzer Regiment 35 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 12 January 1942. Wollschläger died on 1 June 1987 in Bamberg, Bavaria.

1288. Leutnant Walter BRÜNING
Brüning was born on 2 April 1915 in Grabow. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Brüning was
commander of III Battalion, Infantry Regiment 508, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 12 January 1942. He died on 1 March 1971 in Munich.

1289. Leutnant Hermann RUPPERT
Ruppert was born on 15 November in Offenbach. He was a platoon leader in
Motorised Infantry Regiment 15 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
12 January 1942. Ruppert died of wounds on 27 December 1944 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 15, Row 4, Grave 143, on the B6600. Recogne (Bastogne), Belgium.

1290. Stabsfeldwebel Helmuth (or Helmut) WIERSCHIN
Wierschin was born on 28 August 1911 in Liegnitz. He was a platoon leader
in Panzer Regiment 18 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12
January 1942. Wierschin died of wounds on 10 April 1944 and has no known
grave.

1291. Oberstleutnant Hubert-Maria Ritter von HEIGL

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Ritter von Heigl was born on 10 November 1897 in Siegenburg. He fought in
the First World War and awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Von Heigl was commander of Motorised Pioneer Battalion 70 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 January 1942. He died on 24 January 1985
and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Munich.

1292. Oberst Smilo Freiherr von LÜTTWITZ
Freiherr von Lüttwitz was born on 23 December 1895 in Strasbourg. He
fought in the First World War, was wounded a number of times, and awarded
the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Freiherr von Lüttwitz saw action in
Poland and the West, being awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939).
In Russia, his division fought its way to Orel, near Moscow, before the winter
forced them to dig in. For his leadership and personal bravery during the
Russian winter offensive, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 January
1942.
In April 1942, von Lüttwitz was posted to Belgium, but his new division
did not see action until 1943 when it was sent to Italy. He personally led his
division’s reconnaissance battalion in a counterattack when his flank was
threatened; he received a bad wound to the eye during a bombing raid in
February 1944 and was awarded the Oak Leaves on 16 March 1944. After
surgery to save his sight, he returned to the Russian Front in July 1944. Von
Lüttwitz made his feeling known to Hitler about the losses being suffered on
the Russian Front and was relieved of his command pending a court-martial.
He died on 19 May 1975 and was buried with full military honours in
Rüngsdorf Friedhof, Section 3, Bad Godesberg, North Rhine-Westphalia. His
two cousins, Heinrich Freiherr von Lüttwitz and Hyazinth Graf Strachwitz
von Gross-Zauche und Camminetz, were also awarded the Knight’s Cross
with Oak Leaves and Swords; Hyazinth was also awarded the Diamonds.

1293. Oberleutnant Waldemar FELGENHAUER
Felgenhauer was born on 9 February 1914 in Rastatt. He was a pilot in
Reconnaissance Wing 123 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14
January 1942. Felgenhauer died on 16 November 1963 and is believed to be
buried in Waldfriedhof, Würzburg, Bavaria.

109

1294. Oberst Gustav-Adolf von ZANGEN
Von Zangen was born on 7 November 1892 in Darmstadt. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Von Zangen was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) after the fall of
Poland and the 1st Class after the fall of France. He was commander of
Infantry Regiment 88 and leader of the 17th Infantry Division when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 January 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on
5 November 1944 as commander of the 15th Army. Von Zangen died on 1
May 1964 in Hanau, Hesse.

1295. Oberleutnant Paul DOWERK
Dowerk was born on 9 February 1919 in Aheweiler. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 215 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 15 January 1942. Dowerk was killed in action near Orsa, Russia, on
23 June 1944 and has no known grave.

1296. Oberfeldwebel Josef REISIG
Reisig was born on 19 November 1914 in Gross-Tinz. He was a platoon
leader in Infantry Regiment 164 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
15 January 1942. Reisig died on 20 June 1976 in Nordenham, Lower Saxony.

1297. Gefreiter Jakob PELZER
Pelzer was born on 3 September 1919 in Ansbach. He was serving in Infantry
Regiment 61 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 January 1942.
Pelzer died of wounds in Ansbach, Bavaria on 2 September 1942 and has no
known grave.

1298. Leutnant Friedrich SCHILLER
Schiller was born on 10 February 1913 in Halle. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 131 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 16 January 1942. Schiller was killed in action on 21 August 1942

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and is believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Rossoschka, Volgograd, Russia.

1299. Oberst Gerhard Graf von SCHWERIN—‘Gerd’ and
‘The Saviour of Aachen’
Graf von Schwerin was born on 23 June 1899 in Hanover. He fought in the
First World War and awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Von
Schwerin was in London just before the start of the Second World War, and he
made a covert approach to the British Foreign Office, suggesting that if the
British abandoned its policy of appeasement and moved to a policy of open
military opposition, it would provide a rallying point for elements of the
Wehrmacht that were opposed to Hitler.
Von Schwerin was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class in May
1940. He was commander of Infantry Regiment 76 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 17 January 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 17 May
1943 and the Swords on 4 November 1943. In September 1944, von Schwerin
tried to contact the US forces to tell them he would surrender Aachen without
a fight to avoid civilian casualties. This letter, however, fell into the wrong
hands, and von Schwerin was arrested and tried for treason. He only escaped
the death sentence due to the aid of von Rundstedt and Model. Von Schwerin
was only reprimanded and sent to Italy. He was captured by the British.
Although the town was heavily damaged, von Schwerin styled himself ‘The
Saviour of Aachen’. He died on 29 October 1980 and is buried in Katholisher
Friedhof, Rottach-Egern, Bavaria.

1300. Oberst Paul SEYFFARDT
Seyffardt was born on 4 March 1894 in Weilburg. He was commander of
Infantry Regiment 111 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17
January 1942. Seyffardt died on 20 September 1979 in Baden-Baden, BadenWürttemberg.

1301. Hauptmann Walter KNOESPEL
Knoespel was born on 29 April 1913 in Wuppertal. He was a company
commander in Motorised Infantry Regiment 156 when he was awarded the
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Knight’s Cross on 17 January 1942. Knoespel died of wounds in Celle, Lower
Saxony, on 5 May 1945 and has no known grave.

1302. Oberleutnant Ernst-August FRICKE
Fricke was born on 11 May 1914 in Altona. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in November 1939 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Fricke was a
company commander in Motorised Infantry Regiment 76 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 January 1942. He was also awarded the
Wound Badge in Gold. Fricke was wounded at Kursk and died on 9
November 1943. He is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block XVI, Grave
20A, Altona, Hamburg. Fricke was awarded the Oak Leaves on 30 November
1943.

1303. Oberleutnant Helmut von HARNACK
Von Harnack was born on 3 November 1918 in Potsdam. He was a company
commander in Panzer Regiment 21 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 17 January 1942. Von Harnack was killed in action four days later and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 25, Row 36, Grave 2110,
Duchowschtschina, Russia.

1304. General de Brigadă Mihail LASCĂR (Romanian
Army)
Lascăr was born in Târgu, Romania, on 8 November 1889. He fought in the
Second Balkan War (1913) and the First World War. Lascăr was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in September 1941 and the 1st Class in January 1942.
He was commander of the 1st Mountain Brigade when he became the first
foreign recipient of the Knight’s Cross on 18 January 1942. Lascăr was
captured at Stalingrad on 22 November 1942 and was awarded the Oak
Leaves the same day. He died on 24 July 1959 and is buried in Bellu Cemetery,
Bucharest, Romania.

1305. SS-Oberführer Fritz von SCHOLZ EDLER von
RARANCZE—‘Papa’
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Von Scholz Edler von Rarancze was born on 9 December 1896 in Pilsen,
Austria-Hungary. He fought in the First World War in the Austro-Hungarian
Army and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). Von Scholz was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) in May 1940.
He was commander of SS-Regiment ‘Nordland’ when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 18 January 1942. For his action in holding the line at Narva
for five months, he was awarded the Oak Leaves on 12 March 1944. Von
Scholz was killed in action at Narva on 28 July 1944 and has no known grave.
He was awarded the Swords on 8 August 1944.

1306. Oberst Kurt CUNO
Cuno was born on 27 August 1896 in Zweibrücken. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Cuno
was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) in July 1941. He was
commander of Panzer Regiment 39 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 18 January 1942. Cuno died on 14 July 1961 in Munich.

1307. Oberst Curt von JESSER
Von Jesser was born on 4 November 1890 in Wadowice, Austria-Hungary. He
fought in the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class
(1914). Von Jesser was commander of Panzer Regiment 36 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 January 1942. He died on 18 August 1950
and is buried in Zentralfriedhof, Vienna.

1308. Oberstleutnant Rainer STAHEL
Stahel was born on 15 January 1892 in Bielefeld. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Stahel also
fought in the Finnish Civil War, remaining in the Finnish Army until 1933. He
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in September
1941. Stahel was commander of Motorised Flak Regiment 99 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 January 1942. Stahel was awarded the Oak
Leaves on 4 January 1943 and, three weeks later, was sent to Italy, but he
returned to the Russian Front after Italy surrendered. He was awarded the
Swords on 18 July 1944 for holding the town of Vilnius.
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Stahel was involved in the Warsaw uprising where he ordered his men to
‘kill all men encountered, remove women and children, and burn houses’.
Stahel was sent to Bucharest where similar urban fighting was expected to
break out. However, Romania changed sides and Stahel was arrested. He died
from a heart attack on 30 November 1955 while still in Russian hands and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Row 5, Grave 5, Cherntsy, Russia.

1309. Major Ludwig KIRSCHNER
Kirschner was born on 12 June 1904 in Bayreuth. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in December 1940 and the 1st Class in September 1941.
Kirschner was commander of I Battalion, Infantry Regiment 436, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 January 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on
28 October 1942. He was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold for
multiple wounds. Kirschner was killed in action on 11 February 1945 and is
buried at Zwardon, Poland; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German
war cemetery.

1310. Major Karl KRAFT
Kraft was born on 7 January 1897 in Remse. He was commander of I
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 42, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
18 January 1942. Kraft died of wounds on 28 January 1942 and is buried at
Belgorod, Ukraine; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war
cemetery.

1311. Hauptmann Hans MÜLLER
Müller was born on 16 March 1910 in Lehe. He was commander of II
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 111, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
18 January 1942. Müller died on 26 September 1998 and is buried in
Ettlingen Friedhof, Baden-Württemberg.

1312. Hauptmann Johann SCHMIDT
Schmidt was born on 22 July 1909 in Sulzbach-Rosenberg. He was
commander of II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 62, when he was awarded the
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Knight’s Cross on 18 January 1942. Schmidt died on 11 September 1986 and
is buried in Alter Friedhof, Landsberg am Lech, Bavaria.

1313. SS-Untersturmführer Helmut PFÖRTNER
Pförtner was born on 22 April 1913 in Beverungen. He was a company
commander in SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 9 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 18 January 1942. Pförtner was killed in action near
Barvenkovo, Russia, on 28 February 1943 and has no known grave.

1314. Major Günther NENTWIG
Nentwig was born on 24 September 1898 in Breslau. He was commander of I
Battalion, Artillery Regiment 295, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 21 January 1942. Nentwig was killed in action at Stalingrad on 31 January
1943 and has no known grave.

1315. Hauptmann Ernst NOBIS
Nobis was born on 18 October 1901 in Graz, Austria-Hungary. He was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in June
1941. Nobis was commander of II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 204, when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 January 1942. The Oak Leaves
followed on 5 December 1942. Nobis died on 7 March 1963 and is buried in
Zentralfriedhof, Vienna.

1316. Oberleutnant Rudolf STRUCKMANN
Struckmann was born in Minden on 25 December 1918. By the time he was
sent to Africa in 1941, Struckmann had already been awarded the Iron Cross
1st and 2nd Class. The German offensive in the summer of 1941 saw him at
the head of his regiment when a serious crisis developed on the left wing as a
result of heavy flanking fire. Stuckmann took command and turned defeat into
victory. For this action, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 January
1942. Struckmann was killed in action at Coreno, Italy, on 19 February 1944
and has no known grave.

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1317. Generale di Corpo Giovanni MESSE (Italian
Expeditionary Corps, Russia)
Messe was born on 4 December 1883 in Mesagne, Italy. He fought in the First
World War and the Italian conquest of Libya in 1935. Messe took part in
Italy’s attack on Greece in 1940, achieving some success before the winter set
in. He also took part in the invasion of Russia, where he fought on the
southern front. Messe was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 January 1942
but was replaced by General Garibaldi in November of the same year.
Messe was sent to Tunisia in February 1943 to command the Italo-German
Tank Army (renamed 1st Italian Army because it consisted of one German and
three Italian Corps). He fought a defensive campaign against the Americans
and British but could not prevent the inevitable defeat in North Africa.
After the Italian armistice in 1943, Messe fought for the Allies, serving
with distinction until the end of the war. He is author of The First Army of
Italy in Tunisia. Generally considered the best Italian commander of the war,
Messe died on 18 December 1968 in Rome.

1318. Generálmajor Augustín MALÁR (Slovak Division)
Malár was born on 18 July 1894 in Gwiesen, Austria-Hungary. When
Germany established the First Slovak Republic in March 1939, Malár became
one of the highest and most experienced officers in the newly created Slovak
Army. He was appointed commander of the Slovak Division during the winter
of 1941–42 and was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 January 1942.
Later, he became military attaché to Italy and Germany; in 1944, he was
appointed as commander of the East Slovak Army. When the illegal Slovak
National Council approached him to lead an uprising against the Germans, he
refused and ordered his soldiers to return to barracks, saying: ‘Our time has
not come yet’. However, because he spoke of fighting the Germans, he was
arrested. Malár died in Sachsenhausen concentration camp during 1945 and
has no known grave.

1319. Oberst Karl ARNDT
Arndt was born on 10 March 1892 in Gross-Kauen. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Arndt
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was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) after the fall of Poland and the
1st Class after the fall of France. He was commander of Infantry Regiment
511 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 January 1942. The Oak
Leaves followed on 1 February 1945. Arndt died on 30 December 1981 in
Balve-Langenholthausen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1320. Oberst Eberhard von KUROWSKI
Von Kurowski was born on 10 September 1895 in Stettin. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914) as
well as the Wound Badge in Gold. Von Kurowski was chief of the general staff
to XXXX Army Corps when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23
January 1942. He died on 11 September 1957 in Stanzach, Austria.

1321. Oberstleutnant Hermann SCHULTE-HEUTHAUS
Schulte-Heuthaus was born on 15 January 1898 in Weissensee. He fought in
the First World War, being awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Schulte-Heuthaus commanded the Potsdam Infantry School at the start of the
war, but saw action in Russia during the winter of 1941–42. Already awarded
the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23
January 1942.
Appointed to Rommel’s staff in Africa, he helped plan the eastward
offensive that began on 25 May 1942; he was also involved in planning the
famous panzer raid through the passes into the enemy rear. Schulte-Heuthaus
left Africa in July 1943 and took over a regiment of the Grossdeutschland
Division; he was wounded in action, and on his return took command of
another regiment. He died on 26 December 1979 in Berlin.

1322. Kapitänleutnant Reinhard HARDEGEN
Hardegen was born in Bremen on 18 March 1913. He transferred from the
Naval Air Arm into the U-boat service in the winter of 1939. He served as
watch officer for two patrols on U-124 before commissioning U-147 in
December 1940. He sank one ship with his boat and then took command of
U-123. Hardegen sank five ships on his first patrol with this boat. In October
1941, he sank the British 13,984-ton Aurania. Some time after 9 December
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1941, he took his boat to the US coast and sank eight ships, including four
tankers. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 January 1942. On his
second patrol to the US coast in March 1942, he sank a further nine ships,
including the auxiliary sub-chaser Atik and the US tanker Muskogee. On 23
April 1942, he was awarded the Oak Leaves.
He and Erich Topp were invited to dinner with Hitler, during which
Hardegen criticised the lack of priorities given to the U-boat arm. Hitler went
red with rage and Hardegen received a reprimand from Jodl, to which he
replied: ‘The Führer has a right to hear the truth, and I have a duty to speak
it’. He sank twenty-four ships for a total tonnage of 138,204 and his final
rank was Korvettenkapitän. His last command was a battalion of the 2nd
Marine Infantry Division. After the war, he was mistaken for an SS officer
with the same surname, and it took him eighteen months to prove he was a Uboat commander. Hardegen died on 9 June 2018.

1323. Hauptmann Hugo SCHIMMEL
Schimmel was born on 22 November 1914 in Harburg. He was commander of
III Battalion, Motorised Infantry Regiment 41, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 23 January 1942. Schimmel died on 17 October 1998 in
Uffing, Bavaria.

1324. Oberleutnant Johann WALDHAUSER
Waldhauser was born on 1 March 1913 in Freising. He was a squadron leader
in Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
January 1942. Waldhauser was killed in action near Kertsch, Russia, on 13
May 1942 and has no known grave.

1325. Leutnant Bernd GALLOWITSCH
Gallowitsch was born on 23 February 1918 in Vienna. He was a pilot in
Fighter Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 January
1942. Gallowitsch was credited with forty-three enemy aircraft shot down and
twenty-three tanks destroyed. He died on 28 December 1983 and is buried in
Zentralfriedhof, Vienna.

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1326. Leutnant Hermann GRAF
Graf was born in Engen on 24 October 1912. He first saw combat in May
1941, flying ground-attack mission on Crete. Graf’s first aerial victory came in
Russia on 4 August 1941, and by the end of the year, he had shot down over
forty enemy aircraft. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
January 1942, with his tally then at forty-five. During April 1942, he brought
down forty-eight enemy aircraft, and on 14 May, he shot down seven in one
day. On 17 May 1942, with his score at 106, he was awarded the Oak Leaves
and, just two days later, the Swords.
Graf shot down another thirty-two enemy aircraft in August 1942 and an
incredible sixty-two victories followed in September. On 16 September 1942,
with 172 victories to his credit, Graf was awarded the Diamonds, making him
the only man to be awarded all four grades of the Knight’s Cross in the same
year. On 2 October 1942, he became the first pilot to shoot down 200 aircraft.
Wounded in early 1943, he was posted to a training school in France while he
recovered. Once recovered, he was made CO of JG 50 on the home front, and
although ordered not to fly, he continued to add to his score. Graf shot down
three B-17 Flying Fortresses during this time. On 29 March 1944, he collided
with an enemy aircraft and was seriously injured.
After recovering, he was sent back to the Russian Front to command his
old wing, JG 52. He would remain there until the end of the war; he
surrendered to US forces on 8 May 1945. Graf’s final score was 212 confirmed
victories. He was, however, handed back to the Russians, who held him until
1949. Graf was stuck down with Parkinson’s disease in middle age and died
on 4 November 1988. He is buried in Stadtfriedhof, Engen, BadenWürttemberg.

1327. Leutnant Helmut WAGNER
Wagner was born on 18 August 1915 in Köslin. He joined Fallschirmjäger
Regiment 1 in April 1939 and took part in the Polish and French campaigns,
being awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class. In Crete, he was wounded in
the foot before even landing near Heraklion airfield; this the first of five
wounds he would receive in the campaign. He and a few men put out of
action three British anti-aircraft positions and he personally knocked-out one

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of the few British tanks with hand grenades. At Göring’s request, Wagner was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 January 1942 for his actions on Crete.
Having recovered from his wounds in early 1944, he joined the newly
formed Fallschirmjäger Regiment 6. Sent to Normandy, Wagner was killed by
a direct hit on his dugout on 7 June 1944 and is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Block 12, Row 10, Grave 384, Orglandes, Normandy, France.

1328. Feldwebel Georg FANDERL
Fanderl was born on 6 August 1917 in Nuremberg. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 January 1942.
Fanderl died on 4 January 1953 in Nuremberg.

1329. Leutnant Hans PFEIFFER
Pfeiffer was born on 16 February 1917 in Ansbach. He was a company
commander in Pioneer Battalion 97 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 26 January 1942. Pfeiffer died on 1 May 1976 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Neuss, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1330. Kapitänleutnant Hans-Diedrich Freiherr von
TIESENHAUSEN
Freiherr von Tiesenhausen was born on 22 February 1913 in Riga. He served
as watch officer on U-23 and U-93 before commissioning U-331 on 31 March
1941. While on his second patrol, he was ordered to the Mediterranean. His
first mission was to land a group of commandos near Râs el Gibeisa. On 25
November 1941, he fired four torpedoes at the battleship Barham; three of
these found their mark and the ship sank with the loss of 862 seaman.
He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 January 1942. Von
Tiesenhausen sank the 9,135-ton Leedstown on 9 November 1942. Then, on
17 November, he was bombed by aircraft, leaving U-331 unable to dive. She
was finished off by a Swordfish from the carrier Formidable. Von
Tiesenhausen and fifteen of his crew were picked up and became POWs. He
died 17 August 2000 and is buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Prince
Edward Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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1331. Oberleutnant Karl-Heinz BECKER
Becker was born on 14 June 1914 in Weener. He was commander of Infantry
Regiment 503 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 January 1942.
Becker was killed in action on 8 February 1944 and is buried at Wypolsowo,
Russia; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.

1332. Oberleutnant Alois FEUERER
Feuerer was born on 17 February 1910 in Pottenstetten. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 351 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 27 January 1942. Feuerer was killed in action on 5 July 1944, and he
is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Dagneux, near Lyon,
France.

1333. Oberstleutnant Martin STRAHAMMER
Strahammer was born on 13 November 1890 in Göisting, Austria-Hungary.
He fought in the First World War and awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class
(1914). Strahammer was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in July and
the 1st Class in August 1941. He was commander of Panzer Jäger Battalion
240 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 January 1942. The Oak
Leaves followed on 11 August 1944. Following his capture, Strahammer was
shot at Parma, Italy, on 2 May 1945 by the Americans in unclear
circumstances; he has no known grave.

1334. Oberleutnant Wilhelm von MALACHOWSKI
Von Malachowski was born on 6 June 1914 in Rostock. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in July 1940 and the 1st Class in May 1941. Von
Malachowski was a company commander in Assault-Gun Battalion 189 when
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 January 1942. The Oak Leaves
followed on 6 March 1943. He died on 28 October 1980 and is believed to be
buried in Ostfriedhof, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1335. Major Walter HAARHAUS
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Haarhaus was born on 14 May 1904 in Kiel. He was commander of I
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 477, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
1 February 1942. Haarhaus died on 25 October 1983 in Hamburg.

1336. Oberstleutnant Karl BRITZLEMAYR
Britzelmayr was born on 26 May 1894 in Passau. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Britzelmayr
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) after the fall of Poland and the
1st Class after the fall of France. He was commander of Infantry Regiment
217 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 February 1942.
Britzelmayr died on 9 March 1988 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof,
Friedhofstrasse 1, Landshut, Bavaria.

1337. Oberstleutnant Alfred KUZMANY
Kuzmany was born on 24 October 1893 in Dorna-Watra, Austria-Hungary.
He fought in the First World War in the Austro-Hungarian army. Kuzmany
was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class in January 1942. He was
commander of Infantry Regiment 338 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 2 February 1942. Kuzmany died on 4 October 1961 and is believed
to be buried in Zentralfriedhof, Vienna.

1338. Oberstleutnant Werner MARCKS
Marcks was born on 17 July 1896 in Magdeburg. He fought in the First
World War, being wounded three times, and he was awarded the Iron Cross
1st and 2nd Class (1914). He fought in the Polish campaign, for which he was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939), and in the French
campaign. In Russia, he took part winter battles before Moscow, and he was
then sent to Africa in January 1942. Marcks took part in the re-conquest of
Cyrenaica and he captured Agedabia and drove into Benghazi. For this, he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 February 1942.
Promoted to Oberst on 1 May 1942, Marcks was posted to the staff of the
inspector of armoured troops. Given command of 1st Panzer Divison in April
1944, he fought with it in Russia and was awarded the Oak Leaves on 21
September 1944. Marcks was captured in April 1945 by the Russians while in
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command of 21st Panzer Division; he was held for ten years. He died on 28
July 1967 and is believed to be buried in Wedel Friedhof, Schleswig-Holstein.

1339. Major Michael BAUER
Bauer was born on 24 November 1895 in Herzogenaurach. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Bauer was commander of I Battalion, Infantry Regiment 499, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 February 1942. He died of wounds on 15
February 1943 and is buried at Spas, Russia; his remains are awaiting transfer
to a German war cemetery.

1340. Major Eugen BAUR
Baur was born on 21 July 1894 in Hechingen. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Baur was
commander of Infantry Regiment 170 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 2 February 1942. He was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold
for multiple wounds. Baur died on 10 May 1981 and is buried in Stuttgart,
Baden-Württemberg.

1341. Major Joseph STUPPI
Stuppi was born on 16 January 1896 in Pfeffelbach. He was commander of II
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 94, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
2 February 1942. Stuppi died on 11 July 1978 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof,
Göttingen, Lower Saxony.

1342. Hauptmann Gerhard FLORIN
Florin was born on 5 February 1897 in Magdeburg. He was commander of II
Battalion, Rifle Regiment 111, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2
February 1942. Florin died of wounds on 20 July 1942 near Orel, Russia, and
has no known grave.

1343. Hauptmann Edgar-Karl KAEHNE
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Kaehne was born on 13 March 1899 in Bunzlau. He was commander of I
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 135, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
2 February 1942. Kaehne died on 10 July 1969 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Würzburg, Bavaria.

1344. Hauptmann Gustav PRESSLER
Pressler was born on 13 October 1912 in Hamburg. He was a group
commander in Dive Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 4 February 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 26 January 1943. Pressler
died on 9 October 1985 and is buried in Community Friedhof, Lippstadt,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

1345. Hauptmann Johann ZEMSKY
Zemsky was born on 11 April 1909 in Vienna. A flying instructor when the
war started, he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in February 1940.
Zemsky first saw action in the Battle for France as a Stuka pilot, and he was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class in May 1941. After completing 300 combat
missions, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 February 1942. Zemsky
was shot down by flak near Stalingrad on 28 August 1942 and died of his
wounds. He is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Rossoschka, Volgograd, Russia. Zemsky was awarded the Oak Leaves on 3
September 1942.

1346. Oberleutnant Walter HARTIG
Hartig was born on 24 April 1913 in Dresden. He was a company commander
in Motorised Light Flak Battalion 91 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 4 February 1942. Hartig died of wounds on 17 April 1945 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Buchholzer Strasse, Teupitz, Brandenburg.

1347. Oberleutnant Wilhelm KAISER
Kaiser was born on 30 November 1914 in Pockau. He was adjutant in Dive
Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 February 1942.

124

Kaiser died on 24 September 1993 and is buried in Niedernhausen Friedhof,
Hesse.

1348. Oberleutnant Christian LOTSE (or LOTZE)
Lotse was born on 7 September 1914 in Pirna. He was a battery commander
in Motorised Flak Regiment 231 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
4 February 1942. Lotse died on 11 August 2010.

1349. Oberleutnant Lorenz MÖLLER
Möller was born on 15 October 1916 in Medelby. He was a squadron leader
in Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 February
1942. Möller died of wounds at Westerland on 27 June 1944 and has no
known grave.

1350. Oberleutnant Heinrich SCHWEICKHARDT
Schweickhardt was born on 17 February 1914 in Heidelberg. He was a
squadron leader in Bomber Wing 76 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 4 February 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 30 October 1942.
Schweickhardt was posted missing over the Mediterranean Sea on 9 January
1943.

1351. Oberleutnant Hans-Karl STEPP
Stepp was born on 14 September 1914 in Giessen. He was a squadron leader
in Dive Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4
February 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 25 April 1944. Stepp died on 12
December 2006 and is buried in Südfriedhof, Friedhofsweg 3, Leipzig. His
brother-in-law, Dietrich Peltz, was also awarded the Knight’s Cross.

1352. Oberfeldwebel Karl KEMPF
Kempf was born on 2 February 1920 in Niederwihl. He shot down his first
two enemy aircraft over France in May 1940 and another three during the
Battle of Britain. Kempf was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 February 1942
125

with fifty-three victories to his credit, forty-eight of which were on the Russian
Front.
In August 1943, he returned to the West to take part in the defence of the
Reich. He was shot down and wounded in December 1943; on recovery, he
was posted to Fighter Wing 26 with which claimed another five victories over
the invasion front in June and July 1944. Kempf also shot down four fourengined bombers. With his total at sixty-five, he was shot down and killed on
3 September 1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Kattenbos N746, Lommel, Belgium.

1353. Generalmajor Artur SCHMITT
Schmitt was born on 20 July 1888 in Albersweiler. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). In
1939, Schmitt was commander of Ordnance Command XI. He served for a
short time in September 1940 as CO of the 555th Infantry Regiment before
returning to the ordnance command. In January 1941, he became CO of Rearechelon Area 556, and later of the east sector and finally placed in command
of the ‘Bardia’ Division; this unit defended Schmitt’s ordnance depot in Africa.
Schmitt and his unit fought a defensive battle that began on 10 November
1941, during which he held Bardia against far superior enemy forces, giving
the Africa Corps some badly needed breathing space. Schmitt was captured by
the British on 2 January 1942. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5
February 1942 for his defence of Bardia. He died on 15 January 1972 and is
buried in Waldfriedhof, Munich.

1354. Oberst Arthur BOJE
Boje was born on 3 August 1895 in Berlin. He fought in the First World War
and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Boje was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) after the fall of Poland and the 1st Class in
October 1940. He was commander of Infantry Regiment 134 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 February 1942. Boje was taken prisoner after
the surrender of Stalingrad in 1943 and not released until 1956. He died on 18
April 1981 and is buried in Ohlsdorf Friedhof, Plot S26, Grave 238,
Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

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1355. Oberstleutnant Hinrich POPPINGA
Poppinga was born on 15 May 1891 in Greetsiel. He was commander of
Infantry Regiment 131 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5
February 1942. Poppinga died on 2 March 1953 in Jever, Lower Saxony.

1356. Oberleutnant Ludwig LEINHOS
Leinhos was born on 11 July 1915 in Jena. He was a company commander in
Panzer Regiment 18 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 February
1942. Leinhos was killed in action at Gorki, Russia, on 21 August 1942 and
has no known grave.

1357. Oberstleutnant Alexander MÖCKEL
Möckel was born on 25 March 1896 in Giessen. He was commander of
Infantry Regiment 517 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6
February 1942. Möckel was killed in action near Karlsruhe, BadenWürttemberg, on 24 March 1945 and has no known grave.

1358. Major Henning von WITZLEBEN
Von Witzleben was born on 27 February 1905. He was commander of Panzer
Reconnaissance Battalion 16 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6
February 1942. Von Witzleben died on 16 January 1954 in Rottach-Egern,
Bavaria.

1359. Hauptmann Heinrich PETERSEN
Petersen was born on 23 September 1911 in Fallingbostel-Wenzingen. He was
commander of Infantry Regiment 184 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 6 February 1942. Petersen was killed in action at Ivanskoje, Russia,
on 7 August 1943 and has no known grave.

1360. Stabsfeldwebel Ulrich MELCHIOR

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Melchior was born on 20 May 1910 in Solingen. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Regiment 18 when he died of wounds on 1 February 1942 and is
buried at Bryansk, Russia; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war
cemetery. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 February 1942.

1361. Generalleutnant Maximilian de ANGELIS
De Angelis was born on 2 October 1889 in Budapest. He fought in the First
World War in the Austro-Hungarian army. De Angelis was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st and 2nd Class after the fall of France in 1940. He was commander
of 76th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9
February 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 12 November 1943.
De Angelis was taken prisoner by US forces on 9 May 1945 and was
handed over to Tito in April 1946. He was sentenced to twenty years’
imprisonment for crimes against partisans. He was later handed to the
Russian, who gave him a double twenty-five-year sentence! De Angelis was
released in 1955. He died on 6 December 1974 and is buried in
Zentralfriedhof, Graz, Austria.

1362. Generale di Brigada Ugo de CAROLIS (Italian Army)
De Carolis was born on 7 October 1887 in Capua, Italy. He was commander
of the Italian 52nd Motorised Division ‘Torino’ when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 9 February 1942. De Carolis was killed in action at Mius,
Russia, on 12 December 1941 and has no known grave.

1363. Oberst Adolf SINZINGER
Sinzinger was born on 29 January 1891 in Suben, Austria-Hungary. He was
commander of Infantry Regiment 257 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 9 February 1942. Sinzinger died on 15 June 1974 and is buried in
Stadtfriedhof, Wels, Austria.

1364. Major Manfred von PETERSDORFF
Von Petersdorff was born on 2 June 1904 in Metz. He was commander of I
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 529, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
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9 January 1942. Von Petersdorff died on 22 May 1986 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Friedhofstrasse 8, Freilburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg.

1365. Oberleutnant Werner BAUMGARTEN-CRUSIUS
Baumgarten-Crusius was born on 29 January 1919 in Dresden. He was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class after the fall of Poland and the 1st Class in
October 1940. Baumgarten-Crusius was commander of I Battalion, Motorised
Grenadier Regiment 156, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9
February 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 27 February 1943. He was
captured by the Americans in the Battle of the Bulge. Baumgarten-Crusius died
on 4 November 1995 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Frankfurt am Main.

1366. Oberst Paul DANHAUSER
Danhauser was born on 2 August 1892 in Regensburg. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Danhauser was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in July and the 1st
Class in August 1941. He was commander of Infantry Regiment 427 when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 February 1942. Danhauser died on 12
December 1975 in Landshut, Bavaria.

1367. Oberst Hans HAHNE
Hahne was born on 30 November 1894 in Berlin. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Hahne
was commander of Infantry Regiment 507 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 10 February 1942. He was posted missing near Vitebsk, Russia, on
24 June 1944 and has no known grave.

1368. Oberstleutnant Wolfgang THOMALE
Thomale was born on 25 February 1900 in Lissa. He was commander of
Panzer Regiment 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 February
1942. Thomale died on 20 October 1978 and is believed to be buried in Peine
Friedhof, Lower Saxony.

129

1369. Oberstleutnant Wend von WIETERSHEIM
Von Wietersheim was born on 18 April 1900 in Neuland. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). Von
Wietersheim fought in Poland, for which he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd
Class (1939), and France, for which he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class.
He was commander of Rifle Regiment 113 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 10 February 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 12 January 1943
and the Swords on 26 April 1944. Von Wietersheim died on 19 September
1975 and is buried in Alter Friedhof, Menzenberger Strasse, Bad Honnef,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

1370. Major Alfred GUDELIUS
Gudelius was born on 21 August 1906 in Münster. He was commander of II
Battalion, Rifle Regiment 14, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10
February 1942. Gudelius was killed in action at Tarnopol, Russia, on 25
March 1944 and has no known grave.

1371. Major Günther PAPE
Pape was born on 14 July 1907 in Düsseldorf. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class after the fall of Poland and the 1st Class after the fall of France.
Pape was commander of Motorcycle Battalion 3 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 10 February 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 15
September 1943. He died on 21 January 1986 and is buried in Nordfriedhof,
Düsseldorf.

1372. Hauptmann Julius GERLACH
Gerlach was born on 28 July 1896 in Waldkirch. He was commander of III
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 507, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
10 February 1942. Gerlach died of wounds at Oral, Russia, on 18 September
1943 and has no known grave.

1373. Oberleutnant Johannes MÜCKE
130

Mücke was born on 31 December 1905 in Breslau. He was a company
commander in Motorised Infantry Regiment 51 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 10 February 1942. Mücke was killed in action on 5 July
1944 and is buried at Volna/Minsk, Belarus; his remains are awaiting transfer
to a German war cemetery.

1374. Gefreiter Kurt DRÖSSIGER
Drössiger was born on 3 August 1908 in Wöllnitz. He was a machine-gunner
in Infantry Regiment 415 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10
February 1942. Drössiger died on 3 March 1983 and is buried in St Johannes
Friedhof, Stadtroda, Thuringia.

1375. Generale di Corpo Ugo CAVALLERO (Chief of the
Italian Supreme Command)
Cavallero was born on 20 September 1880 in Casale Monferrato, Italy. He
fought in Libya in 1913 and the First World War. Cavallero commanded the
Italian army that invaded Greece in October 1940. In December, he was
appointed chief of the Italian Supreme Command. Cavallero was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 14 February 1942.
In July 1943, he was dismissed, and when Mussolini’s government was
toppled, he was arrested for his pro-Fascist and Nazi views. In his defence,
Cavallero wrote a letter stating that he despised Mussolini and Fascism. In
September, the German took over in Italy and intended to make Cavallero
commander of Italian military forces still loyal to the Fascist ideals. However,
the Germans found his anti-Fascist letter and believed him to be a traitor. Now
hated by both sides, a desperate Cavallero killed himself on 14 September
1943. Whether he did so totally willingly is a matter of some debate. He is
buried in Parrocchia di Ponzano Monferrato Cemetery, Provincia di
Alessandria, Piemonte, Italy.

1376. Oberst Friedrich WIESE
Wiese was born on 5 December 1892 in Nordhastedt. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Wiese
was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) in June 1940. He was
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commander of Infantry Regiment 39 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 14 February 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 24 January 1944. Wiese
died on 11 February 1975 and is buried in Alter Friedhof, Giessen, Hesse.

1377. Oberleutnant Franz SCHWEIGER
Schweiger was born on 17 March 1907 in Oberkirch. He went to Africa in
January 1942 with a flak battery and often fought in exposed positions in
Cyrenaica. Schweiger was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 February 1942
after his battery had destroyed over forty tanks; he personally knocked-out
sixteen enemy tanks.
He commanded Flak Battalion 363 in Sicily and Italy. Schweiger was killed
in action on 26 October 1943 and is buried in the German War Cemetery,
Block 15, Grave 500, Cassino, Italy.

1378. Feldwebel Leopold STEINBATZ—‘Batzi’
Steinbatz was born on 25 October 1918 in Vienna. His first action was over
the Balkans and Crete before taking part in the invasion of Russia. Steinbatz’s
first ‘kill’ was in August 1941, but by the end of November, he had shot down
twenty-five enemy aircraft. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14
February 1942 when his tally at forty-two.
Steinbatz brought his total to ninety by 2 June 1942 and was awarded the
Oak Leaves the same day. Then, on 15 June 1942, with his total at ninetynine, Steinbatz was shot down near Volčansk, Russia, and has been listed as
missing ever since. He was awarded the Swords eight days later.

1379. Oberst Franz NEIBECKER
Neibecker was born on 11 September 1896 in Saarlouis. He was commander
of Infantry Regiment 227 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16
February 1942. Neibecker was killed in action on 25 April 1943 and is buried
in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Rossoschka, Volgograd, Russia.
However, there is also a reference to him dying on 28 April 1961 in Brilon,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

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1380. SS-Obersturmbannführer Otto KUMM
Kumm was born on 1 October 1909 in Hamburg. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st and 2nd Class after the fall of France. Kumm was commander of
Motorised SS-Infantry Regiment ‘Der Führer’ when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 16 February 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 6 April
1943.
Kumm was appointed commander of the 1st SS-Panzer Division on 15
February 1945 and took part in the last German offensive of the war. Starting
on 6 March 1945, the division was trying to recapture the oil fields near Lake
Balaton in Hungary. Although this was a failure, Kumm was awarded the
Swords on 17 March 1945. He surrendered to US forces after the fall of
Vienna. Kumm died on 23 March 2004 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof, Plot
10A, Offenburg, Baden-Württemberg.

1381. Oberstleutnant Joseph PAUSINGER
Pausinger was born on 5 December 1890 in Landshut. He was commander of
Infantry Regiment 339 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16
February 1942. Pausinger died on 8 April 1973 in Herrengiersdorf, Bavaria.

1382. Hauptmann Hermann HARRENDORF
Harrendorf was born on 18 May 1896 in Altona. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). Harrendorf was
commander of III Battalion, Infantry Regiment 469, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 16 February 1942. He died on 27 March 1966 in Hamburg.

1383. Hauptmann Erich KREBS
Krebs was born on 6 July 1912 in Angerburg. He was a company commander
in Motorised Flak Regiment 11 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
16 February 1942. Krebs died on 3 May 1993 in Oldenburg, Lower Saxony.

1384. Oberleutnant Ferdinand PAMPUS

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Pampus was born on 20 October 1914 in Waldbröl. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 6 when he was killed in action at Demyansk,
Russia, on 13 February 1942 and was buried in the German War Cemetery,
Block 16 (as unknown), Korpowo, Russia. Pampus was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 16 February 1942.

1385. Oberleutnant Hans-Karl SATTLER
Sattler was born on 13 March 1917 in Herbstein. He was a pilot in Dive
Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 February
1942. Sattler was killed in action on 13 January 1943 and is believed to be
buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Sebastopol, Ukraine.

1386. Generalleutnant Philipp KLEFFEL
Kleffel was born on 9 December 1887 in Posen. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Kleffel was
commander of 1st Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 17 February 1942. He died on 10 October 1964 and is buried in
Glockenberg Friedhof, Coburg, Bavaria.

1387. Leutnant Josef BREMM
Bremm was born on 3 May 1914 in Mannebach. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June and the 1st Class in December 1940. Bremm was a
company commander in Infantry Regiment 426 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 18 February 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 23
December 1942. The Swords were awarded on 9 May 1945 (this award was
made in accordance with the Dönitz-Decree). He was also awarded the Wound
Badge in Gold. Bremm died on 21 October 1998 in Monreal, RhinelandPalatinate.

1388. Generalmajor Rudolf Freiherr von ROMAN
Freiherr von Roman was born on 19 November 1893 in Bayreuth. He fought
in the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1914). He was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) after the fall
134

of Poland. Von Roman was commander of 35th Infantry Division when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 February 1942. The Oak Leaves
followed on 28 October 1943. He died on 18 February 1970 in Dettelbach,
Bavaria.

1389. Oberstleutnant Kurt SCHRÖDER
Schröder was born on 3 May 1898 in Kassel. He was commander of Pioneer
Battalion 74 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 February 1942.
Schröder died on 21 May 1990 in Saarbrücken, Saarland.

1390. SS-Sturmbannführer Franz KLEFFNER
Kleffner was born on 2 July 1907 in Altena. He was commander of SSTotenkopf Motorcycle Battalion when he was surrounded and led his men in a
breakthrough to the main force during February 1942. For this action, he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 February 1942. Kleffner was killed in action
on 20 March 1945 and is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Sopron, Hungary.

1391. SS-Sturmbannführer Karl ULLRICH
Ullrich was born on 1 December 1910 in Saargemünd. He fought in Poland
and the French campaign, for which he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and
2nd Class for his work as a pioneer. Ullrich fought in Greece and took part in
the invasion of Russia. During the winter battles of 1941–42, he commanded
a Kampfgruppe that was cut off while holding Kobylkino. The Russians
attacked supported by tanks and artillery, sometimes four or five times a day.
Finally, he led the break-out, and for this action, he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 19 February 1942.
During 1943, he fought at Kursk, securing a bridgehead over the Psel,
which he held for seven days against Russian mass attacks with tanks and
infantry. In November 1943, Ullrich was given command of an SSPanzergrenadier Regiment, which he led with great personal courage. In
March 1944, the Russians broke-through in a neighbouring sector; Ullrich, on
his own initiative, led an ad hoc group in a counterattack, halting the breakthough. For this, he was awarded the Oak Leaves on 14 May 1944. Given
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command of the 5th SS-Panzer Division in July 1944, his unit knocked-out
hundreds of enemy tanks before being moved south to fight in Hungary in
December. He was unable to relieve Budapest, however. Ullrich surrendered to
US forces in May 1945. He died on 8 May 1996 in Bad Reichenhall, Bavaria.

1392. Rittmeister Karl-Walrad Prince zu SALMHORSTMAR
Prince zu Salm-Horstmar was born on 8 January 1911 in Schloss Varlar. He
was commander of Reconnaissance Battalion 123 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 19 February 1942. Prince zu Salm-Horstmar died on 2
August 1991 in Schloss Varlar, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1393. Generalmajor Theodor SCHERER
Scherer was born on 17 September 1889 in Höchstädt an der Donau. He
fought in the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd
Class (1914). Scherer fought in France and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st
and 2nd Class (1939) in June 1940. In Russia, he was surrounded in the
Cholm pocket and held out for 107 days with no anti-tank guns against
almost 2,000 individual Russian assaults. For this, he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 20 February 1942 while still in the pocket. As soon as the
siege was broken in May, Scherer was flown to Germany to be presented with
the award by Hitler; he was also awarded the Oak Leaves on 5 May 1942.
Scherer returned to the Russian Front, but in 1944, he was appointed
inspector of Coastal Defences in the East. He was killed in a car crash on 17
May 1951 in Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg.

1394. Hauptmann Karl HIEBER
Hieber was born on 4 September 1909 in Ulm. He was commander of I
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 522, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
20 February 1942. Hieber was killed in action on 18 January 1943 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Rossoschka, Volgograd,
Russia.

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1395. Wachtmeister Kurt KIRCHNER
Kirchner was born on 19 March 1911 in Berlin. He was a gun commander in
Assault-Gun Battalion 667 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20
February 1942. Kirchner was killed in action on 31 July 1944 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Crypt 26, Grave Chamber 17, Mont-de-Huisnes,
Normandy, France.

1396. General Helmuth FÖRSTER
Förster was born on 19 April 1889 in Gross Strehlitz. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Förster
was commander of I Fliegerkorps when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
22 February 1942. He died on 6 April 1965 and is buried in Waldfriedhof,
Lenggries, Bavaria.

1397. Generalleutnant Theodor Freiherr von WREDE
Freiherr von Wrede was born on 3 November 1888 in Wandsbek. He fought
in the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1914). Von Wrede was commander of 290th Infantry Division when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 February 1942. He died on 30 March 1973
in Bonn.

1398. Generalmajor Werner SANNE
Sanne was born on 5 April 1889 in Berlin. He fought in the First World War
and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Sanne was
commander of 100th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 22 February 1942. He was captured after the fall of Stalingrad in
1943. Sanne died on 26 September 1952 at Krasnopol POW camp and has no
known grave.

1399. Oberst Otto KOHLERMANN
Kohlermann was born on 17 February 1896 in Magdeburg. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
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Kohlermann was commander of ARKO 129 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 22 February 1942. He died on 27 February 1984 and is
buried in Stadtfriedhof, Bad Dürrheim, Baden-Württemberg.

1400. Oberst Hans de SALENGRE-DRABBE
De Salengre-Drabbe was born on 21 October 1894 in Sigmaringen. He fought
in the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1914). De Salengre-Drabbe was commander of Infantry Regiment 457 when
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 February 1942. He was killed in
action near Tiraspol, Russia, on 25 August 1944 and has no known grave.

1401. Oberstleutnant Rudolf BREHMER
Brehmer was born on 15 January 1887 in Lübeck. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Brehmer was commander of Infantry Regiment 347 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 22 February 1942. He died on 3 November 1967 and is
buried in Hauptfriedhof, Altona, Hamburg.

1402. Major Otto MEINERS
Meiners was born on 24 January 1896 in Osnabrück. He was commander of
III Battalion, Infantry Regiment 477, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 22 February 1942. Meiners was killed in action on 3 July 1944 and is
buried at Minsk, Russia; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war
cemetery.

1403. Hauptmann Ewald MERTENS
Mertens was born on 14 August 1914 in Essen. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 204 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 22 February 1942. Mertens died on 10 June 2017 in Bad
Reichenhall, Upper Bavaria.

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1404. Leutnant Hans-Joachim MARSEILLE—‘Star of
Africa’ or ‘Southern Star’
Marseille was born on 13 December 1919 in Berlin. He shot down his first
enemy aircraft over the Channel on 24 August 1940, closely followed by six
more, but he was shot down himself four times. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st and 2nd Class. Sent to Africa in April 1941, he became known as
‘The Star of Africa’ by the British and ‘The Southern Star’ by his own men. On
24 September 1941, he shot down five Hurricanes in one day. Marseille was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 February 1942 after shooting down fifty
enemy aircraft. On 6 June 1942, Marseille shot down six P-40s in just eleven
minutes, bringing his total to seventy-five and gaining the Oak Leaves on the
same day. The Swords followed on 18 June after his 101st victory. During
three sorties on 1 September 1942, he shot down seventeen enemy aircraft (a
feat never surpassed) and was awarded the Diamonds on 3 September with
126 victories to his name.
On 30 September 1942, Marseille’s Bf 109 developed engine trouble and
he baled-out; his parachute never opened, and he was found died. He is buried
in the German War Cemetery, Tobruk, Libya. His medals are on display at the
Luftwaffe Museum in Uetersen, Schleswig-Holstein.

1405. Oberfeldwebel Erhard KUNZE
Kunze was born on 31 August 1914 in Teuchern. He was a platoon leader in
Motorised Reconnaissance Battalion 341 when he was killed in action near
Rostow, Russia, on 6 January 1942 and has no known grave. Kunze was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 February 1942.

1406. Oberfeldwebel Wilhelm REINHARDT
Reinhardt was born on 19 February 1915 in Hanover. He was a platoon
leader in Infantry Regiment 518 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
22 February 1942. Reinhardt died on 6 March 1981 in AumundHammersbeck, Hesse.

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1407. Oberfeldwebel Otto SCHULZ—‘One-two-threeSchulz’
Schulz was born in Treptow on 11 February 1911. He shot down his first
enemy aircraft over the English Channel in August 1940. Schulz shot down
two over the Balkans and three more in Russia. In Africa, he earnt the
nickname ‘One-two-three-Schulz’. His first victory there came on 30 October
1941 when he shot down three British fighters. Further victories included a
Bristol Bombay carrying a sabotage team on 17 November, a Tomahawk on
the 22nd, two on the 30th, one on 4 December, and two more on 6 December.
On 19 December, Schulz was accidently shot down by an Italian fighter,
but the next day, he shot down two Curtiss fighters. Schulz was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 22 February 1942. On 17 June 1942, with his tally at fiftyone he was shot down over Sidi Rezegh and has been listed as missing in
action ever since.

1408. Feldwebel Bruno SASSEN
Sassen was born in Mittermoor on 13 March 1918. He joined Fallschirmjäger
Regiment 3 in 1940 and jumped into Crete, seeing action south-west of
Chania. He stormed a British camp with thirty men and was wounded and
captured, but he was freed a week later. Sassen was awarded the Iron Cross
1st and 2nd Class. Promoted Feldwebel on 1 October 1941 while in Russia,
fighting on the Neva River, his company machine guns halted the enemy for
thirty-three days in the Vyborgskaya Bridgehead. When the Russians captured
the anti-tank ditch in front of his position in November 1941, he drove them
out with only five men. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
February 1942.
Sassen was badly wounded on 27 March 1943 while storming a hill during
fighting east of Twerdy. Declared unfit for front-line duty Sassen spent the rest
of the war training others. He died on 19 June 2006 in Bad Pyrmont, Lower
Saxony.

1409. Unteroffizier Josef VERNHOLD
Vernhold was born on 8 December 1915 in Hamm. He was serving in
Motorised Grenadier Regiment 60 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
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on 22 February 1942. Vernhold died on 12 November 1995 and is believed to
be buried in Südfriedhof, Werlerstrasse, Hamm, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1410. Oberleutnant Ernst KLOSSEK
Klossek was born on 23 August 1910 in Zieglershuben. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 422 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 23 February 1942. Klossek died of wounds on 2 March 1942 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 12, Row 39, Grave 2138,
Novgorod, Russia.

1411. Oberleutnant Gerhard WERNER
Werner was born on 21 May 1916 in Baden-Baden. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September 1940 and the 1st Class on 1 February 1942.
Werner was a company commander in Jäger Commando 8 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 February 1942. The Oak Leaves followed
on 23 March 1945. He was killed in action on 8 September 1944 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Crypt 1, Row 15, Plate 13, DionyssosRapendoza, Greece.

1412. Feldwebel Gerhard JAEGER
Jaeger was born on 15 September 1911 in Reinsdorf. He was a platoon leader
in Infantry Regiment 418 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23
February 1942. Jaeger was killed in action at Samoschka, Russia, on 18
September 1942 and has no known grave.

1413. Feldwebel Dietrich KOCH
Koch was born on 8 April 1916 in Hamburg. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Jäger Battalion 88 when he was badly wounded in November 1941
and awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 February 1942. He was deselected for
the award by historian Walther-Peter Fellgiebel without reason. Koch was saw
no further action during the war. He died on 22 November 2002 in Bad
Kreuznach, Rhineland-Palatinate.

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1414. Hauptmann Walter RITTERSHAUSEN
Rittershausen was born on 24 January 1899 in Dillenburg. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 57 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 25 February 1942. Rittershausen was posted missing near Braunsberg, East
Prussia, during February 1945.

1415. Feldwebel Anton LARISCH
Larisch was born on 1 May 1913 in Hindenburg. He was a platoon leader in
Infantry Regiment 190 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25
February 1942. Larisch died on 27 January 1996 in Emmerich, North RhineWestphalia.

1416. Oberleutnant Erich KAISER
Kaiser was born on 10 July 1921 in Schopfheim. He was a company
commander in Panzer Regiment 39 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 26 February 1942. Kaiser died of wounds on 26 August 1942 and is buried
at Gomel, Belarus; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war
cemetery.

1417. Oberst Werner von ERDMANNSDORFF
Von Erdmannsdorff was born on 26 July 1891 in Bautzen. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Von Erdmannsdorff was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939)
after the fall of Poland. He was commander of Motorised Infantry Regiment
30 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 February 1942. Von
Erdmannsdorff was captured by the British in May 1945 and extradited to
Yugoslavia. He was executed at Ljubljana on 5 June 1945 and has no known
grave. His brother, Gottfried, was also awarded the Knight’s Cross.

1418. Generalleutnant Ferdinand NEULING
Neuling was born on 22 August 1885 in Bautzen. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). During the
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Polish campaign, his division was used as a reserve and his men shot a number
of Polish civilians who tried to defend their homes. At Katowice, he was
greeted by German citizens but fiercely attacked by Polish civilians.
In France in 1940, his division stormed the Maginot Line and captured
Colmar and Strasbourg. Neuling remained in France for the remainder of the
war. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 February 1942. In 1944, his
command was crushed by the US Army and he was taken prisoner. Neuling
was never charged with war crimes. He died on 20 February 1960 in
Hildesheim, Lower Saxony.

1419. SS-Oberscharführer Ludwig KÖCHLE
—‘Bunkerknacker’
Köchle was born on 28 February 1921 in Nofels, Austria. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in November 1941. Köchle
was a platoon leader in SS-Infantry Regiment 1 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 28 February 1942. He was killed in action on 9 June 1942
and is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Korpowo, Russia.

1420. SS-Sturmbannführer Karl SCHLAMELCHER
Schlamelcher was born on 21 September 1912 in St Andreasberg. He was
commander of III Battalion, SS-Panzer Artillery Regiment 5, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 March 1942. Schlamelcher died as a POW on
28 June 1948 and is believed to be buried in Stadtfriedhof, Bad Pyrmont,
Lower Saxony.

1421. Major Werner SCHULZE—‘Papa’
Schulze was born on 15 January 1895 in Calbe. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in August 1941. Schulze was
commander of II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 510, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 1 March 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 23 August
1944. He died on 3 November 1966 and is believed to be buried in
Waldfriedhof, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg.

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1422. Oberleutnant Heinrich WESTHOFEN
Westhofen was born on 5 April 1914 in Siegburg. He was a company
commander in Rifle Regiment 73 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
1 March 1942. Westhofen died on 5 December 1959 in Hanover.

1423. SS-Standartenführer Hermann FEGELEIN
—‘Flegelein’
Fegelein was born in Ansbach on 30 October 1906. Deployed in the rear area
during the Polish campaign, he saw no action. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in December 1940 and the 1st Class in June 1941. In Russia, his
unit was used in anti-partisan warfare, committing widespread atrocities in the
Pripet Marches during the summer of 1941. During the winter of 1941–42,
the SS-Totenkopf was used in front-line duties, and by March 1942, it was
reduced to 700 men. Fegelein was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 March
1942.
In May 1942, he was given a staff posting, but he returned to the front to
take command of a Kampfgruppe with which he led an attack on 20
December 1942, capturing a Russian HQ. For this, he was awarded the Oak
Leaves just two days later. In 1943, he was involved in both anti-partisan and
front-line combat. Wounded in September 1943, he became Himmler’s liaison
officer in January 1944.
Wounded in the 20 July plot to kill Hitler, Fegelein was awarded the
Swords on 30 July 1944. He also claims to have accumulated fifty-six days in
combat but was not awarded the Clasp Combat Clasp in Gold. On 27 April
1945, Fegelein went missing from his post and was said to have been found
with a mistress in civilian clothes and in possession of a large amount of
money and fake passports. Fegelein was shot by firing squad in Berlin on 28
April 1945 and has no known grave. His brother, Waldemar, was also
awarded the Knight’s Cross.

1424. Oberleutnant Theodor von LÜCKEN
Von Lücken was born on 24 April 1914 in Zahrensdorf. He was commander
of II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 502, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 2 March 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 7 May 1944. Von
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Lücken died on 15 November 1986 and is believed to be buried in
Waldfriedhof, Burbach, Saarbrücken, Saarland.

1425. Major Arnold SIMONS
Simons was born on 17 March 1900 in Magdeburg. He was commander of
Infantry Regiment 190 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 March
1942. Simons was posted missing at Stalingrad in January 1943.

1426. Hauptmann Thomas BÜRGER
Bürger was born on 11 January 1909 in Weiglham. He was commander of III
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 528, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
4 March 1942. Bürger was posted missing at Wolubujevka, Russia, on 22
February 1942.

1427. Hauptmann Kurt CHRISTEL
Christel was born on 17 February 1889 in Nuremberg. He was a company
commander in Construction Battalion 132 when he was killed in action near
Zemena on 3 March 1942 and has no known grave. Christel was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 4 March 1942.

1428. Hauptmann Friedrich JAKOB
Jakob was born on 18 March 1910 in Ehringshausen. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in June and the 1st Class in October 1940. Jakob was
commander of II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 105, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 4 March 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 18 December
1944. He died on 9 September 1994 and is believed to be buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate.

1429. Oberfeldwebel Josef DÖRFEL
Dörfel was born on 2 March 1915 in Bachheiden. He was a platoon leader in
Infantry Regiment 439 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 March

145

1942. Dörfel died on 3 April 2002 and is buried in St Martin Friedhof,
Stadthagen, Lower Saxony.

1430. Feldwebel Walter LIPPOLT
Lippolt was born on 13 August 1916 in Chemnitz. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Jäger Battalion 240 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4
March 1942. Lippolt died on 27 February 1961.

1431. Unteroffizier Willy JAKOB
Jakob was born on 4 November 1919 in Schlaube. He was a platoon leader in
Infantry Regiment 391 when he was killed in action near Feodosia, Russia, on
27 January 1942 and has no known grave. Jakob was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 4 March 1942.

1432. Gefreiter Willibald UNFRIED—‘Willi’
Unfried was born on 26 June 1919 in Grossenried. He was a machine-gunner
in Infantry Regiment 213 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4
March 1942. Unfried died on 21 July 1994 and is buried in Neuendettelsau
Friedhof, Bavaria.

1433. Generalleutnant Lothar RENDULIC
Rendulic was born on 23 October 1887 in Wiener Neustadt, Austria-Hungary.
He fought in the First World War and may have been awarded the Iron Cross
1st and 2nd Class (1914). He was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
after the fall of Poland. Rendulic was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 March
1942. By 1943, he was in the army reserve, having been awarded the Oak
Leaves on 15 August 1943. In early 1944, he was given command of the 2nd
Panzer Army in Yugoslavia. He was ordered to capture Yugoslav partisan
leader Tito, which he very nearly did.
In June 1944, he was appointed commander of German troops in Finland
and Norway. He ordered the public buildings of Rovaniemi to be burned in
revenge for the Finns concluding a separate peace with the Russians. During
the work, an ammunition train exploded and set fire to the wooden houses;
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Rendulic was blamed for burning the whole town. In fact, the explosion may
have been the work of a Finnish commando unit. Later, he served on the
Eastern Front in Latvia and ended the war as commander of Army Group
South in Czechoslovakia and Austria. He was awarded the Swords on 18
January 1945. Rendulic was captured by the Americans in May 1945 and
tried at Nuremberg. He was sentenced to twenty years’ imprisonment but was
released in 1951. Rendulic wrote a number of books about the war. He died
on 18 January 1971 in Linz, Austria.

1434. Oberst Karl RHEIN
Rhein was born on 30 March 1894 in Wetzlar. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Rhein was
commander of Infantry Regiment 439 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 6 March 1942. He died on 27 March 1988 and is buried in Alter
Friedhof, Wetzlar, Hesse.

1435. Hauptmann Karl BETZ
Betz was born on 25 June 1907 in Hamburg. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class after the fall of Poland and the 1st Class after the fall of France.
Betz was commander of II Battalion, Rifle Regiment 2, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 6 March 1942. He was killed in action at Parnevo,
Russia, on 2 July 1942 and has no known grave.

1436. Major Max HECHT
Hecht was born on 27 January 1898 in Bautzen. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class. He took part in the
1940 French campaign as a CO of a flak battalion. He was shipped to Africa
in March 1941 where he commanded a battlegroup that broke into the
Tobruk’s outer defences, but they were forced to retire. During the offensive in
January 1942, his unit knocked-out 192 tanks, thirty-one thirty-one cars, and
shot down eighteen aircraft. On 7 March 1942, Hecht was awarded the
Knight’s Cross.
Flown back to Germany due to illness, he spent the remainder of the war
commanding flak units on the Western Front until he was captured by the
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British. Hecht died on 13 June 1980 and is believed to be buried in
Stadtfriedhof, Hof, Bavaria.

1437. Hauptmann Carl-August PETERSEN
Petersen was born on 26 May 1912 in Neukirchen. He fought in the Spanish
Civil War with the Condor Legion. Petersen was a squadron leader in Bomber
Wing 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 March 1942. He died
on 23 November 1980 in Bad Bodenteich, Lower Saxony.

1438. Oberleutnant Fritz SCHULZE-DICKOW
Schulze-Dickow was born on 17 November 1913 in Berlin. He was a
squadron leader in Heavy Fighter Wing 26 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 7 March 1942. Schulze-Dickow died on 19 August 1993 and is
buried in Ostfriedhof, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1439. Unteroffizier Erich HEINTZE
Heintze was born on 27 September 1916 in Halle. He was a gunner in
Motorised Flak Regiment 33 in North Africa. On 31 March 1941, when the
German offensive started, Heintze’s guns destroyed several enemy positions;
while in pursuit, his battalion knocked-out fifty enemy vehicles. At Hill 208
between Capuzzo and Sidi Azeiz, he further distinguished himself by
knocking-out several enemy tanks. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 7 March 1942.
By the time Heintze was wounded, his guns had knocked-out twenty-three
tanks in about twenty engagements. His wounds were so bad that he never
returned to front-line service. Heintze died on 11 August 1998 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Friedhofstrasse, Eisleben, Saxony-Anhalt.

1440. Gefreiter Arnold HUEBNER
Huebner was born on 14 July 1919 in Szubin. Sent to Africa with Flak
Regiment 33 in 1941, his unit went on the offensive. Huebner’s unit bypassed
Tobruk and reached Bardia. On 16 June 1941, he was at Hill 208 between
Capuzzo and Sidi Azeiz. The position was assaulted several times by the
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British. He destroyed sixteen tanks in two engagements. At Bardia on 18
November, he knocked-out another eight tanks. It was for these two
engagements that he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 March 1943.
His unit was almost wiped out in the retreat from El Alamein and was
withdrawn from Africa. Promoted to Wachtmeister, he saw action in
Normandy, after which he was sent to an officer’s course. Huebner employed
several anti-aircraft guns to prevent the Americans crossing the Danube. On 1
May, he was promoted to Leutnant, but four days later, he was taken prisoner.
He died on 1 February 1981 and is believed to be buried in Südfriedhof,
Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1441. Generalleutnant Agustin Muñoz GRANDES (Spanish
Blue Division)
Grandes was born on 27 January 1896 in Madrid. He fought in the Rif War
and the Spanish Civil War. In 1941, he was given command of the ‘Blue
Division’ with which he saw action on the Russian Front. He was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 12 March and the Oak Leaves on 13 December 1942. At
this time, he was recalled to Spain and promoted. Grandes was appointed
captain-general of I Military District in 1945 and minister of defence in 1950
—a post he held until 1957. From 1962 until 1967, he was deputy prime
minister of Spain. Grandes died on 11 July 1970 and is buried in Cementerio
Parroquial de Carabanchel Bajo, Madrid, Spain.

1442. Oberst Georg KOSSMALA
Kossmala was born on 22 October 1896 in Myslowitz. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Kossmala was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) after the fall of
Poland and the 1st Class in August 1941. Kossmala was commander of
Security Regiment 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 March
1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 26 March 1944. He was killed in action
near Oberglogau, Lower Saxony on 18 March 1945 and has no known grave.

1443. Kapitänleutnant Nicolai CLAUSEN—‘Niko’ and ‘The
Guyana Fighter’
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Clausen was born on 2 June 1911 in Flensburg. He joined the navy in October
1929, serving on torpedo boats, and in September 1935, he transferred to the
U-boat service. He took command of U-37 in December 1940 and sunk ten
small ships and two steam trawlers in three patrols. Then, on 21 May 1941,
Clausen commissioned U-129, but on his first three patrols, he did not sink
any ships. On his next patrol, however, he did sink several steamers along the
coast of Guyana, earning him the nickname ‘The Guyana Fighter’.
In June 1943, Niko commissioned U-182 and set out on his next patrol in
January 1942, sinking his first ship, the 7,173-ton Ocean Courage, on 15
January. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 March 1942.
In the Indian Ocean in 1943, he sank the 4,836-ton Llanshe on 17
February followed by the 7,177-ton Richard D. Spaight on 10 March and the
5,047-ton steamer Aloe on 5 April. Finally, he sank the Greek 5,838-ton
steamer Adelfortis on 1 May. Then, on 16 May 1943, U-182 was attacked and
sunk by the destroyer MacKenzie; there were no survivors. Clausen was
posthumously promoted to Korvettenkapitän.

1444. Hauptmann Franz KLAUSGRABER
Klausgraber was born on 16 October 1906 in Vienna. He was commander of
III Battalion, Infantry Regiment 227, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 13 March 1942. Klausgraber died of wounds on 11 June 1944 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Potylicz/Potelitsch,
Ukraine.

1445. SS-Obersturmführer Hubert-Erwin MEIERDREES
(aka Erwin MEIERDRESS)
Meierdrees was born on 11 December 1916 in Wesel. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class after the fall of Poland. Meierdrees took part in the
campaign in the West but did not see any combat until November 1940. He
was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class in January 1941 for holding out during
the Russian winter attacks at Bjakowo, south of Leningrad. Meierdrees was
flown out of the pocket after being badly wounded. He was then awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 13 March 1942 for his actions at Bjakowo.
After recovering, he was sent to train replacements in the use of assault
guns. Before long, Meierdrees was given the chance to train on tanks, an offer
150

he accepted, and in November 1942, he was given command of I Battalion,
SS-Panzer Regiment 3. He took part in recapturing of Kharkov and fought at
Kursk on the Mius front and at the Dnieper. Meierdrees was badly wounded
and awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. For his actions at Kharkov, Kursk,
the Mius, and the Dnieper, he was awarded the Oak Leaves on 5 October
1943. After his recovery and until January 1944, he was again used to train
replacements. He fought at Iaşi, Romania, and later at Warsaw. Meierdrees
was killed in action on 2 January 1945 and is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Block 1, Row 6, Grave 9, Vienna.

1446. Major Franz GRIESBACH
Griesbach was born on 21 December 1892 in Brück. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Griesbach was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd (1939) in October and the 1st
Class in November 1941. He was commander of I Battalion, Infantry
Regiment 391, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 March 1942.
The Oak Leaves followed on 17 May 1943 and the Swords on 6 March 1944.
Griesbach died on 24 September 1984 and is buried in Lage Friedhof, Lower
Saxony.

1447. Oberleutnant Hans-Henning EICHERT
Eichert was born on 25 January 1917 in Breslau. He was a company
commander in Rifle Regiment 11 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
14 March 1942. Eichert was killed in action on 9 July 1943 and is buried at
Orel, Russia; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.

1448. Feldwebel Josef LEOPOLDSBERGER
Leopoldsberger was born on 11 March 1915 in Malching. He was a platoon
leader in Infantry Regiment 207 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
14 March 1942. Leopoldsberger was killed accidentally at Neftjanaja, Russia,
on 15 September 1942 and has no known grave.

1449. Kapitänleutnant Ernst BAUER—‘The Dwarf’
151

Born on 3 January 1914 in Fürth, Bauer joined the U-boat service in April
1933 and was known as ‘The Dwarf’ to distinguish him from the other Bauers
in the U-boat service. When he took command of U-126 on 22 March 1941,
Bauer had already amassed a great deal of experience in the U-boat service.
His first success was against convoy OG69, and his success continued on his
second patrol in the North Atlantic. On his third patrol, he torpedoed the
10,000-ton tanker Esso Boliver and sank several other ships.
During another patrol, he sank the Norwegian 10,999-ton tanker Høegh
Giant and five other ships. U-126 picked up supplies from Ship 16 Atlantis on
22 November 1941, the same day she was attacked and sunk by HMS
Devonshire. Bauer’s boat was one of several vessels to pick up crews from the
German ships Atlantis and Orion. His Knight’s Cross was awarded on 16
March 1942. He was appointed to command the 26th U-Boat Flotilla in
Pillau, a post he held until the war’s end. His ultimate rank was
Korvettenkapitän and he sank twenty-four ships, totalling 108,513 tons, and
torpedoed another four ships, totalling 29,997 tons. He died on 12 March
1988 in Westerland, on the Island of Sylt, Schleswig-Holstein.

1450. Oberleutnant Wilhelm EGGERS
Eggers was born on 7 July 1910 in Scheessel. He was a company commander
in Infantry Regiment 490 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16
March 1942. Eggers died on 11 March 1989 and is buried in Rotenburg
Friedhof, Lower Saxony.

1451. Hauptmann Albert BIECKER
Biecker was born on 15 September 1897 in Attendorn. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 386 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 18 March 1942. Biecker was killed in action on 1 May 1942 and is
buried at Chelm, Russia; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war
cemetery.

1452. Hauptmann Georg CHRISTL
Christl was born in Pfaffenberg on 3 October 1913. He first saw action as a Bf
110 pilot in the French campaign, being awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd
152

Class for his part. He also fought in the Battle of Britain. He was sent to Sicily
to fly escort missions for Ju 52 transports, and he later operated out of Africa,
where he saw much action. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 March
1942 for a number of missions, including shooting down three enemy aircraft
and destroying seven tanks.
He also took part in the defence of the Reich and tested the use of heavy
weapons against four-engined bombers. Christl died on 31 March 1991 at
Vielbach, Rhineland-Palatinate.

1453. Oberleutnant Johannes KIEL
Kiel was born on 14 April 1912 in Kiel. He was a pilot in Heavy Fighter Wing
26 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 March 1942. Kiel was
credited with twenty-five aerial victories, sixty-two aircraft destroyed on the
ground, nine tanks, and twenty artillery pieces. He was killed in action on 29
January 1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery (Nordfriedhof),
Block VII, Grave 252, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein.

1454. Oberleutnant Heinrich KRAFFT—‘Gaudi’
Krafft was born on 13 August 1914 in Bilin, Austria-Hungary. He was a
squadron leader in Fighter Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 18 March 1942. Krafft was credited with seventy-eight aerial victories
when he was killed on 14 December 1942 near Belyi after being beaten by the
Russians following a crash landing; he has no known grave.

1455. Leutnant Diddo DIDDENS
Diddens was born on 22 April 1917 in Bunderhammrich. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in August and the 1st Class in October 1941. Diddens
was a platoon leader in Assault-Gun Brigade ‘GD’ when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 18 March 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 15 June
1944. He was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. Diddens died on 27
September 1997 in Bunderhammrich, Lower Saxony.

1456. Leutnant Hans STRELOW
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Strelow was born on 26 March 1922 in Berlin. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in September 1941. Strelow was a
squadron leader in Fighter Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 18 March and the Oak Leaves on 24 March 1942. He was shot down near
Mtsensk, behind the Russian lines, on 22 May 1942 and killed himself to
avoid capture. Strelow has no known grave.

1457. Oberfeldwebel Heinrich ORTH
Orth was born on 4 January 1916 in Herrensohr. He joined Fallschirmjäger
Regiment 1 on 1 April 1938 and saw action in Poland in 1939 as an
Oberjäger. Orth fought at the Belgian Fort Eben-Emael and the bridges over
the Albert Canal. He rescued two sections that were surrounded, including
Leutnant Schacht’s, the assault group commander. For this, he was awarded
the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class and promoted to Feldwebel.
Promoted to Oberfeldwebel in July 1941, he saw action in Russia during
the winter of 1941–42 at Zhaikovska and Anisovo-Gorodishche. He led his
platoon and occasionally the company, driving the enemy out of the villages.
On 10 March 1942, he led his men into an enemy held village near
Zhaikovska. Although again managing to drive the enemy out, he was killed
during this action; he has no known grave. For this, he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 18 March 1942.

1458. Major Otto LINDNER
Lindner was born on 4 October 1907 in Josephsruh. He was commander of II
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 60, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
19 March 1942. Lindner was posted missing near Baranoviči, Russia, on 1
July 1944 and has no known grave.

1459. Oberleutnant Joachim RIEGER
Rieger was born on 9 March 1914 in Berlin. He was a squadron leader in
Dive Bomber Wing 1 when he was killed in action near Naro-Fominsk,
Russia, on 2 December 1941 and has no known grave. Rieger was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 19 March 1942.

154

1460. Leutnant Adolf DICKFELD
Dickfeld was born on 20 February 1910 in Jüterbog. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in December 1939 and the 1st Class in January 1940.
Dickfeld was a pilot in Fighter Wing 52 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 19 March and the Oak Leaves on 19 May 1942. He is credited with
shooting down 136 enemy aircraft and a further fifteen unconfirmed. Dickfeld
shot down at least one aircraft using the He 162 jet fighter. He died on 17
May 2009 and is buried in Buchschlag Friedhof, Dreiech, Hesse.

1461. Leutnant Emil OMERT
Omert was born on 15 January 1918 in Ginolfs. Omert was a pilot in Fighter
Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 March 1942, with
fifty victories to his credit. He would go on to shoot down a total of seventy
enemy aircraft and destroy another twenty-five on the ground. Omert was
killed in action on 24 April 1944 after attacking US bombers over Finta Mare;
he was forced to bale out and was shot and killed while hanging in his
parachute by an unknown US fighter pilot. He is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Block E, Row 9, Grave 121, Bucharest, Romania.

1462. Oberfeldwebel Wilhelm MINK
Mink was born on 29 April 1912 in Cologne. He fought in France and the
Battle of Britain, during which he was shot down and saved by German air-sea
rescue. Mink shot down his first enemy aircraft on 29 April 1941, followed by
another on 21 May 1941. In Russia, his tally started to pick up, and by the
end of the year, it stood at thirty-one. Mink was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 19 March 1942 with his score at forty.
After shooting down his fiftieth opponent in July 1942, Mink was sent
home as an instructor in September. Although he was wounded in an air raid,
he was sent back to combat in November 1943 in Italy. Mink was wounded in
combat with a US bomber in February 1944 and forced to bale out of his
fighter. Soon afterwards, he was moved to home defence. With his total at
seventy-two victories, Mink was killed in action on 12 March 1945 over
Denmark and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Division 29, Grave 157,
Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein.
155

1463. Oberfeldwebel Otto TANGE
Tange was born on 22 September 1915 in Hochdonn. He fought in France but
shot down his first three enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain. Tange was
a pilot in Fighter Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
March 1942 for shooting down forty enemy aircraft. With his total at sixtyeight, Tange was shot down by anti-aircraft fire and killed on 30 July 1943
near Bolchov, Russia, and has no known grave.

1464. Feldwebel Edmund ROSSMANN—‘Paule’
Rossmann was born on 11 January 1918 in Caaschwitz. He fought in France
and the Battle of Britain, shooting down six enemy aircraft. Rossmann was a
pilot in Fighter Wing 52 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
March 1942 for shooting down forty-nine enemy aircraft. He shot down his
eightieth enemy aircraft on 29 November 1942.
On 9 July 1943, with his total at ninety-three victories, Rossmann landed
behind enemy lines to rescue another downed pilot, but he was captured by
the Russians. He was released in 1949. Rossmann died on 4 April 2005 and is
buried in Hauptfriedhof, Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1465. General Rudolf BOGATSCH
Bogatsch was born on 4 September 1891 in Breslau. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Bogatsch was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 March 1942. He died on 5
June 1970 and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Feld 482-U2-142 (headstone
removed), Munich.

1466. Oberst Gottfried von ERDMANNSDORFF
Von Erdmannsdorff was born on 25 April 1893 in Kamenz. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Von Erdmannsdorff was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class in May
1940. He was commander of Infantry Regiment 171 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 20 March 1942. Von Erdmannsdorff was captured by
the Russians in June 1944. He was executed by hanging at Minsk on 30
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January 1946 and has no known grave. His brother, Werner, was also awarded
the Knight’s Cross.

1467. Oberst Hans SEIDEMANN
Seidemann was born on 18 January 1902 in Garlin. He served on the staff in
the Condor Legion, and after the Second World War started, he was posted to
VIII Fliegerkorps as chief-of-staff. After the French campaign, Seidemann, by
now awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class, was appointed chief-of-staff
to Luftflotte 2 with which he went to Russia and was awarded the Knight’s
Cross there on 20 March 1942.
In October 1942, he was posted to Tunisia as commander of the
Luftwaffe, a most difficult post at this time. Removed from Africa before the
end, Seidemann commanded VIII Fliegerkorps on the Eastern Front in May
1943. He was awarded the Oak Leaves on 18 October 1944. He died on 21
December 1967 and is believed to be buried in Hauptfriedhof, Braunschweig,
Lower Saxony.

1468. Oberleutnant Hermann MAEK
Maek was born on 21 April 1917 in Essen. He was a company commander in
Infantry Regiment 453 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 March
1942. Maek died on May 1980 in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1469. Oberleutnant Rudi REINECK
Reineck was born on 29 June 1918 in Gera. He was a company commander in
Rifle Regiment 6 when he died of wounds at Orša, Russia, on 20 January
1942; he has no known grave. Reineck was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20
March 1942.

1470. Vizeadmiral Otto CILIAX
Ciliax was born on 30 October 1891 in Neudietendorf. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Ciliax
took part in the Spanish Civil War as commander of the sea-force. He was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in January and the 1st Class in April
157

1940. In June 1941, he was appointed commander of the battleships. Ciliax
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 March 1942. He died on 12 December
1964 and is believed to be buried in Burgtor Friedhof, Lübeck, SchleswigHolstein.

1471. Hauptmann Alwin DÜSKOW
Düskow was born on 13 January 1897 in Weisen. He was commander of II
Battalion, Artillery Regiment 295, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 21 March 1942. Düskow died on 26 December 1971 and is believed to be
buried in Riensberg Friedhof, Bremen.

1472. Kapitän zur See Kurt-Caesar HOFFMANN
Hoffmann was born on 26 August 1895 in Kiel. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). At the start of
the war, he was captain of the light cruiser Königsberg, but on 21 September
1939, he took command of the battle cruiser Scharnhorst. Hoffmann was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in October and the 1st Class in
November 1939. The Scharnhorst’s first mission was into the North Atlantic
accompanied by the battle cruiser Gneisenau, the light cruiser Köln, and nine
destroyers. On 23 November 1939, the fleet spotted the British auxiliary
cruiser Rawalpindi. The Scharnhorst was first to open fire, and within forty
minutes, the Rawalpindi was sent to the bottom.
On 12 February 1942, the Scharnhorst, Gneisenau, and the Prinz Eugen
came under attack from Swordfish torpedo bombers led by Lt-Cdr Eugene
Esmonde; all of the attacking aircraft were shot down, and Esmonde was
awarded the VC. The German ships made it through the English Channel in
what has become known as ‘The Channel Dash’. Hoffmann was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 21 March 1942. He died on 19 May 1988 in Mölin,
Schleswig-Holstein.

1473. Leutnant Hans PLESCH
Plesch was born on 26 February 1905 in Wilhelmshaven. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 6 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross

158

on 21 March 1942. Plesch died on 17 May 1985 in Oldenburg, Lower
Saxony.

1474. Oberst Wilhelm BEHRENS
Behrens was born on 23 August 1888 in Berlin. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Behrens was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in May and the 1st Class in June
1940. He was commander of Infantry Regiment 106 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 27 March 1942. Behrens was discharged form active
service during 1944 but still taken prisoner by the Russians in 1945. He was
released in 1946. Behrens died on 15 August 1968 and is buried in
Hasefriedhof, Osnabrück, Lower Saxony.

1475. Kapitänleutnant Johann MOHR—‘Jochen’
Mohr was born on 12 June 1916 in Hanover. He served as watch officer on U124 before taking command of her. On his first patrol, he sank six ships, two
on the second, and seven on the third, with three more damaged. This patrol
became known as U-124’s tanker battle as five of the seven were tankers, as
were two of the damaged ships. Mohr reported: ‘The tanker battle raged in
the stormy night under the new moon. Poor Roosevelt lost 50,000 tons’. He
sank seven more ships in convoy battles in the North Atlantic. His fifth patrol
resulted in five ships sunk. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 March
1942 and the Oak Leaves on 13 January 1943.
At the end of March 1943, Mohr sailed on his sixth patrol and sunk two
ships from convoy OS45, but was then attacked on 2 April 1943 by the
corvette Stonecrop and the frigate Black Swan; the U-boat was lost with all
hands. He sank twenty-nine ships for a total of 135,067 tons.

1476. Hauptmann Hans BONERTZ
Bonertz was born on 28 June 1914 in Hildesheim. He was commander of III
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 46, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
27 March 1942. Bonertz died on 14 November 1981 and is buried in
Jüdischer Friedhof, Plot K12, Grave 391, Ohlsdorf, Hamburg.

159

1477. Hauptmann Conrad HEUSS
Heuss was born on 27 May 1914 in Heilbronn. He was commander of II
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 109, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
27 March 1942. Heuss was killed in action near Danzig on 24 March 1945
and has no known grave.

1478. Hauptmann Friedrich MOCH
Moch was born on 27 January 1907 in Kochelsdorf. He was commander of I
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 258, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
27 March 1942. Moch was killed in action on 7 June 1944 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Block 12, Row 8, Grave 307, Orglandes,
Normandy, France.

1479. Oberleutnant Peter NEBEL
Nebel was born on 19 October 1914 in Halle. He was a company commander
in Assault Battalion 177 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27
March 1942. Nebel died on 18 June 1994 in Cologne, North RhineWestphalia.

1480. Oberleutnant Johann SPIELMANN
Spielmann was born on 29 December 1916 in Laufenburg. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in September 1941.
Spielmann was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. He was a platoon
leader in Assault-Gun Battalion 197 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 27 March 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 28 March 1945. Spielmann
died on 15 August 2005 in Laufenburg, Baden-Württemberg.

1481. Oberleutnant zur See Otto ITES
Ites was born on 5 February 1918 in Norden. He served as watch officer on
board U-48 until March 1941 when he was given command of U-146. Ites
scored his first success on 28 June 1941. Ites took command of U-94 and in
September began his tally of destroyed craft by sinking three ships from
160

convoy ON14. This was followed by the 12,842-ton British tanker San
Florentino on 1 October.
On 7 March, he sank the British auxiliary sub-chaser Northern Princess,
and within four days, he sent two more ships to the bottom. The 8,022-ton
tanker Imperial Transport was damaged. On 28 March 1942, Ites was
awarded the Knight’s Cross. In May, three ships were sank, and on his next
patrol, Ites sank two steamers from convoy ONS100, followed by the Empire
Cloud. On 28 August 1942, U-94 was bombed by a Catalina flying boat and
then rammed by the Canadian corvette Oakville. Ites was one of the crew
picked up and taken prisoner. He died on 2 February 1982 and is buried in
Neuer Friedhof, Norden, Lower Saxony.

1482. Oberst Friedrich SCHULZ—‘Fritz’
Schulz was born on 15 October 1897 in Polnisch Nettkow. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Schulz was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in April and the 1st
Class in June 1940. He was chief of the general staff of XXXXIII Army Corps
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 March 1942. The Oak Leaves
followed on 20 March 1944 and the Swords on 26 February 1945. Schulz
died on 30 November 1976 in Freudenstadt, Baden-Württemberg.

1483. SS-Brigadeführer Matthias KLEINHEISTERKAMP
Kleinheisterkamp was born on 22 June 1893 in Elberfeld. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
After being nominated for the Knight’s Cross in 1940 and 1941, he was finally
awarded it as commander of the 2nd SS-Panzer Division on 31 March 1942.
In December 1943, he was transferred to the reserves until January 1944
when he was recalled to command the VII SS-Panzer Corps. Kleinheisterkamp
was captured by the Russians on 28 April 1945 and killed himself the next
day, although other accounts say he was killed in action at Halbe on 2 May
1945. Either way, Kleinheisterkamp has no known grave. He was awarded the
Oak Leaves on 9 May 1945 (date assigned by the AKCR).

1484. Oberst Walter JOST
161

Jost was born on 25 July 1896 in Rastatt. He fought in the First World War
and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Jost was
commander of Infantry Regiment 75 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 31 March 1942. He was killed in action by British fighter aircraft on 24
April 1945 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 3, Grave 593,
Costermano, Italy.

1485. Major Josef FLEISCHMANN
Fleischmann was born on 4 December 1900 in Munich. He was commander
of I Battalion, Mountain Regiment 99 when he died of wounds on 3 March
1942 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 12, Row 48, Grave
8235, Kharkov, Ukraine. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31 March
1942.

1486. Leutnant Walter PAULUS
Paulus was born on 2 January 1911 in Schweinschied. He was a company
commander in Panzer Jäger Battalion 263 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 31 March 1942. Paulus died on 13 January 1987 in Idar-Oberstein,
Rhineland-Palatinate.

1487. Major Alfred HAASE
Haase was born on 9 September 1898 in Insterburg. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). Haase was
commander of Pioneer Training Battalion 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 1 April 1942. He died on 24 February 2000 and is believed to be
buried in Knigge Friedhof, Wennigsen, Lower Saxony.

1488. Oberstleutnant Otto DOROW
Dorow was born on 22 September 1899 in Koberwitz. He was commander of
Infantry Regiment 514 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 April
1942. Dorow died on 2 August 1980 in Munich.

162

1489. Oberstleutnant Johannes MANITIUS
Manitius was born on 12 May 1889 in Nöbeditz. He was commander of
Infantry Regiment 386 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 April
1942. Manitius died on 13 December 1950 and is buried in Ohlsdorf
Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

1490. Major Hellmuth MÄDER
Mäder was born on 5 July 1908 in Rotterode. He first saw action in the
invasion of Russia in 1941, being awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class.
Fighting on the southern front, Mäder was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3
April 1942 for his actions during the winter battles of 1941–42. Mäder led his
division into Stalingrad where he was seriously wounded; fortunately for him,
he was airlifted out before the collapse. Due to his wound, he was placed on
the reserve list until early 1944 when he was recalled and sent back to Russia.
Badly wounded again, Mäder was sent to command a training unit. When the
great Russian summer offensive started in 1944, he returned to the front,
defending a vital railway junction, which he held for two days under heavy
attack. For this, he was awarded the Oak Leaves on 27 August 1944.
Mäder fought in the Ardennes Offensive but ended the war fighting in
Austria where he was awarded the Swords on 18 April 1945; he surrendered
to US forces three weeks later. He was handed over to the Russians who held
him until 1955. Mäder died on 12 May 1984 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof,
Feld 8, Grave 37, Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate.

1491. Major Klaus (or Claus) MÜLLER
Müller was born on 28 April 1903 in Danzig. He was commander of Panzer
Battalion 60 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 April 1942. Müller
died on 7 July 1991 and is believed to be buried in Hoppenlau Friedhof,
Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg.

1492. SS-Obersturmbannführer Hinrich SCHULDT
Schuldt was born on 14 June 1901 in Blankenese. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in October 1941. Schuldt
163

was commander of SS-Infantry Regiment 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 5 April 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 2 April 1943. He was
killed in action near Newel, Russia, on 15 March 1944 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery (Waldfriedhof), Riga, Latvia. Schuldt was awarded the
Swords on 25 March 1944.

1493. Rittmeister Heinrich MAHNKEN
Mahnken was born on 7 July 1889 in Stade. He was commander of
Reconnaissance Battalion 299 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5
April 1942. Mahnken was killed in action on 10 July 1944 and is buried at
Lunin, Belarus; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.

1494. Hauptmann Max SACHSENHEIMER
Sachsenheimer was born on 5 December 1909 in Mühlbach, Austria-Hungary.
His first combat was in France, when he captured two bridges over the Seine,
for which he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class. Sachsenheimer
missed the start of the Russian campaign, but joined it shortly afterwards. He
saw intense combat at Vyazma, having his left hand almost blown off by a
shell blast. He returned to the front in December 1941 just in time for his unit
to be transferred to France for a refit.
Back in Russia, on the Leningrad Front in January 1942, Sachsenheimer
played a major role in breaking the encirclement of Demjansk in March, for
which he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 April 1942. During 1942, his
unit saw action at the front as well as against partisans. In October,
Sachsenheimer was taken ill and was away from the front until February
1943. He was sent for staff training in October 1943 but was back at the front
in April 1944. Sachsenheimer was awarded the Oak Leaves on 14 May 1944
for his outstanding leadership at both battalion and regimental level. More
training followed, but he was never away from the front for long and was
commanding 17th Infantry Division in September 1944. He took part in the
defence of Breslau for which he was awarded the Swords on 6 February 1945.
Sachsenheimer died on 2 June 1973 and is buried in Alter Friedhof, Freilburg
im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg.

164

1495. Oberleutnant Paul LEHMANN
Lehmann was born on 18 August 1912 in Königsberg. He was a company
commander in Motorised Artillery Regiment 24 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 5 April 1942. Lehmann died on 2 June 1982 and is buried
in Hauptfriedhof, Am Stadion 1, Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate.

1496. Oberleutnant Maximilian OTTE
Otte was born on 3 September 1910 in Rawicz. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in May 1941. Otte was a pilot
in Dive Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 April
1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 24 March 1944. He was killed in action
when he was shot down by anti-aircraft fire near Koschniza, Romania, on 20
May 1944 and has no known grave.

1497. Oberleutnant Friedrich PLATZER
Platzer was born on 26 October 1914 in Himmelberg. He was a squadron
leader in Dive Bomber Wing 2 when he was killed in a flying accident at Lake
Ilmen, Russia, on 16 March 1942 and has no known grave. Platzer was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 April 1942.

1498. Leutnant Alfons SCHMALZ
Schmalz was born on 23 October 1919 in Dortmund. He was a pilot in Dive
Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 April 1942.
Schmalz died of wounds on 21 July 1942 and is buried in the German War
Cemetery (as unknown), Rossoschka, Volgograd, Russia.

1499. Oberfeldwebel Heinrich HÖFEMEIER
Höfemeier was born on 21 August 1913 in Langenholzhausen. He fought in
the Spanish Civil War with the Condor Legion. Höfemeier was a pilot in
Fighter Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 April 1942.
He was credited with ninety-six victories when he was killed in action at
Karachev, Russia, on 7 August 1943; he has no known grave.
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1500. Oberfeldwebel Hermann KROLL
Kroll was born on 5 November 1913 in Pritzwalk. He was a pilot in Training
Group 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 April 1943. Kroll was
killed in action over Portsmouth on 26 April 1944 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Block 4, Row 6, Grave 78, Camp Road, Cannock
Chase, Staffordshire, England.

1501. Unteroffizier Friedrich WACHOWIAK
Wachowiak was born on 13 February 1920 in Dortmund. His gained his first
combat victories over the RAF in 1940. After the Battle of Britain, he
remained in the West, shooting down his fortieth enemy aircraft in March
1942. Wachowiak was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 April 1942 as a pilot
in Fighter Wing 52. He was transferred to the East and shot down his first
Russian aircraft on 1 May 1942.
During 1943–44, he was sent home to train new pilots, but in May 1944,
he was posted to Normandy. Wachowiak was killed in action on 16 July 1944
with eighty-six victories to his credit, although his mother claimed he had shot
down 120 aircraft and his comrades believed it to be 140. He was
recommended for the Oak Leaves, but they were never awarded. Wachowiak
is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 17, Grave 2032, Champigny-StAndré, Normandy, France.

1502. Oberst Rudolf HOLSTE
Holste was born on 9 April 1897 in Hessisch-Oldendorf. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Holste was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class after the fall of Poland.
He was commander of Artillery regiment 73 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 6 April 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 27 August 1944.
Holste died on 4 December 1970 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Feld 29,
Grave 8, Baden-Baden, Baden-Württemberg.

1503. Oberst Ernst MAISEL

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Maisel was born on 16 September 1896 in Landau. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Maisel
was commander of Infantry Regiment 42 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 6 April 1942. After the 20 July plot to kill Hitler, he, with General
Burgdorf, was sent to inform Rommel that he had a choice of suicide and a
state funeral or face trial for treason. Maisel died on 16 December 1978 and is
buried in Bergfriedhof, Feld 5, Section B, Row 1, Grave 3, Berchtesgaden,
Bavaria.

1504. Gefreiter Hans KROHN
Krohn was born on 9 October 1919 in Niebüll. He was serving in Panzer
Jäger Battalion 20 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 April 1942.
Krohn died on 13 January 1978 in Hanover.

1505. Oberst Karl KOLLER
Koller was born on 22 February 1898 in Glonn. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). During the
Second World War, he spent all of his time on the Luftwaffe staff and was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 April 1942. Koller is author of The Last
Month, which is about his time in the Führerbunker. He died on 22 December
1951 in Glonn, Bavaria.

1506. SS-Oberscharführer Ernst STÄUDLE
Stäudle was born on 6 June 1913 in Heidenheim. He was serving in SSArtillery Regiment 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 April
1942. Stäudle died on 11 July 1946 near Katowice, Poland, as a Russian POW
and has no known grave.

1507. Oberstleutnant Hermann SEITZ
Seitz was born on 19 April 1902 in Beilngries. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Seitz was
commander of Motorised Reconnaissance Battalion 20 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 12 April 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 31 October
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1942. He was killed in action at Stalingrad on 20 December 1942 and has no
known grave.

1508. Hauptmann Gerhard HEILBRONN
Heilbronn was born on 20 October 1908 in Hamburg. He was commander of
II Battalion, Rifle Regiment 7, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12
April 1942. Heilbronn died of wounds on 4 May 1945 and is buried in
Waldfriedhof, Dillingen, Bavaria.

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1509. Hauptmann Rudolf HENNE
Henne was born on 8 December 1913 in Munich. He flew 200 missions with
the Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War. Henne was a squadron
leader in Bomber Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12
April 1942. He died on 13 April 1962 and is believed to be buried in
Waldfriedhof, Munich.

1510. Oberleutnant Friedrich-Wilhelm PROSKE
Proske was born on 4 December 1916 in Ullersdorf. He was commander of I
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 84, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
12 April 1942. Proske killed himself in the Pskov-Ostrov area, Russia, on 1
September 1944 and has no known grave.

1511. Oberleutnant Eduard TRATT
Tratt was born on 24 February 1919 in Würzburg. He took part in the Polish
and French campaigns as well as the Battle of Britain; he was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in August 1940 with thirteen
victories to his credit flying the Me 110. In Russia, his unit carried out lowlevel ground attack missions on the Central Front, shooting down another
nine enemy aircraft.
Tratt was a pilot in Heavy Fighter Wing 1 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 12 April 1942. After being wounded, Tratt was sent home
to evaluate the Me 410 ‘bomber killer’ armed with a 50-mm cannon. In
March 1944, he was awarded the Oak Leaves. Then, on 22 February 1944, he
was shot down by defensive fire from a B-17. He has no known grave. Tratt
shot down thirty-eight aircraft, including six heavy bombers, the highest score
for a ‘destroyer’ pilot. He also destroyed twenty-six aircraft on the ground,
twenty-four tanks, 312 vehicles, thirty-three anti-aircraft guns, four antiaircraft batteries, and eight machine-gun nests.

1512. Oberfeldwebel Walter SCHALLES

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Schalles was born on 27 January 1915 in Braunschweig. He was a pilot in
Bomber Wing 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 April 1942.
Schalles died on 20 October 1982 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof,
Braunschweig, Lower Saxony.

1513. Major Heinz-Joachim HOFFMANN
Hoffmann was born on 28 September 1907 in Markthausen. He was
commander of III Battalion, Infantry Regiment 44, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 15 April 1942. Hoffmann died on 21 May 1973 and is
buried in Bergisch Neukirchen Friedhof, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1514. Oberst Friedrich-Wilhelm MORZIK—‘Fritz’
Morzik was born on 10 December 1891 in Passenheim. He fought in the First
World War as a pilot and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1914). He was the only pilot to take part in the International Tourist Plane
Challenge in 1928, coming first; 1930, coming second; 1932, coming third;
and in 1934 he did not finished due to engine trouble. Morzik was a group
commander in Fighter Wing 1 and Transport Leader East in Luftflotte 1 when
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 April 1942. He died on 17 June
1985 and is buried in Ahldorf Friedhof, Abt 5, Grave 1–4, Freudenstadt,
Baden-Württemberg.

1515. Hauptmann Joachim POETTER
Poetter was born on 1 January 1913 in Metz. He was a group commander in
Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 April 1942.
Poetter died on 17 November 1992 in Kronburg, Bavaria.

1516. Oberleutnant Prinz Egmont zur LIPPEWEISSENFELD—‘Egi’
Prinz zur Lippe-Weissenfeld was born on 14 July 1918 in Salzburg, AustriaHungary. He was a night-fighter pilot and claimed his first enemy aircraft, a
Wellington bomber on the night of 16–17 November 1940. His score steadily

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increased, and on the night of 26–27 March 1942, he shot down four RAF
bombers, bringing his tally to twenty-one. Lippe-Weissenfeld was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 16 April 1942. In June 1942, he shot down his forty-fifth
enemy bomber and was awarded the Oak Leaves on 2 August 1943. With his
total at fifty-one victories, he was killed on 12 March 1944 when his aircraft
hit high ground during a storm. Lippe-Weissenfeld is buried in the German
War Cemetery, Block TH, Row 1, Grave 1 (next to Prinz Heinrich zu SaynWittgenstein-Sayn), Timmermansweg, Ysselsteyn, the Netherlands.

1517. Leutnant Albert SCHEIDIG
Scheidig was born on 3 March 1915 in Weitramsdorf. He was a pilot in
Reconnaissance Group 122 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16
April 1942. Scheidig died on 10 August 2002 and his ashes were scattered in
Ohlsdorf Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

1518. Oberfeldwebel Erhard STAHL
Stahl was born on 8 January 1913 in Nonnenweier. He was a pilot in Close
Support Wing 1 when he was killed in action on 13 September 1942 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Monument 2, Row 9, Plaque 8,
Dionyssos-Rapendoza, Greece. Stahl was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16
April 1942.

1519. Generalmajor Hans SCHLEMMER
Schlemmer was born on 18 January 1893 in Nesselwang. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Schlemmer was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) after the fall of
Poland and the 1st Class after the fall of France. He was commander of 134th
Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 April 1942.
The Oak Leaves followed on 18 January 1944. Schlemmer died on 26 June
1973 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof, Feld 52, Bad Kreuznach, RhinelandPalatinate.

1520. SS-Obersturmführer Wilfred RICHTER
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Richter was born on 9 May 1916 in Pforzheim. He took part in the Invasion
of Russia and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class in late 1941.
Trapped in the Demjansk Pocket in February 1942 Righter was given
command of a strong point, which the Russians attacked with infantry
supported by sixteen tanks. The Russians succeeded in breaking into the
German position, but Richter led a counterattack that threw the enemy out
with the loss of twelve tanks and many men. For this, he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 21 April 1942.
Richter went on to be an instructor at Bad Tölz, but at the end of the war,
he fought briefly in Bavaria before surrendering to US forces. He died on 18
April 1981 in Engehausen, Lower Saxony.

1521. Korvettenkapitän Robert-Richard ZAPP
Zapp was born on 3 April 1904 in Germersheim. He commissioned U-66 on 2
January 1941 and sunk his first ship in June. He returned from this patrol
having sunk five ships. On 23 September 1941, he sank the 7,052-ton tanker
I. C. White. He took part in Operation Paukenschlag. On 18 January 1942, he
sank a 6,635-ton tanker off Newfoundland. The next day, he sent the steamer
Lady Hawkins to the bottom. The Norvana was next, and shortly after
midnight on 24 January, he sank the 8,139-ton Empire Gem and the 8,017ton Venore.
His next patrol during April and May again took him to the US coast
where he sunk six ships, including the 11,020-ton Heinrich von Riedemann
and the 10,354-ton tanker Harry G. Seidel. Zapp also torpedoed the 12,502ton tanker Geo W. McKnight. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 April
1942. Zapp sank sixteen ships for 103,542 tons. His last command was the
Marine Regiment Zapp. He died on 17 July 1964 and is believed to be buried
in Südfriedhof, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein.

1522. SS-Sturmbannführer August DIECKMANN
Dieckmann was born on 29 May 1912 in Cadenberge. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class after the fall of Poland and the 1st Class after the fall of
France. Dieckmann was commander of I Battalion, SS-Regiment ‘Germania’,
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 April 1942. The Oak Leaves
followed on 16 April 1943. He was killed in action on 10 October 1943 and is
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believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Kiev,
Ukraine. Dieckmann was awarded the Swords on the same day he was killed.

1523. Oberleutnant Georg JAKOB
Jakob was born on 27 March 1915 in Fürth. He was a squadron leader in
Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 April
1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 30 September 1944. Jakob flew over 1,000
combat missions. He died on 1 September 1991 and is buried in Buderich
Friedhof, Meerbusch, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1524. Stabsfeldwebel Rudolf WEIGEL
Weigel was born on 10 May 1913 in Ludwigshafen. He was a pilot in Dive
Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 April 1942.
Weigel was posted missing near Wriezen on 18 April 1945.

1525. Oberst Hans KÄLLNER
Källner was born on 9 October 1898 in Kattowitz. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Källner
was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) after the fall of Poland.
He was commander of Rifle Regiment 73 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 May 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 12 February 1944 and the
Swords on 23 October 1944. Källner was killed in action on 18 April 1945
and is buried in the German War Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof), Block 79B, Row
32, Grave 1478, Brno, Czech Republic.

1526. Oberst Hans-Georg LEYSER
Leyser was born on 16 June 1896 in Morin. He fought in the First World War
and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Leyser was
commander of Motorised Infantry Regiment 51 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 3 May 1942. He was taken prisoner at Stalingrad on 31
January 1943. He died in an accident on 18 April 1980 in Hanover.

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1527. Oberstleutnant Hermann von BORRIES
Von Borries was born on 13 October 1899 in Sülzhagen. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). Von
Borries was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) after the fall of
Poland. He was commander of Infantry Regiment 46 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 3 May 1942. Von Borries died of wounds on 16
February 1943 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 8, Row 5,
Grave 410, Sebesh, Russia.

1528. Oberstleutnant Heinrich GÖTZ
Götz was born on 1 January 1896 in Hanover. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Götz was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) after the fall of Poland. He
was commander of Infantry Regiment 466 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 May 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 5 March 1945. Götz died
on 31 January 1960 and is buried in Oberaudorf Friedhof, Bavaria.

1529. Oberstleutnant Friedrich-Karl KNUST
Knust was born on 9 March 1902 in Parmen. He was commander of Close
Support Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 May 1942.
Knust died on 5 March 1967 in Hanover.

1530. Oberstleutnant Dietrich von MÜLLER
Von Müller was born on 16 September 1891 in Malchow. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Von Müller was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) after the fall
of Poland. He was commander of Rifle Regiment 5 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 3 May 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 18 August 1943
and the Swords on 20 February 1945. Von Müller was captured by
Czechoslovakian partisans on 19 April 1945 and spent ten years in Russian
captivity. He died on 3 January 1961 and is buried in Ohlsdorf Friedhof,
Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

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1531. SS-Sturmbannführer Bernhard GRIESE
Griese was born on 17 January 1887 in Ribnitz. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). Griese was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in January and the 1st Class in March 1942.
He was commander of SS-Police Rifle Battalion 323 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 3 May 1942. Griese died on 11 February 1964 and is buried
in Parkfriedhof, Eichhofstrasse 56, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein.

1532. SS-Hauptsturmführer Georg BOCHMANN
—‘Schorsch’
Bochmann was born on 18 September 1913 in Albenau. He fought in the
campaign in the West and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in June 1940
and the 1st Class in July 1941 in Russia with the SS-Totenkopf Division.
Trapped in the Demjansk Pocket, Bochmann led his men in a break-out in
April 1942, during which he was badly wounded. For this, he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 3 May 1942. His division was withdrawn to France for
rest and refit in October 1942 but was back on the Russian Front in February
1943.
Bochmann was awarded the Oak Leaves personally by Hitler on 17 May
1943 for his outstanding leadership. He fought at Kursk and Kharkov in
1943, after which the division was used as a fire brigade, rushing from hot
spot to hot spot. He fought in France with the 9th SS Panzer Division in
August 1944 before returning to the Eastern Front in Hungary during January
1945. Once again, he was surrounded and led his men in another successful
break-out, for which he was awarded the Swords on 26 March 1945.
Bochmann was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. He surrendered to US
forces on 8 May 1945. Bochmann died on 8 June 1973 and is buried in Neuer
Friedhof, Feld 2, Row 4, Grave 11–12 (headstone removed), Offenbach am
Main, Hesse.

1533. Hauptmann Karl BOCK
Bock was born on 9 November 1899 in Legelshurst. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). Bock was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in June 1940 and the 1st Class in
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August 1941. He was commander of III Battalion, Infantry Regiment 97,
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 May 1942. Bock was killed in
action near Samurskaja, Russia, on 20 January 1943 and has no known grave.

1534. Hauptmann Günther EHRT
Ehrt was born on 16 February 1916 in Heidelberg. He was commander of I
Battalion, Motorised Infantry Regiment 41, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 3 May 1942. Ehrt died of wounds on 20 November 1944
and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block A, Grave 51, Heidelberg,
Baden-Württemberg.

1535. Hauptmann Friedrich HÖHNE
Höhne was born on 27 April 1915 in Krampler. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July 1940 and the 1st Class in January 1942. Höhne was
commander of III Battalion, Jäger Regiment 204, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 3 May 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 8 June 1943. He
died in an accident on 14 March 1962 in Bad Reichenhall, Bavaria.

1536. SS-Hauptsturmführer Max SEELA
Seela was born on 15 July 1911 in Schöneiche. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June and the 1st Class in May 1940. Seela was a company
commander in SS-Pioneer Battalion Totenkopf when he defended the village of
Korowitsch, holding out for a month. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 May 1942. Seela died on 31 July 1999 and is buried in
Waldfriedhof, Ratingen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1537. Oberleutnant Johannes BAASCH
Baasch was born on 18 August 1905 in Kowall. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June and the 1st Class in July 1940. Baasch was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 410 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 May 1942. He was killed in action at Valga, Latvia (now Estonia),
on 10 August 1944 and has no known grave.

176

1538. Oberleutnant Otto BISCHOFF
Bischoff was born on 24 September 1915 in Essen. He was a squadron leader
in Bomber Wing 77 when he was killed in action over Malta on 2 April 1942
and has no known grave. Bischoff was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 May
1942.

1539. Oberleutnant Heinz CRUSIUS
Crusius was born on 3 May 1916 in Leipzig. He was a company commander
in Infantry Regiment 453 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 May
1942. Crusius died of wounds on 31 March 1942 and is believed to be buried
in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Rzhev, Russia.

1540. Oberleutnant Kurt LASSE
Lasse was born on 17 February 1918 in Rawitsch. He was a squadron leader
in Fighter Wing 77 when he was killed in action near Perekop, Russia, on 8
October 1941 and has no known grave. Lasse was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 3 May 1942. At the time of his death, he was credited with thirty-nine
victories, all but one of which were scored on the Eastern Front.

1541. Oberleutnant Horst MÜLLER
Müller was born on 23 February 1916 in Berlin. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 76 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 May 1942. Müller
was killed in action in Sicily on 13 July 1943 and has no known grave.

1542. Oberleutnant Helmut THOMA
Thoma was born on 2 October 1916 in Iserlohn. He was a company
commander in Artillery Regiment 119 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 May 1942. Thoma died on 12 February 1984 and is buried in
Ostfriedhof, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1543. Leutnant Rudolf BORNHOF
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Bornhof was born on 28 May 1914 in Rogasen. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June and the 1st Class in September 1940. Bornhof was a
company commander in Jäger Regiment 38 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 May 1942. He was killed in action on 26 January 1944 and is
believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Korpowo,
Russia.

1544. Leutnant Ekhard HÜBNER
Hübner was born on 30 May 1920 in Hohenstadt. He was a pilot in Fighter
Wing 3 when he was posted missing at Lake Ilmen, Russia, on 28 March
1942. Hübner was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 May 1942.

1545. Oberfeldwebel Eberhard von BOREMSKI
Von Boremski was born on 24 September 1914 in Conow. He shot down two
French bombers on 13 June 1940 for his first victories. During the Battle of
Britain, he downed two more, one of which was a Bristol Blenheim. Von
Boremski score started to rise in Russia, and with his tally at forty-three, he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 May 1942.
From the middle of 1942 until February 1943, he was an instructor. When
he returned to the front in 1944, von Boremski was wounded twice. He ended
the war with 104 victories to his credit. Von Boremski surrendered to the
Americans but was handed over to the Russians who held him until 1955. Von
Boremski died in a flying accident near Hamburg on 16 December 1963.

1546. Oberfeldwebel Georg HEINZMANN
Heinzmann was born on 1 June 1910 in Dickenreishausen. He was a platoon
leader in Infantry Regiment 42 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3
May 1942. Heinzmann died on 1 July 1970 in Dickenreishausen, Bavaria.

1547. Hauptmann Johannes PINTSCHOVIUS
Pintschovius was born on 3 February 1904 in Treptow. He was commander of
III Battalion, Infantry Regiment 202, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross

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on 5 May 1942. Pintschovius was killed in action near Konin on 20 January
1945 and has no known grave.

1548. Major Albert Graf von der GOLTZ—‘Albo’
Graf von dem Goltz was born on 24 June 1893 in Heinrichsfelde. He fought
in the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1914). Von dem Goltz fought in Poland and France, being awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class (1939) in May and the 1st Class in June 1940. He was
commander of I Battalion, Infantry Regiment 415, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 7 May 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 2 November
1943. Von dem Goltz was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. He died
from gangrene on 17 March 1944 and is buried at Odessa, Ukraine; Von dem
Goltz’s remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.

1549. Oberstleutnant Constantin MEYER
Meyer was born on 30 May 1890 in Schermbeck-Rees. He was commander of
Infantry Regiment 257 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 May
1942. Meyer died on 7 April 1954 and is believed to be buried in
Zentralfriedhof, Lüneburg, Lower Saxony.

1550. SS-Sturmbannführer Otto BAUM
Baum was born on 15 November 1911 in Stetten. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1940. Baum was
commander of III Battalion, SS-Infantry Regiment 3, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross 8 May 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 22 August 1943
and the Swords on 2 September 1944. Baum died on 18 June 1998 and is
buried in Heiligkreuz Friedhof, Zollertrasse, Hechingen, Baden-Württemberg.

1551. SS-Sturmbannführer Eduard DEISENHOFER
Deisenhofer was born on 27 June 1909 in Freising. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st and 2nd Class in June 1940. Deisenhofer was commander of I
Battalion, SS-Totenkopf Infantry Regiment, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 8 May 1942. Although it is widely believed that Deisenhofer was
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killed in action near Arnswalde, Poland, on 31 January 1945 when his staff
car was attacked by Russian aircraft, he is listed as missing because his body
was never recovered.

1552. Oberst Hans-Joachim RATH
Rath was born on 11 December 1894 in Berlin. He was a group commander
in Bomber Wing 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 May 1942.
Rath died on 10 May 1968 in Bad Neuenahr, Rhineland-Palatinate.

1553. Major Hans KORNMEYER
Kornmeyer was born on 6 August 1907 in Darmstadt. He was commander of
II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 109, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 9 May 1942. Kornmeyer died on 19 December 1993 and is believed to be
buried in Waldfriedhof, Backnang, Lower Saxony.

1554. Major Markus ZEIDLER
Zeidler was born on 23 January 1904 in Malente. He was commander of
Kampfgruppe 600 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 May 1942.
Zeidler died on 12 July 1958 in Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein.

1555. Oberleutnant Freidrich CARL
Carl was born on 24 September 1916 in Strassburg. He was a company
commander in Artillery Regiment 269 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 9 May 1942. Carl died on 5 December 2013 and is buried in
Cemiterio Municipal de Palma, Mallorca, Spain.

1556. Oberleutnant Karl WIEGAND
Wiegand was born on 4 December 1918 in Neckarsteinach. He was a
company commander in Motorised Flak Regiment 18 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 9 May 1942. Wiegand died on 20 January 2006 in
Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg.

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1557. Leutnant Hans BEISSWENGER—‘Beisser’
Beisswenger was born on 8 November 1916 in Mittelfischach. He shot down
his first enemy aircraft on 7 April 1941 during the Balkans campaign.
Beisswenger was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in May 1941. He was shot
down behind Russian lines on 17 July 1941 but managed to return to his unit.
Beisswenger was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class in August 1941, and by the
end of the year, his tally stood at thirty-two. He was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 9 May 1942 with his total at fifty. In September, he downed his
seventy-fifth opponent and was awarded the Oak Leaves on 3 October 1942.
With his total at 152, Beisswenger was posted missing near Staraja, Russia, on
6 March 1943.

1558. Leutnant Horst HANNIG
Hannig was born on 13 November 1921 in Frankenstein. He shot down his
first enemy aircraft on 22 June 1941. Hannig was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd
Class in July and the 1st Class in September 1941. By November, he had
reached thirty victories. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 May 1942
with his tally at forty-eight. In early 1943, Hannig shot down his ninetieth
opponent, and shortly afterwards, he was transferred to the defence of the
Reich. He shot down one four-engined bomber and seven fighters, bringing his
total to ninety-eight victories. Hannig was killed in action on 15 May 1943
when he was shot down and his parachute failed to open. He is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Block 3, Row 15, Grave 445, St-Désir-de-Lisieux,
Normandy, France. Hannig was awarded the Oak Leaves on 3 January 1944.

1559. Feldwebel Hans SCHLEEF
Schleef was born on 19 July 1920 in Gross Börnecke. He shot down his first
two enemy aircraft in the west during February and May 1941, before
transferring to the East for the invasion of Russia. Schleef shot down fourteen
enemy aircraft during July 1941. He was rotated away from the front over the
winter and spent a short time in Italy before returning to Russia in February
1942. In March, Schleef shot down thirteen confirmed and had two more
unconfirmed. In April, he was shot down behind enemy lines but managed to
rejoin his unit on foot. Schleef was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 May
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1942 with his tally at forty-one. He spent the remainder of the year training
new pilots.
In January 1943, Schleef, now a Leutnant, rejoined his unit and in April
shot down his sixtieth opponent and his seventieth in June. On the first day of
the Battle of Kursk, Schleef was shot down in the morning, but in the
afternoon, he shot down three aircraft. His last victory on the Russian Front
was on 1 August 1943 and was most probably the Yak-1 flown by Russian
female ace Lydia Litvyak. Eleven days later, he was flying in the defence of the
Reich, shooting down his first B-17 bomber. Later the same month, Schleef
was shot down again. On 23 March 1944, he accidently taxied into the
slipstream of a He 177 that flipped his fighter on to its back; Schleef suffered
only minor injuries. With ninety-nine victories to his credit, Schleef was killed
in action on 31 December 1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery,
Block 23, Row 23, Grave 918, Bad Bergzabern, Rhineland-Palatinate.

1560. Gefreiter Franz MOSLER
Mosler was born on 22 January 1909 in Harrachsdorf, Austria-Hungary. He
was a gunner in Infantry Regiment 461 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 9 May 1942. Mosler was killed in action on 7 July 1944 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 7, Row 8, Grave 218. Berneuil,
near Saintes, Aquitaine, France.

1561. Major Rudolf PANNIER
Pannier was born on 10 July 1897 in Gera. He fought in the First World War
on both the Eastern and Western Front. Pannier was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in January and the 1st Class in February 1942. He was commander
of I Battalion, SS-Police Rifle Regiment 2, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 11 May 1942. Pannier died on 19 August 1978 in Hamburg.

1562. Oberleutnant Richard HOHENHAUSEN
Hohenhausen was born on 8 July 1914 in Berlin. He was a company
commander in Assault-Gun Battalion 184 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 11 May 1942. Hohenhausen died on 14 January 2010 and is buried
in Neuer Friedhof, Potsdam, Brandenburg.
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1563. Oberleutnant Einhart MALGUTH
Malguth was born on 2 September 1916 in Liegnitz. He was adjutant of
Panzer Regiment 35 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 11 May
1942. Malguth was killed in action at Fleys, France on 15 June 1940 and has
no known grave.

1564. Hauptmann Eberhard HENNINGS
Hennings was born on 31 January 1912 in Danzig. He was a squadron leader
in Bomber Wing 4 when he was posted missing over England on 28 April
1942. Hennings was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 May 1942.

1565. Leutnant Egbert JAECKEL
Jaeckel was born on 16 October 1919 in Raspenau. He was a pilot in Dive
Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 May 1942.
Jaeckel flew 983 missions and is credited with sinking the Russian destroyer
Minsk. He was killed in action at Orel, Russia, on 17 July 1943 and has no
known grave.

1566. SS-Sturmbannführer Helmut DÖRNER
Dörner was born on 26 June 1909 in Mönchengladbach. He took part in the
French campaign and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class in June
1940. During the invasion of Russia, his battalion soon established a
reputation as a crack unit, smashing the front line and destroying fifty-three
bunkers. Dörner was commanding II Battalion, SS-Police Rifle Regiment 2,
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 May 1942.
After leave in 1943, he spent some time in Greece where his unit was
reforming. In September 1944, the new unit now called 4th SS-Police
Panzergrenadier Division was sent to Romania, and Dörner was awarded the
Oak Leaves on 16 November 1944. He was awarded the Swords on 1
February 1945 during the siege of Budapest but was killed leading a
breakthrough attempt ten days later and has no known grave.

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1567. Hauptmann Gustav KILIAN
Kilian was born on 29 January 1897 in Berlin. He was a company commander
in Infantry Wach Battalion 591 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
15 May 1942. Kilian died on 25 June 1960 in Rothenburg, Bavaria.

1568. Hauptmann Dedo von KROSIGK
Von Krosigk was born on 11 November 1913 in Halle. He was a company
commander in Motorised Infantry Regiment 51 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 15 May 1942. Von Krosigk died on 13 February 1992 and
is believed to be buried in Südfriedhof, Neustadt, Schleswig-Holstein.

1569. Oberfeldwebel Karl HAUSMANN
Hausmann was born on 10 January 1912 in Neuweistritz. He was a company
commander in Jäger Regiment 28 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
15 May 1942. Hausmann died on 27 July 1997 and is believed to be buried in
Edling Friedhof, Bavaria.

1570. Feldwebel Franz WIPFLER
Wipfler was born on 24 September 1915 in Freilburg im Breisgau. He was a
platoon leader in Jäger Regiment 56 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 15 May 1942. Wipfler died on 17 November 1998 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg.

1571. Oberleutnant Willy (sometimes spelt Willi)
JOHANNMEYER
Johannmeyer was born on 27 July 1915 in Iserlohn. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st and 2nd Class in June 1940. Johannmeyer was commander of II
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 503, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
16 May 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 18 November 1943. He was
Hitler’s last adjutant. Johannmeyer died on 14 April 1970 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Kelkheim, Hesse.

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1572. Oberst Ernst MICHAEL
Michael was born on 28 April 1897 in Weimar. He was commander of
Infantry Regiment 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 May
1942. Michael was killed in action on 22 January 1945 and is buried at
Tuganizy, Russia; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.

1573. Hauptmann Karl GREVE
Greve was born on 7 January 1897 in Hanover. He was commander of I
Battalion, Jäger Regiment 49, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18
May 1942. Greve died of wounds 13 October 1942 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery (as unknown), Tartu, Estonia.

1574. Obergefreiter Ernst FRAPS
Fraps was born on 31 December 1911 in Drakowa. He was a gunner in
Panzer Jäger Battalion 28 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 May
1942. Fraps was killed in action on 26 January 1943 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Block 2, Row 14, Grave 1517, Sologubowka, Russia.

1575. Oberst Johann-Heinrich ECKHARDT
Eckhardt was born on 3 November 1896 in Böddiger. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914), as well
as the Wound Badge in Silver. Eckhardt was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class
(1939) after the fall of Poland and the 1st Class after the fall of France. He
was commander of Jäger Regiment 38 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 20 May 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 3 November 1944.
Eckhardt died as a POW on 15 May 1945 at Vimperk, Czech Republic, and
has no known grave.

1576. Oberleutnant Erwin CLAUSEN
Clausen was born on 5 August 1911 in Berlin. He shot down his first enemy
aircraft on 9 September and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class on 17
September 1939. Clausen shot down more aircraft over France and had some
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unconfirmed; he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class in July 1940. He shot
down three enemy aircraft over the Balkans before taking part in the invasion
of Russia.
Clausen was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 May 1942 with fifty-two
victories to his credit. He was awarded the Oak Leaves on 23 July 1942 with
his tally at 100 victories. Clausen shot down a B-24 bomber on 4 October
1943, but he was shot down into the North Sea the same day and has no
known grave. He is credited with 132 victories.

1577. Oberleutnant Armin PFAFFENDORF
Pfaffendorf was born on 16 November 1919 in Elbing. He was a pilot in
Reconnaissance Group 13 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
May 1942. Pfaffendorf died of wounds at Sabolina, Russia, on 18 January
1944 and has no known grave.

1578. Oberleutnant Erwin SY
Sy was born on 21 August 1915 in Angermünde. He was a squadron leader in
Close Support Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 May
1942. Sy was killed in action on 2 December 1942 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Tobruk, Libya.

1579. Oberfeldwebel Horst HENNING
Henning was born on 10 April 1917 in Danzig. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 May 1942. Henning
was killed in action on 7 October 1944 and is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Block O1, Row 10, Grave 1, Esbjerg, Denmark.

1580. Hauptmann Gerhard BAUHAUS
Bauhaus was born on 22 December 1908 in Brünen. He was a squadron
leader in Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
25 May 1942. Bauhaus died of wounds on 2 September 1942 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery (Jiiterbog-Garnisionfriedhof), Block A, Grave 1,
Greifswald, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
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1581. Hauptmann Peter GASSMANN
Gassmann was born on 4 December 1910 in Bonn. He was a group
commander in Dive Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 25 May 1942. Gassmann died on 6 September 1965 and is buried in
Laeken Cemetery, Brussels, Belgium.

1582. Oberleutnant Anton HACKL—‘Toni’
Hackl was born on 25 March 1915 in Regensburg. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in March 1940. Hackl shot down three RAF Hudson
bombers while operating from Norway in June and was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st Class in July 1940. Posted to the East for the invasion of Russia,
Hackl’s score reached twenty-seven by the end of 1941. He was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 25 May 1942 with fifty-one victories to his credit. During
June, he shot down thirty-seven enemy aircraft, including six each on the 21st
and 23rd. Hackl was awarded the Oak Leaves on 9 August 1942 with his tally
at 106.
After reaching 118 victories, his unit was transferred to Tunisia where he
shot down another six aircraft but was badly wounded on 4 February 1943,
spending several months in hospital. In September 1943, Hackl was
redeployed to the defence of the Reich and shot down a total of thirty-four
four-engined bombers (the second highest after Georg-Peter Eder). He was
awarded the Swords on 9 July 1944. Hackl’s total was 192 confirmed and
another twenty-four unconfirmed; he was shot down himself eight times and
awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. He died on 10 July 1984 in Regensburg,
Bavaria.

1583. Leutnant Gerhard KREMS
Krems was born on 4 May 1920 in Dresden. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in October and the 1st Class in November 1940. Krems was a pilot
in Bomber Wing 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 May
1942. He died on 12 February 2017.

1584. Oberst Heinrich Freiherr von LÜTTWITZ
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Freiherr von Lüttwitz was born on 6 December 1896 in Krumpach. He fought
in the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1914). Von Lüttwitz was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) after the
fall of Poland and the 1st Class in August 1941. He was commander of Rifle
Regiment 59 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 May 1942. The
Oak Leaves followed on 3 September 1944.
During the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, von Lüttwitz sent a 167word demand for the US forces in Bastogne to surrender. US commander
General Anthony McAuliffe answered with just eight words:
To the German Commander
NUTS!
The American Commander
Von Lüttwitz did not understand the message, and it had to be explained to
him. He was awarded the Swords on 9 May 1945 (date assigned by the
AKCR). Von Lüttwitz died on 9 October 1969 and is buried in
Franziskanerstrasse Friedhof, Feld 21, Neuberg an der Donau, Bavaria. His
two cousins, Smilo Freiherr von Lüttwitz and Hyazinth Graf Strachwitz von
Gross-Zauche und Camminetz, were also awarded the Knight’s Cross with
Oak Leaves and Swords; Hyazinth was also awarded the Diamonds.

1585. Major Adolf JORDAN
Jordan was born on 10 October 1903 in Berlin. He was commander of I
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 203, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
27 May 1942. Jordan was killed in action on 21 August 1942 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Block 15, Row 13, Grave 505, Rossoschka,
Volgograd, Russia.

1586. Hauptmann Helmut HUDEL
Hudel was born on 4 July 1915 at Raunheim. He missed the Polish and
French campaigns as he was serving on the staff at a training school. He took
part in the invasion of Russia with Panzer Regiment 7, seeing heavy fighting
around Minsk and Smolensk, for which he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st
and 2nd Class. Hubel was commanding a Kampfgruppe at Viazma during the

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Russian winter offensive, and for his actions, he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 27 May 1942.
Transferred to North Africa in December 1942, Hubel again showed his
skill and bravery, for which he was awarded the Oak Leaves on 2 April 1943.
Hubel subsequently fought in a heavy tank battalion in Italy, the Netherlands,
and at the Remagen bridgehead in 1945. He died on 11 March 1985 in
Frankfurt am Main.

1587. Oberleutnant Wilhelm KÖTHER
Köther was born on 14 October 1912 in Ohlendorf. He was a company
commander in Reconnaissance Battalion 257 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 27 May 1942. Köther was killed in action on 5 May 1945
and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Grave 1153, Isny im Allgäu,
Baden-Württemberg.

1588. Oberleutnant Johann-Joachim VOSS
Voss was born on 3 September 1910 in Stendal. He was a company
commander in Rifle Regiment 93 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
27 May 1942. Voss died on 10 March 1982 in Hanover.

1589. Oberwachtmeister Karl-Heinrich BANZE
Banze was born on 24 July 1911 in Hofgeismar. He was a platoon leader in
Assault-Gun Battalion 244 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27
May 1942. Banze was posted missing during February 1943 but may have
died at Dubrovka POW camp in Russia.

1590. Oberfeldwebel Xaver MAERZ
Maerz was born on 23 January 1913 in Weilheim. He was a platoon leader in
Infantry Regiment 34 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 May
1942. Maerz was killed in action on 14 January 1945 and is buried at
Obrębek, Poland; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.

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1591. Obergefreiter Richard GAMBIETZ
Gambietz was born on 14 May 1916 in Dometzko. He was serving in Rifle
Regiment 93 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 May 1942.
Gambietz was killed in action near Delachen, Russia, on 25 April 1944 and
has no known grave.

1592. Generalleutnant Friedrich ZICKWOLFF
Zickwolff was born on 1 August 1893 in Bayreuth. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Zickwolff was commander of 113th Infantry Division when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 2 June 1942. He was either ambushed by French
partisans in August and died of wounds or he was killed in an accident on 17
September 1943; either way, Zickwolff has no known grave.

1593. Oberleutnant Helmut KOPP
Kopp was born on 23 June 1920 in Pamletten. He was a company commander
in Grenadier Regiment 151 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2
June 1942. Kopp was killed in action on 18 January 1943 and is buried at
Possjolok, Russia; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war
cemetery.

1594. Oberstleutnant Alfred GREIM
Greim was born on 8 August 1902 in Bad Langensalza. He was commander of
II Battalion, Motorised Infantry Regiment ‘GD’, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 4 June 1942. Greim was killed in action on 19 May 1943
and is buried in the GWC (Church Cemetery), Row 3, Grave 2, DallgowDöberitz, Brandenburg.

1595. Hauptmann Bruno DILLEY
Dilley was born in Gumbinnen on 29 August 1913. He took part in the first
Stuka mission of the war to prevent the Poles from destroying the bridges over
the Vistula. From April to June, he took part in attacks on British shipping at
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Narvik and in the North Sea. Dilley subsequently fought during the Battle of
Britain, by which time he had been awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class.
In January 1941, his unit started attacks against Malta and the
Mediterranean Fleet. Between February and March, he flew in support of the
Africa Corps. Dilley also took part in the Balkans campaign, where he was
shot down before returning to Africa. Dilley fought in Russia and was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 June 1942 and the Oak Leaves on 8 January
1943. He died on 31 August 1968 and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Landsberg
am Lech, Bavaria.

1596. Oberleutnant Peter FRANTZ
Frantz was born on 24 July 1917 in Leipzig. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in November 1939 and the 1st Class in July 1940. Frantz was a
company commander in Motorised Infantry Regiment ‘GD’ when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 June 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 14
April 1943. He was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. Frantz died on
11 March 2001 in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1597. Oberleutnant Karl-Hermann LION
Lion was born on 5 November 1911 in Saarlouis. He was a squadron leader
in Dive Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s cross on 4 June
1942. Lion died on 2 May 1994 in Saarlouis, Saarland.

1598. Kapitänleutnant Peter-Erich ‘Ali’ CREMER
Cremer was born in Metz on 25 March 1911. After school in 1933, he
enlisted into the navy, becoming a Kapitänleutnant in February 1940. His first
U-boat was U-152, but he did not sink any ships with it. On 25 August 1941,
he took command of U-333 while it was still under construction. On his
second patrol, the boat was rammed by the tanker British Prestige and badly
damaged. On the return to base, the U-boat was depth-charged by a destroyer,
nearly sinking her, but somehow she managed to get to base. On 31 January
1942, he encountered the German blockade runner Spreewald, which he
mistook for an enemy ship and sunk. Cremer was court-martialled but found
not guilty. On 5 June 1942, Cremer was awarded the Knight’s Cross.
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On his third patrol in September 1942, ‘Ali’, as he had been nicknamed,
took U-333 to the coast of Africa; there, on 6 October, the boat was fired on
and rammed by the corvette Crocus and Cremer was seriously injured. Seven
of her crew were killed in the incident. Again, she managed to limp home.
With Cremer back in command, U-333 was depth-charged again in April
1943 and forced to return to base. Cremer was promoted to Korvettenkapitän
on 11 July 1943. On November 1944, Cremer commissioned U-2519 but did
not take her out on patrol—the boat was sunk in Kiel harbour on 3 May
1945. His last command was the Dönitz Guard Battalion. It was this unit that
accidentally shot and killed Kapitän zur See Wolfgang Lüth on 14 May 1945.
Cremer’s autobiography is called U-333: The Story of a U-boat Ace. He died
on 5 July 1992 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof, Reinbek, Schleswig-Holstein.

1599. Kapitänleutnant Werner WINTER
Winter was born on 26 March 1912 in Hamburg. He commanded U-22
before the war, and during his first war patrol on 7 September 1939, he fired
at a Polish ship and the torpedo malfunctioned. His next attack on a British
submarine also failed. In July 1941, he took over command of U-103, and on
22 September, he fired at Convoy SL67, and four hits were claimed but no
losses were reported. On his next patrol in February 1940, he sank four ships,
including two 8,000-ton tankers. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5
June 1942.
His last patrol was to the US coast where he sank nine ships, including two
tankers. On his return, he was ordered to join the U-boat staff and was sent to
Brest in July 1942. Winter was taken prisoner when the fortress surrendered.
He died on 9 September 1972 and is buried in Südfriedhof, Kiel, SchleswigHolstein.

1600. Hauptmann Johannes SEIFERT—‘Hannes’
Seifert was born on 6 October 1915 in Pinneberg. He shot down his first
enemy aircraft over Rotterdam on 10 May 1940, and by the end of the year,
his tally was eight. Seifert stayed on the Western Front and was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 7 June 1942 with his score at thirty-six. In August 1942, he
shot down his forty-first enemy aircraft, and in January 1943, he was moved
to the Eastern Front, where he brought down another eleven aircraft before he
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was withdrawn in June 1943. Unbeknown to him, his mother had invoked the
‘last surviving son’ rule as his younger brother, Gerhard, had been killed.
However, after a personal appeal to Adolf Galland, Seifert returned to
combat in defence of the Reich in September 1943. He shot down three fourengined bombers before colliding with a P-38 Lightning on 25 November
1943; he was killed. Seifert is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 5,
Row 1, Grave 25, Bourdon, Picardy, France. His score of fifty-seven victories
includes thirty-two Spitfires and six Sturmoviks.

1601. Oberleutnant Walter STIMPEL
Stimpel was born on 29 November 1917 in Oelsen. He was a squadron leader
in Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 June
1942. Stimpel died on 23 January 2008 in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg.

1602. Leutnant Alfred SCHNEIDER
Schneider was born on 28 July 1916 in Nuremberg. He was a company
commander in Mountain Regiment 206 when he was killed in action on 3
June 1942; he is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Korpowo, Russia. Schneider was awarded the Knight’s Cross four days later.

1603. Oberfeldwebel Waldemar TEIGE
Teige was born on 29 March 1913 in Striese. He was a pilot in Bomber Wing
53 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 June 1942. Teige was killed
in action at Leningrad on 3 October 1942 and has no known grave.

1604. Hauptmann Heinz KROSEBERG—‘Father of the
Storks’
Kroseberg was born in Berlin on 23 February 1899. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Kroseberg was a Fieseler Storch pilot whose job was to rescue German pilots
shot down in the desert or into the Mediterranean Sea. He would often fly

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deep into enemy territory to pick up men, sometimes bringing back three in his
tiny aircraft.
On 12 May 1942, he took off to find some aircrews in the sea. When he
found them, he dropped his own life vest to a man who called for help.
Shortly afterwards, he was shot down and posted missing. Kroseberg was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 June 1942.

1605. Generalmajor Maximilian SIRY
Siry was born on 19 April 1891 in Parsberg. He was commander of 246th
Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 June 1942.
Siry died on 6 December 1967 and is believed to be buried in Zentralfriedhof,
Fulda, Hesse.

1606. Korvettenkapitän Karl-Friedrich MERTEN
Merten was born on 15 August 1905 in Posen. At the beginning of 1940, he
volunteered for the U-boat service and commissioned U-68 on 11 February
1941. Merten took her on five successful patrols. He took part in the rescue of
survivors from the Python and Atlantis, as well as sinking four ships on that
patrol.
Next, he took U-68 to the west coast of Africa into the Arabian Sea and
the waters off Cape Town. He sank the 13,000-ton tanker C. O. Stillman.
Merten was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 June 1941 and the Oak Leaves
on 16 November 1942. The last ship he sunk was the 8,034-ton City of Cairo.
He sank twenty-nine ships (a total of 180,869 tons). He took command of the
26th U-Boat Flotilla in Pillau and later the 24th U-Boat Flotilla in Memel. This
last command was on the staff of the OKM. He was arrested in 1948 and
brought before the Frimaire Trial in France. Despite the ill will of the
complaints, he was found not guilty. Merten was invited to a reunion of
survivors from the City of Cairo, where someone said of him: ‘We couldn’t
have been sunk by a nicer man’. He died on 2 May 1993 and is buried in
Bergfriedhof, Waldshut-Tiengen, Baden-Württemberg.

1607. Korvettenkapitän Jost BRÖKELMANN

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Brökelmann was born on 25 September 1907 in Kiel. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in May 1940 and the 1st Class in August 1941.
Brökelmann was commander of R-Boat Flotilla 2 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 14 June 1942. He died on 3 March 1967 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg.

1608. Leutnant Hermann NEUHOFF
Neuhoff was born on 11 April 1918 in Rheinhausen. He was a squadron
leader in Fighter Wing 53 when he was shot down over Malta on 10 April
1942 and awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 June 1942. Neuhoff is credited
with forty victories. He died on 17 January 2006 and is believed to be buried
in Rheinhausen Friedhof, Baden-Württemberg.

1609. Kapitänleutnant Hans-Werner KRAUS
Kraus was born on 1 July 1915 in Beulwitz-Saalfeld. He served as watch
officer on U-47 with Prien from January to November 1940. On 8 February
1942, he commissioned U-83 and scored his first success on 12 October 1940,
west of Portugal. Attacking convoy HG75, he torpedoed the Ariguani and two
other ships. Next he sailed into the Mediterranean Sea, where he fired at a
steamer and a destroyer on 14 February 1942; explosions and smoke indicated
hits. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 June 1942. On 17 August
1942, he sank the 5,875-ton Canadian steamer Princess Marguerite. Kraus
commissioned U-199 on 28 November 1942 and took her to South America
where, on 27 June 1943, he fired at the US steamer Charles Wilson Peale off
Rio de Janeiro, but both torpedoes missed.
He sank a sailing ship with gunfire on 4 July and the 4,191-ton Henzada
on the 24th. Then, on 31 July 1943, he was bombed and sunk off the coast of
Brazil. Kraus and some of the crew were taken prisoner. He was one of
twenty-five prisoners to escape from Camp Papago Park on the night of 23–24
December 1944. Kraus died on 25 May 1990 and is buried in Friedhof St
Wolfgang, Wangen im Allgäu, Baden-Württemberg.

1610. Major Bruno MEINEKE

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Meineke was born on 25 May 1908 in Hanover. He was commander of I
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 407, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
19 June 1942. Meineke died on 29 November 1980 and is believed to be
buried in Neustadter Friedhof, Einbeck, Lower Saxony.

1611. Oberleutnant Benno HERRMANN
Herrmann was born on 4 January 1918 in Nuremberg. He was a pilot in
Bomber Wing 76 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 June 1942.
Herrmann died on 7 February 1999 and is believed to be buried in
Westfriedhof, Nuremberg.

1612. Oberleutnant Karl SCHREPFER
Schrepfer was born on 10 February 1917 in Augsburg. He was a squadron
leader in Dive Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
June 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 28 April 1945. Schrepfer died in an
accident on 6 September 1946 in Wertheim am Main, Baden-Württemberg.

1613. Leutnant Heinz GRABER
Graber was born on 9 March in Berlin. He was a squadron leader in Dive
Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 June 1942.
Graber was killed in action on 30 January 1943 near Vasilkov, Russia, and has
no known grave.

1614. Leutnant Otto SCHULZE
Schulze was born on 11 February 1914 in Nahrstedt. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 386 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 19 June 1942. Schulze was posted missing at Quappendorf on 8
April 1945.

1615. Oberfeldwebel Max STOTZ
Stotz was born on 13 February 1912 in Mannswörth, Austria-Hungary. He
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in November 1939 and the 1st Class in
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June 1940. Stotz was a pilot in Fighter Wing 54 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 19 June 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 30 October
1942. He was posted missing on 19 August 1943 near Vitebsk after baling out
of his fighter behind the Russian lines. Stotz is credited with 189 victories,
including ten in one day on 30 December 1942.

1616. Feldwebel Rudolf MÜLLER—‘Rudi’
Müller was born on 21 November 1920 in Frankfurt am Main. He was a pilot
in Bomber Wing 5 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 June 1942.
Müller was shot down with ninety-four victories to his credit and died as a
POW at Temnikov, Russia, on 21 October 1943; he has no known grave.

1617. Obergefreiter Gustav GROMEIKE
Gromeike was born on 20 July 1913 in Wuppertal. He was serving in Pioneer
Battalion 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 June 1942.
Gromeike was killed in action near Schirwindt, East Prussia, on 16 October
1944 and has no known grave.

1618. Oberleutnant Artur MÖHLE
Möhle was born on 26 October 1911 in Weiden. He was a pilot and observer
in Reconnaissance Group 12 when he died of wounds at Malotoltuscha,
Russia, on 19 April 1942 and has no known grave. Möhle was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 23 June 1942.

1619. Oberfeldwebel Josef ZWERNEMANN—‘Jupp’
Zwernemann was born on 26 March 1916 in Kirchworbis. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in April and the 1st Class in August 1941. By the end
of 1941, he had shot down twenty enemy aircraft. Zwernemann was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 23 June 1942 with fifty-seven victories to his credit.
During September 1942, he shot down thirty enemy aircraft and was awarded
the Oak Leaves on 31 October 1942 with 103 victories.
He was sent home to train new pilots in May 1943 but returned to the
front in Italy before taking part in the defence of the Reich. On 8 April 1944,
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he shot down a B-24 bomber and a P-51 fighter before being attacked by
another two P-51s. Zwernemann baled out but was shot dead in his
parachute. He has no known grave. Zwernemann has 126 victories to his
credit.

1620. Obergefreiter Ernst SCHULTE
Schulte was born on 26 April 1912 in Lüdenscheid. He was a gun commander
in Motorised Flak Regiment 14 when he died of wounds on 17 April 1942
and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 6, Row 21, Grave 1509,
Sebastopol, Ukraine. Schulte was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 June
1942.

1621. Oberst Ernst-Günther BAADE
Baade was born in Falkenhagen on 20 August 1897. He fought during the
First World War, being wounded several times and was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Baade saw action in Poland in 1939 as a
Major and was appointed commander of I Battalion, 22nd Cavalry Regiment,
in December 1939. As an Oberstleutnant, he led the 1st Bicycle Battalion in
the French campaign; he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1939) for these campaigns. He fought in Russia with his unit (now
redesignated the 4th Motorcycle Battalion).
In April 1942, Baade was sent to Africa as commander of 115th Rifle
Regiment, and he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 June 1942 for his
part in the capture of Tobruk and Bir Hakeim. He was a legend in Africa and
was known to have gone into battle wearing a kilt and carrying a claymore. In
September 1942, he was attached to the staff, and in December 1942, he took
command of the 90th Panzergrenadier Division. Promoted to Generalmajor in
February 1944, he fought at Monte Cassino and on 22 February 1944 was
awarded the Oak Leaves. The Swords followed on 16 November 1944 for
action in Italy. Baade was sent on a course for commanding generals in
December 1944 and on 10 March 1945 took command of LXXVI Army
Corps in Schleswig-Holstein. Severely wounded by strafing on 5 April, he died
of wounds on 8 May 1945 and was buried in the park at Neverstaven,
Schleswig-Holstein.

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1622. Major Werner KOLB
Kolb was born on 27 July 1895 in Burbach. He fought in the First World War
and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). Kolb was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class (1939) in June and the 1st Class in July 1940. He was
commander of II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 36, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 27 June 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 26 June 1944.
Kolb died on 18 February 1975 and is buried in Alter Friedhof, Neu Isenburg,
Hesse.

1623. Oberleutnant Walter SALZMANN
Salzmann was born on 12 December 1913 in Treuenbrietzen. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in April 1941.
Salzmann was a company commander in Infantry Regiment 121 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 June 1942. He died on 20 February 2000 in
Hanover.

1624. Oberfeldwebel Josef SCHNEIDER
Schneider was born on 14 July 1914 in Rheinbreitbach. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in September 1941. Schneider
was a platoon leader in Jäger Regiment 207 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 27 June 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 10 February
1944. He died on 26 April 1981 and is buried in Rheinbreitbach Friedhof,
Rhineland-Palatinate.

1625. Oberjäger Johann BAUER—‘Hans’
Bauer was born on 15 December 1916 in Metten. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July 1940 and the 1st Class in June 1941. Bauer was a
section leader in Mountain Jäger Regiment 99 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 27 June 1942. Bauer died on 14 January 1974 and is
believed to be buried in Deggendorf, Bavaria.

1626. Gefreiter Georg RIETSCHER
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Rietscher was born on 3 December 1918 in Schweinerden. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in October 1941 and the 1st Class in May 1942.
Rietscher was serving in Infantry Regiment 513 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 27 June 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 14 March
1943. Rietscher died on 21 September 1991 in Radibor, Saxony.

1627. Generalleutnant Otto HOFFMANN von WALDAU
Hoffmann von Waldau was born on 7 July 1898 in Bankau. He fought during
the First World War, being awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
He served on the Luftwaffe Staff during the Polish and French campaigns. In
1942, he was named commander of the Luftwaffe in Africa. In this role, he
worked very closely with all the ground troops, his air units playing a decisive
role in the softening up of Tobruk. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 28 June 1942.
Following his departure from Africa, he spent most of his time in staff
positions. Hoffmann von Waldau was killed when his aircraft crashed during
an inspection flight on 17 May 1943 near Petrich, Bulgaria. He is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Crypt 1, Row 4, Plate 7, Dionyssos-Rapendoza,
Greece.

1628. Kapitänleutnant Erwin ROSTIN
Rostin was born in Güstrow on 8 October 1907. On 25 September 1941, he
commissioned U-158. He sailed on his first patrol in the Atlantic on 7
February 1942, and on 24 February, he attacked convoy ONS67, sinking the
8,032-ton Empire Colt. On 1 March, Rostin fired on a tanker, which fired
back but was finally sunk after nearly five hours of battle. The name of the
tanker is unknown and its tonnage was not recorded in his log. On 11 March,
he sank another merchant ship, and on the 13th, he sank the 11,641-ton
tanker John D. Gill; three hours after this, he sent the 7,000-ton Ario to the
bottom.
U-158 again contacted the enemy on 20 May 1942 and sank an 8,113-ton
tanker. By June, Rostin had sunk twelve ships. Among these was the 13,467ton Panamanian tanker Sheherazade. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
28 June 1942. Two days later, his U-boat was sunk by US aircraft; there were
no survivors.
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1629. SS-Hauptsturmführer Otto KRON
Kron was born on 28 February 1911 in Speyer. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in December 1941. Kron was
commander of SS-Flak Battalion 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 28 June 1942. He was severely wounded at Kharkov, which left him with
one leg stiff and shorter than the other. Kron spent the remainder of the war
training recruits. He died on 9 August 1955 and is buried in Waldfriedhof,
Weblingerweg, Dachau, Bavaria.

1630. Oberst Moritz von DREBBER
Von Drebber was born on 12 February 1892 in Oldenburg. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Von Drebber was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in November
1939 and the 1st Class in June 1940. He was commander of Infantry
Regiment 523 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 June 1942. Von
Drebber died on 30 May 1968 and is buried in Parkfriedhof, Feld 3, Row 1,
Grave 37, Sandkrugerstrasse 26, Oldenburg, Lower Saxony.

1631. Hauptmann Kurt (or Kurt-Werner) BRÄNDLE
Brändle was born on 19 January 1912 in Ludwigsburg. He shot down seven
aircraft over France and during the Battle of Britain. Brändle was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in April and the 1st Class in September 1940. He shot
down a further seven enemy aircraft over Malta before moving to the Russian
Front in May 1942. Brändle was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 July 1942
with forty-nine victories to his credit. The Oak Leaves followed on 28 August
1942 with his tally at 100. He left Russia with 164 victories to take part in the
defence of the Reich. With 180 victories, Brändle was killed in action on 3
November 1943 and is buried at the German War Cemetery, Block CW, Row
1, Grave 25 (next to Wilhelm Lemke), Timmermansweg, Ysselsteyn, the
Netherlands.

1632. Hauptmann Rudolf MÜLLER

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Müller was born on 19 July 1912 in Schönblick. He was a group commander
in Bomber Wing 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 July 1942.
Müller died on 10 July 1983 in Hamburg.

1633. Oberleutnant Ludwig (or Robert-Ludwig) BECKER
Becker was born on 22 August 1911 in Dortmund. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in December 1940. Becker was a
squadron leader in Night Fighter Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 1 July 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 26 February 1943. He was
posted missing 26 February 1942 over Schiermonnikoog, The Netherlands.
Becker is credited with forty-six night victories.

1634. Oberleutnant Reinhold KNACKE
Knacke was born on 1 January 1919 in Strelitz. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July 1940 and the 1st Class some time later in 1940.
Knacke was a pilot in Night Fighter Wing 1 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 1 July 1942. He was killed in action on 3 February 1943
and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block M, Row 4, Grave 80 (next
to Paul Gildner), Timmermansweg, Ysselsteyn, the Netherlands. Knacke was
awarded the Oak Leaves on 7 February 1943. He is credited with forty-four
victories.

1635. Oberleutnant Siegfried SIMSCH
Simsch was born on 6 September 1913 in Posen. He was a squadron leader in
Fighter Wing 52 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 July 1942.
Simsch was killed in action on 8 June 1944 and is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Crypt 14, Grave Chamber 33, Mont-de-Huisnes, Normandy,
France. He is credited with fifty-four victories.

1636. Leutnant Werner BLUME
Blume was born on 5 August 1911 in Hanover. He was a pilot in
Reconnaissance Group 122 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 July

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1942. Blume was killed in action on 3 July 1942 and is buried in the German
War Cemetery, Tobruk, Libya.

1637. Leutnant Günther HANNAK
Hannak was born on 12 December 1921 in Breslau. He was a pilot in Fighter
Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 July 1942. Hannak
died on 25 August 1995 and is believed to be buried in Waldfriedhof,
Düsseldorfstrasse 601, Duisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1638. Feldwebel Alfred GRISLAWSKI
Grislawski was born on 2 November 1919 in Wanne-Eickel. By the end of
1941, he had shot down eleven enemy aircraft and was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September and the 1st Class in October. Grislawski
claimed his twentieth victory on 30 April 1941, and in May, he brought down
another forty-three aircraft. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 July
1942. Back in action in August 1942, he shot down sixteen aircraft during
September, but was shot down himself on 5 November.
In April 1943, he shot down his 100th opponent, but he was wounded by
a land mine in June 1943. After recovering, Grislawski was transferred to the
defence of the Reich and shot down his first two bombers on 17 August. He
shot down another bomber in January 1944 but was wounded by return fire;
in July, he was shot down again. On 26 September 1944, Grislawski was
officially credited with shooting down a P-38 for his 133rd and last victory
(however, he claims not to have shot this aircraft down), but once again, he
was shot down, injuring two vertebrae in his back. Of his 132 victories,
eighteen were four-engined bombers and sixteen were Sturmoviks. He died on
19 September 2003 and is believed to be buried in Stadtfriedhof, Herne, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

1639. Feldwebel Karl STEFFEN
Steffen was born on 10 March 1918 in Gödersdorf. He was a pilot in Fighter
Group 52 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 July 1942. Steffen
was posted missing after a forced landing near Bjelgorod, Russia, on 8 August
1943.
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1640. Unteroffizier Karl GRATZ—‘Charlie’
Gratz was born on 24 January 1919 in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. He shot
down his first enemy aircraft in Russia during February 1942. Gratz was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 July 1942, with fifty-four victories to his
credit. By the end of the year, his tally was up to eighty-three. After a short
time training new pilots, Gratz was posted to the Channel front in March
1943. Gratz ended the war with 138 victories, three of which were fourengined bombers. During post-war flying with live ammo, he was nearly shot
down by his wingman; on landing, Gratz told him: ‘… you must have gone
mad! I have to say one thing, you idiot: If you had hit me, I would have
outmanoeuvred you and shot you down’. Gratz died on 14 March 2002 and is
buried in the Kommunal Friedhof, Leck, Schleswig-Holstein.

1641. Unteroffizier Ernst-Wilhelm REINERT
Reinert was born on 2 February 1919 in Cologne. He shot down his first
enemy aircraft in Russia on 8 August 1941. Reinert was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st and 2nd Class in September 1941 and the Knight’s Cross on 1 July
1942 with his tally at twenty-nine victories. He was sent to Africa in October
1942, and with his tally at 104, Reinert was awarded the Oak Leaves on 7
October. On 3 April 1943, he shot down three Spitfires in eight minutes and
added two more later that day.
When Reinert left Africa on 8 May 1943, he was carrying two passengers
in his single-seat fighter, but still managed to shoot down another enemy
aircraft. He was awarded the Swords on 1 February 1945, and by the end of
the war, he had shot down 174 enemy aircraft and destroyed sixteen aircraft
and ten tanks on the ground. Reinert died on 5 September 2007 and is
believed to be buried in Stadtfriedhof, Bad Pyrmont, Lower Saxony.

1642. Oberleutnant Erich BÄRENFÄNGER
Bärenfänger was born in Menden on 12 January 1915. He fought in Poland
and the West, being wounded and awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class.
He also fought in the Balkans and in Russia, where he was wounded again not
long after the start of the campaign. Bärenfänger was back in action by
September 1941. In 1942, he was wounded three times at Sebastopol while
204

leading a number of successful attacks on bunkers and artillery positions, for
which he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 July 1942.
During the spring of 1943, when Romanian units on his flank left his
battalion exposed, Bärenfänger counterattacked, routing two Russian
regiments and capturing many prisoners and equipment. For this, he was
awarded the Oak Leaves on 15 May 1943. Wounded many more times during
the winter, he refused to be removed from his men; Bärenfänger was awarded
the Swords on 16 February 1944. This time he was ordered from the front to
a training post. He took part in the defence of Berlin, and to avoid capture, he
and his wife committed suicide on 1 May 1945. He has no known grave.

1643. Oberleutnant Siegfried FREYTAG—‘The Star of
Malta’
Freytag was born in Danzig on 10 November 1919. Awarded the Iron Cross
1st and 2nd Class after the fall of France; he also took part in Operation
Barbarossa—the invasion of the Soviet Union. Freytag shot down forty-nine
enemy aircraft and destroyed another twelve on the ground. For this, he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 July 1942.
By November 1942, he was in North Africa, and when he shot down his
eighty-seventh enemy aircraft, Freytag was recommended for the Oak Leaves,
but he was not awarded them. After Africa, he flew in the defence of the
Reich, ending the war with 102 victories. After the war, he fought in the
French Foreign Legion. Freytag died on 1 June 2003 and is buried in
Institution des Invalides de la Legion Étrangere, Puyloubier, France.

1644. Hauptmann Wolfgang-Dieter EVERTH
Everth was born on 16 October 1914 in Rüdersdorf. He took part in the
campaign against Poland and France, being awarded the Iron Cross 1st and
2nd Class. Transferred to North Africa with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion
under Oberstleutnant Freiherr von Wechmar, the battalion spearheaded every
advance of the Africa Corps. Everth distinguished himself on numerous
occasions, and when von Wechmar was to appoint a new leader he chose
Everth. Under Everth, the unit (now designated the 3rd Armoured
Reconnaissance Battalion) became known as the ‘Masters of the Forefield’. On
6 July 1942, Rommel personally presented Everth with the Knight’s Cross.
205

Badly wounded, he was sent to Germany to recover. Everth later fought on
the Eastern Front and there to he was indefatigable. He died on 29 November
1980 in Hannover and his funeral escort was made up of old comrades.

1645. Rittmeister Friedrich von HOMEYER
Von Homeyer was born in Berlin on 16 October 1899. At the age of
seventeen, he fought in the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross
1st and 2nd Class (1914). In the 1940 French campaign, he was on the staff of
the 7th Panzer Division. Von Homeyer went with Rommel in 1941 to Africa
but was recalled to form the 580th Reconnaissance Company, which he
commanded in the 1942 offensive with great élan. Von Homeyer was killed in
action on 3 July 1942 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Crypt 5, El
Alamein, Egypt. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 July 1942.

1646. Hauptmann Rudolf KIEHL
Kiehl was born on 10 November 1914 in Makohlen. He fought in France as a
Leutnant and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class. In February
1941, Kiehl arrived in Africa and took part in the capture of Nofilia, El
Agheila, and Agedabia. Subsequently, he was named CO of Rommel’s combat
echelon, soon it became known as Combat Echelon Kiehl. From January
1942, the combat echelon was constantly at the front, Kiehl was the first to
storm into Benghazi.
Bir Hakeim fell on 11 June 1942, Tobruk was seized on 20–21 June, and
Kiehl was the first into Marsa Matruk. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 6 July 1942. Kiehl was killed in action on 4 September 1942 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Crypt 6, El Alamein, Egypt.

1647. Oberleutnant Franz ZINTL
Zintl was born on 14 June 1919 in Röthenbach. He was commander of I
Battalion, Mountain Jäger Regiment 206, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 6 July 1942. Zintl died on 23 March 1993 and is believed to be
buried in Waldfriedhof, Grossauheim, Hanau, Hesse.

206

1648. Leutnant Adolf SCHMAHL
Schmahl was born on 6 January 1916 in Brux. He was a company commander
in Infantry Regiment 6 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 July
1942. Schmahl died on 13 March 2004 in Lympne, Kent, England.

1649. Kapitänleutnant Heinz-Otto SCHULTZE
Schultze was born in Kiel on 13 September 1915. His father, Otto, was a Uboat commander during the First World War and was awarded the Pour le
Mérite. Heinz-Otto commissioned U-432 on 26 April 1941, and on 10
September, he attacked convoy SC42, sinking two 5,000-ton ships. Two hours
later, he hit another ship. He then sank two more ships with two torpedoes
within a minute of each other. In October, he sank three ships from convoy
SC48, including the 9,739-ton tanker Barfonn. On 28 October 1941, he sank
a ship from convoy HG75.
On his next patrol in February 1942, he sank six ships in eleven days,
including the 8,215-ton Marore. From 8 May to 9 June, he sank five ships and
torpedoed the 7,073-ton Kronprinsen. Schultze was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 9 July 1942. On 24 September 1942, he sank the 5,868-ton
Pennmar, and on 17 December, he sank the auxiliary sub-chaser Poitu. U-432
was handed over to Eckhard, and Schultze took command of U-849 on 11
March 1943. He was killed at sea along with his entire crew on 25 November
1943.

1650. Hauptmann Alfred DÜRRWANGER
Dürrwanger was born on 7 April 1915 in Breslau. He was a company
commander in Jäger Regiment 83 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
10 July 1942. Dürrwanger died on 23 July 2003 and is buried in
Waldfriedhof, Starnberg, Bavaria.

1651. Oberleutnant Josef STIGLER
Stigler was born on 30 May 1899 in Bayreuth. He was commander of II
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 42, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
10 July 1942. Stigler died on 10 February 1982 in Erding, Bavaria.
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1652. General Kurt BRENNECKE
Brennecke was born on 16 December 1891 in Ringelheim. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Brennecke was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) after the fall
of Poland. He was commander of XXXXIII Army Corps when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 July 1942. Brennecke died on 30 December
1982 and is believed to be buried in Südfriedhof, Bonn.

1653. Hauptmann Erich KLAWE
Klawe was born on 24 March 1906 in Allenstein. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in August 1941. Klawe was
commander of I Battalion, Infantry Regiment 23, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 12 July 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 14 April 1943.
He died on 30 May 1983 in Regensburg, Bavaria.

1654. Oberleutnant Otto STIEFELMAYER
Stiefelmayer was born on 26 October 1915 in Esslingen am Necker. He fought
in France as a company CO with Panzer Regiment 8. Sent to Africa in April
1941 Stiefelmayer distinguished himself in the summer battles, his company
destroying nine enemy tanks. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 July
1942. From October 1942, now as a battalion commander, he fought around
the El Alamein position.
On 24 October, Stiefelmayer’s battalion attacked British armoured units
and forced them into a minefield laid by German pioneers—thirty-five enemy
tanks were lost. Then, on 3 November 1942, Stiefelmayer was
counterattacking a British breakthrough when he was killed in action. He is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Crypt 7, El Alamein, Egypt.

1655. Oberfeldwebel Willi ROWOHL
Rowohl was born on 24 December 1912 in Hildesheim. He was a platoon
leader in Rifle Regiment 115 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12
July 1942. Rowohl was killed in action at Vaborny during March 1945 and
has no known grave.
208

1656. Hauptmann Heinz-Günter AMELUNG
Amelung was born on 9 April 1917 in Magdeburg. He was a squadron leader
in Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 July
1942. He was credited with the destruction of six bridges, twenty-seven tanks,
sixteen field guns, twelve anti-aircraft batteries, as well as several freighters,
supply ships, monitors, and patrol boats. All this was done in 320 combat
missions. Amelung died of a myocardial infarction on 26 December 1964 in
Munich.

1657. Hauptmann Kurt KUHLMEY—‘Prince of Bir
Hakeim’
Kuhlmey was born on 19 November 1913 in Insterburg, Russia. A Stuka
pilot, he flew in Poland, Norway, and France. In 1941, Kuhlmey took part in
raids on Malta and was involved in the sinking of the British aircraft carrier
HMS Illustrious. He was one of the pilots to brave the heavy anti-aircraft fire
to bomb Bir Hakeim to soften up the defenders. Kuhlmey was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 15 July 1942.
Transferred to Russia, he fought in Crimea and later in Finland. He was
shot down twice and completed over 500 combat missions. Kuhlmey died on
30 April 1993 in Bonn.

1658. Oberleutnant Karl HENZE
Henze was born on 20 January 1916 in Holzminden. He was a squadron
leader in Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
15 July 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 20 May 1944. Henze flew over
1,000 combat missions. He died on 25 September 1985 in NeunkirchenSeelscheid, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1659. Oberstleutnant Rudolf PETERSHAGEN
Petershagen was born on 4 June 1901 in Hamburg. He was commander of II
Battalion, Motorised Infantry Regiment 92, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 20 July 1942. Petershagen died on 13 April 1969 and is
buried in Alter Friedhof, Greifswald, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
209

1660. Rittmeister Hans-Günther BRAUN von STUMM
Braun von Stumm was born on 16 September 1913 in Berlin. He was
commander of Divisions Reconnaissance Battalion 100 when he died of
wounds near Bidovce, Russia, on 15 September 1941 and has no known
grave. Braun von Stumm was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 July 1942.

1661. Gefreiter Franz DOFF
Doff was born on 20 July 1920 in Piding. He was a section leader in
Mountain Jäger Regiment 98 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20
July 1942. Doff was killed in action on 24 April 1945 and buried in the
German War Cemetery, Block 9, Grave 598, Blumau, Austria.

1662. Generalmajor Dietrich KRAISS
Kraiss was born on 16 November 1889 in Stuttgart. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Kraiss
was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) after the fall of Poland.
He was commander of 168th Infantry Division when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 23 July 1942. In November 1943, he took command of the
352nd Grenadier Division. It was a battalion from this division that was
holding a live ammunition beach defence practice on the morning of 6 June
1944, when the Americans landed on Omaha beach, almost resulting in
disaster for the Allies. Kraiss died of wounds on 6 August 1944 and is buried
in the German War Cemetery, Crypt 46, Grave Chamber 63, Mont-deHuisnes, Normandy, France. He was awarded the Oak Leaves on 11 August
1944.

1663. Major Rudolf BOECKMANN
Boeckmann was born on 16 April 1895 in Silschede. He saw action in the
First World War with the artillery and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and
2nd Class (1914). He rejoined the army in August 1939 and was awarded the
Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939). He was subsequently transferred to
North Africa as commander of the 408th Artillery Battalion. Boeckmann was
regarded as an expert in bombarding enemy positions. The senior artillery
210

commander, Generalmajor Krause, came to rely on his advice. Even Rommel
was impressed, he would often say, ‘Krause, what does Boeckmann say’.
By 17 July 1942, the Africa Corps was south-west of El Ala. The British
launched a surprise attack that was only stopped by Boeckmann making his
gunners fire over open sights at close range. For this action, he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 23 July 1942, the recommendation having been made by
Rommel himself. Wounded by a shell splinter on 14 September 1942, he was
evacuated to Germany. On his recovery, Boeckmann was given command of
the 187th Artillery Regiment and promoted to Oberst. He was killed in action
near Slimusti, Estonia, on 19 September 1944 and has no known grave.

1664. Major Georg BRIEL
Briel was born on 21 August 1907 in Ellers. Awarded the Iron Cross 1st and
2nd Class in 1940, Briel was sent to North Africa as commander of the 606th
Flak Battalion. Promoted to Major in January 1942, he had already been
recommended for the Knight’s Cross.
On 26 May 1942, his battalion was in the thick of the fighting near Bir
Hakeim, and he defeated an attempt by the garrison to break-out; for this, he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 July 1942. Under Briel’s command,
‘Rommel’s Luftwaffe Flak’ rolled to the gates of Alexandria, shooting down
sixty-two Allied aircraft and taking 1,300 prisoners. He was taken ill and sent
back to Germany. In the final stages of the war, he, in February 1945, was
wounded. Briel died on 16 May 1980 and is buried in Bellersen Friedhof,
Brakel, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1665. Kapitänleutnant Friedrich KEMNADE
Kemnade was born on 12 December 1911 in Schwarmstedt. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in April and the 1st Class in December 1940.
Kemnade was serving in S-Boat Flotilla 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 23 July 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 27 May 1943. He died
on 29 January 2008 and is buried in Ohlsdorf Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse,
Hamburg.

1666. Major Anton MADER
211

Mader was born on 7 January 1913 in Kaštel Novi, Austria-Hungary. He was
a group commander in Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 23 July 1942. Mader died on 19 February 1984 and is buried in
Zentralfriedhof, Vienna.

1667. Hauptmann Roland von HÖSSLIN
Von Hösslin was born in Munich on 21 February 1915. He took over a
company in the 33rd Armoured Reconnaissance Battalion in November 1941
having been serving on the staff. Then, on 6 February 1942, von Hösslin,
commanding a battlegroup, took the high west of Ain el Gazala. In the Battle
of Trigh Capuzzo, his company distinguished itself and he was awarded the
Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class, and he soon took over the battalion.
Von Hösslin led from the front during the advance to El Alamein and the
pursuit across the Marmarika. On 15 July 1942, he was seriously wounded,
and on 23 July 1942, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross while in hospital. He
was later involved in the plot to kill Hitler and was executed in Berlin on 13
October 1944. Von Hösslin has no known grave.

1668. Hauptmann Otto STAMPFER
Stampfer was born on 13 January 1913 in Saag, Austria-Hungary. He was
commander of III Battalion, Mountain Jäger Regiment 136, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 July 1942. Stampfer was killed in action on
5 February 1945 and is believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as
unknown), Stare Czarnowo, Poland.

1669. Wachtmeister Siegfried FREYER
Freyer was born on 11 February 1917 in Wojnassen. He was a platoon leader
in Panzer Regiment 24 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 July
1942. Freyer died on 10 May 2014.

1670. Generalmajor Kurt OPPENLÄNDER
Oppenländer was born on 11 February 1892 in Ulm. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
212

Oppenländer was commander of 305th Infantry Division when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 July 1942. He died as a US POW on 17
March 1947 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, and has no known grave.

1671. Oberstleutnant Richard DANIEL
Daniel was born on 24 December 1900 in Anspach. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st and 2nd Class in July 1941. Daniel was commander of Infantry
Regiment 391 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 July 1942. The
Oak Leaves followed on 30 April 1945. He died on 4 May 1986 and is buried
in Nordfriedhof, Feld O IV, Row F7, Grave 007, Plonerstrasse, Neumünster,
Schleswig-Holstein.

1672. Hauptmann Siegfried HELLER
Heller was born on 25 July 1915 in Jüterbog. He was a company commander
in Pioneer Battalion 371 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 July
1942. Heller died on 12 October 1978 and buried in Adenau Friedhof,
Rhineland-Palatinate.

1673. Hauptmann Karl WILLIG
Willig was born on 31 August 1908 in Niederneisen. He was commander of II
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 120, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
25 July 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 18 January 1943. Willig died on 2
December 1977 in Eschwege, Hesse.

1674. Oberleutnant Georg BITTLINGMAIER
Bittlingmaier was born on 13 March 1904 in Uhingen. He was commander of
I Battalion, Infantry Regiment 391, when he died of wounds at Warmutka,
Crimea, on 30 June 1942 and was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 July
1942. Bittlingmaier is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Sebastopol, Ukraine.

1675. Oberleutnant Ernst HINRICHS
213

Hinrichs was born on 10 March 1916 in Jeddeloh. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 July 1942. Hinrichs
died on 25 January 2009 in Aurich, Lower Saxony.

1676. Oberleutnant Rudolf SCHOENERT
Schoenert was born on 27 July 1911 in Glogau. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st and 2nd Class in July 1940. Schoenert was a squadron leader in
Night Fighter Wing 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 July
1942. He is recognised as the driving force behind the upward-firing
armament in night fighters, dubbed Schräge Musik, which he first used to
shoot down an aircraft in May 1943. Schoenert was awarded the Oak Leaves
on 11 April 1944. He fought as a night fighter on the Western and Eastern
Front, shooting down sixty-five aircraft, thirty of which were Russian.
Schoenert died on 30 November 1985 in Manitoba, Canada.

1677. Oberarzt Horst WILCKE
Wilcke was born on 11 December 1911 in Danzig. He was a doctor in III
Battalion, Motorised Infantry Regiment 120, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 25 July 1942. Wilcke died on 20 January 1995 in
Rockenhausen, Rhineland-Palatinate.

1678. Leutnant Hans LOTH
Loth was born on 17 February 1918 in Wuppertal. He was a platoon leader in
Infantry Regiment 203 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 July
1942. Loth died on 15 August 2004 and is believed to be buried in
Grevenstein Friedhof, Meschede, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1679. Leutnant Hans KLAIBER
Klaiber was born on 23 October 1919 in Bilerach. He was a platoon leader in
Motorised Flak Regiment 9 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26
July 1942. He died of wounds near Dauba, Prague, on 9 May 1945 and has
no known grave.

214

1680. Major Werner Freiherr von BESCHWITZ
Freiherr von Beschwitz was born on 19 January 1915 in Dresden. He was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class after the fall of Poland and the 1st Class
after the fall of France. Von Beschwitz was commander of Heavy Panzer
Battalion 505 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 July 1944. He
died on 25 May 2011.

1681. Generalmajor Max FREMEREY
Fremerey was born on 5 May 1889 in Cologne. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Fremerey was
commander of the 29th Motorised Infantry Division when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 28 July 1942. He died on 20 September 1968 and is
buried in Stadtfriedhof, Krün, Bavaria.

1682. Oberst Helmut FÜRGUTH (or FÜRGUT)
Fürguth was born on 21 October 1894 in Ehrenbreitstein. He was commander
of Artillery Regiment 221 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 July
1942. Fürguth was killed in action in Russia on 8 May 1943 and has no
known grave.

1683. Hauptmann Werner REISSMANN
Reissmann was born on 6 April 1915 in Neustadt. He fought in France before
transferring to Africa where he took part in the attack towards Egypt in 1941
and the subsequent retreat. Reissmann was in the forefront of the attack that
recaptured Cyrenaica in just seventeen days during January and February
1942. By the end of May, the Germans were bogged down on the Gazala line
and the British were still holding the fort of Got el Ualeb. Rommel was keen
to eliminate this fort so committed a whole regiment to take it. Reissmann
took over the assault when Major Ehle was wounded. He drove the enemy out
of the forward positions; suddenly, Rommel appeared saying ‘The enemy is
faltering Reissmann. Wave white flags’. It worked, the British 50th Brigade
surrendered.

215

Reissmann continued to lead the attack in the area of Marsa Matruk. He
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 July 1942, after his second
recommendation. Wounded and forced to leave Africa, Reissmann was
promoted to Major in September 1943 and put on the staff. He died on 21
August 1963 in Neustadt, near Coburg, Bavaria.

1684. Oberleutnant Rolf ROCHOLL—‘The Battery
Stormer’
Rocholl was born in Berlin on 8 December 1918. He fought in Poland and
France, being awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class. Rocholl was one of
the few officers to serve in Africa from start to finish. He was at Tobruk where
he stormed Hill 209, which was occupied by a battery of artillery, earning him
the nickname ‘The Battery Stormer’. For this action between Capuzzo and
Marsa in the summer of 1942, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 July
1942. After El Alamein, he served as operations officer of the Africa Corps.
Rocholl returned to Germany in April 1943 to begin training as a general
staff officer, but he was called on to command a battalion on the Russian
Front, where at Izyum on 22 August 1943 he drove the Russians out of their
positions ten times. He was killed in action the next day and is believed to be
buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Kharkov, Ukraine.
Rocholl was awarded the Oak Leaves on 31 August 1943.

1685. Oberwachtmeister Georg WEINBUCH
Weinbuch was born on 25 May 1915 in Weilheim. He was a platoon leader in
Heavy Artillery Regiment 46 when he died of wounds at Charkow, Russia, on
24 May 1942 and has no known grave. Weinbuch was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 28 July 1942.

1686. Unteroffizier Otto RENDL
Rendl was born on 20 March 1916 in Arnbruck. He was a gun commander in
Infantry Regiment 132 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 July
1942. Rendl died on 23 May 1968 in Haus im Wald, Bavaria.

216

1687. Oberst Erich GEISSLER
Geissler was born on 11 December 1895 in Büdingen. He took part in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Geissler commanded a battalion during the Polish campaign and was awarded
the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939). Promoted to Oberstleutnant in
March 1940, he took command of the 200th Panzer-Grenadier Regiment
during 1941 and led it in Africa. He made a name for himself in Africa during
the January 1942 offensive, taking Agedabia, then driving to Maraua, taking
the town by storm. By 6 February, the Germans had cleared all of Cyrenaica.
Geissler who had been promoted to Oberst in April was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 29 July 1942.
Evacuated from Africa due to illness on 1 May 1943, he was taken on the
staff at OKH. On 1 May 1945, he assumed command of 78th Assault Divison
but surrendered on 8 May. He was held by the Russians until 1955. Geissler
died on 2 May 1967 and is buried in Gertruden Friedhof, Feld 2, Abt 2, Line
D, Grave 11–12, Kirchhofstrasse, Oldenburg, Lower Saxony.

1688. Oberleutnant Josef-Otto RIEPOLD
Riepold was born on 10 October 1915 in Munich. He volunteered for the
Panzer Arm and went to Africa as a Leutnant. Riepold took part in action in
the Tobruk–Sidi Rezegh area during November 1941 for which he was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class. He fought in the retreat and subsequent
advance in January 1942 but was hospitalised due to illness.
On his return, he took part in the fighting for Bir Hakeim where he
stopped the 10th Indian Brigade from escaping. He and his men knocked-out
a number of tanks and armoured cars. The whole action was witnessed by
General Nehring. Riepold’s tank took a direct hit near the outer defences of
Tobruk on 17 June 1942, killing him. He has no known grave. Riepold was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 July 1942.

1689. Grenadier Günter HALM
Halm was born on 27 August 1922 in Elze. Conscripted in 1941 as an antitank gunner, and sent to North Africa, he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd
Class on 15 July 1942 for action at Bir Hakeim. During a British break217

though attack on 22 (some sources say 23) July 1942, Halm was with one of
two guns put into action; both guns opened fire. Halm coolly worked his gun,
knocking out four tanks with four shots. His loader was wounded and
another man took his place, Halm continued firing, destroying another five
tanks. The attack had been stopped with British tank losses at ninety-eight.
Halm was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class on 23 July 1942 for this
action, but as this action had blunted the British attack, it was suggested he be
awarded the Knight’s Cross. The award was approved on 29 July 1942, which
he received personally from Rommel on 7 August 1942. Halm was the first of
only nine privates to be awarded the Knight’s Cross. He went on to be
promoted to Leutnant but was taken prisoner by the Americans in the Falaise
Pocket. Halm died on 26 September 2017 and is buried in Bad Münder
Friedhof, Lower Saxony.

1690. Oberst Alfred BRUER
Bruer was born on 4 November 1897 in Schwäbisch-Gmünd. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
He took part in the French campaign with Motorised Artillery Regiment 71 as
a Major. Bruer also took part in the Balkans campaign before being sent to
Africa as CO of the 155th Armoured Artillery Regiment. In July 1942, Bruer
took temporary command of 21st Panzer Division, and during an enemy tank
attack, he halted the tanks with flanking fire. For this, he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 30 July 1942.
Bruer took part in the retreat to Tunisia and the defensive battles there
before going into captivity with his men. He died on 12 February 1976 in
Schwäbisch-Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg.

1691. Feldwebel Johann BIEHL
Biehl was born on 29 January 1917 in Philippsheim. He was a platoon leader
in Infantry Regiment 124 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 July
1942. Biehl died on 12 March 2017.

1692. Generalmajor Friedrich KÖCHLING

218

Köchling was born on 22 June 1893 in Ahaus. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Köchling was
commander of 254th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 31 July 1942. He died on 6 June 1970 in Legden-Coesfeld, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

1693. Oberleutnant Walter GIEHRL
Giehrl was born on 1 April 1916 in Lindau im Bodensee. He was a company
commander in Mountain Jäger Regiment 138 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 31 July 1942. Giehrl was killed in action on 23 November
1944 and is believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Budaörs, Hungary.

1694. Oberleutnant Otto HOFFMANN
Hoffmann was born on 1 August 1912 in Hohen. He was a company
commander in Assault-Gun Brigade 201 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 31 July 1942. He was posted missing near Baranów, Russia, on 11
January 1945.

1695. Oberleutnant Günter KLAPPICH
Klappich was born on 2 October 1917 in Dortmund. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in September 1940. Klappich
was a company commander in Infantry Regiment 60 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 31 July 1942. He was killed in action on 22 January
1943 near Rostov, Russia, and has no known grave. Klappich was awarded
the Oak Leaves on 8 June 1943.

1696. Leutnant Konrad SCHIRMER
Schirmer was born on 30 October 1917 in Nuremberg. He was a platoon
leader in Pioneer Battalion 389 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
31 July 1942. Schirmer was killed in action on 5 August 1942 and is believed
to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown). Rossoschka,
Volgograd, Russia.
219

1697. General Rudolf KONRAD
Konrad was born on 7 March 1891 in Kulmbach. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Konrad
was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) after the fall of Poland.
He was commander of XXXXIX Mountain Army Corps when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 August 1942. Konrad died on 10 June 1964
and is buried in St Zeno Friedhof, Salzburgerstrasse, Bad Reichenhall, Bavaria.

1698. Generalleutnant Wilhelm SCHNECKENBURGER
—‘Willi’
Schneckenburger was born on 30 March 1891 in Tübingen. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Schneckenburger was commander of 125th Infantry Division when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 August 1942. He was killed in action near
Belgrade on 14 October 1944 and has no known grave.

1699. Major Eugen KÖNIG
König was born on 19 September 1896 in Trier. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914); König was
captured by the British in 1918. He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in
June (1939) and the 1st Class in September 1940.
König was commander of II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 352, when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 August 1942. The Oak Leaves followed
on 4 November 1943. He was captured by the British (for the second time) in
April 1945. König died on 8 April 1985 in Bitburg, Rhineland-Palatinate.

1700. Hauptmann Otto KÖHNKE
Köhnke was born on 18 February 1912 in Bremen. He was a group
commander in Bomber Wing 54 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
1 August 1942. Köhnke died on 13 September 1998 and is believed to be
buried in Westfriedhof, Nuremberg.

220

1701. Leutnant Gerhard REICHWALD
Reichwald was born on 5 June 1919 in Rastenburg. He was a platoon leader
in Flak Regiment 12 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 August
1942. Reichwald died on 8 October 1984 in Berlin.

1702. Korvettenkapitän Karl BERGELT
Bergelt was born on 27 April 1902 in Grumbach. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1941. Bergelt
was commander of M-Boat Flotilla 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 3 August 1943. He died on 1 September 1966 and is buried in
Johannesfriedhof, Herzebrockerstrasse, Gütersloh, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1703. Feldwebel Alois ECKERT
Eckert was born on 28 September 1916 in Mähring. He was a platoon leader
in Panzer Regiment 33 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 August
1942. Eckert died of wounds on 12 October 1943 and is buried at
Mikolaiw/Kirovohrad, Ukraine; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German
war cemetery.

1704. General de Diviszie Corneliu DRAGALINA
(Romanian Army)
Dragalina was born on 5 February 1887 in Caransebeş, Romania. He was
commander of the 6th Romanian Army Corps when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 6 August 1942. Dragalina died on 11 July 1949 and is
buried in Bellu Cemetery, Bucharest, Romania.

1705. General Wilhelm WETZEL
Wetzel was born on 17 July 1888 in Sarbske. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Wetzel was
commander of V Army Corps when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7
August 1942. He died on 4 July 1964 and is buried in Ohlsdorf Friedhof, Plot
AC35, Grave 284, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.
221

1706. Generálmajor Jozef TURANEC (Slovak Division)
Turanec was born on 7 March 1892 in Sučany, Austria-Hungary. He was
commander of the Slovak Fast Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 7 August 1942. Turanec died on 9 March 1957 and is buried in the
town cemetery, Trencin, Slovakia.

1707. Major Heinrich KNÜPPEL
Knüppel was born on 15 January 1906 in Kassel. He was commander of II
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 256, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
7 August 1942. Knüppel died on 18 January 1991 in Madrid, Spain.

1708. Major Rudolf RICHTER
Richter was born on 13 August 1894 in Gross Schönau. He was commander
of Infantry Regiment 97 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 August
1942. Richter died of wounds at Warnsdorf on 8 May 1945 and has no
known grave.

1709. Major Artur SCHULZ
Schulz was born on 11 March 1905 in Berlin. He was commander of I
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 233, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
7 August 1942. Schulz was killed in action at Vitebsk, Russia, on 27 June
1944 and has no known grave.

1710. Hauptmann Hans GIDION
Gidion was born on 25 December 1890 in Wildemann. He was commander of
II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 154, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 7 August 1942. Gidion died on 25 October 1985 in Goslar, Lower Saxony.

1711. Hauptmann Karl HOFBAUER
Hofbauer was born on 28 February 1911 in Vienna. He was commander of I
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 154, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
222

7 August 1942. Hofbauer died on 28 May 1977 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Altona, Hamburg.

1712. Hauptmann Kurt PANTEL
Pantel was born on 25 November 1910 in Alt-Järshagen. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 96 when he died of wounds at Demyansk,
Russia, on 23 May 1942 and is buried in the German War Cemetery (as
unknown), Korpowo, Russia. Pantel was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7
August 1942.

1713. Stabsfeldwebel Wilhelm WOLF
Wolf was born on 20 August 1908 in Magdeburg. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Battalion 103 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 August
1942. Wolf was posted missing near Stalingrad during August 1942.

1714. Oberst Hans von der MOSEL
Von der Mosel was born on 3 May 1898 in Tetschen-Bodenbach, AustriaHungary. He was commander of Infantry Regiment 548 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 9 August 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 18
September 1944. Von der Mosel died on 12 April 1969 and is buried in
Holtorf Friedhof, Nienburg, Lower Saxony.

1715. Oberst Georg-Wilhelm POSTEL
Postel was born on 25 April 1896 in Zittau. He fought in the First World War
and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Postel was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in July and the 1st Class in August
1941. He was commander of Infantry Regiment 364 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 8 August 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 28 March
1943 and the Swords on 26 March 1944. Postel was captured by the Russians
in May 1944 and sentenced to twenty-five years’ hard labour. He died from
tuberculosis on 20 September 1953 and is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Row 3, Grave 14, Shakhty, Russia.

223

1716. Major Diedrich BRUNS
Bruns was born on 17 March 1897 in Oldenburg. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Bruns
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in June 1940 and the 1st Class
in August 1941. He was commander of II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 16,
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 August 1942. Bruns died on 29
October 1988 and is buried in Parkfriedhof, Dept. 8 Feld III, Grave 92A,
Sandkrugerstrasse 26, Oldenburg, Lower Saxony.

1717. Oberleutnant Georg MÜLLER
Müller was born on 30 May 1918 in Saarbrücken. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 321 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 9 August 1942. Müller died on 2 April 1955 and is believed to be
buried in St Johann Friedhof, Saarbrücken, Saarland.

1718. Obergefreiter Kurt SCHALDACH
Schaldach was born on 27 December 1917 in Danzig. He was a gun
commander in Panzer Jäger Battalion 340 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 9 August 1942. Schaldach was killed in action near Puhla, Russia, on
25 August 1944 and has no known grave.

1719. Hauptmann Karl LANGESEE
Langesee was born on 10 September 1910 in Vilsbiburg. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in October 1940. Langesee was
commander of II Battalion, Jäger Regiment 207, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 10 August 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 15 March
1943. He died on 4 March 1989 in Augsburg, Bavaria.

1720. Oberleutnant zur See Georg LASSEN
Lassen was born on 12 May 1915 in Berlin. When the war began he was
watch officer on U-29. Lassen commissioned U-160 on 16 October 1941 and
took her on his first patrol in March 1942. His area of operations was the US
224

coast, five ships, including the 14,647-ton British steamer Ulysses, were sunk.
On his next patrol, he sank two tankers and four steamers. He was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 10 August 1942. Lassen’s third patrol took him to the
Caribbean Sea; during November and October 1942, he sank eight ships,
including the 11,015-ton British tanker Thorshavet.
During February and March 1943, eight ships were destroyed off the coast
of South Africa. In only four patrols, he had sunk twenty-six ships (totalling
156,032 tons). His Oak Leaves were awarded on 7 March 1943. Following
this, he was ordered to Pillau as a training officer. He died on 18 January 2012
in Calva, Mallorca, Spain.

1721. Oberstleutnant Werner MILDEBRATH
Mildebrath was born in Bodenbach on 20 June 1904. He saw action in France
and Russia with the 3rd Panzer Division. Sent to Africa in time for Rommel’s
January 1942 offensive, Mildebrath commanded a battalion of the 5th Panzer
Regiment. His battalion led the advance to El Alamein, and Mildebrath was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 August 1942.
Mildebrath was seriously wounded on 31 October and returned home.
From early 1943 until the end of the war, he served in the inspectorate of
Panzer Troops. He died in on 2 June 1984 and is believed to be buried in
Gartenfriedhof, Marienstrasse, Hanover.

1722. Kapitänleutnant Helmut ROSENBAUM
Rosenbaum was born on 11 May 1913 in Döbeln. He commissioned U-73 on
30 September 1940 and sank four ships on his first patrol in the Atlantic. U73 was heavily bombed on its first Mediterranean patrol but managed to reach
La Spezia. He attacked the large ‘Pedestal’ convoy WS21S heading for Malta
on 11 August 1943; ignoring lesser targets, he fired four torpedoes at the
British aircraft carrier Eagle, which sank. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross
the next day. On the 13th, he sank a British destroyer.
He was sent to Constanţą in Romania as commander of the 30th U-Boat
Flotilla. On 10 May 1944, while en route to meet the Admiral Black Sea, his
aircraft crashed near Toplet, Romania; Rosenbaum was killed and has no
known grave.

225

1723. Leutnant Konrad REHNITZ
Rehnitz was born on 23 May 1914 in Munich. He was a company
commander in Panzer Jäger Battalion 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 12 August 1942. Rehnitz died on 27 December 1994 in Köfering,
Bavaria.

1724. Generalmajor Karl von GRAFFEN
Von Graffen was born on 6 June 1893 in Plön. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Von Graffen
was commander of 58th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 13 August 1942. He died on 1 November 1964 in Grödersby,
Schleswig-Holstein.

1725. Kapitänleutnant Adolf PIENING
Piening was born in Süderende on 16 September 1910. He joined the U-boat
service in October 1940 and then commissioned U-155 on 23 August 1941.
He attacked convoy ONS67 in February 1942, sinking two ships. In March,
he sank the Brazilian ship Arabutan. In May 1942, he was in the Caribbean
Sea, where he sank seven ships. A patrol in June–August resulted in ten ships
sunk. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 August 1942.
Following the Allied landings in North Africa, Piening was ordered to
attack the shipping supporting the operation. On the night of 15 November,
he sank the 13,785-ton escort carrier Avenger and the 11,279-ton transport
ship Ettrick, and he damaged the 6,736-ton cargo ship Almaak. He developed
what became known as ‘The Piening Route’ in 1943, hugging the coast of
France and northern Spain to evade Allied aircraft in the Bay of Biscay. He
sank twenty-six ships, totalling 141,520 tons, before handing his boat over to
a new commander. His last command was the 7th U-Boat Flotilla, which he
held until the end of the war. He died on 15 May 1984 and is believed to be
buried in Parkfriedhof, Eichhofstrasse 56, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein.

1726. Hauptmann Willi FLECHNER

226

Flechner was born on 29 April 1908 in Neuwitz. He was a squadron leader in
Bomber Wing 30 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 August
1942. Flechner was killed in action on 28 August 1942 over Archangelsk,
Russia, and has no known grave.

1727. Hauptmann Konrad KAHL
Kahl was born on 13 March 1912 in Tschechen, Austria-Hungary. He was a
group commander in Bomber Wing 30 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 13 August 1942. Kahl died on 31 July 1968 in Ingolstadt, Bavaria.

1728. Hauptmann Erich STOFFREGEN
Stoffregen was born on 13 April 1915 in Kiel. He was a group commander in
Bomber Wing 30 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 August
1942. Stoffregen was killed in action on 14 January 1943 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Crypt 2, Row 1, Plate A, Sarcophagus 16, Motta San
Anastasia, Italy.

1729. Oberleutnant Otto Edler von BALLASKO
Von Ballasko was born on 29 April 1919 in Reichenberg. He was a squadron
leader in Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13
August 1942. He died on 5 February 2005 and is buried in Zentralfriedhof,
Vienna.

1730. Leutnant Erich HANNE
Hanne was born on 19 March 1920 in Clauen. He was a pilot in Dive Bomber
Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 August 1942. Hanne
was killed in action on 5 September 1942 and is buried at Mga, Russia; his
remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.

1731. Oberfeldwebel Werner STUMPF
Stumpf was born on 15 March 1917 in Berlin. He shot down his first enemy
aircraft over England in September 1940. In Russia, he flew escort missions
227

for the Stukas, but still managed to shoot down twenty-three Russian aircraft.
Transferred to Sicily and then Africa, Stumpf was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 13 August 1942. With his tally at forty-eight enemy aircraft, Stumpf
was killed in action when his fighter was shot down by anti-aircraft fire on 13
October 1942. He is buried in the German War Cemetery, El Alamein, Egypt.

1732. Oberst Alexander von PFUHLSTEIN
Von Pfuhlstein was born on 17 December 1899 in Danzig. He was
commander of Infantry Regiment 154 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 17 August 1942. Von Pfuhlstein died on 20 December 1976 and is
buried in Waldfriedhof, Bad Homburg, Hesse.

1733. Oberstleutnant Rudolf BUHSE
Buhse was born on 10 April 1905 in Graudenz. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st and 2nd Class in May 1940. Buhse was commander of Infantry
Regiment 47 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 August 1942. He
was captured by Allied troops during the fall of Tunisia in 1943. Buhse died
on 26 November 1997 and is buried in Alter Friedhof, Tutzing, Starnberg,
Bavaria.

1734. Oberstleutnant Erich REUTER
Reuter was born on 30 March 1904 in Neu-Hückeswagen. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in June and the 1st Class in July 1940. Reuter was
commander of Infantry Regiment 122 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 17 August 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 21 January 1945. He
died on 30 October 1989 in Lindau, Bavaria.

1735. Major Willy MARIENFELD
Marienfeld was born on 1 October 1895 in Reppen. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Marienfeld was commander of II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 123, when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 August 1942. The Oak Leaves followed

228

on 25 May 1944. He died of wounds on 7 June 1944 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Row 16, Grave 665, Constanta, Romania.

1736. Major Werner MUMMERT
Mummert was born on 31 March 1897 in Lüttwitz. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). Mummert was
commander of Reconnaissance Battalion 256 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 17 August 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 20 March
1944 and the Swords on 23 October 1944. He died as a prisoner at Šuja,
Russia, on 28 January 1950 and has no known grave.

1737. Oberleutnant Heinrich HOGREBE
Hogrebe was born on 22 June 1913 in Bochum. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June and the 1st Class in August 1941. Hogrebe was a
company commander in Infantry Regiment 422 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 17 August 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 13 April
1944. He died on 25 June 1998 in Wuppertal, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1738. Leutnant Eckhardt von DEWITZ
Von Dewitz was born on 15 February 1921 in Salzburg, Austria. He was
adjutant to II Battalion, Mountain Jäger Regiment 143, and awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 17 August 1942. Von Dewitz was killed in action at
Bielgorod, Russia, on 5 July 1943 and has no known grave.

1739. Oberfeldwebel Erich PETERMANN
Petermann was born on 14 February 1914 in Rodewisch. He was a platoon
leader in Motorcycle Battalion 64 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
17 August 1942. Petermann died of wounds near Stalingrad on 18 September
1942 and has no known grave.

1740. Oberst Werner von EICHSTEDT

229

Von Eichstedt was born on 1 January 1896 in Saerbeck. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Von
Eichstedt was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in September 1939
and the 1st Class in November 1941. He was commander of Artillery
Regiment 306 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 August 1942.
Von Eichstedt was killed in action near Chisinau, Romania, on 26 August
1944 and has no known grave.

1741. Oberst Herbert EWERT
Ewert was born on 4 February 1894 in Dragass. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). He led the
24th Anti-tank Battalion during the Polish and French campaigns and the
attack on Russia. During this time, he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and
2nd Class (1939). He was moved to Africa to command Rifle Regiment 104.
On 20 June 1942, he stormed into the fortifications outside of Tobruk. Before
El Alamein, he captured the British strongpoint at Deir el Shein; for this, he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 August 1942.
Sick with dysentery, he was sent home in October 1942 but was back in
Tunisia in February 1943, where he fought until captured by the French in
May 1943. Ewert died in Munich on 1 February 1988.

1742. Kapitänleutnant Heinrich SCHONDER
Schonder was born on 23 June 1910 in Erfurt. He served as watch officer on
U-58 before taking command of her in July 1940, and he sank his first ship on
18 July. On 4 August, he sank two ships from convoy HX60. He sank another
ship on his next patrol. Then, on 18 January 1941, he commissioned U-77,
sinking his first ship, the Tresillian, on 13 June. The Arakaka and the Anna
Bulgaris followed on 25 and 26 June. In December, he attacked convoy HG76,
sinking the Empire Barracuda and torpedoing a tanker.
After taking U-77 into the Mediterranean, he torpedoed the British
destroyer Kimberley on 12 January 1942. On 12 June, he sank the destroyer
Grove. Between 30 July and 13 August, he sank ten sailing ships with gunfire.
He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 August 1942. U-200 was
commissioned by him on 22 December 1942, and on its first patrol, she was
sunk by enemy aircraft on 24 June 1943; there were no survivors.
230

1743. Oberstleutnant Eduard RADOWSKI
Radowski was born on 17 November 1900 in Münster. He was commander of
Panzer Jäger Battalion 53 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20
August 1942. Radowski died on 6 September 1993 in Frankfurt am Main.

1744. Major Erich GLAESER
Glaeser was born on 15 December 1901 in Dresden. He was commander of II
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 484, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
20 August 1942. Glaeser died on 16 January 1974 and is buried in
Waldfriedhof, Detmold, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1745. Major Hans KEPPLER
Keppler was born on 11 February 1912 in Entringen. He was a group
commander in Fighter Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20
August 1942. Keppler was killed in action on 3 September 1942 and is buried
at Sigolowo Rest, Russia; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war
cemetery.

1746. Hauptmann Alfred FELDMANN
Feldmann was born on 20 February 1915 in Burscheid-Strässchen. He was
commander of I Battalion, Infantry Regiment 454, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 20 August 1942. Feldmann was killed in action on 14
January 1943 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 7 (as
unknown), Korpowo, Russia.

1747. Hauptmann Rudolf GUCKENBERGER
Guckenberger was born on 14 April 1915 in Nuremberg. He was commander
of II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 481, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 20 August 1942. Guckenberger was killed in action near Radom,
Poland, on 14 January 1945. He has no known grave.

231

1748. Hauptmann Walter WIENKE
Wienke was born on 20 April 1910 in Benrath. He was commander of II
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 426, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
20 August 1942. Wienke died on 17 January 1999 in Lohmar, North RhineWestphalia.

1749. Oberleutnant Friedrich BRANDT
Brandt was born on 23 June 1917 in Arnburg. He was a company commander
in Panzer Pioneer Battalion 39 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20
August 1942. Brandt was posted missing on 13 January 1945 in Poland.

1750. Oberleutnant Horst STOFFLETH
Stoffleth was born on 24 August 1916 in Neisse. He was a company
commander in Reconnaissance Battalion 178 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 20 August 1942. Stoffleth died in Russian hands at Borisov
during April 1945 and has no known grave.

1751. Oberleutnant Hans SUMPF

232

Sumpf was born on 27 March 1915 in Lothe. He was a squadron leader in
Bomber Wing 1 when he was killed in action at Onufrievo, Russia, on 26
March 1942 and has no known grave. Sumpf was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 20 August 1942.

1752. Leutnant Josef MENAPACE
Menapace was born on 31 July 1920 in Linz, Austria. He was squadron leader
in Close Support Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20
August 1942. Menapace flew over 700 combat missions before he was killed
in action on 6 October 1943 and is buried at Stracholesje, Ukraine; his
remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.

1753. Leutnant Hans-Arnold STAHLSCHMIDT
Stahlschmidt was born in Kreuztal on 15 September 1920. After pilot training,
he was sent to Africa where he shot down his first enemy aircraft during the
British summer offensive of 1941. In just a few days, he shot down ten more
and sank a small munitions steamer off Tobruk. On 2 February 1942, he was
shot down and captured by Polish soldiers, who gave him a bad time, but he
escaped and made his way back to the German lines. For this, he was awarded
the Iron Cross 1st Class. After his forty-seventh victory, he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 20 August 1942.
Stahlschmidt added more victories to his credit, and on 2 September 1942,
he shot down a fighter that was on Marseille’s tail. A short time later,
Marseille returned the favour. With fifty-nine victories, Stahlschmidt failed to
return from a mission over Egypt on 7 September 1942 and is still listed as
missing in action. He was awarded the Oak Leaves on 3 January 1944.

1754. Stabsfeldwebel Ludwig BARTH
Barth was born on 4 February 1907 in Reihen. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in August and the 1st Class in October 1941. Barth was a
platoon leader in Infantry Regiment 14 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 20 August 1942. He was posted missing at Rzhev, Russia, on 25
November 1942.

233

1755. Unteroffizier Friedrich KLOSE
Klose was born on 7 December 1916 in Linden. He was a gun commander in
Infantry Regiment 240 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 August
1942. Klose was posted missing near Kišin, Russia, on 13 August 1944.

1756. Obergefreiter Fritz FAUST
Faust was born on 23 October 1910 in Gilge. He was a machine-gunner in
Infantry Regiment 426 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 August
1942. Faust died on 14 March 1977 and is buried in Ostfriedhof, Cologne,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

1757. Hauptmann Hermann EGGERS
Eggers was born on 25 October 1914 in Hanau. He was a company
commander in Flak Regiment 64 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
21 August 1942. Eggers died on 22 April 2006 and is buried in Westfriedhof,
Nuremberg.

1758. Hauptmann Joachim WANDEL—‘Gnom’
Wandel was born on 7 May 1914 in Schlochau. He fought in the Spanish Civil
War with the Condor Legion. Wandel was a squadron leader in Fighter Wing
54 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 August 1942. He was
killed in action near Oschtaschkow, Russia, on 7 October 1942 and has no
known grave. Wandel shot down seventy-five enemy aircraft.

1759. Oberleutnant Wilfried SCHMITZ
Schmitz was born on 11 January 1920 in Bielefeld. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 August 1942. Schmitz
was killed in action on 4 February 1945 and is believed to be buried in the
German War Cemetery (as unknown), Stare Czarnowo, Poland.

1760. Leutnant Ernst WEISMANN
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Weismann was born on 22 February 1922 in Zell. He was a pilot in Fighter
Wing 51 when he was posted missing after baling out near Rzhev, Russia, on
13 August 1942. Weismann was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 August
1942.

1761. Oberleutnant Gerhard BARKHORN—‘Gerd’
Barkhorn was born on 20 May 1919 in Königsberg. His first combat flight
was during the Battle of Britain, but not only did he fail to shoot anyone
down, he was himself shot down and rescued from the Channel. However, he
was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class in late 1940. Barkhorn shot
down this first enemy aircraft in Russia on 2 July 1941. By January 1942,
Barkhorn had shot down thirty enemy aircraft, and by August, his tally was
sixty-three victories, for which he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23
August 1942. Barkhorn was away from the front for two months after the
award and returned to combat flying in October; on 19 December 1942, he
scored his 100th victory. The award of the Oak Leaves followed on 11
January 1943.
The year 1943 was very good for Barkhorn; his score reached 200 by
November and 250 by the time of the award of the Swords on 2 March 1944.
He was only the second pilot to reach this number. After being badly wounded
in a dogfight on 31 May 1944, he did not return until October 1944, during
which month he raised his score to 275 victories. In mid-January 1945, he
reached his final score of 301 enemy aircraft shot down, second only to Erich
Hartmann. Then, on 21 April 1945, his Me 262 jet suffered an engine
problem and he was shot down while trying to nurse it home. Barkhorn
survived, but his injuries kept him on the ground until the end of the war. He
died in a car accident with his wife on 8 January 1983 and they are buried in
Tegernsee Friedhof, Seestrasse 13, Bavaria.

1762. Leutnant Hans FUSS
Fuss was born on 19 September 1920 in Altenhof. He was a pilot in Fighter
Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 August 1942. Fuss
died of wounds on 10 November 1942 and is buried in the Invaliden Friedhof,
Feld A, Plot 8, Grave 14, Scharnhorstrasse, Berlin. He is credited with seventyone victories.
235

1763. Leutnant Heinz SCHMIDT—‘Johnny’
Schmidt was born on 20 April 1920 in Bad Homburg. He took part in the
Battle of Britain but failed to shoot down any aircraft. In Russia, he shot
down his first enemy aircraft on 26 June 1941, but in August, he was shot
down himself, taking six days to return to his own lines. By November 1941,
his tally was fifteen enemy aircraft shot down. Schmidt was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 23 August 1942 with fifty-one victories. The Oak Leaves
followed on 16 September 1942 with his score at 100, and at the end of the
month, he was sent on leave.
Back in action in November 1942, he shot down his 125th opponent in
January 1943. However, in mid-January, with his tally at 130, he was shot
down again behind enemy lines. This time, it only took him two days to return
to his own lines, minus one boot and a smashed shoulder. Out of action until
May 1942, he shot down his 150th in early August, adding another twentytwo before the end of the month. With his total at 173, Schmidt was posted
missing on 5 September 1943, possibly shot down in error by a Hungarian
fighter pilot.

1764. Oberfeldwebel Heinrich-Wilhelm AHNERT
Ahnert was born on 29 April 1915 in Altenburg. Originally an intelligence
officer and reconnaissance pilot, he was retrained as a fighter pilot in 1941. He
shot down four enemy aircraft over the Western Front before transferring to
Russia. Ahnert was killed in action near Koptewo on 23 August 1942 and
awarded the Knight’s Cross the same day. He is buried at Rzhev, Russia, and
his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. Ahnert shot
down fifty-three enemy aircraft on the Eastern Front, bringing his total to
fifty-seven.

1765. Feldwebel Hans DAMMERS
Dammers was born on 8 December 1913 in Scherpenberg, near Moers. He
was a pilot in Fighter Wing 52 with fifty-seven victories to his credit when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 August 1942. Dammers’s Bf 109 was
stuck by debris from a Russian fighter on 13 March 1944, forcing him to bale
out; however, his parachute caught on his wing. He died in hospital on 17
236

March 1944 and is at buried at Ivano, Ukraine; his remains are awaiting
transfer to a German war cemetery.
He is credited with 113 aerial victories, with another twenty-two
unconfirmed, eleven aircraft on the ground, eight trains, thirty-nine horsedrawn wagons, thirty-four trucks, three anti-aircraft emplacements, and one
armoured car.

1766. Feldwebel Anton HAFNER—‘Toni’
Hafner was born on 2 June 1918 in Erbach. His first operational flight was on
25 February 1941 over England. Hafner’s first success came in Russia in July
1941 when he shot down five Russian aircraft in the first few days of the
campaign. He was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class in July after his
sixth victory. Hafner shot down his twenty-fifth enemy aircraft on 27 April
1942. Hafner was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 August 1942 after
shooting down his fiftieth enemy aircraft. On 18 December, Hafner shot down
Norman L. Widen, a P-38 Lightning pilot; the two men met and Widen gave
Hafner his silver pilot insignia. Hafner promised to return it after the war.
On 4 November 1942, his unit was moved to Tunisia, but he was shot
down on 3 January 1943. During that short time, he shot down twenty enemy
aircraft. He was awarded the Oak Leaves on 11 April 1944 after shooting
down his 134th enemy aircraft. Hafner shot down five aircraft on 24 June
1944 and four more on 15 October. One more followed, bringing his total to
204 confirmed victories. Hafner was killed in action on 17 October 1944 and
is buried in Gumbinnen, East Prussia. In 1960, Hafner’s brother, Alfons, met
Widen to carry out his brother’s promise.

1767. Korvettenkapitän Karl THURMANN
Thurmann was born in Mühlheim on 4 September 1909. He commissioned U553 on 11 June 1941 and, during his first patrol, sunk the Susan Mearsk and a
5,590-ton Dutch tanker before being forced to head home. On 15 October, he
attacked convoy SC48, sinking two ships. Two days later, he sent the 6,596ton Norwegian Erviken to the bottom. In January 1942, Thurmann sank the
8,106-ton tanker Diala from convoy ON52. The 8,260-ton Inneröy followed
on the 22nd. On the morning of 3 April, he sank the 9,419-ton Lochkatrine
from convoy ON115.
237

In May and June, three more ships were sunk, including the 6,919-ton
Mattawin. Three more ships were sunk from convoy TWA13, and he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 August 1942. Thurmann’s last success came
on 9 December when he sank the 5,273-ton Charles L. D. from convoy
HX217. On 20 January 1943, U-553 sent the message: ‘Periscope not clear’
and was never heard of again. U-553 was declared lost on 28 January 1943.

1768. Major Hans Ritter von SCHMIDT
Ritter von Schmidt born on 13 August 1892 in Reichenbach. He was
commander of Infantry Regiment 546 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 24 August 1942. Von Schmidt died on 21 March 1972 and is buried
in Zentralfriedhof, Erlangen, Bavaria.

1769. Oberst Johannes EISERMANN
Eisermann was born on 8 February 1900 in Lissa. He was commander of
Motorised Infantry Regiment 156 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
25 August 1942. Eisermann died on 30 May 1976 and is buried in Bad
Windsheim Friedhof, Bavaria.

1770. Oberst Kurt VERSOCK
Versock was born on 14 February 1895 in Hütten. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). He was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in October 1939 and the 1st Class in
June 1941. Versock was commander of Infantry Regiment 31 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 August 1942 for his part in the capture of
Sebastopol. He is co-author (with Hans von Tettau) of The History of the 24th
Infantry Division. Versock died on 17 March 1963 and is believed to be
buried in Ostfriedhof, Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1771. Hauptmann Fritz MÜLLER
Müller was born on 3 October 1907 in Neumark. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st and 2nd Class on 28 October 1939. Müller was commander of II
Battalion, Jäger Regiment 38, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25
238

August 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 14 May 1944. He died on 26
January 1994 in Eschwege, Hesse.

1772. Hauptmann Kurt (or Curt) SCHILLE
Schille was born on 28 November 1901 in Zeulenroda. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in July 1940. Schille
was a company commander in Pioneer Battalion 24 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 25 August 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 8 August
1944. He died on 19 December 1985 in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg.

1773. Oberleutnant Gerhard SCHÖNFELD
Schönfeld was born on 27 March 1919 in Königsberg. He was a company
commander in Panzer Pioneer Battalion 40 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 25 August 1942. Schönfeld died on 9 November 1996 and is buried
in Mönchengladbach Friedhof, Louise-Geury Strasse, North RhineWestphalia.

1774. Feldwebel Johann PORT
Port was born on 3 February 1915 in Bernkastel-Kues. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in September and the 1st Class in December 1941. Port
was a platoon leader in Infantry regiment 266 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 25 August 1942. He died on 27 March 2006 in BernkastelKues, Rhineland-Palatinate.

1775. Unteroffizier Emil RICHTER
Richter was born on 22 December 1919 in Neumünster. He was a section
leader in Infantry Regiment 401 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
25 August 1942. Richter died on 1 January 1980 and is believed to be buried
in Waldfriedhof, Dorsten, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1776. Unteroffizier Eduard WINTERSHOFF

239

Wintershoff was born on 25 November 1921 in Essen. He was serving in
Panzer Jäger Battalion 8 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25
August 1942. Wintershoff was killed in action on 18 January 1944 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Sebesh, Russia.

1777. General Friedrich PAULUS—‘Der Lord’
Paulus was born on 23 September 1890 in Guxhagen. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Paulus
was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class after the fall of Poland. He saw
service in France before taking command of the 6th Army in December 1941.
Paulus was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26 August 1942. At Stalingrad, he
was surrounded and obeyed Hitler’s order to hold on. Even when von
Manstein advised him that the relief would be unlikely to succeed without
assistance from the 6th Army, Paulus still kept all his men in defensive
positions.
He was awarded the Oak Leaves on 15 January 1943 and promoted to
Generalfeldmarschall on 30 January 1943. Paulus surrendered what was left
of his army the next day; refusing to commit suicide (the reason Hitler had
promoted him, as no German of that rank had ever been captured before). Of
the 91,000 men taken prisoner, only 6,000 survived. Paulus died on 1
February 1967 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Feld 9, Row 1, Friedhofstrasse,
Baden-Baden, Baden-Württemberg.

1778. Hauptmann Fritz POERSCHKE
Poerschke was born on 2 July 1904 in Hohenstein. He was commander of III
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 446, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
26 August 1942. Poerschke died on 7 December 1971 and is buried in
Ohlsdorf Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

1779. Oberst Friedrich KARST
Karst was born on 4 September 1893 in Deutsch-Eylau. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Karst
was commander of Infantry Regiment 461 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 18 August 1942. He died on 18 October 1975 and is buried in
240

Kwiger Frieden Friedhof, Abt D, Grave 79D, Herford, North RhineWestphalia.

1780. Oberstleutnant Harald STOLZ
Stolz was born on 3 August 1898 in Lubeck. He was commander of
Motorcycle Battalion 43 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28
August 1942. Stolz died on 30 January 1958 in Lubeck, Schleswig-Holstein.

1781. Oberst Freidrich Freiherr von BROICH
Freiherr von Broich was born on 1 January 1896 in Strasbourg. He fought in
the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1914). Von Broich was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in
September 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1940. He was commander of the
32nd Panzergrenadier Brigade when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29
August 1942. He died on 24 September 1974 and is buried in the village
cemetery, Leoni, near Starnberg, Bavaria.

1782. General de Diviszie Gheorghe MANOLIU (Romanian
Army)
Manoliu was born on 21 May 1888 in Piatra-Neamţ, Romania. He was
commander of the 4th Romanian Mountain Division when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 30 August 1942. He died on 28 August 1980 and is
buried in Bellu Cemetery, Bucharest, Romania.

1783. Generalmajor Ferdinand HEIM
Heim was born on 27 February 1895 in Reutlingen. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Heim
was commander of 14th Panzer Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 30 August 1942. He was made the scapegoat for the failure to stop
Stalingrad from being encircled. Heim was dismissed from the army and
arrested in January 1943, on Hitler’s order. In May 1943, he was informed
that his dismissal from the army had been reclassified as retired. Heim was

241

given command of the ‘fortress’ of Boulogne, only to find on his arrival that
very little work had been done and no specialists were available to do the
work. He surrendered to the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division on 23 September
1944. Heim died on 14 November 1971 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Ulm,
Baden-Württemberg.

1784. Oberstleutnant Arno STOESSEL von der HEYDE
Stoessel von der Heyde was born on 6 December 1892 in Angerburg. He was
commander of I Battalion, Infantry Regiment 78, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 30 August 1942. Stoessel von der Heyde died on 28 January
1967 in Detmold, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1785. Major Reinhard FREDEBOLD
Fredebold was born on 10 April 1896 in Hanover. He was commander of III
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 191, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
30 August 1942. Fredebold died on 1 April 1976 and is believed to be buried
in Gartenfriedhof, Marienstrasse, Hanover.

1786. Unteroffizier Franz-Eugen (or Franz-Xaver) BETZ
Betz was born on 28 October 1917 in Grafenwisen. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in October 1941. Betz
was a section leader in Motorised Infantry Regiment 41 when he was killed in
action on 22 August 1942 and is buried at Welschino, Russia; his remains are
awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. Betz was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 30 August 1942.

1787. General de Armată Petre DUMITRESCU (Romanian
Army)
Dumitrescu was born on 12 February 1882 in Dobridor, Romania. He fought
in the First World War. Dumitrescu was given command of the 3rd Romanian
Army on 25 March 1941. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 September
1942 for his contribution in the drive to Stalingrad. He reported the Russian

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build-up and recommended the bridgehead at Kletskaya be attacked, but he
was ignored.
The Russian counterattack cut off the Germans in the city and forced the
3rd Army into retreat. He was awarded the Oak Leaves on 4 April 1944.
However, when Romania changed sides, he was arrested by the Russians and
tried for war crimes. Dumitrescu was found not guilty due to lack of evidence.
He died on 12 January 1950 and is buried in Bellu Cemetery, Bucharest,
Romania.

1788. Korvettenkapitän Ernst KALS
Kals was born on 2 August 1905 in Glauchau. After joining the U-boat
service, he served as a trainee commander under Nicolai Clausen on U-37. On
11 June 1941, he commissioned U-130 and took her out in December, sinking
three ships. Operating off the US coast, he sank two small steamers before
sinking four tankers and damaging another. His next patrol in April 1942
took him to the Caribbean Sea, where two ships were sunk and the large oil
depot at Bullenbay was shelled. Then he sank the 10,095-ton Norwegian
tanker Tankexpress, followed by six more ships before he was forced home.
He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 September 1942.
His best success was on 12 November 1942 when he sank the 12,568-ton
Tasker H. Bliss, the 12,479-ton Hugh L. Scott, and the 9,360-ton Edward
Rutledge, three large transports destined for Operation Torch. His last
command was the 2nd U-Boat Flotilla and the submarine base at Lorient. Kals
sunk twenty-one ships (a total of 149,191 tons). He died on 8 November 1979
in Emden, Lower Saxony.

1789. Oberstleutnant Ernst WELLMANN
Wellmann was born on 14 January 1904 in Samter. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st and 2nd Class for the Polish campaign in 1939. Wellmann was
commander of II Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 3, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 September 1942. The Oak Leaves followed
on 30 November 1943. Wellmann died on 17 July 1970 and is buried in
Beiertheim Friedhof, Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg.

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1790. Hauptmann Wilhelm von HAGEN
Hagen was born on 2 December 1912 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. He was
commander of II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 267, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 2 September 1942. Hagen died of wounds on 15 March
1945 and is buried at Witomino Gdynia, Poland; his remains are awaiting
transfer to a German war cemetery.

1791. Obergefreiter Georg WYCZISK
Wyczisk was born on 15 February 1910 in Klodnitz. He was serving in Panzer
Jäger Battalion 53 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 September
1942. Wyczisk was killed in action near Klimij, Russia, on 1 September 1943
and has no known grave.

1792. Generalleutnant Philipp MÜLLER-GEBHARD
Müller-Gebhard was born on 15 October 1889 in Heidelberg. He fought in
the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1914). Müller-Gebhard was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) after
the fall of Poland and the 1st Class in May 1942. He was commander of 72nd
Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 September
1942. He died on 2 July 1970 and is believed to be buried in Alter Friedhof,
Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg.

1793. Generalleutnant Hans von TETTAU
Von Tettau was born on 30 November 1888 in Bautzen. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Von
Tettau was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) after the fall of
Poland. He was commander of 24th Infantry Division when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 3 September 1942. Von Tettau is best known for his
quick reaction to the British landings in the Netherlands during September
1944. He was awarded the Oak Leaves on 5 April 1945 and is co-author
(with Kurt Versock) of The History of the 24th Infantry Division. Von Tettau
died on 30 January 1956 and is buried in Rheydt Friedhof, Mönchengladbach,
North Rhine-Westphalia.
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1794. Generalmajor Erwin SANDER
Sander was born on 5 March 1892 in Berlin. He fought in the First World War
and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Sander was
commander of 170th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 September 1942. He died on 5 December 1962 in Bamberg,
Bavaria.

1795. Oberst Paul SCHULTZ
Schultz was born on 30 October 1891 in Welzheim. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Schultz
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in April and the 1st Class in August
1940. He was commander of Infantry Regiment 308 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 3 September 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 26
August 1943. He died on 15 September 1964 and is buried in Bergfriedhof,
Galgenbergstrasse, Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg.

1796. SS-Sturmbannführer Johannes-Rudolf
MÜHLENKAMP
Mühlenkamp was born on 9 October 1910 in Metz. He fought in Poland and
was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class. Mühlenkamp also fought in
the campaign in the West and the Balkans. He took part in the invasion of
Russia, where he was wounded several times. Given command of a panzer
battalion, Mühlenkamp was instrumental in the capture of Rostov in the
summer of 1942. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 September
1942.
Now in command of a panzer regiment, Mühlenkamp was awarded the
Oak Leaves on 21 September 1944 for his outstanding leadership. His last
posting was as inspector general of Waffen-SS Panzer Troops. Mühlenkamp
died on 23 September 1986 and is buried in the village cemetery, Bredelem,
Lower Saxony.

1797. Hauptmann Bernhard HAMESTER

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Hamester was born on 21 October 1913 in Dahmker. He was a group
commander in Dive Bomber Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 3 September 1942. He was killed in action at Trebbin on 22 April 1945
and has no known grave. He had flown over 400 combat missions.

1798. Hauptmann Hanns HEISE
Heise was born on 1 February 1913 in Treuenbrietzen. He was a group
commander in Bomber Wing 76 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
3 September 1942. He died on 18 May 1992 in Cologne, North RhineWestphalia.

1799. Hauptmann Helmut LEICHT
Leicht was born on 2 November 1916 in Ludwigsburg. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class after the fall of Poland and the 1st Class after the fall of
France. Leicht was a squadron leader in Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 September 1942. He was posted missing near
Vitebsk, Russia, on 26 June 1944. Leicht had flown 900 combat missions and
was awarded the Oak Leaves on 24 October 1944.

1800. Hauptmann Otto SCHMIDT
Schmidt was born on 23 February 1917 in Wehbach-Brühlhof. He was a
squadron leader in Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 September 1942. Schmidt died on 1 September 2006 and is buried
in Stadtfriedhof, Celle, Lower Saxony.

1801. Oberleutnant Heinz FRANK
Frank was born on 12 December 1914 in Arnstadt. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class after the fall of Poland and the 1st Class in June 1940. Frank
was a squadron leader in Close Support Wing 1 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 3 September 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 8 January
1943. He flew over 900 combat missions and shot down nine enemy aircraft.
He died in an accident on 7 October 1944 and his ashes are interred in Alter
Friedhof, Arnstadt, Thuringia.
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1802. Oberleutnant Gottfried KUPSCH
Kupsch was born on 19 April 1919 in Lissa. He was a company commander
in Bicycle Battalion 72 when he was killed in action near Sebastopol on 16
June 1942 and is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Sebastopol, Ukraine. Kupsch was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 September
1942.

1803. Oberleutnant Hans MADER
Mader was born on 17 April 1915 in Pähl. He was a squadron leader in
Bomber Wing 54 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 September
1942. Mader was killed in action over Crigneubeuf on 3 July 1944 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 3, Row 11, Grave 309, St-Désirde-Lisieux, Normandy, France.

1804. Oberleutnant Martin MOSSDORF
Mossdorf was born on 1 October 1916 in Grimma. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class after the fall of Poland and the 1st Class in June 1940. In
August 1942, he took part in the attack on Operation Pedestal, during which
one aircraft carrier, one destroyer, two cruisers and nine merchant ships were
sunk. Only five merchant ships made it through to Malta. Mossdorf was a
squadron leader in Dive Bomber Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 September 1942. In November 1942, he was shot down and
captured. He died on 11 January 2002 in Munich.

1805. Oberleutnant Horst QUEDNAU
Quednau was born on 6 March 1917 in Königsberg. He was a pilot in
Bomber Wing 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 September
1942. Quednau was posted missing on 1 January 1944, but there is a
reference to him dying on 6 March 1969 in Mexico.

1806. Oberleutnant Günther RALL

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Rall was born on 10 March 1918 in Gaggenau. He shot down his first enemy
aircraft over France in 1940 and took part in the Battle of Britain, for which
he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class. Rall also saw action in the
Balkans and over Crete. With his tally at thirty-four, he was transferred to the
East. On 28 November 1941, he shot down his thirty-seventh opponent but
was shot down himself the same day. He was pulled from his fighter by a
German tank crew. In hospital, he was told he had broken his back in three
places and would never walk again. Rall, despite the odds, was not only able
to walk, but was back in a fighter in less than a year. From August to
November 1942, he shot down twenty-eight aircraft and was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 3 September. The Oak Leaves followed on 26 October
1942.
With his tally at 200, he was awarded the Swords on 12 September 1943
as well as the Wound Badge in Gold. Rall was transferred to the defence of the
Reich in April 1944, where after shooting down two P-47 fighters, he was shot
down (for the eighth time). A part of his thumb was shot off, and due to
infections, he was hospitalised for months, after which he was sent to train
new pilots. Rall is the author of My Logbook: Reminiscences 1938–2006. He
is credited with shooting down 275 enemy aircraft, making him the third
highest-scoring pilot of all time. He died from a heart attack on 4 October
2009 and is buried in St Zeno Friedhof, Feld 20, Row 1, Grave 1–2,
Salzburgerstrasse, Bad Reichenhall, Bavaria.

1807. Leutnant Konrad HENNEMANN
Hennemann was born on 1 March 1920 in Dresden. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 26 when he was killed in action over the North Sea on 4 July 1942.
Hennemann was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 September 1942.

1808. Leutnant Rudolf WITSCH
Witsch was born on 28 January 1907 in Bad Neuenahr. He was a platoon
leader in Grenadier Regiment 308 when he was awarded the Knight’ Cross on
3 September 1942. Witsch was killed in action on 2 September 1943 and is
believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Kharkov,
Ukraine.

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1809. Leutnant Walter ZELLOT
Zellot was born on 6 October 1920 in Spittal, Austria. He shot down his first
twelve enemy aircraft (including three on 11 July) on the Russian Front,
before being moved to the Mediterranean area in the autumn of 1941. Zellot
only shot down three aircraft (including British nine-victory ace John Bisdee)
at his time. In May 1942, Zellot was back in Russia. August was his best
month, with three victories each on the 1st, 2nd, and 7th, four on the 9th and
the 23rd, and five on the 13th. Zellot was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3
September 1942 with his tally at seventy-eight victories. On 10 September
1942, with his total at erighty-six, he was shot down by anti-aircraft fire
(some sources say German anti-aircraft fire) north-west of Stalingrad, his
parachute failed to open and he was killed. Zellot is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Block 5, Row 21, Grave 807, Rossoschka, Volgograd, Russia.

1810. Oberfeldwebel Hermann JOCHEMS
Jochems was born on 18 August 1914 in Eversael. He was a pilot in Dive
Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 September
1942. Jochems died on 19 December 1972 and is believed to be buried in
Gartenfriedhof, Marienstrasse, Hanover.

1811. Oberfeldwebel Otto WESSLING
Wessling was born on 23 September 1913 in Bad Harzburg. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in June and the 1st Class in July 1940. Wessling was
a pilot in Fighter Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3
September 1942. With his score at eighty-three enemy aircraft destroyed, he
was shot down on 19 April 1944 but managed to crash land his fighter near
Eschwege. Wessling was then killed by a US P-51 strafing him on the ground.
He has no known grave. Wessling was awarded the Oak Leaves on 20 July
1944.

1812. Hauptmann Nikolaus BÜSEN
Büsen was born on 6 March 1911 in Kiel. He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd
Class after the fall of Poland and the 1st Class after the fall of France. Büsen
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was a pilot in Reconnaissance Group 122 when he was killed in action over
the Mediterranean Sea on 14 June 1942. Büsen was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 4 September 1942.

1813. Hauptmann Frank LIESENDAHL
Liesendahl was born on 23 February 1915 in Wuppertal. He was a squadron
leader in Fighter Wing 2 when he was killed in action over Brixham, England,
on 17 July 1942 and has no known grave. Liesendahl was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 4 September 1942.

1814. Oberleutnant Franz GÖTZ
Götz was born on 28 January 1913 in Obertsrot. He was a squadron leader in
Fighter Wing 53 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 September
1942. Götz shot down sixty-three enemy aircraft, including three four-engined
bombers. He died on 4 May 1980 and is believed to be buried in
Nordfriedhof, Aschaffenburg, Bavaria.

1815. Oberleutnant Helmut MERTENS
Mertens was born on 11 November 1917 in Essen. He was a pilot in Fighter
Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 September 1942.
Mertens died on 17 January 1984 and is buried in Wernborn Friedhof,
Usingen, Hesse.

1816. Oberleutnant Gerhard MICHALSKI
Michalski was born on 25 June 1917 in Augsdorf. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class after the fall of Poland. Michalski shot down his first enemy
aircraft on 31 March 1940 and eight more followed during the Battle of
Britain, for which he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class in September
1940. In Russia, he shot down thirteen aircraft by the end of August 1941. In
November 1941, he was moved to the Mediterranean area and shot down
twenty-six aircraft over Malta. Michalski was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
4 September 1942. He was shot down into the sea twice and spent some time
in hospital with a broken ankle the second time. Returning to duty in August
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1943, now based in Austria in the defence of the Reich, he claimed his sixtieth
victory in November. Shot down for the third time in May 1944, and again
hospitalised, Michalski was awarded the Oak Leaves on 25 November 1944
with seventy-two victories to his credit. He was involved in the ‘Fighter Pilots
Revolt’ against the head of the Luftwaffe Hermann Göring. Michalski shot
down his final aircraft on 8 March 1945, bringing his total to seventy-three,
including twenty-three four-engined bombers and twenty-nine Spitfires. He
died following a car crash on 22 February 1946 in Kaltenkirchen, SchleswigHolstein.

1817. Oberleutnant Klaus WAGNER
Wagner was born on 30 November 1917 in Schmalkalden. He was a company
commander in Assault-Gun Battalion 667 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 4 September 1942. Wagner died on 24 April 2002 and is buried in
Cementerio Municipal Antiguo, Cayey, Puerto Rico.

1818. Oberleutnant Alfred WEHMEYER
Wehmeyer was born on 21 May 1919 in Vienna. Flying a Bf 110, he shot
down three Spitfires and two Hurricanes during the Battle of Britain, for
which he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class. In February 1941, he
flew missions over Malta and escorted convoys to Africa.
From 1 July 1941, his unit flew exclusively in support of the Africa Corps.
On 1 June 1942, Wehmeyer was hit by flak over Tobruk; his aircraft exploded
and he has been posted as missing ever since. Wehmeyer had shot down
eighteen enemy aircraft by this time, and was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4
September 1942.

1819. Leutnant Heinrich EHRLER
Ehrler was born on 14 September 1917 in Oberbalbach. He took part in the
Spanish Civil War with the Condor Legion in a flak unit. Transferred to
fighters based in Norway, he shot down his first enemy aircraft in May 1940.
He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in September 1941 and the 1st
Class in January 1942. Ehrler was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 September
1942 with sixty-four aircraft to his credit. The Oak Leaves were awarded on 2
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August 1943. On 24 May 1944, he shot down nine aircraft in one day,
bringing his tally to 155.
On 12 November 1944, the RAF launched its final raid on the German
battleship Tirpitz. Ehrler’s unit was sent to intercept the bombers but, due to
poor communication, did not realise that the target was the Tirpitz or that the
ship had been moved. After the sinking, he was court-martialled and sentenced
to three years in prison. However, in January 1945, he was exonerated and
reinstated. Retrained to fly the Me 262 jet, he shot down eight more aircraft,
bringing his total to twenty-six by 4 April 1945. On this day, he shot down
two more bombers and radioed ‘Theo, I have run out of ammunition. I’m
going to ram his one. Goodbye. We’ll see each other in Valhalla’. Both aircraft
were destroyed. Officially credited with 208 victories, but perhaps his score
should be 209? Ehrler had been recommended for the Oak Leaves, but this
was withdrawn after the Tirpitz incident. He is buried in Stadtfriedhof,
Stendal Ehrentell, Saxony-Anhalt.

1820. Leutnant Walter NOWOTNY
Nowotny was born on 7 December 1920 in Gmünd, Austria. He shot down
his first three enemy aircraft on 19 July 1941, but his Bf 109 ran out of fuel
and he had to ditch into the Baltic. Nowotny spent three days in a rubber
dinghy before he was rescued. Thereafter, he always flew wearing his patched
salt-stained breeches, which he called his lucky ‘Shot-down Trousers’. In
August, with his tally at ten, he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class.
Nowotny was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 September 1942 and shot
down his fifty-sixth opponent on 14 September. Re-equipped with the Fw 190,
he started to increase his score. As of 1 February 1943, he, Karl Schnörrer,
Rudolf Rademacher, and Anton Döbele formed a team known as the ‘chain of
devils’ or the ‘Nowotny Schwarm’ who, during the course of the war, were
credited with 524 combined kills, making them the most successful team in the
Luftwaffe. In June 1943, Nowotny shot down forty-one enemy aircraft,
including ten on the 24th. This brought his tally to 100. In August 1943, he
shot down forty-nine, and on 1 September 1943, he shot down ten, seven of
which were brought down within seventeen minutes. Nowotny was awarded
the Oak Leaves three days later with his score at 191. With his score at 220,
he was awarded the Swords on 22 September 1943.

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By 14 October 1943, Nowotny had shot down 250 enemy aircraft, making
him the highest-scoring pilot at that time. He was awarded the Diamonds on
19 October 1943. In November, he shot down his 255th enemy aircraft but
was then ordered away from combat duties and took up a training post. In
September 1944, he was made commander of a Me 262 fighter jet unit. On 8
November 1944, during a combat mission, Nowotny radioed saying he had
shot down a bomber and possibly a fighter; he then reported engine failure, his
jet plunged vertically into the ground, killing him instantly. It was his first
flight without wearing his lucky ‘Shot-down Trousers’. Nowotny is buried in
Zentralfriedhof, Section 14C, Vienna.

1821. Leutnant Waldemar SEMELKA
Semelka was born on 8 January 1920 in Doubrava, Czechoslovakia. He shot
down his first enemy aircraft on 22 June 1941; the opening day of the invasion
of Russia, and by the end of the winter, he had raised his score to seventeen.
His tally reached fifty in July 1942, and on 21 August, he shot down three in
one day. With his total at sixty-five (some sources say seventy-five), Semelka
was posted missing near Stalingrad on 21 August 1942. He was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 4 September 1942.

1822. Oberfeldwebel Heinrich KLÖPPER—‘Heinz’
Klöpper was born on 9 January 1918 in Gross Bülten. He took part in the
Battle for France and the Battle of Britain, but only shot down two enemy
aircraft. In Russia, his score started to increase; in October 1941 he shot down
his first ‘double’ victory, another double came on 5 July 1942, and five on the
7th, followed by another five in August. Klöpper was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 4 September 1942.
Moved to the defence of the Reich, he shot down eight four-engined
bombers. Klöpper was killed in action on 29 November 1943 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Timmermansweg, Ysselsteyn, the
Netherlands.

1823. Oberfeldwebel Fritz SCHELHORN

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Schelhorn was born on 9 January 1915 in Mengersgereuth. He was a platoon
leader in Rifle Regiment 66 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4
September 1942. Schelhorn died on 30 June 1992 and is buried in
Koppelsdorf Friedhof, Sonneberg, Thuringia.

1824. Oberfeldwebel Ernst SÜSS
Süss was born on 31 August 1912 in Possessern. He took part in the Battle for
France and the Battle of Britain, but did not shoot down any aircraft. In
Russia, Süss shot down his first enemy aircraft in August 1941. By September
1942, he had brought his tally to sixty-three and was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 4 September 1942. Sent to train new pilots, Süss only shot down one
more aircraft on the Russian Front. His last four victories (two of which were
four-engined bombers) were in the defence of the Reich. Süss was shot down
on 20 December 1943 and was killed by a US pilot while in his parachute. He
has no known grave.

1825. Oberfeldwebel Friedrich VOGELSANG
Vogelsang was born on 8 August 1911 in Mengede. He was a platoon leader
in Infantry Regiment 78 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4
September 1942. Vogelsang died on 14 October 1993 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Am Gottesacker 25, Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1826. Obergefreiter Joseph SCHUSS
Schuss was born on 17 December 1917 in Geisling. He was a machine-gunner
in Infantry Regiment 520 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4
September 1942. Schuss died on 29 January 1995 in Wenzenbach-Fussenberg,
Bavaria.

1827. Oberst Paul SCHEUERPFLUG
Scheuerpflug was born on 3 July 1896 in Netphen. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Scheuerpflug was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in June 1940 and
the 1st Class in July 1941. He was commander of Infantry Regiment 116
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when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 September 1942. The Oak
Leaves followed on 16 March 1945. Scheuerpflug died as a Russian POW in
Poland on 8 August 1945 and has no known grave.

1828. Oberstleutnant Botho KOLLBERG
Kollberg was born on 11 July 1898 in Neuhäuser. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Kollberg was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) in June 1940.
He was commander of Infantry Regiment 23 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 6 September 1942. Kollberg was killed in action near
Leningrad on 24 January 1944 and has no known grave. He was awarded the
Oak Leaves on 8 February 1944.

1829. Major Ulrich DIESING
Diesing was born on 12 March 1911 in Trebschen. He took part in the
Spanish Civil War with the Condor Legion. Diesing was commander of Heavy
Fighter Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 September
1942. He was killed in an accident on 17 April 1945 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Block 2, Row 2, Grave 3, Bolzenburg, MecklenburgVorpommern. Diesing is credited with fifteen aerial victories.

1830. Hauptmann Helmut BELSER
Belser was born on 23 December 1915 in Stuttgart. He flew combat missions
over the Eastern Front as well as Crete and Sicily. By now awarded the Iron
Cross 1st and 2nd Class, he arrived in Africa on 20 May 1942. Belser was in
action straight away and shot down a Curtiss on 30 May and one on both 5
and 7 June. Belser shot down a Beaufort on 16 June and a Kittyhawk the next
day. On 18 June 1942, he led four aircraft on a patrol and shot down a
Hurricane.
Belser was killed on 19 June 1942 when his fighter rolled into a depression
during take-off. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 September 1942.
Belser is buried in the German War Cemetery, Tobruk, Libya.

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1831. Hauptmann Kurt NOLTE
Nolte was born on 9 September 1902 in Berent. He was commander of II
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 213, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
6 September 1942. Nolte died on 1 July 1981 and is buried in Waldfriedhof,
Kaufbeuren, Bavaria.

1832. Hauptmann Rudolf RESCH
Resch was born on 7 April 1914 in Kamenz. He took part in the Spanish Civil
War and shot down one aircraft. Resch was a squadron leader in Fighter Wing
52 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 September 1942. He was
killed in action near Judinka, Russia, on 11 July 1943 and has no known
grave. Resch is credited with ninety-four victories.

1833. Oberleutnant Wolfgang TONNE
Tonne was born on 28 February 1918 in Moosbach. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in April 1940. Tonne shot down his first enemy aircraft on 14
May 1940 but was shot down himself the same day. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st Class on 24 May 1940, and by the spring of 1941, he had shot
down four aircraft. In Russia during June and July, he added eight more to his
tally, and in December, he was transferred to the Mediterranean area, flying
116 combat missions over Malta without adding to his victory total.
Moved back to Russia, he shot down eighty-eight enemy aircraft between
May and September 1942. Tonne was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6
September and the Oak Leaves on 24 September 1942 with his score now at
101. Moved to Tunisia in November, he shot down twenty-one enemy aircraft,
including ten Spritfires. Tonne was killed on 20 April 1943 in a flying accident
trying to celebrate his 122nd victory. He is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Ossario 3A, Panel 9, Bordj-Cedria, Tunisia.

1834. Leutnant Friedrich KÖRNER
Körner was born in Schwerte on 24 January 1921. Sent to Africa in July 1941
as a fighter pilot, Körner and Leutnant Lires brought down two Boston
bombers in March and then set them on fire by strafing. With the start of
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Rommel’s offensive around Bir Hakeim, Körner had much to do. He shot
down one in May, and scored more victories while escorting Stukas attacking
Bir Hakeim.
On 14 June, he shot down two Kittyhawks. On 26 June, he had another
double, a Curtiss and a Spitfire within a few minutes of each other. In July, he
shot down two on the 1st, one on the 2nd, and another two on the 3rd. With
his tally at thirty-six enemy aircraft destroyed, he took off on 4 July but was
shot down and taken prisoner. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6
September 1942. Körner died on 3 September 1998 and is believed to be
buried in Cimetière du Père Lachaise, Paris.

1835. Unteroffizier Hans-Walter MÖLLER
Möller was born on 29 April 1919 in Bielefeld. He was a platoon leader in
Infantry Regiment 58 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6
September 1942. Möller died on 28 March 1970 in Cologne, North RhineWestphalia.

1836. Oberstleutnant Oskar SCHRADER
Schrader was born on 15 July 1899 in Saalfeld. He was commander of Flak
Regiment 104 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 September 1942.
Schrader died of wounds near Stalingrad on 12 September 1942 and has no
known grave.

1837. Oberst Gerhard MÜLLER—‘Panzer Müller’ or ‘The
Old Man’
Müller was born on 19 December 1896 in Breslau. He fought in the First
World War, for which he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1914). He took part in the Polish and French campaigns with an anti-tank
unit and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939). Müller took
command of his battalion for the invasion of the Soviet Union, and on 26
September 1941, he was wounded—his left arm had to be amputated. Far
from finishing his career, he returned to fight in Russia.
He was sent to Africa to command the 5th Panzer Regiment in February
1942, which he led in sixty engagements. Müller was awarded the Knight’s
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Cross on 9 September 1942. He was called back to OKH but later
commanded again. He died on 10 April 1977 in Landau, RhinelandPalatinate.

1838. Hauptmann Hans KLÄRMANN
Klärmann was born on 24 May 1910 in Sipsdorf. In the campaign in the West,
he led Infantry Regiment 6’s pioneer platoon and was promoted to Leutnant
on 1 August 1940. Sent to Africa at the beginning of 1942, he was made
acting CO of a battalion; on 20 June 1942, he captured the airfield at Tobruk.
Then, acting on his own initiative, he stormed into Tobruk, capturing 3,000
prisoners. For this, Klärmann was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 September
1942.
He was badly wounded near El Alamein in October and had to be
evacuated to Germany. Klärmann became an instructor after recovering from
his wounds. In August 1944, he took command of an APC battalion on the
Eastern Front. He was killed in action on 6 September 1944 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Modlin, near Warsaw, Poland.

1839. Hauptmann Hermann SPANDAU
Spandau was born on 25 August 1897 in Cramme. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 396, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 9 September 1942. Spandau died on 19 September 1982 and is believed to
be buried in Sportplatz Friedhof, Peine, Lower Saxony.

1840. Generalmajor Heinrich-Anton DEBOI
Deboi was born on 6 April 1893 in Landshut. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Deboi was
commander of 44th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 10 September 1942. He was captured at Stalingrad in 1943. Deboi
died in Russian hands on 5 July 1955 and is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Row 3, Grave 5, Cherntsy, Russia.

1841. Major Karl GÖBEL
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Göbel was born on 20 October 1900 in Adelschlag. He fought in the First
World War. Göbel was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in June 1940
and the 1st Class in August 1941. He was commander of III Battalion,
Infantry Regiment 420, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10
September 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 8 June 1943. Göbel died of
wounds on 27 February 1945 and is buried in the German War Cemetery
(Eberhaldenfriedhof), Grave 100, Landenbergerstrasse, Esslingen am Necker,
Baden-Württemberg.

1842. Hauptmann Wilhelm HERB
Herb was born on 24 March 1913 in Landau. He was commander of I
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 517, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
10 September 1942. Herb died of wounds the next day and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Block 19, Row 23, Grave 903, Rossoschka,
Volgograd, Russia.

1843. Hauptmann Ewald von STÜNZNER
Von Stünzner was born on 21 June 1911 in Bernstadt. He was a company
commander in Panzer Battalion 103 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 10 September 1942. Von Stünzner died on 1 March 1994 in Bonn.

1844. Hauptmann Ernst WERNER
Werner was born on 19 January 1912 in Mainz. He was commander of III
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 516, when was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
10 September 1942. Werner was killed in action on 23 September 1944 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Crypt 1, Row 13, Plate 9, DionyssosRapendoza, Greece.

1845. Oberleutnant Hans GUHR
Guhr was born on 24 October 1916 in Dresden. He was adjutant of Infantry
Regiment 513 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 September
1942. Guhr died on 10 February 1969 and is buried in Alter Friedhof, Bonn.

259

1846. Oberleutnant Klaus VOORMANN
Voormann was born on 21 January 1918 in Düsseldorf. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 134 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 10 September 1942. Voormann was killed in action on 30 November
1942 and is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Rossoschka,
Volgograd, Russia.

1847. Oberwachtmeister Karl PFREUDTNER
Pfreudtner was born on 15 April 1912 in Munich. He was a platoon leader in
Assault-Gun Battalion 244 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10
September 1942. Pfreudtner was killed in action at Stolbey, Russia, on 26 June
1944 and has no known grave.

1848. Leutnant Wilhelm LEMKE
Lemke was born on 27 September 1920 in Arnswalde. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class in July 1941. Lemke was a squadron leader in
Fighter Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 September
1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 25 November 1943. He is credited with
131 enemy aircraft shot down; all but six of these were in Russia. Lemke was
killed in action on 4 December 1943 and is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Block CW, Row 1, Grave 24 (next to Kurt Brändle),
Timmermansweg, Ysselsteyn, the Netherlands.

1849. Hauptmann Alfred ENGFER
Engfer was born on 30 November 1915 in Gleiwitz. He was commander of III
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 523, when he died of wounds on 3 September
1942 and is buried at Konstantinowka/Donetsk, Ukraine; Engfer’s remains are
awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. He was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 13 September 1942.

1850. Rittmeister Eitel GOLL

260

Goll was born on 19 June 1910 in Gross Schönfeld. He was commander of
Bicycle Battalion 117 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13
September 1942. Goll was killed in action at Komárno, Hungary, on 5 April
1945 and has no known grave.

1851. Hauptmann Hugo ROOS
Roos was born on 20 March 1914 in Pirmasens. He was a company
commander in Motorised Infantry Regiment 119 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 13 September 1942. Ross died on 5 September 1959 and is
believed to be buried in Waldfriedhof, Pirmasens, Rhineland-Palatinate.

1852. Oberst Otto HERFURTH
Herfurth was born on 22 January 1893 in Hasserode. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Herfurth was commander of Infantry Regiment 117 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 14 September 1942. Involved in the plot to kill Hitler,
Herfurth was executed in Berlin on 29 September 1944 and has no known
grave.

1853. Major Götz HELMS
Helms was born on 19 November 1906 in Illowo. He was commander of I
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 695, when he was killed in action on 28 July
1942 and is buried at Werejka/Voronezh, Russia; Helms’s remains are awaiting
transfer to a German war cemetery. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14
September 1942.

1854. Major Kurt MATERN
Matern was born on 15 May 1909 in Wartenburg. He was commander of
Infantry Regiment 39 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14
September 1942. Matern was killed in action near Mogil, Russia, on 1
December 1943 and has no known grave.

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1855. Rittmeister Herbert HEYROWSKY
Heyrowsky was born on 21 August 1909 in Vienna. He was commander of
Bicycle Battalion 248 when he was killed in action on 4 July 1942 and is
buried at Gorodischtsche/Debaltsevo, Ukraine; Heyrowsky’s remains are
awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. He was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 14 September 1942.

1856. Hauptmann Rolf LOEFFLER
Loeffler was born on 30 September 1917 in Calbe. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 70 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 14 September 1942. Loeffler had four tank destruction badges to his credit
when he was killed in action near Werchopenje, Russia, on 13 July 1943 and
has no known grave.

1857. Oberleutnant Peter (or Peter-Ekhard) GILOW
Gilow was born on 13 March 1918 in Weisswasser. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June and the 1st Class in July 1940. Gilow was a company
commander in Panzer Regiment 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
14 September 1942. He died on 8 November 1994 and is buried in
Stadtfriedhof, Königstein im Taumus, Hesse.

1858. Oberleutnant Günther HILT
Hilt was born on 23 March 1918 in Göppingen. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in October 1941. Hilt was a
company commander in Jäger Regiment 56 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 14 September 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 8 February 1944.
He was killed in action near Wyszkow, Poland, on 21 August 1944 and has no
known grave.

1859. Oberleutnant Andreas THOREY
Thorey was born on 3 November 1912 in Hitzacker. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Thorey was a
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squadron leader in Reconnaissance Group 94 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 14 September 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 7
December 1943. He was killed in action on 18 April 1944 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Block 4, Row 12, Grave 452, Chisinau, Moldova.

1860. Leutnant Wilhelm FIEDERER
Fiederer was born on 13 September 1906 in Tutzing. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 164 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 14 September 1942. Fiederer died of wounds two days later near
Voronez, Russia, and has no known grave.

1861. Leutnant Adrian Freiherr von FOELKERSAM
Freiherr von Foelkersam was born on 20 December 1914 in St Petersburg,
Russia. In May 1940, he joined a ‘Brandenburg’ unit consisting of men of
Russian origin. Von Foelkersam led his unit, and in early August 1942, he
penetrated farther into enemy territory than any other German unit disguised
as NKVD. He managed to get to the city of Maikop, and when the German
spearhead was only 8 miles away, his men simulated an artillery attack with
grenades and von Foelkersam ordered the city’s defenders to evacuate. Maikop
was taken without a fight. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14
September 1942.
Transferred to the Waffen-SS, von Foelkersam took part in the kidnap of
Miklós Horthy, Jnr, and the deposition of his father. He also took part in the
Battle of the Bulge, working closely with Otto Skorzeny. Von Foelkersam was
killed in action on 21 January 1945 at Hohensalza, Poland, and has no known
grave.

1862. Obergefreiter Franz MINTERT
Mintert was born on 8 September 1913 in Lippstadt. He was a gunner in
Panzer Jäger Battalion 26 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14
September 1942. Mintert died on 9 January 2001 and is believed to be buried
in Rüthen Friedhof, North Rhine-Westphalia.

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1863. Oberleutnant Wilhelm WEIDENBRÜCK
Weidenbrück was born on 5 February 1915 in Neuenkirchen. He was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in June and the 1st Class in August 1940.
Weidenbrück was a company commander in Panzer Regiment 3 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 September 1942. The Oak Leaves followed
on 16 November 1944. He died on 28 April 2011.

1864. Leutnant Ernst PROCHASKA
Prochaska was born on 7 June 1917 in Mährisch, Austria-Hungary. He was a
company commander in Training Regiment 800 when he was killed in action
on 9 August 1942 at Maikop, Russia, and has no known grave. Prochaska
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 September 1942.

1865. Leutnant Heinz REVERCHON
Reverchon was born on 11 April 1921 in Filzen. He was a platoon leader in
Motorcycle Battalion 43 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16
September 1942. Reverchon died on 23 January 1999 in Munich.

1866. Leutnant Walter SCHLOSSER
Schlosser was born on 4 November 1906 in Klingenthal. He was a platoon
leader in Infantry Regiment 456 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
16 September 1942. Schlosser died on 2 November 1970 in Hanover.

1867. Feldwebel Herbert KADENBACH
Kadenbach was born on 13 February 1917 in Alt-Reichenau. He was a
platoon leader in Jäger Regiment 28 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 16 September 1942. Kadenbach was killed in action near Salgótarján,
Hungary, on 27 December 1944 and has no known grave.

1868. Korvettenkapitän Werner HARTENSTEIN

264

Hartenstein was born in Plauen on 27 February 1908. Prior to the U-boat
service, he was commander of a torpedo boat. He commissioned U-156 on 4
September 1941, but it was 16 February 1942 before he sank his first ship—
one of five on that patrol. Between May and June, he sank eleven ships,
including the sailing ship Lillian. In August, he sailed for southern waters and,
en route, sank the Clan McWhirter.
Then, on 12 September 1942, he torpedoed the 16,695-ton liner Laconia.
She was carrying British military personnel, civilians, and Italian prisoners.
Hartenstein surfaced to see if he could capture any of the ship’s officers. Upon
seeing the number of survivors, he tried to save as many as possible, collecting
the ship’s boats and even having them on the deck of the U-boat. He put out a
radio message saying he would not attack any Allied ship that came to help.
However, the Allies thought it was a trap and his U-boat was bombed by US
aircraft, despite having a large number of civilians on her deck and flying a
Red Cross flag. He had, at this point, to give up the rescue; half the survivors
drowned before being picked up. Hartenstein was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 17 September 1942. During his next patrol in the Atlantic on 8 March
1943, his boat was bombed by US aircraft and sunk with all hands.

1869. Kapitänleutnant Günther KRECH
Krech was born in Wilhelmshaven on 21 September 1914. He served as watch
officer on U-100 before commissioning U-558 on 20 January 1941. His first
success was on 28 August 1941 when he sank the 10,298-ton British tanker
Otaio, followed by the 9,472-ton Vancouver Island. Krech attacked convoy
SC48, sinking the 9,552-ton tanker W. C. Teagle and the corvette Gladiolus.
In February 1942. he attacked convoy ONS67, sinking four ships, three of
them with three torpedoes, including the tanker Inverarder.
During May and June, he sank the merchant sub-chaser Bedfordshire and
six other ships. Krech was back in August, and by 16 September, he had sunk
five ships. On 23 February, he sank the 9,811-ton tanker Empire Norseman.
Then, on 20 July 1943, in the Bay of Biscay, he was bombed by US aircraft; U558 was so badly damaged that she was scuttled and her crew taken prisoner.
Krech sunk twenty ships (a total of 101,696 tons). He died on 3 June 2000
and is believed to be buried in Bredtchen Friedhof, Wuppertal, North RhineWestphalia.

265

1870. Oberstleutnant Joachim GUTMANN
Gutmann was born on 28 November 1902 in Dresden. He was commander of
Panzergrenadier Regiment 11 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18
September 1942. Gutmann died on 29 December 1969 in Bayerisch Gmain,
Bavaria.

1871. Major Karl SCHULZ
Schulz was born on 5 September 1894 in Cologne. He was commander of I
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 699, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
18 September 1942. Schulz was posted missing in Berlin on 5 April 1945.

1872. Hauptmann Heinrich SCHÜLER
Schüler was born on 17 December 1903 in Posen. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in December 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1941. Schüler
was commander of II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 525, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 18 September 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 2
April 1943. Schüler was killed in action on 12 January 1945 at
Weichselbogen, Poland, and has no known grave.

1873. Oberleutnant Carl-Ludwig BLUMENTHAL
Blumenthal was born on 20 December 1917 in Lüneburg. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in June 1941.
Blumenthal was a company commander in Infantry Regiment ‘GD’ when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 September 1942. He died on 9 March
1989 and is believed to be buried in Waldfriedhof, Troisdorf, near Bonn.

1874. Oberleutnant Waldemar von GAZEN (aka von
GAZA)
Von Gazen was born on 6 December 1917 in Hamburg. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in September and the 1st Class in October 1939. Von
Gazen was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 September 1942 for his actions

266

at Rostov. He again distinguished himself at the Kuban bridgehead, for which
he was awarded the Oak Leaves on 18 January 1943.
He was severely wounded at Melitopol, where his unit held out against
numerous attacks. For this, he was awarded the Swords on 3 October 1943.
After recovering, he was appointed to a number of staff positions until the end
of the war. Von Gazen died on 13 January 2014 and is buried in
Albanikirchoff, Göttingen, Lower Saxony.

1875. Leutnant Wilhelm NIGGEMEYER
Niggemeyer was born on 9 May 1918 in Haan. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in August and the 1st Class in September 1941. Niggemeyer
was also awarded four Tank Destruction Badges. He was a company
commander in Pioneer Battalion 26 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 18 September 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 17 May 1943.
Niggemeyer died on 14 February 2008 in Erftstadt, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1876. Feldwebel Otto HENTSCHEL
Hentschel was born on 9 July 1914 in Stamen. He was a platoon leader in
Infantry Regiment 418 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18
September 1942. Hentschel was posted missing near La Rochelle, France,
during July 1944.

1877. Unteroffizier Karl KOCHENDÖRFER
Kochendöfer was born on 20 September 1917 in Onolzheim. He was a gun
commander in Schnelle Battalion 296 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 18 September 1942. Kochendöfer died on 5 February 2003 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Crailsheim, Baden-Württemberg.

1878. Obergefreiter Alois ASSMANN
Assmann was born on 3 June 1913 in Buschewitz. He was a gunner in Panzer
Jäger Battalion 61 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 September
1942. Assmann died on 26 October 1987 and is buried in Dedesdorfer
Pumpsiel Friedhof, Loxstedt, Lower Saxony.
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1879. Hauptmann Ernst FICK
Fick was born on 13 August 1912 in Weidenau. He was a squadron leader in
Dive Bomber Wing 2 when he was killed in action near Kalatsch, Russia, on
27 July 1942 and has no known grave. Fick was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 19 September 1942.

1880. Hauptmann Hellmut PFEIFFER
Pfeiffer was born on 4 June 1915 in Kassel. He was commander of II
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 671, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
19 September 1942. Pfeiffer was killed in action near Stalingrad on 12
November 1942 and has no known grave.

1881. Hauptmann Carl SATTIG
Sattig was born on 22 March 1915 in Magdeburg. He was a squadron leader
in Fighter Wing 54 when he was posted missing on 10 August 1942 at Rzhev,
Russia; he probably died in captivity. Sattig was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 19 September 1942.

1882. Oberleutnant Hans von BARGEN—‘Hänschen’
Von Bargen was born on 14 October 1914 in Malente. As a Stuka pilot, von
Bargen saw action in Poland and France. He achieved his first success in
sorties against England and shipping in the English Channel. He also saw
action in the Balkans and Crete. Von Bargen was particularly successful
against enemy shipping and gained a reputation as a ‘tanker specialist’.
In November 1941, now in North Africa, von Bargen flew in support of
Rommel’s battles, including the retaking of Cyrenaica, missions over Tobruk,
Sollum, Marsa Matruk, and Bir Hakeim. It was for these actions that he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 September 1942. In January 1943, he flew
over the Kuban front, in Russia. Forced into hospital as the result of an eye
injury, von Bargen was back with his unit in October 1943. In June 1944, he
and his unit destroyed a group of Soviet ships off the mouth of the Luga. After
more than 400 combat missions, he was killed in action on 6 July 1944 at
Äyräpää, Finland, and has no known grave.
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1883. Oberleutnant Hans-Joachim JACOBI von
WANGELIN
Jacobi von Wangelin was born on 10 September 1914 in Clausdorf. He was a
squadron leader in Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 19 September 1942. Jacobi von Wangelin was killed in action over
Brighton, England, on 8 October 1942 and has no known grave.

1884. Oberleutnant Ludwig NEMECEK
Nemecek was born on 24 August 1916 in Vienna. He was an observer in
Reconnaissance Group 122 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
September 1942. Nemecek died in a flying accident near Vienna on 13 April
1943 and has no known grave.

1885. Oberleutnant Helmut PUTZ
Putz was born on 8 May 1915 in Munich. He was a pilot in Bomber Wing 27
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 September 1942. Putz was
posted missing near Gorki, Russia, on 13 June 1943.

1886. Oberleutnant Wilhelm SCHMITTER
Schmitter was born on 18 December 1913 in Rheydt. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in May 1940 and the 1st Class in January 1941.
Schmitter was a pilot in Fighter Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 19 September 1942. He was posted missing over London on 8
November 1943 and awarded the Oak Leaves on 24 March 1944.

1887. Leutnant Hermann HEMMER
Hemmer was born on 29 July 1917 in Etzenhausen. He was a pilot in
Reconnaissance Wing 122 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
September 1942. Hemmer died on 21 February 2000 in Freilburg im Breisgau,
Baden-Württemberg.

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1888. Oberfeldwebel Heinz BEVERNIS
Bevernis was born on 11 December 1914 in Stralsund. He was Hartmut
Schairer’s rear-gunner in Dive Bomber Wing 1 when they were killed in action
on 19 July 1942 and they are buried at Solzy, Russia; their remains are
awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. He was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 19 September 1942.

1889. Oberfeldwebel Berthold GRASSMUCK
Grassmuck was born on 13 January 1917 in Rodach. He was a pilot in
Fighter Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 September
1942. Grassmuck was killed in action over Stalingrad when he was shot down
by flak on 28 October 1942 and has no known grave. He is credited with
sixty-five victories.

1890. Oberfeldwebel Karl HAMMERL
Hammerl was born on 15 August 1918 in Kienberg, Austria-Hungary. He was
a pilot in Fighter Wing 52 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
September 1942. Hammerl was posted missing near Kolomak, Russia, on 2
March 1943.

1891. Oberfeldwebel Alfred HECKMANN—‘Fred’
Heckmann was born on 25 June 1914 in Bochum. He shot down his first
enemy aircraft in June 1940; two more followed during the Battle of Britain.
Heckmann was then sent to take part in the invasion of Russia, shooting
down twenty-four aircraft up to October 1941. Sent to Sicily in January 1942,
he did not score any victories. Returned to the Russian Front in June 1942,
Heckmann added seventeen more victories, including four bombers on 10 July.
He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 September 1942 before returning to
the Channel coast for a short time. Back in Russia during the winter, in
fourteen weeks, he shot down four Sturmoviks and was sent to train new
pilots in February 1943.
Heckmann shot down four C-47 transport aircraft over Arnhem on 21
September 1944. He took part in Operation Bodenplatte, the attack on Allied
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airfields in the Netherlands and Belgium in January 1945. Heckmann shot
down a total of secenty-one enemy aircraft, fifty-four over the Russian Front;
of his seventeen over the Western Front, three were four-engined bombers. He
died on 27 July 1993 and is buried in Bellersen Friedhof, Brakel, North RhineWestphalia.

1892. Oberfeldwebel Erich SCHMITT
Schmitt was born on 18 July 1915 in Essen. He was a pilot in Reconnaissance
Group 11 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 September 1942.
Schmitt died on 13 July 1986 in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1893. Feldwebel Werner LUCAS
Lucas was born on 27 December 1917 in Berlin. He was a pilot in Fighter
Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 September 1942 with
fifty-seven victories to his credit. Lucas shot down a total of 106 enemy
aircraft—all but one on the Eastern Front and that was a US four-engined
bomber.
He was killed in action on 24 October 1943 when he was shot down,
crashing in the middle of Leiden. Lucas managed to crash his Bf 109 into the
courtyard of a hospital, thus avoiding any casualties on the ground. He is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Block CW, Row 1, Grave 21 (near
Brändle and Lemke), Timmermansweg, Ysselsteyn, the Netherlands. However,
it seems not all of his remains were recovered.

1894. Feldwebel Kurt MEVISSEN
Mevissen was born on 29 March 1917 in Diedenhofen. He was a pilot in
Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 September
1942. Mevissen died on 29 October 1952 in Hanover.

1895. Wachtmeister Hugo PRIMOZIC
Primozic was born on 16 February 1914 in Backnang. He fought in France as
an artillery gunner. In 1942, Primozic joined Assault-Gun Battalion 667 and
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in August. On 15 September, the
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Russians attacked Rzhev and Primozic, and his crew took cover in a trench
until the artillery fire ended. By the time he had manned his vehicle, the first
enemy tanks had already passed by. Primozic knocked-out twenty-four tanks;
for this action, he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class on 16 September and
the Knight’s Cross on 19 September 1942.
In January 1943, his personal score was sixty enemy tanks and he was
awarded the Oak Leaves on 25 January 1943. Primozic died on 18 March
1996 in Fulda, Hesse.

1896. Unteroffizier Richard RAMBOW
Rambow was born on 30 December 1917 in Rheinsberg. He was a gun
commander in Panzer Jäger Battalion 561 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 19 September 1942. Rambow died of wounds in Russia on 26
October 1943 and has no known grave.

1897. Feldwebel Wilhelm CRINIUS
Crinius was born on 2 December 1920 in Hohenhausen. He joined the
Luftwaffe in January 1940 and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
in 1941. Based in Sicily, he flew sixty sorties over Malta between March and
April, being promoted Unteroffizier on 1 April 1942.
In May 1942, he was posted to the Eastern Front, near Kursk. Crinius
scored his first two victories on 9 June when he shot down two IL-2
Sturmoviks, and then, on 8 July, he shot down two Douglas Boston bombers
west of Voronezh, but his aircraft was hit by ground fire and he crash-landed
between the lines and had to be rescued by a German patrol. During August,
he shot down forty enemy aircraft, and after his fifty-fifth victory on 1
September 1942, he was promoted to Feldwebel. In September, he brought
down another forty-six, including his 100th on the 22nd. He was awarded the
Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves on 23 September 1942 and promoted to
Leutnant. He was one of only four men to receive the Oak Leaves at the same
time as the Knight’s Cross, and two of these were political awards.
In November, Fighter Wing 53 was relocated to Tunisia were he shot down
another fourteen enemy aircraft, including a B-17 Flying Fortress. Then, on 13
January 1943, he was in combat with the RAF and he was wounded in the
thigh. Crinius headed for home, but his engine caught fire and he ditched his
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Bf 109 into the sea. He spent twenty-four hours in the sea before being
rescued by French sailors and became a POW. He had 114 victories to his
credit. Crinius died on 26 April 1997 in Stuhr-Fahrenhorst, Lower Saxony.

1898. Oberst Hellmuth BÖHLKE
Böhlke was born on 7 February 1893 in Lubahn. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Böhlke was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) after the fall of Poland. He
was commander of Infantry Regiment 430 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 24 September 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 25 January 1945.
Böhlke died on 8 April 1956 and is buried in Althausen Friedhof, Bad
Mergentheim, Baden-Württemberg.

1899. Oberst Alfred HERMANN
Hermann was born on 30 September 1897 in Ludwigsburg. He was
commander of Infantry Regiment 3 when he was killed in action on 4 August
1942 and is buried at Posadnikow, Russia; Hermann’s remains are awaiting
transfer to a German war cemetery. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
September 1942.

1900. Major Ludger GLETTENBERG—‘Lutz’
Glettenberg was born on 9 April 1893 in Altendorf. He was commander of I
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 459, when he was killed in action on 11 August
1942 and is buried at Rzhev, Russia; Glettenberg’s remains are awaiting
transfer to a German war cemetery. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
September 1942.

1901. Hauptmann Alfred EIDEL
Eidel was born on 23 May 1910 in Boxtal. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in June 1941. Eidel was commander
of I Battalion, Infantry Regiment 171, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 24 September 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 24 August 1943.

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He was killed in action near Vitebsk, Russia, on 23 June 1944 and has no
known grave.

1902. Hauptmann Alfred KINDLER
Kindler was born on 4 September 1915 in Mauschdorf. He was a squadron
leader in Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
September 1942. Kindler died on 30 August 2000 in Mühltal, Hesse.

1903. Oberleutnant Walter BORNSCHEIN
Bornschein was born on 7 April 1914 in Obergreisslau. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in May 1940.
Bornschein was a pilot in Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 24 September 1942. He was killed in action on 27 April 1944 is
buried in Obergreisslau Friedhof, Saxony-Anhalt.

1904. Oberleutnant Fritz SCHRÖTER
Schröter was born on 20 July 1916 in Breslau. He was a squadron leader in
Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 September
1942. Schröter died on 14 December 2007 in Schiedegg, Bavaria.

1905. Oberleutnant Fritz SENGSCHMIDT
Sengschmidt was born on 13 January 1919 in Vienna. He was a pilot in
Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 September
1942. Sengschmidt was killed in action near Elbingerode on 11 January 1944
and has no known grave.

1906. Oberleutnant Herbert STRY
Stry was born on 12 September 1916 in Kreuzberg. As a Stuka pilot, he took
part in the campaigns against Poland, France, and England. In December
1941, he was flying missions against Malta before going to Africa in February
1942. In March and April, he had a brief period where he was flying over
Malta again before returning to Africa.
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Stry was killed in action on 21 September 1942 when one of his bombs
exploded before being released. He is buried in the German War Cemetery,
Crypt 2, Plate 14, Dionyssos-Rapendoza, Greece. Stry was awarded the
Knight’s Cross 24 September 1942.

1907. Oberleutnant Walter TANK
Tank was born on 3 November 1915 in Konz. He was a company commander
in Panzergrenadier Regiment 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
September 1942. Tank died on 27 April 1998 in Schriesheim, BadenWürttemberg.

1908. Oberleutnant Arno THIELE
Thiele was born on 8 December 1912 in Seerhausen. He was a platoon leader
in Panzer Regiment 29 when he died of wounds on 3 August 1942 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 6, Row 13, Grave 1252,
Sologubowka, Russia. Thiele was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
September 1942.

1909. Leutnant Alfred JAROSCH
Jarosch was born on 10 October 1915 in Skrbenski-Golkowitz. He was a
company commander in Jäger Regiment 38 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 24 September 1942. Jarosch died on 31 August 2001 in
Wilhelmsfeld, Baden-Württemberg.

1910. Leutnant Herbert KUTSCHA
Kutscha was born on 24 April 1917 in Ratibor. He shot down his first enemy
aircraft, a Wellington bomber on 14 December 1939. Kutscha was a pilot in
Heavy Fighter Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
September 1942. He is credited with forty-seven aerial victories, forty-four on
the Western Front—of these, six were four-engined bombers. Kutscha also
destroyed at least forty-four aircraft on the ground, forty-one tanks, fifteen
trains, eleven artillery positions, and 157 vehicles. He died on 19 September
2003 and is believed to be buried in Kempten Friedhof, Bavaria.
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1911. Oberfeldwebel Peter BROICH
Broich was born on 22 May 1914 in Altenrath. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 September 1942.
Broich died on 21 September 1995 and is buried in Dorffriedhof,
Neunkirchen-Seelscheid, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1912. Oberwachtmeister Johann SCHMÖLZER
Schmölzer was born on 1 June 1911 in Möllbrücke, Austria-Hungary. He was
a platoon leader in Bicycle Battalion 68 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 24 September 1942. Schmölzer died on 14 November 1997 and is
buried in Petersfriedhof, Salzburg, Austria.

1913. Feldwebel Franz SCHULTE
Schulte was born on 3 December 1915 in Castrop-Rauxel. He was a pilot in
Fighter Wing 77 when he was killed in action at Woronesh, Russia, on 12
August 1942 and has no known grave. Schulte was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 24 September 1942.

1914. Obergefreiter Josef KULOT
Kulot was born on 21 July 1917 in Herten. He was a section leader in
Motorised Infantry Regiment 60 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
24 September 1942. Kulot died on 18 June 1997 in Homburg, Saarland.

1915. Major Kurt WALTER
Walter was born on 27 February 1908 in Seedorf. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 32, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 25 September 1942, The Oak Leaves followed on 5 December 1943.
Walter was killed in action near Grodno, Russia, on 13 August 1944 and has
no known grave.

1916. Hauptmann Wolfgang van KRANENBROCK
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Kranenbrock was born on 1 August 1909 in Dresden. He took part in the
Spanish Civil War. Kranenbrock was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in
September 1939 and the 1st Class in September 1940. He was commander of
II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 102, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 25 September 1942. Kranenbrock died on 22 March 1986 and is believed
to be buried in Zentralfriedhof, Erlangen, Bavaria.

1917. Hauptmann Siegfried MEISSNER
Meissner was born on 6 October 1914 in Neupriebkow. He was commander
of III Battalion, Infantry Regiment 408, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 25 September 1942. Meissner was killed in action on 28 April 1945
and is buried in Gemeindefriedhof, Block 5, Grave 45, Brakel, North RhineWestphalia.

1918. Oberleutnant Heinrich VONHOFF
Vonhoff was born on 24 August 1919 in Kamen. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 408 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 25 September 1942. Vonhoff was killed in action on 1 October 1942
and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 9 (as unknown),
Sologubowka, Russia.

1919. Major Bernhard HOFMANN
Hofmann was born on 13 November 1896 in Jahnsbach. He was commander
of I Battalion, Infantry Regiment 427, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 26 September 1942. Hofmann died on 19 November 1982 and is
believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery, Crailsheim, BadenWürttemberg.

1920. Wachtmeister Konrad SAUER
Sauer was born on 29 January 1915 in Roth. He was a platoon leader in
Assault-Gun Battalion 209 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26
September 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 30 September 1944. Sauer died
on 12 July 1986 in Marburg, Hesse.
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1921. Obergefreiter Franz SCHMITZER
Schmitzer was born on 9 September 1920 in Bruch. He was a gunner in
Artillery Regiment 6 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26
September 1942. Schmitzer died on 13 August 2000.

1922. Gefreiter Hans STURM
Sturm was born on 29 July 1920 in Dortmund. His first combat was during
the invasion of Russia on the drive to Moscow. Sturm was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class on 29 July 1941 (his birthday) and the Iron Cross 1st Class in
August. Sturm was wounded on 22 August 1941 and saw much action during
1942.
On the night of 13–14 September 1942 at Rschew, Sturm’s regiment
occupied the brickworks when the Russians launched a massive assault. Sturm
was sent to see what was happening with a nearby platoon. On arrival, he
found only dead comrades and the enemy approaching. He picked up a
machine-gun and single handedly stopped the enemy from breaking into the
position. During the attack, he was blinded by grenade fragments but kept
firing into the sounds of the Russians ‘cries’. Just as he was about to be
overrun, a fresh platoon arrived.
For this action, Sturm was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26 September
1942, being presented with it while still in hospital. Well deserved home leave
followed. At his own request, he returned to the front, in Italy, where he
witnessed the shooting of civilians after a partisan attack. This bothered him
so much that he refused to wear his Anti-Partisan Badge. Sturm also fought in
Normandy, and promoted to Leutnant, he ended the war commanding a
Volkssturm unit in Berlin. Captured by the Russians, he was released in 1953.
Sturm died on 11 December 2004 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Am
Gottesacker 25, Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1923. SS-Hauptsturmführer Hans DORR
Dorr was born on 7 April 1912 in Sontheim. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in November 1939 and the 1st Class in August 1940. Dorr was a
company commander in SS-Infantry Regiment ‘Germania’ when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 September 1942. The Oak Leaves followed
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on 13 November 1943 and the Swords on 9 July 1944. Dorr died of wounds
on 17 April 1945 and is buried in German War Cemetery (Judenburg
Friedhof), Styria, Austria. He was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold for
his sixteen wounds, two Tank Destruction Badges, and most likely should
have received the Clasp Combat Clasp in Gold but it was never awarded.

1924. SS-Standartenführer Otto GIESEKE
Gieseke was born on 24 March 1891 in Hohenhameln. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Gieseke was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in August and the 1st
Class in September 1941. He was commander of SS-Police Rifle Regiment 1
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 September 1942. He died on
21 July 1958 and is buried in Gartenfriedhof, Marienstrasse, Hanover.

1925. SS-Sturmbannführer Karl SCHÜMERS
Schümers was born on 17 October 1905 in Düsseldorf. He was commander of
II Battalion, SS-Police Rifle Regiment 1, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 30 September 1942. Schümers ordered the execution of 280 women
and children in the village of Kleisoura, Greece, on 5 April 1944. He was
killed in action by partisans on 18 August 1944 and is buried in the German
War Cemetery, Crypt 1 Row 12, Plate 3, Dionyssos-Rapendoza, Greece.

1926. Admiral Kurt FRICKE
Fricke was born on 8 November 1889 in Berlin. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Fricke was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in October and the 1st Class in
November 1939. He was chief-of-staff of Naval Operations of the Naval High
Command when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 October 1942.
Fricke was killed in action in Berlin on 2 May 1945 and has no known grave.

1927. Oberstleutnant Albert PANZENHAGEN
Panzenhagen was born on 19 May 1899 in Stettin. He fought in the First
World War, having volunteered at the age of fifteen and was awarded the Iron
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Cross 2nd Class (1914). Panzenhagen commanded a battalion in the French
campaign. He was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class (1939) in June 1941, the
same month he landed in Africa. When the Allied offensive began in
November, his unit, which had been earmarked for the attack on Tobruk,
fought between the lines.
He was in the thick of the action during the January 1942 offensive,
fighting in the tank battle at Saunnu and in all of Cyrenaica. Panzenhagen
fought in the minefields around Tobruk and at El Adem. He created the
conditions necessary for the capture of Marsa Matruk and on 19 July stormed
the Djebel Kalakh Hill. Panzenhagen was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2
October 1942. After spending twenty-two months in Africa, he became ill and
was sent home and was placed on the reserve list. Panzenhagen died on 6
August 1982 and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Seeheim-Jugenheim, Hesse.

1928. Major Richard HENZE
Henze was born on 3 September 1895 in Herzog-Julius-Hütte. He was
commander of II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 518, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 2 October 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 18 January
1945. Henze died on 1 September 1950 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof,
Braunschweig, Lower Saxony.

1929. Hauptmann Siegfried BARTH—‘Balbo’
Barth was born on 23 January 1916 in Augsburg. He was a squadron leader
in Bomber Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 October
1942. Barth went on to fly the Me 262 jet fighter. He died on 19 December
1997 in Bad Wörishofen, Bavaria.

1930. Hauptmann Helmut BENNEMANN
Bennemann was born on 16 March 1915 in Wanne-Eickel. He shot down his
first enemy aircraft over Dover on 26 August 1940. On 15 September 1940,
he shot down three Hurricanes, bringing his tally to eight. By the time, he was
transferred to the Eastern Front in June 1942, he had shot down twelve
aircraft. Bennemann was a group commander in Fighter Wing 52 when he was

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awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 October 1942, and by the end of the year, his
tally was at seventy-two.
With his score at eighty-eight, he was badly wounded on 10 May 1943
and spent some months away from combat duties. On 25 April 1944, he shot
down a B-24 bomber for his ninetieth victory. His final score was ninety-three,
of which at least ten were Sturmoviks. In early 1945, he took part in the socalled ‘Fighter Pilots Revolt’ against Göring. Bennemann died on 17
November 2007 in Bad Sassendorf, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1931. Hauptmann Peter BREU
Breu was born on 13 June 1915 in Schwabhausen. He was a group
commander in Bomber Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2
October 1942. Breu died on 2 August 2001 and is buried in Weingarten
Friedhof, Baden-Württemberg.

1932. Hauptmann Waldemar LUTZ
Lutz was born on 24 May 1913 in Maikammer. He was a company
commander in Assault-Gun Battalion 245 when he was killed in action on 15
September 1942 and is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Rossoschka, Volgograd, Russia. Lutz was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2
October 1942.

1933. Hauptmann Prinz Heinrich zu SAYNWITTGENSTEIN-SAYN—‘Heinz’
Prinz Heinrich zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn was born on 14 August 1916 in
Copenhagen, Denmark. He fought as an observer and later bomber pilot in
France, the Battle of Britain, and the invasion of Russia. Sayn-WittgensteinSayn transferred to a night-fighter unit in May 1942. By October, he had shot
down twenty-two enemy aircraft and was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2
October 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 31 August 1943 with his tally at
fifty-four. With his total at eighty-three victories, he was killed in action on 21
January 1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block TH, Row 1,
Grave 2 (next to Prinz Egmont zur Lippe-Weissenfeld), Timmermansweg,

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Ysselsteyn, the Netherlands. Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn was awarded the Swords
on 23 January 1944.

1934. Hauptmann Rudolf SCHMIDT
Schmidt was born on 26 December 1915 in Halle. He was a squadron leader
in Bomber Wing 76 when he was killed in action at Borodkin, Russia, on 5
September 1942 and has no known grave. Schmidt was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 2 October 1942.

1935. Hauptmann Karl-Heinz STRICKER
Stricker was born on 22 March 1913 in Küstrin-Neustadt. He was a group
commander in Fighter Wing 210 when he was killed in action near Balta,
Russia, on 13 September 1941 and has no known grave. Stricker was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 2 October 1942.

1936. Hauptmann Waldemar WILDSCHÜTZ
Wildschütz was born on 26 February 1913 in Hohenbudberg. He was
commander of I Battalion, Infantry Regiment 419, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 2 October 1942. Wildschütz died on 30 January 1977 and
is buried in Nordfriedhof, Düsseldorf.

1937. Oberleutnant Erich TAEGER
Taeger was born on 5 August 1919 in Bismarckhütte. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in August and the 1st Class in November 1940. Taeger
was squadron leader in Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 2 October 1942. He died on 20 May 2011 in Essen, North RhineWestphalia.

1938. Leutnant Hans ROEHRIG
Roehrig was born on 4 November 1919 in Memmingen. He fought in the
Battle of Britain and claimed five aircraft shot down, but all were
unconfirmed. Roehrig shot down fifty-six Russian aircraft, including thirty282

nine during September 1942. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2
October 1942 and moved to the Mediterranean area. With his total at seventyfive, Roehrig was shot down and killed on 13 July 1943; he is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Block 82, Feld 6, Row 5, Grave 142, Zagreb-Mirogoi,
Croatia.

1939. Oberfeldwebel Heinrich FÜLLGRABE
Füllgrabe was born on 26 July 1916 in Witzenhausen. He was a pilot in
Fighter Wing 52 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 October 1942.
Füllgrabe was credited with sixty-seven victories, including five Sturmoviks,
when he was killed in action near Brieg, Silesia, on 30 January 1945; he has
no known grave.

1940. Oberfeldwebel Helmut LUTZE
Lutze was born on 5 July 1917 in Zscherben. He was a platoon leader in
Motorcycle Battalion 64 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2
October 1942. Lutze died on 29 July 2013 in Planegg, Bavaria.

1941. Feldwebel Siegfried ENGFER
Engfer was born on 27 April 1915 in Neuhof. He was a pilot in Fighter Wing
3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 October 1942. Engfer shot
down fifty-eight enemy aircraft. He went missing while on a train from Vienna
to Munich in April 1946 and has never been seen since.

1942. Feldwebel Heinz KEMETHMÜLLER
Kemethmüller was born on 26 June 1914 in Nuremberg. He was a pilot in
Fighter Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 October 1942.
Kemethmüller is credited with eighty-nine aerial victories: seventy-one on the
Eastern Front, including twenty twin-engined bombers and twenty-six
Sturmoviks, and eighteen on the Western Front, including three four-engined
bombers and seven P-47 fighters. He died on 20 February 1984 and is believed
to be buried in Alter Friedhof, Bonn.

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1943. Oberfeldwebel Gustav KRUTEMEIER
Krutemeier was born on 9 March 1914 in Exter. He was a platoon leader in
Mountain Pioneer Battalion 99 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3
October 1942. Krutemeier died on 12 December 1971 in Gadderbaum, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

1944. Oberst Lothar von BISCHOFFSHAUSEN
Von Bischoffshausen was born on 20 February 1897 in Witzenhausen. He
fought in the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd
Class (1914). Von Bischoffshausen was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd
Class (1939) in April 1942. He was commander of Panzergrenadier Regiment
2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 October 1942. Von
Bischoffshausen died on 18 February 1970 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof,
Tannenkeckerweg 6, Kassel, Hesse.

1945. Major Franz ZEJDLIK
Zejdlik was born on 20 October 1906 in Voitsberg, Austria-Hungary. He was
commander of Panzer Pioneer Battalion 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 4 October 1942. Zejdlik died on 8 September 1978 and is buried in
Krems an der Donau Friedhof, Austria.

1946. Oberleutnant Rudolf SCHNEIDER
Schneider was born on 13 December 1918 in Darmstadt. He was a company
commander in Panzer Jäger Battalion 342 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 4 October 1942. Scheider was killed in action on 17 April 1945 and
is buried in the German War Cemetery, Grave 443, Schulstrasse, Breuna.
Hesse.

1947. SS-Unterscharführer August ZINGEL
Zingel was born on 20 January 1922 in Heidmühle. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1941 and the 1st Class in September 1942. Zingel
was a platoon leader in SS-Infantry Regiment 1 when he was awarded the
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Knight’s Cross on 4 October 1942. He died on 22 December 2000 in
Wilhelmshaven, Lower Saxony.

1948. Obergefreiter Gustav BERGMANN
Bergmann was born on 28 April 1914 in Seerappen. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in August and the 1st Class in September 1942. Bergmann
was a section leader in Infantry Regiment 696 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 4 October 1942. He was posted missing near Tartu,
Estonia, on 26 August 1944.

1949. Oberstleutnant Maximilian WENGLER
Wengler was born on 14 January 1890 in Rosswein. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Wengler was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in May and the 1st
Class in December 1940. He was commander of Infantry Regiment 366 when
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 October 1942. The Oak Leaves
followed on 22 February 1944 and the Swords on 21 January 1945. Wengler
was killed in action near Pillau on 25 April 1945 and has no known grave.

1950. Major Alfons ECKHARDT
Eckhardt was born on 27 February 1910 in Ruhland. He was commander of
III Battalion, Motorised Infantry Regiment 11, when he was killed in action at
Rzhev, Russia, on 11 August 1942 and has no known grave. Eckhardt was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 October 1942.

1951. Major Günther SCHEMMEL
Schemmel was born on 22 December 1904 in Brandenburg. He was
commander of I Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 14, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 October 1942. Schemmel died on 18
November 1990 on the Island of Sylt, Schleswig-Holstein.

1952. Hauptmann Otto SCHWARZER
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Schwarzer was born on 18 September 1906 in Falkenberg. He was
commander of I Battalion, Infantry Regiment 187, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 6 October 1942. Schwarzer died on 14 May 1976 in
Hanover.

1953. Oberleutnant Eugen SELHORST
Selhorst was born on 25 June 1914 in Geldern. He was commander of I
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 186, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
6 October 1942. Selhorst died on 27 March 1971 in Regensburg, Bavaria.

1954. Oberfeldwebel Ernst KRUSE
Kruse was born on 1 October 1915 in Egeln. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in July 1940. Kruse was a
platoon leader in Panzergrenadier Regiment 3 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 6 October 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 17 May
1943. He was killed in action on 5 October 1944 and is buried in the German
War Cemetery, Block G, Row 6, Grave 425, Ilowo-Mlawka, near Mława,
Poland.

1955. Unteroffizier Josef SCHWERTHERR
Schwertherr was born on 20 September 1919 in Gelsenkirchen. He was a
section leader in Infantry Regiment 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 6 October 1942. Schwertherr was killed in action on the Don River,
Russia, on 21 January 1943 and has no known grave.

1956. Oberstleutnant Gustav-Albrecht SCHMIDT-OTT
Schmidt-Ott was born on 20 June 1896 in Berlin. He was commander of
Panzer Regiment 6 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 October
1942. Schmidt-Ott died on 16 July 1980 in Berlin.

1957. Capitano di Fregata Enzo GROSSI (Italian Navy)

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Grossi was born on 20 April 1908 in San Epigena, Brazil. He served as watch
officer before being given command of the Italian submarine Medusa. His boat
was put under German command and joined the Battle of the Atlantic; in
January 1942, he sank the 5,473-ton Navemar. In May 1942, Grossi stopped
and shelled the Comandante Lyra; the ship was left burning and adrift but was
towed to Fortaleza.
On 28 May, he sank the 4,836-ton Charlbury. Grossi fired on the corvette
Petunia in poor visibility on 6 October believing it to be a battleship. He
claimed it sunk. Grossi was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 October 1942
and the Italian Golden Medal of Bravery. After the war, it was declared he was
not entitled to the latter. He died on 1 August 1960 and is buried in Cimitero
Corato, Bari, Puglia, Italy.

1958. Hauptmann Erich LÖFFLER
Löffler was born on 22 March 1908 in Eisenach. He was commander of II
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 57, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
7 October 1942. Löffler was killed in action on 17 March 1945 and is buried
in the German War Cemetery, Plot VII, Row 120, Grave 7, Frankfurt am
Main.

1959. Hauptmann Volprecht RIEDESEL Freiherr zu
EISENBACH
Reidesel Freiherr zu Eisenbach was born on 10 December 1912 in Hofgeismar.
He was a group commander in Bomber Wing 76 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 7 October 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 14 January
1945. Reidesel Freiherr zu Eisenbach was killed in action over Idstein,
Germany, on 9 February 1945 and has no known grave.

1960. Hauptmann Paul SEMRAU
Semrau was born on 12 November 1915 in Deutsch Eylau. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in June 1941. Semrau was a
squadron leader in Night Fighter Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 7 October 1942. He was killed in action on 8 February 1945 with
forty-six victories and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block Q, Row
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2, Grave 38, Timmermansweg, Ysselsteyn, the Netherlands. Semrau was
awarded the Oak Leaves on 17 April 1945.

1961. Oberleutnant Klaus (or Claus) MÜLLER
Müller was born on 10 March 1915 in Bitburg. He was commander of Panzer
Regiment 2 when he was killed in action on 4 September 1942 and is believed
to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Rossoschka,
Volgograd, Russia. Müller was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 October
1942.

1962. Oberleutnant Max-Eugen PETEREIT
Petereit was born on 19 June 1919 in Kiel. He was a company commander in
Artillery Regiment 240 when he was killed in action at Michailowsky, Russia,
on 29 September 1942 and has no known grave. Petereit was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 7 October 1942.

1963. Oberleutnant Dietrich PUTTFARKEN
Puttfarken was born on 30 April 1920 in Hamburg. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 October 1942.
Puttfarken was killed in action on 23 April 1944 over the North Sea and has
no known grave.

1964. Oberleutnant Helmut SPECKENHEIER
Speckenheier was born on 29 May 1915 in Arnsberg. He was a company
commander in Flak Artillery Battalion 312 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 7 October 1942. Speckenheier was killed in action on 14 January
1943 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Rossoschka, Volgograd,
Russia.

1965. Leutnant Carl-Heinz GREVE
Greve was born on 17 October 1920 in Münster. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September and the 1st Class in October 1941. Greve was a
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pilot in Coastal Air Group 606 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7
October 1942. He died on 21 May 1998 and is buried in Lauben Friedhof,
Bavaria.

1966. Leutnant Josef KULT
Kult was born on 20 January 1912 in Deilingen. He was awarded the Iron
Crass 2nd Class in August and the 1st Class in October 1941. Kult was a
company commander in Jäger Regiment 228 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 7 October 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 15 March
1943. He was killed in action on 22 February 1943 near Krymsk, Russia, and
has no known grave.

1967. Oberfeldwebel Albrecht SCHNITGER (or
SCHNITTGER)
Schnitger was born on 1 October 1914 in Pivitsheide. He was a platoon leader
in Infantry Regiment 18 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7
October 1942. Schnitger was killed in action at Rzhev, Russia, on 13 March
1943 and has no known grave.

1968. Unteroffizier Oskar PFALZGRAF
Pfalzgraf was born on 9 December 1901 in Kassel. He was a platoon leader in
Infantry Regiment 695 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 October
1942. Pfalzgraf died on 27 March 1976 in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1969. Generalmajor Alexander von HARTMANN
Von Hartmann was born on 11 December 1890 in Berlin. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Von Hartmann was commander of 71st Infantry Division when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 October 1942. He was killed in action near
Stalingrad on 26 January 1943 and has no known grave.

1970. Generalmajor Carl RODENBURG
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Rodenburg was born on 17 May 1894 in Geestemünde. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Rodenburg was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) in May
1940.
He was commander of 76th Infantry Division when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 8 October 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 31 January
1943. Rodenburg was taken prisoner at Stalingrad in January 1943 and not
released until 1955. He died on 5 November 1992 in Lubeck, SchleswigHolstein.

1971. SS-Oberführer Herbert GILLE—‘The Hero of
Tscherkassy’
Gille was born on 8 March 1897 in Gandersheim. He fought in the First
World War, being awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Gille took
part in the Polish campaign and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939)
in October and the 1st Class in November 1939. He also fought in the French
campaign. Gille led his men into Russia with considerable élan, fighting at
Tarnopol, Uman, and Korsun, before stopping on the Mius Line during the
1941–42 winter. In 1942, he led his men into the Caucasus, reaching the River
Terek. For his leadership, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 August
1942.
Throughout most of 1943, he was fighting in the Ukraine and was
awarded the Oak Leaves on 1 November 1943. In January 1944, his division
was trapped in the Tscherkassy Pocket; Gille led the break-out saving 35,000
men. For this, he was awarded the Swords on 20 February 1944. Ordered to
the fortress town of Kovel, Gille knew it was a suicide mission for his men so
he flew in alone, helping the garrison hold out until help arrived. Again, he led
a break-out and for this he was awarded the Diamonds on 19 April 1944. He
fought in Warsaw and Hungary, finally surrendering to US forces in May
1945. Gille died of a heart attack on 26 December 1966 and is buried in the
village cemetery, Stemmen, near Hanover.

1972. Major Wilhelm KNETSCH
Knetsch was born on 26 February 1906 in Marburg. He was commander of
Infantry Regiment 545 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 October
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1942. Knetsch died on 27 March 1982 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria.

1973. Hauptmann Willy RIEDEL
Riedel was born on 16 November 1909 in Liegnitz. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in November 1939 and the 1st Class in July 1940. Riedel was
commander of III Battalion, Infantry Regiment 524, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 8 October 1942. He was severely wounded in early 1943
and taken prisoner by the Russians. Riedel was awarded Oak Leaves on 25
January 1943. He died on 10 February 1982 and is buried in Neuer Friedhof,
Potsdam, Brandenburg.

1974. Hauptmann Friedrich SCHMIDT
Schmidt was born on 25 February 1914 in Munich. He was commander of III
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 437, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
8 October 1942. Schmidt died on 13 August 1997 in Munich.

1975. Oberleutnant Klaus HILGEMANN
Hilgemann was born on 18 February 1918 in Stettin. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in August 1941 and the 1st Class in February 1942.
Hilgemann was a company commander in Infantry Regiment 422 when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 October 1942. The Oak Leaves followed
on 29 October 1944. He killed himself on 6 July 1973 and is buried in
Micheldorf Friedhof, Austria.

1976. Oberleutnant Paul STIER
Stier was born on 16 July 1904 in Riedisheim. He was a company commander
in Pioneer Battalion 741 when he was killed in action near Leningrad on 21
September 1942 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 10, Row
13, Grave 1620, Sologubowka, Russia. Stier was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 8 October 1942.

1977. Generalleutnant Erwin JAENECKE
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Jaenecke was born on 22 April 1890 in Freren. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Jaenecke was
commander of 389th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 9 October 1942. Wounded at Stalingrad, he was one of the last
higher officers to be flown out. In April 1944, as commander of LXXXII Army
Corps at a meeting with Hitler, he insisted that Sebastopol be evacuated and
his 235,000 men withdrawn; for this, he was relieved of his command.
He was held responsible for the loss of Crimea and arrested. Heinz
Guderian was appointed as investigator for his court-martial but proceeded
slowly, and eventually Jaenecke was quietly acquitted in 1944. Dismissed from
the army in January 1945, he was taken prisoner by the Russians in June and
sentenced to death. This was changed to twenty-five years’ hard labour.
Jaenecke was released in 1955. He died on 3 July 1960 in Ludinghausen,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

1978. Hauptmann Konrad LYHME
Lyhme was born on 27 November 1912 in Glückstadt. He was commander of
III Battalion, Infantry Regiment 50, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 9 October 1942. Lyhme died on 17 June 1979 and is believed to be buried
in Ostfriedhof, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1979. Oberleutnant Paul-Friedel (or Paul-Friedrich) WEBER
Weber was born on 14 April 1917 in Elberfeld. He was a company
commander in Heavy Flak Battalion 303 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 10 October 1942. Weber died on 23 August 1973 in Frankfurt am
Main.

1980. Oberfeldwebel Wilhelm SCHILLING
Schilling was born on 30 January 1915 in Kamenz. He shot down his first
enemy aircraft during the French campaign and another three during the
Battle of Britain. Transferred to Russia in June 1941, he shot down seventeen
aircraft by the end of the year. In February 1942, he was wounded but
returned to combat in March. Wounded again in September 1942, he was

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awarded the Knight’s Cross in hospital on 10 October 1942 with forty-six
victories.
Moved to the defence of the Reich in February 1943, he shot down three
four-engined bombers and a fighter to bring his total to fifty, but he was
wounded again. After his recovery, he was sent back to Russia, but also served
in Finland before ending up as a trainer in Germany. As well as his fifty
aircraft shot down, he had another thirteen unconfirmed. Schilling died on 14
March 2000 in Ascheberg, near Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein.

1981. Wachtmeister Otto GEMÜNDEN
Gemünden was born on 30 May 1914 in Oberingelheim. He was a gun
commander in Flak Regiment 49 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
12 October 1942. Gemünden died on 8 December 2007 in Ingelheim am
Rhein, Rhineland-Palatinate.

1982. Oberleutnant Heinz KIRSCHE
Kirsche was born on 7 April 1911 in Zittau. He was a company commander
in Pioneer Battalion 658 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13
October 1942. Kirsche was killed in action on 14 February 1944 and is buried
at Luga, Russia; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.

1983. Leutnant zur See Hermann BÖGEL
Bögel was born on 9 September 1914 in Essen. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in August 1940 and the 1st Class in December 1941. Bögel
was commander of minesweeper M-4040 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 13 October 1942. He died on 4 January 1998 in Bremen.

1984. Feldwebel Albert DRESSEL
Dressel was born on 15 September 1914 in Rebesgrün. He was a platoon
leader in Panzer Battalion 160 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13
October 1942. Dressel was killed in action on 8 September 1944 and is buried
in the German War Cemetery, Block 4, Row 4, Grave 373, Noyers-PontMaugis, Champagne-Ardenne, France.
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1985. Major Friedrich (aka Fritz) ALPERS
Alpers was born on 25 March 1901 in Sonnenberg. As the minister of the
Brunswick State Parliament and SS member, he was responsible for numerous
crimes in Brunswick in the early 1930s. He was commander of Long Range
Group 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 October 1942.
Alpers killed himself while a US prisoner on 3 September 1944 and is buried
in the German War Cemetery, Block 61, Grave 81, Kattenbos N746, Lommel,
Belgium.

1986. Major Paul-Freidrich DARJES
Darjes was born on 20 March 1911 in Berlin. He was a group commander in
Close Support Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14
October 1942. Darjes died on 20 February 1989 in Bad Schwartau, SchleswigHolstein.

1987. Leutnant Hans STOLLNBERGER
Stollnberger was born on 10 April 1919 in Baumgartenberg, Austria. He was
a squadron leader in Close Support Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 14 October 1942. Stollnberger died 4 August 2017 in Salzburg,
Austria.

1988. Unteroffizier Alexander PREINFALK
Preinfalk was born on 6 February 1920 in Baku, Russia. He was a pilot in
Fighter Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 October
1942. Preinfalk is credited with between seventy-eight and eighty-five aerial
victories when he was killed in action near Graben-Neudorf on 12 December
1944 and has no known grave.

1989. Oberstleutnant Gustav-Adolf BRUNS
Bruns was born on 23 January 1901 in Enger. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class after the fall of Poland and the 1st Class after the fall of France.
Bruns was commander of Panzergrenadier Regiment 74 when he was awarded
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the Knight’s Cross on 15 October 1942. He died of wounds on 4 November
1945 and is buried in the German War Cemetery (Stadtfriedhof), Block 54G,
Grave 253, Stöckener Strasse 68, Hanover.

1990. Oberstleutnant Johannes SCHMIDT
Schmidt was born on 30 September 1899 in Zossen. He was commander of I
Battalion, Panzer Regiment 27, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
15 October 1942. Schmidt died on 10 November 1987 and is buried
Hauptfriedhof, Braunschweig, Lower Saxony.

1991. SS-Hauptsturmführer Wilhelm DIETRICH
Dietrich was born on 17 November 1912 in Lüdenscheid. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in January 1941.
Dietrich was commander of III Battalion, SS-Police Rifle Regiment 1, when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 October 1942. He died of wounds on
12 March 1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery (Forest
Cemetery/Waldfriedhof) (as unknown), Riga, Latvia.

1992. Hauptmann Hermann HEITMANN
Heitmann was born on 19 January 1898 in Nenndorf. He was commander of
III Battalion, Artillery Regiment 241, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 15 October 1942. Heitmann died on 24 December 1955 and is buried in
Harburg Friedhof, Bavaria.

1993. Hauptmann Klaus PRITZEL
Pritzel was born on 8 April 1913 in Burschen. He was a squadron leader in
Reconnaissance Group des OB der Luftwaffe when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 15 October 1942. Pritzel died on 22 March 1974 and is
believed to be buried in Rheydt Friedhof, North Rhine-Westphalia.

1994. Oberleutnant Heinrich MEYER

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Meyer was born on 26 January 1919 in Lehrte. He was an observer in Bomber
Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 October 1942. Meyer
died on 15 March 2008 in Bad Neuenahr, Rhineland-Palatinate.

1995. Leutnant Johann BADUM—‘Hans’
Badum was born on 2 March 1921 in Ruthweiler. He shot down his first
enemy aircraft on 26 February 1942 in Russia. In July, he brought down
seventeen aircraft, and in August, he brought down another fourteen, bringing
his tally to forty-three. Badum shot down his fifty-first aircraft on 16
September and was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 October 1942.
He was posted to North Africa and shot down three P-40 fighters. Badum
was killed in action on 12 January 1943 and is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Tobruk, Libya. Of his fifty-four victories, fifty-one including
fourteen Sturmoviks were on the Russian Front.

1996. Leutnant Ludwig-Wilhelm BURCKHARDT—‘Lutz’
Burckhardt was born on 5 February 1919 in Bremen. He was a pilot in Fighter
Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 October 1942.
Burckhardt is credited with sixty-nine aerial victories. He died on 2 January
1993 in Bollschweil, Baden-Württemberg.

1997. Leutnant Erwin DIEKWISCH
Diekwisch was born on 12 August 1920 in Buschhütten. He was a pilot in
Dive Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 October
1942. Diekwisch is credited with shooting down twelve enemy aircraft and
destroying sixty-four tanks and two trains. He died on 20 August 2013 and is
believed to be buried in Alter Friedhof, Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg.

1998. Leutnant Rolf HART
Rolf Hart was born on 13 April 1921 in Wuppertal. He was a radio
operator/observer in Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 15 October 1942. Hart was killed in action on 9 March 1943 near Orša,
Russia, and has no known grave.
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1999. Oberwachtmeister Johann KOCHANOWSKI

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Kochanowski was born on 9 May 1910 in Bochum. He was a platoon leader
in Assault-Gun Battalion 201 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15
October 1942. Kochanowski died on 4 April 1993 and is buried in
Waldfriedhof, Velbert, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2000. Oberfeldwebel Emil KAMINSKY
Kaminsky was born on 9 October 1917 in Querfurt. He was a platoon leader
in Infantry Regiment 446 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15
October 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 12 June 1944. Kaminsky was
killed in action near Bobruisk, Russia, on 5 July 1944 and has no known
grave.

2001. Oberfeldwebel Peter MERTEN
Merten was born on 23 June 1916 in Ockfen. He was a platoon leader in
Infantry Regiment 124 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15
October 1942. Merten died on 19 June 2006 in Ockfen, Rhineland-Palatinate.

2002. Oberfeldwebel Karl MÜLLER
Müller was born on 28 August 1913 in Sonneberg. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 October 1942. Müller
was killed in action over Sunderland, England, on 8 February 1943 and has no
known grave.

2003. Oberst Ernst KÜHL
Kühl was born on 28 March 1888 in Breslau. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Kühl was a
group commander in Bomber Wing 55 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 17 October 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 18 December 1943.
He died on 2 February 1972 and is buried in Zentralfriedhof, Münster.

2004. Oberstleutnant Alexander CONRADY

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Conrady was born on 16 July 1903 in Neu Ulm. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in July 1940. Conrady was
commander of I Battalion, Infantry Regiment 118, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 17 October 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 22 August
1943. He was captured by the Russians in 1944 and held until 1954. Conrady
died on 21 December 1983 and is buried in Neuer Ostfriedhof, Feld 40, Row
11, Grave 265–266, Augsburg, Bavaria.

2005. Hauptmann Kurt HEINTZ
Heintz was born on 25 July 1912 in Neunkirchen. He was a squadron leader
in Training Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 October
1942. Heintz was killed in action on 22 January 1944 over Kent, England,
and has no known grave.

2006. Oberleutnant Reinhard BEYER
Beyer was born on 27 May 1911 in Gross-Lubs. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 694 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 17 October 1942. Beyer was killed in actionon 1 November 1943
and is buried at Jasnogorodka, Ukraine; his remains are awaiting transfer to a
German war cemetery.

2007. Oberleutnant Hans-Henning IVERS
Ivers was born on 10 February 1918 in Hamburg. He was commander of III
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 46, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
17 October 1942. Ivers was killed in action at Brünen on 27 March 1945 and
has no known grave.

2008. Oberleutnant Helmut SCHNATZ
Schnatz was born on 9 December 1915 in Dortmund. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in August 1942. Schnatz
was a company commander in Motorised Flak Regiment 25 when he was
killed in action on 19 September 1942 and is buried in the German War

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Cemetery (as unknown), Rossoschka, Volgograd, Russia. He was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 17 October 1942.

2009. Oberleutnant Heinz SPARBIER
Sparbier was born on 25 September 1912 in Hamburg. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 6 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 17 October 1942. Sparbier died on 6 July 1993 in Hamburg.

2010. Kapitänleutnant Otto von BÜLOW
Von Bülow was born in Wilhelmshaven on 16 October 1911. He was
descended from the aristocratic von Bülow family. He joined the Kriegsmarine
on 1 April 1930 serving on many ships before transferring to the U-boat
service in April 1940. He commissioned U-404 in February 1942. On his first
patrol, he sank four ships, including an 8,073-ton tanker. On his second patrol
in the Atlantic in May 1942, he sank the Alcoa Skipper and four other ships.
On another patrol in September, he fired two salvoes of torpedoes at convoy
ON127, hitting the Norwegian tanker Marit II, but the sinking of another
steamer could not be observed. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20
October 1942. On 12 December, he fired on three steamers—the Norwegian
9,272-ton tanker Daghild was hit. The destroyer Veteran was also sunk. Von
Bülow managed two successes in March 1943, though a hit on a ship in
convoy ON76 could not be confirmed. A salvo of four torpedoes was fired at
the escort carrier Biter, but all exploded prematurely. On 26 April 1943, he
was awarded the Oak Leaves.
His final rank was Korvettenkapitän, and his last command was the Naval
Assault Battalion I. Von Bülow’s tally was fourteen ships (totalling 70,656
tons) and two ships torpedoed (totalling 16,689 tons). In May 1945, he was
taken prisoner by the British but was released in August. From 1970 to 1988,
he was the chairman of the von Bülow Family Association. He died on 5
January 2006 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof, Reinbek, Schleswig-Holstein.

2011. Leutnant Werner SCHROER
Schroer was born on 12 February 1918 in Mühlheim. He shot down his first
enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain. At the end of February 1941,
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Schroer was sent to Africa and he shot down forty-nine enemy aircraft in
fifteen months, for which he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 October
1942.
Awarded the Oak Leaves on 2 August 1943, he was moved to the defence
of the Reich, where he shot down twenty-six four-engined bombers. By now a
Major, Schroer was awarded the Swords on 19 April 1945. He died on 10
February 1985 in Ottobrunn, Bavaria.

2012. Oberstleutnant Torsten CHRIST
Christ was born on 3 February 1906 in Munich. He was chief of the general
staff of VIII Air Corps on 21 October 1942. Christ died in an accident on 13
April 1967 and is believed to be buried in Waldfriedhof, Munich.

2013. Major Walter MÜLLER
Müller was born on 3 July 1894 in Mellen. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 272, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 21 October 1942. Müller died on 4 April 1954 possibly in Lubeck,
Schleswig-Holstein.

2014. Oberleutnant Hans HEINDORFF
Heindorff was born on 5 May 1915 in Celle. He was a pilot and observer in
Long Range Reconnaissance Wing des OB of Luftwaffe when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 21 October 1942. Heindorff died on 7 November 2004
on the Island of Amrum, Schleswig-Holstein.

2015. Oberleutnant Iro ILK
Ilk was born on 18 October 1919 in Nassau. He was a pilot in Training Wing
1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 October 1942. Ilk was killed
in action on 25 September 1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery,
Row 5, Grave 227, Nassau, Rhineland-Palatinate. He is credited with ten
victories.

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2016. Oberleutnant Josef PETEANI
Peteani was born on 18 August 1918 in Vienna. He was a pilot in Close
Support Wing 2 when he was killed in action near Stalingrad on 4 September
1942 and has no known grave. Peteani was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21
October 1942.

2017. Oberleutnant Josef PRENTL—‘Sepp’
Prentl was born on 14 October 1916 in Rosenheim. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1940 and the 1st Class in February 1942. Prentl
was a company commander in Flak Regiment 231 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 21 October 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 28 April
1945. He died on 16 July 1994 in Mittenwald, Bavaria.

2018. Oberleutnant Franz SILZNER
Silzner was born on 30 October 1914 in Biel. He was a company commander
in Infantry Regiment 501 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21
October 1942. Silzner died on 3 April 1998 in Baden-Baden, BadenWürttemberg.

2019. SS-Unterscharführer Rudolf SEITZ
Seitz was born on 11 October 1919 in Charlottenthal. He was a gun
commander in SS-Panzerjäger Battalion when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 21 October 1942. Seitz died on 14 November 1994 in Stadlern,
Bavaria.

2020. Leutnant Fritz TADJE
Tadje was a company commander in Assault-Gun Battalion 190 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 October 1942. Tadje died on 26 January
1981 in Bad Münder, Lower Saxony.

2021. Kapitänleutnant Helmut WITTE
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Witte was born on 6 April 1915 in Bojendorf. He served in the Spanish Civil
War before becoming a watch officer on U-107. On 4 October 1941, Witte
commissioned U-159 and sailed her to Lorient. In May 1942, he was in the
waters off Panama, sinking ten ships for 50,354 tons. He was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 22 October 1942.
His next patrol took him to the South Atlantic where he sank eight ships
for 63,730 tons. After being taken ill during his next patrol, he became deputy
to Vizeadmiral Heye in 1943. Witte died on 3 October 2005 and is buried in
Eisenbahnstrasse, Duisburg Friedhof, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2022. SS-Rottenführer Hans HIRNING
Hirning was born on 14 November 1922 in Ulm. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1941 and the 1st Class in July 1942. Hirning was
serving in SS-Infantry Regiment 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
23 October 1942. He was killed in action near Dürnholz, Czechoslovakia, on
30 April 1945 and has no known grave.

2023. Hauptmann Herbert GOMILLE
Gomille was born on 15 August 1813 in Waldmohr. He was commander of II
Battalion, Panzer Regiment 4, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25
October 1942. Gomille died on 18 May 2009 and is buried in Arlesheim
Friedhof, Switzerland.

2024. Hauptmann Arthur RITTNER
Rittner was born on 10 December 1904 in Biensdorf. He was commander of
III Battalion, Infantry Regiment 276, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 25 October 1942. Rittner was posted missing near Iaşi, Romania, during
August 1944.

2025. Leutnant Hans GÜTSCHOW
Gütschow was born on 2 February 1917 in Berlin. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 545 when he was awarded the Knight’s

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Cross on 25 October 1942. Gütschow was killed in action at Stalingrad on 1
February 1943 and has no known grave.

2026. Oberfeldwebel Martin MÜLLER
Müller was born on 15 September 1919 in Rendsburg. He was a platoon
leader in Infantry Regiment 90 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25
October 1942. Müller died on 30 November 1979 and is buried in Ohlsdorf
Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

2027. Oberfeldwebel Gustav STRAUSS
Strauss was born on 30 September 1909 in Crimmitschau. He was a platoon
leader in Infantry Regiment 267 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
25 October 1942. Strauss died on 5 October 1996 and is buried Schlewecke
Friedhof, in Bad Harzburg, Lower Saxony.

2028. Obergefreiter Paul BECKER
Becker was born on 21 March 1918 in Düren. He was a gunner in Motorised
Artillery Regiment 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 October
1942. Becker died on 29 November 1992 in Düren, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2029. Kapitänleutnant Siegfried STRELOW
Strelow was born on 15 April 1911 in Kiel. He served as a torpedo boat
officer before commissioning U-435. His first patrol was to the Arctic where
he sank the 6,421-ton Effingham from convoy PQ13. On 13 April 1942,
Strelow attacked convoy QP10, sinking the 6,000-ton El Occidente and the
5,823-ton Kiev. He sank two more ships in September, on the 20th and 22nd.
The British minesweeper Leda was sunk and two ships hit.
Strelow’s second attack resulted in three ships sunk for 15,832 tons,
making him one of the most successful commanders in northern waters. He
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 October 1942. On 29 December 1942,
U-435 sunk three ships from convoy ONS154 in the North Atlantic. The
7,196-ton William Eustis was torpedoed on 17 March 1943. U-435 was sunk
by aircraft west of Figueira on 9 July 1943; there were no survivors.
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2030. Oberst Hermann BARNBECK
Barnbeck was born on 7 October 1894 in Rösehöfe. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Barnbeck was commander of Infantry Regiment 211 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 29 October 1942. He died of wounds on 25 October
1944 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof, Bückeburg, Lower Saxony.

2031. Oberst Carl BECKER—‘Corle’
Becker was born on 16 January 1895 in Varel. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914), as well as the
Wound Badge in Gold. Becker was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939)
in October 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1940.
He was commander of Infantry Regiment 18 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 29 October 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 14 April
1945. Becker was captured by the Russians in 1945 and not released until
1955. He died on 24 March 1966 in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg.

2032. Major Dietrich von der LANCKEN
Lancken was born on 13 June 1911 in Roschinno. He was commander of III
Battalion, Panzer Regiment 24, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
29 October 1942. Lancken was killed in action on 29 December 1942 and is
believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Krasnodar/Apscheronsk, Russia.

2033. Hauptmann Wilhelm HACHFELD
Hachfeld was born on 2 September 1914 in Dessau. He was a group
commander in Heavy Fighter Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 29 October 1942. Hachfeld was killed in an accident on 2 December 1942
and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Courtyard BIZ, Ossario 3, Panel
14, Bordj-Cedria, Tunisia.

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2034. Leutnant Walter KRUPINSKI—‘Graf Punski’ or ‘The
Graf’
Krupinski was born on 11 November 1920 in Domnau. He shot down his first
enemy aircraft at the start of the invasion of Russia and had downed fifty
aircraft by August 1942. With his tally at fifty-six, he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 29 October 1942. He continued to score heavily and was
awarded the Oak Leaves on 2 March 1944 with 174 victories to his credit.
Transferred to the defence of the Reich Krupinski, but due to the Allied
landing in Normandy, his unit was sent west and he shot down ten aircraft
before being wounded by burns in August. In September, he was sent to fly the
Me 262 jet, one of the first pilots to use it. His last two victories were on 16
and 26 April 1945, bringing his total to 197 in over 1,100 missions. He was
also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold and was shot down four times
himself. Krupinski died on 7 October 2000 in Neunkirchen-Seelscheid, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

2035. Leutnant Rudolf MIETHIG
Miethig was born on 17 October 1921 in Zwickau. He was a squadron leader
in Fighter Wing 52 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 October
1942. Miethig was killed in action near Krymsk, Russia, on 10 June 1943 and
has no known grave. He is credited with 101 victories.

2036. Leutnant Rudolf SCHEFFEL
Scheffel was born on 9 July 1915 in Greiz. He was a squadron leader in Heavy
Fighter Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 October 1942.
Scheffel is credited with shooting down seven enemy aircraft and the
destruction of several tanks on the ground. He died on 18 December 1983 and
is buried in Mönchengladbach Friedhof, Louise-Geury Strasse, North RhineWestphalia.

2037. Leutnant Heinz STRÜNING
Strüning was born on 13 January 1912 in Neviges. He flew ground support
missions in Poland and Norway before being transferred to a night-fighter
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wing. He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in July 1940. Strüning shot
down his first enemy aircraft over England on 23 November 1940 and was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class two days later. By the end of 1941, he had
added another eight to his tally. In September 1942, he brought his score to
fifteen aircraft. Strüning was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 October 1942
with his tally at nineteen.
Strüning had a short time in Sicily until April 1943. He shot down three
Lancaster bombers on 1 June and three more bombers on 1 August 1943
while in defence of the Reich. Strüning was awarded the Oak Leaves on 20
July 1944 with his score at fifty-one. He was killed in action on 24 December
1944 by ten-victory ace R. D. Doleman and D. C. Bunch while attacking a
bomber. His body was found two months later and is buried in the German
War Cemetery, Westonnen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2038. Oberfeldwebel Hermann FLEISCHER
Fleischer was born on 15 August 1915 in Berlin. He was a platoon leader in
Infantry Regiment 517 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29
October 1942. Fleischer was killed in action on 22 December 1944 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 33, Grave 149, Futa Pass, near
Bologna, Italy.

2039. Oberfeldwebel Alfred FRANKE
Franke was born on 20 September 1918 in Jena. He was a pilot in Fighter
Wing 53 when he was killed in action near Stalingrad on 9 September 1942
and has no known grave. Franke was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29
October 1942. He was credited with sixty aerial victories, fifty-six of which
were on the Russian Front.

2040. Oberfeldwebel Alfons KÖSTER
Köster was born on 6 February 1919 in Hüingsen. He was a pilot in Night
Fighter Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 October 1942.
Köster was killed in action on 7 January 1945 and is buried in the German
War Cemetery (Hahnenbusch Friedhof), Block III, Grave 10, Menden, North

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Rhine-Westphalia. He is credited with twenty-six victories, all but one of
which was at night.

2041. Unteroffizier Franz SCHWAIGER
Schwaiger was born on 1 February 1918 in Ulm. He shot down his first enemy
aircraft on 16 August 1941 in Russia, and by the end of the year, he had
added seven more. After a short spell in the Mediterranean area, where he
gained no victories, Schwaiger returned to the Russian front in May 1942. His
tally reached twenty in July, thirty in August, forty in September, and on 29
October 1942, with his score at fifty-three, Schwaiger was awarded the
Knight’s Cross.
In 1943, he was sent for officer training and was commissioned a
Leutnant. Now in the defence of the Reich, Schwaiger shot down eleven
aircraft, bringing his total to sixty-seven, of which four were four-engined
bombers and thirteen Sturmoviks. He was killed in action by a US pilot while
he was climbing out of his aircraft, after crash landing his fighter near Rain
am Lech on 24 April 1944; he has no known grave.

2042. Hauptmann Bernhard FLACHS
Flachs was born on 2 April 1915 in Plauen. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in May 1940. Flachs was
operation officer on the staff of Artillery-Commandant 149 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 October 1942. He was killed in action on 8
December 1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Row 3, Grave 5,
Bedburg-Kaster, North Rhine-Westphalia. Flachs was awarded the Oak Leaves
on 31 January 1944.

2043. Oberleutnant Siegfried WEBER
Weber was born on 16 October 1915 in Neisse. He was commander of III
Battalion, Jäger Regiment 49, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30
October 1942. Weber died on 8 December 1998 and is buried in Kerpen
Friedhof, North Rhine-Westphalia.

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2044. Generalmajor Siegfried THOMASCHKI
Thomaschki was born on 20 March 1894 in Miswalde. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Thomaschki was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) after the
fall of Poland. He was commander of 11th Infantry Division when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 November 1942. The Oak Leaves followed
on 11 September 1943. Thomaschki was captured by the Russians in May
1945 and held until 1955. He died on 31 May 1967 and is buried in
Städtischer Friedhof, Bad Neuenahr, Rhineland-Palatinate.

2045. Oberleutnant Heinrich HOLLENWEGER
Hollenweger was born on 23 October 1918 in Hongjiang, China. He was a
company commander in Panzergrenadier Regiment 108 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 1 November 1942. Hollenweger died of wounds on 4
January 1943 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 12, Row 10,
Grave 679, Kirovohrad, Ukraine.

2046. Oberleutnant Gerhard MÖWS
Möws was born on 7 July 1915 in Krangen. He was a company commander
in Motorcycle Battalion 22 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1
November 1942. Möws died on 16 April 2011 in Meisenheim, RhinelandPalatinate.

2047. Hauptmann Fritz ROOS
Roos was born on 3 March 1915 in Stuttgart. He was commander of II
Battalion, Mountain Jäger Regiment 13, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 2 November 1942. Roos was killed in action near HeerwegenGlogau on 29 January 1945 and has no known grave.

2048. Oberst Willy WINZER
Winzer was born on 10 August 1894 in Teveren. He was commander of
Infantry Regiment 578 when he was killed in action at Stalingrad on 17
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October 1942 and has no known grave. Winzer was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 November 1942.

2049. Major Ernst GÜRKE
Gürke was born in Posen on 23 May 1899. He fought during the First World
War. In the Second World War, Gürke fought in Poland and France as CO of a
flak battery. In Africa, his unit were in the thick of it, fighting with great élan.
His greatest moment came on 27 May 1942 when at Bir Hakeim he had to
fend off heavy attacks by enemy armour. Together with Oberst Alwin Wolz,
they established an anti-tank front that halted the British armour. His
battalion knocked-out forty tanks between 27 and 30 May. For this, he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 November 1942.
Gürke fought on in Africa at El Alamein and El Hamma in Tunisia before
ending the war in Russia. He died at Minsk on 7 May 1946 while a prisoner
of the Russians and has no known grave.

2050. Hauptmann Friedrich-August Graf von BRÜHL
Graf von Brühl was born on 1 May 1913 in Pförten. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Von Brühl was a
company commander in Panzer Regiment 2 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 3 November 1942. He died on 5 November 1981 and is
buried in Parkfriedhof, Werl, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2051. Hauptmann Erich DOMASCHK
Domaschk was born on 19 May 1908 in Lugau. He was commander of II
Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 103, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 November 1942. Domaschk died on 14 February 1975 and is
buried in Hauptfriedhof, Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2052. Hauptmann Hans-Günther KOEHNE
Koehne was born on 4 January 1914 in Ankensen. He was a squadron leader
in Dive Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3

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November 1942. Koehne died on 16 February 1975 in Zweibrücken,
Rhineland-Palatinate.

2053. Oberleutnant Karl BLECKL
Bleckl was born on 26 September 1919 in Vienna. He was squadron leader in
Dive Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3
November 1942. Bleckl died on 26 March 2013 and is believed to be buried in
Neufeld an der Leitha Friedhof, Burgenland, Austria.

2054. Oberleutnant Oskar GENRICH
Genrich was born on 18 September 1919 in Pfeilsdorf. He was a pilot in
Reconnaissance Wing 11 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3
November 1942. Genrich was killed in action on 10 January 1943 and is
buried at Khmelnitsky, Ukraine; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German
war cemetery.

2055. Oberleutnant Hans-Wilhelm KNAAK
Knaak was born on 4 July 1914 in Magdeburg. He was a company
commander in Training Regiment 800 when he was killed in action on 26 June
1941 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Daugavpils, Latvia. Knaak
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 November 1942.

2056. Oberleutnant Ernst-Christian REUSCH
Reusch was born on 10 September 1916 in Wiesbaden. He was a squadron
leader in Dive Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3
November 1942. Reusch died of wounds at Danzig on 26 January 1945 and
has no known grave.

2057. Feldwebel Peter SIEGLER
Siegler was born on 21 August 1920 in Heusenstamm. He was a pilot in
Fighter Wing 54 when he was posted missing over Leningrad on 24 September
1942 and awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 November 1942.
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2058. Feldwebel Günter STEINHAUSEN
Steinhausen was born on 15 September 1917 in Lobkevitz. After pilot
training, he was sent to Africa in early 1941. Steinhausen started slowly, but
during Rommel’s new offensive in January 1942, his score started to rise
steadily. On 25 April, he shot down a Curtiss while only 20 metres from the
ground.
He had double victories on 31 May and 12 June and four on 16 June
1942. He shot down his fortieth enemy aircraft on the morning of 6
September 1942 but was killed in action the same day. Steinhausen is buried in
the German War Cemetery, El Alamein, Egypt. He was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 November 1942.

2059. Unteroffizier Kurt KNAPPE
Knappe was born on 2 June 1918 in Berlin. He was a pilot in Fighter Wing 51
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 November 1942. Knappe shot
down fifty-one enemy aircraft on the Russian Front before being transferred to
the defence of the Reich, where he shot down another five enemy aircraft. He
was killed in action on 3 September 1943 and is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Block 3, Row 32, Grave 997, St-Désir-de-Lisieux, Normandy,
France.

2060. Gefreiter Emil BERNER
Berner was born on 4 December 1921 in Stettin. He was sent to North Africa
in June 1941 as a gunner in a flak battery. In November 1941, after a brief
period on anti-aircraft duty, his battery knocked-out eight enemy tanks at Sidi
Rezegh. For this, he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Berner’s next
action was at Agedabia; once again, several enemy tanks were destroyed by his
battery. The Iron Cross 1st Class was awarded to him on 10 May 1942.
In May 1942, seven British tanks broke through the German lines at El
Alamein; Berner turned his 88-mm gun around and, firing back into the
German position, knocked-out all seven tanks. Berner went home on leave in
October 1942 where he learnt that he had been awarded the Knight’s Cross
for his action at El Alamein; he received the award on 3 November 1942.
Berner stayed with his flak battery throughout the war, and in 1943, he was
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promoted to Unteroffizier. He died on 13 June 2008 and is believed to be
buried in Engen Friedhof, Baden-Württemberg.

2061. Oberst Heinz FURBACH
Furbach was born on 27 September 1895 in Karlshof. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Furbach was commander of Infantry Regiment 58 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 4 November 1942. He died on 23 October 1968 in Munich.

2062. Major Erich LAWALL
Lawall was born on 28 June 1899 in Saarbrücken. He was commander of
Bicycle Battalion 54 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 November
1942. Lawall died on 16 September 1973 and is believed to be buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Saarbrücken, Saarland.

2063. Oberleutnant Kurt KNAACK
Knaack was born on 12 December 1915 in Crossen. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 410 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 5 November 1942. Knaack died of wounds near Lembstu, Estonia,
on 6 April 1944 and has no known grave.

2064. Leutnant Karl HELMER
Helmer was born on 10 September 1912 in Aalen. He was aide-de-camp in II
Battalion, Mountain Jäger Regiment 13, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 5 November 1942. Helmer died on 6 March 1945 at Dorow as a
prisoner of the Russians and has no known grave.

2065. Oberstleutnant Kurt-Hermann Freiherr von
MÜHLEN
Freiherr von Mühlen was born on 22 January 1905 in Ulm. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in July 1940. Von Mühlen

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was commander of Jäger Regiment 75 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 6 November 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 21 September 1944.
He died on 14 January 1972 and is buried in Alter Friedhof, Kressbronn am
Bodensee, Baden-Württemberg.

2066. Korvettenkapitän Hans-Georg POSKE—‘Fritz’
Poske was born in Berlin on 23 October 1904. He commissioned U-504 on 30
July 1941. Off the US coast, he sank the 5,287-ton tanker Republic on 22
February 1941. Next, he sank the 10,277-ton tanker W. D. Anderson followed
by the Dutch 8,245-ton Mamura on 26 February. He also sank the British ship
Manaqui on this patrol. On his next patrol, he sank the small steamer Allister
and two more small ships were torpedoed, one of which was finished off with
gunfire. On 11 June, he sank the 4,846-ton American, which needed three
torpedoes to be destroyed. A Latvian steamer ended this patrol.
His last patrol was to the Indian Ocean where he sank five ships between
17 October and 3 November 1942. Poske was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
6 November 1942. His last post was as chief of the Special Staff of Marine
Infantry. He died on 1 October 1984 and is buried in Niederbachem Friedhof,
Mehlemer Stresse, Wachtberg, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2067. Oberstleutnant Richard SCHMIDT
Schmidt was born on 29 April 1899 in Kolmar. He was commander of
Infantry Regiment 473 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6
November 1942. Schmidt died on 7 November 1977 in Bad Ems, RhinelandPalatinate.

2068. Major Burkhard SCHMIDT
Schmidt was born on 21 September 1901 in Bodenwerder. He was commander
of II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 411, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 6 November 1942. Schmidt was killed in action near Jaswy, Russia,
on 28 February 1943 and has no known grave.

2069. Hauptmann Walter KOPP
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Kopp was born on 4 December 1911 in Augsburg. He was commander of I
Battalion, Mountain Jäger Regiment 99, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 6 November 1942. Kopp died on 14 April 1990 in Veitshöchheim,
Bavaria.

2070. Oberfeldwebel Otto HEINZE
Heinze was born on 22 April 1911 in Guben. He was a platoon leader in
Motorised Pioneer Battalion 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6
November 1942. Heinze died on 29 May 1978 in Würzburg, Bavaria.

2071. Major Josef GRASSMANN
Grassmann was born on 16 July 1907 in Kürn. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 326, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 9 November 1942. Grassmann died on 21 February 1986 in Landau,
Rhineland-Palatinate.

2072. Feldwebel Wilhelm BREDEMEIER
Bredemeier was born on 19 January 1916 in Herford. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in July 1940 and the 1st Class in December 1941.
Bredemeier was a platoon leader in Mountain Jäger Regiment 91 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 November 1942. He died on 4 June 1995 in
Lindenberg, Bavaria.

2073. Unteroffizier Otto KROGMANN
Krogmann was born on 16 March 1909 in Gorlosen. He was a platoon leader
in Infantry Regiment 668 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9
November 1942. Krogmann died on 13 February 1981 in Gorlosen,
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

2074. Obergefreiter Rudi BRASCHE
Brasche was born on 17 August 1917 in Halberstadt. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in July 1940 and the 1st Class in September 1942.
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Brasche, with just a few men, repelled fourteen enemy attacks while vastly
outnumbered in the Caucasus. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
9 November 1942. He was wounded six times during the war. Brasche died on
22 November 1975 in Ziemetshausen, Bavaria.

2075. Oberst Erich ABRAHAM
Abraham was born on 27 March 1895 in Marienburg. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Abraham was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in March and the 1st
Class in June 1940. He was commander of Infantry Regiment 230 when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross 13 November 1942. The Oak Leaves
followed on 26 June 1944. Abraham died on 7 March 1971 and is buried in
Südfriedhof, Feld 2, Grave 10, Wiesbaden, Hesse.

2076. Oberst Friedrich-Wilhelm OTTE
Otte was born on 22 September 1898 in Neurode. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Otte
was commander of Jäger Regiment 207 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 13 November 1942. He was killed in action near Sebastopol,
Crimea, on 8 May 1944 and has no known grave.

2077. Major Rudolf WULF
Wulf was born on 12 December 1905 in Elmshorn. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1941. Wulf was
commander of Infantry Regiment 422 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 13 November 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 19 August 1944.
He surrendered to the British on 9 May 1945 as commander of 319th Infantry
Division on the island of Guernsey. Wulf died on 14 November 1972 in
Breitbrunn, Bavaria.

2078. Hauptmann Wilhelm ANTRUP
Antrup was born on 1 February 1910 in Leeden. He was a squadron leader in
Bomber Wing 55 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 November
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1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 18 November 1944. He died on 14
November 1984 and is buried in St Georg Friedhof, Neubiberg, Munich.

2079. Hauptmann Eberhard WOLFRAM
Wolfram was born on 27 February 1913 in Düsseldorf. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 82 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 13 November 1942. Wolfram died on 28 December 1992 and is buried in
Waldfriedhof, Grünwald, Bavaria.

2080. Oberleutnant Kurt BAHNS
Bahns was born on 24 January 1916 in Hagen. He was a company
commander in Infantry Regiment 216 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 13 November 1942. Bahns was posted missing near Stargard on 18
February 1945.

2081. Oberleutnant Wilhelm DURCHDENWALD
Durchdenwald was born on 27 June 1914 in Amrichshausen. He was
commander of II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 544, when he was killed in
action on 17 August 1942 and is believed to be buried in the German War
Cemetery (as unknown), Rossoschka, Volgograd, Russia. Durchdenwald was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 November 1942.

2082. Oberleutnant Albert KOLLER
Koller was born on 18 June 1917 in Kleinreifling, Austria-Hungary. He was a
squadron leader in Bomber Wing 55 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 13 November 1942. Koller died on 3 August 2004 in Köttmannsdorf,
Austria.

2083. Leutnant Theodor WEISSENBERGER
Weissenberger was born on 21 December 1914 in Mühlheim. At the start of
the war, he was an instructor, but he was posted to Norway and shot down his
first enemy aircraft in October 1941. Weissenberger was awarded the Iron
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Cross 2nd Class in November 1941 and the 1st Class in February 1942. He
was a pilot in Fighter Wing 5 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13
November 1942. He shot down his 104th enemy aircraft in July 1943 and was
awarded the Oak Leaves on 2 August 1943. With 175 victories in over 350
missions on the Arctic Front, his unit was transferred to the West in June
1944.
In twenty-six sorties, Weissenberger shot down twenty-five aircraft over
the invasion front, including five P-47s on 7 June, two more on 9 June, and
another three on 12 June. On 19 July, he brought down three Typhoons and a
P-51, and on 25 July, he shot down two Spitfires. Retrained for the Me 262 jet
fighter, he shot down seven B-17 bombers and a P-51. Weissenberger ended
the war with 208 victories. He was recommended for the Swords, but they
were not awarded. Weissenberger was killed in a car crash on the Nürburgring
on 11 June 1950 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof, Mühlheim, North RhineWestphalia.

2084. Feldwebel Helmut VÖLKEL
Völkel was born on 17 June 1914 in Waldenburg. He was a platoon leader in
Mountain Regiment 91 when he died of wounds near Sančaro, Russia, on 26
October 1942 and has no known grave. Völkel was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 13 November 1942.

2085. Unteroffizier Heinrich BARTELS
Bartels was born on 13 July 1918 in Linz, Austria-Hungary. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in June 1941. Bartels
shot down his first two enemy aircraft (both Spitfires) on 19 August 1941.
Moved to the Arctic front, he shot down forty-seven Russian aircraft, twentyone of which were during September 1942. He was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 13 November 1942.
Bartels served in the Balkans and in the defence of the Reich. On 23
December 1944, he was shot down and killed. His body was found in 1968,
still inside his fighter; Bartels is buried in the German War Cemetery, Grave
500, Wachtberglifte-Villip, near Bonn. Bartels is credited with ninety-nine
victories. His score includes nine Spitfires, nine P-47s, eleven P-51s, and

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fourteen P-38s. He was recommended for the Oak Leaves, but they were not
awarded.

2086. Unteroffizier Oskar CIPA
Cipa was a born on 7 February 1912 in Ackerfelde. He was platoon leader in
Infantry Regiment 305 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13
November 1942. Cipa died on 13 January 1987 in Waldshut, BadenWürttemberg.

2087. Gefreiter Harry MIRAU
Mirau was born on 17 April 1920 in Berlin. He was a gunner in Panzer Jäger
Battalion 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 November 1942.
Mirau was posted missing on 17 January 1943 near Stalingrad and may have
died as a POW.

2088. Hauptmann Karl JANKE
Janke was born on 7 February 1912 in Sparsee. He was a squadron leader in
Dive Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16
November 1942. Janke died on 22 December 1981 in Hamburg.

2089. Hauptmann Horst KAUBISCH
Kaubisch was born on 3 December 1915 in Freital. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in August 1941. Kaubisch was a
group commander in Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 16 November 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 24 June
1944. He was killed in action near Lebus on 12 February 1945 and has no
known grave.

2090. Hauptmann Richard TAUBERT
Taubert was born on 29 July 1911 in Eger, Austria-Hungary. He was a
squadron leader in Reconnaissance Group 122 when he was awarded the

319

Knight’s Cross on 16 November 1942. Taubert died on 24 June 1959 in
Munich.

2091. Oberleutnant Kurt MAIER
Maier was born on 21 January 1911 in Mannheim. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 November 1942. The
Oak Leaves followed on 6 December 1944. Maier died in a car crash on 11
February 1952 and is believed to be buried in Hauptfriedhof, Heilbronn,
Baden-Württemberg.

2092. Oberleutnant Max WIPPERMANN
Wippermann was born on 10 March 1921 in Heidelberg. He was a platoon
leader in Motorised Flak Regiment 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 16 November 1942. Wippermann was killed in action on 24 April 1945
and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 3, Grave 824, Costermano,
Italy.

2093. Oberleutnant Bernhard WUTKA
Wutka was born on 12 March 1916 in Dittersbach. He was a squadron leader
in Dive Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16
November 1942. Wutka was killed in action at Werchnopenje, Russia, on 8
July 1943 and has no known grave.

2094. Oberfeldwebel Karl LIPP
Lipp was born on 4 November 1918 in Emersacker. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 55 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 November 1942.
Lipp was killed in action near Stalingrad on 19 November 1942 and has no
known grave.

2095. Wachtmeister Fritz PETERSEN
Petersen was born on 29 November 1909 in Münster. He was a company
commander in Motorised Flak Regiment 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s
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Cross on 16 November 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 26 March 1944.
Petersen died on 1 September 1946 in St Mauritz, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2096. Obergefreiter Wilhelm STELLMANN
Stellmann was born on 18 October 1913 in Varel. He was a gunner in Reserve
Flak Regiment 115 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 November
1942. Stellmann died on 20 February 1946 as a prisoner of the Russians and
has no known grave.

2097. Hauptmann Heinrich HAUPTMANN
Hauptmann was born on 14 June 1913 in Darnowo-Racot. He was
commander of III Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 115, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 November 1942. Hauptmann died on 4
August 1996 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 3, Grave 824,
Costermano, Italy.

2098. Generalmajor Hans GOLLNICK
Gollnick was born on 22 May 1892 in Gut Gursen. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Gollnick was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) after the fall of
Poland. He was commander of 36th Motorised Infantry Division when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 November 1942. The Oak Leaves followed
on 24 August 1943. Gollnick was recommended for the Swords, but they were
not awarded. He died on 15 February 1970 in Hamburg.

2099. Oberstleutnant Otto BÜSING
Büsing was born on 22 August 1896 in Kiel. He fought in the First World War
and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Büsing was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) after the fall of Poland and the 1st
Class after the fall of France. He was commander of Panzer Regiment 39 when
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 November 1942. Büsing was killed
in action on 8 March 1944 and is believed to be buried in the German War
Cemetery (as unknown), Kirovohrad, Ukraine.
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2100. Oberstleutnant Vollrath von HELLERMANN
Von Hellermann was born on 18 May 1900 in Ratzeburg. He was commander
of Panzergrenadier Regiment 21 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
21 November 1942. Von Hellmann died on 25 August 1971 in Munich.

2101. Oberstleutnant Ludwig KOHLHAAS
Kohlhaas was born on 13 January 1905 in St Petersburg, Russia. He was
commander of III Battalion, Fusilier Regiment ‘GD’, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 21 November 1942. Kohlhaas was killed in action on 30
November 1942 and is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Rzhev, Russia.

2102. General de Brigadă Ioan DUMITRACHE (Romanian
Army)
Dumitrache was born on 7 August 1889 in Ciorãşti, Romania. He was
commander of 2nd Romanian Mountain Division when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 21 November 1942. He died on 6 March 1977 and is
buried in Cimitirul Municipal, Brasov, Romania.

2103. Hauptmann Anton WINDBIEL
Windbiel was born on 16 August 1910 in Heidelberg. He was commander of
III Battalion, Jäger Regiment 56, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
21 November 1942. Windbiel died on 21 June 1986 and is believed to be
buried in Beiertheim Friedhof, Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg.

2104. Oberleutnant Walter STRACKE
Stracke was born on 19 May 1914 in Schwelm. He was a company
commander in Motorcycle Battalion 53 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 21 November 1942. Stracke died on 31 October 1989 in
Hensbünde, Lower Saxony.

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2105. Leutnant Christoph DUNCKER
Duncker was born on 10 December 1914 in Heilbronn. He was a company
commander in Pioneer Battalion 158 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 21 November 1942. Duncker died on 7 June 1998 and is buried in
Bergfriedhof, Galgenbergstrasse, Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg.

2106. Major Franz KUSATZ
Kusatz was born on 11 September 1909 in Mödling, Austria-Hungary. He was
commander of Night Reconnaissance Squadron 1 when he was killed in action
on 25 October 1942 and is believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery
(Rakowicki Cemetery) (as unknown), Krakow, Poland. Kusatz was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 25 November 1942.

2107. Hauptmann Heinz FISCHER
Fischer a born on 22 May 1917 in Berlin. He was squadron leader in Dive
Bomber Wing 1 when he was killed in action at Sterizi, Russia, on 26 October
1942 and has no known grave. Fischer was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25
November 1942.

2108. Hauptmann Ludwig GRÖZINGER
Grözinger was born on 6 July 1914 in Stuttgart. He was a squadron leader in
Bomber Wing 53 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 November
1942. Grözinger died from polio on 15 February 1945 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery (New Cemetery), Grave 18, Werder/Havel,
Brandenburg.

2109. Leutnant Günter von FALKENHAYN
Falkenhayn was born on 16 September 1920 in Zeitz. He was a company
commander in Jäger Regiment 75 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
25 November 1942. Falkenhayn was killed in action near Dvorishche, Russia,
on 3 January 1944 and has no known grave.

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2110. Leutnant Hans-Joachim HEYER
Heyer was born on 20 April 1922 in Rehungen. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in November 1941. Heyer was a
pilot in Fighter Wing 54 when he was killed in action near Leningrad on 9
November 1942 and has no known grave. Heyer was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 25 November 1942. He is credited with fifty-three victories.

2111. Oberfeldwebel Adolf KRAUS
Kraus was born on 26 December 1916 in Rödelmaier. He was a pilot in
Fighter Wing 1 when he was killed in action on 30 September 1942 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 5 (as unknown), Sologubowka,
Russia. Kraus was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 November 1942.

2112. Oberfeldwebel Hans PETERBURS
Peterburs was born on 9 October 1912 in Herne. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September and the 1st Class in November 1940. Peterburs
was a pilot in Heavy Fighter Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 25 November 1942. He was killed in action near Salerno, Italy, on 11
January 1944 and has no known grave. Peterburs is credited with eleven
victories.

2113. Kapitänleutnant Carl EMMERMANN
Emmermann was born in Hamburg on 6 March 1915. He joined the navy in
1934 and the U-boat service in 1939. He commissioned U-172 on 5
November 1941, but it was not until May 1942 that he sunk his first ship, a
9,000-ton tanker. A long line of sinkings followed, including two sailing ships
sunk by gunfire. When U-172 returned to port, it was flying ten sinking
pennants. On Emmermann’s next patrol, he sunk two ships in the Atlantic on
his way to the Indian Ocean. On 7 October 1942, he scored his first success in
his new area of operations, followed by another just four hours later when he
torpedoed a steamer. A third ship went to the bottom the next day. The British
23,456-ton steamer Orcades was sunk on 10 October, bringing his total for

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this patrol to 48,000 tons. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27
November 1942.
In March 1943, he rejoined the Atlantic war, sinking five ships in one
patrol. During June and July, he sent another four ships to the bottom, before
being forced to return to base. The Oak Leaves were awarded to him on 4 July
1943. His final rank was Kapitänleutnant. He sank twenty-seven ships (a total
of 152,904 tons), making him one of the most successful U-boat commanders
of the war. He died on 25 March 1990 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof, Celle,
Lower Saxony.

2114. Kapitänleutnant Günther MÜLLER-STÖCKHEIM
Müller-Stöckheim was born on 17 December 1913 in Klein-Stöckheim. As
commander of U-67, he scored his first success on 24 September 1941 when
he sank the British steamer St Clair. In February 1942, he sunk a steamer, and
on the 21st, he sunk the US tanker J. N. Pew, which was followed on 14
March by another tanker, the 8,436-ton Penelope. In June and July, he sunk
six ships, including four tankers, two of which were in excess of 8,000 tons.
On 25 October 1942, he sunk the Norwegian Primero. November was a
good month: he sunk one on the 8th and torpedoed another on the 9th; the
King Arthur was sent to the bottom on the 15th, and the Norwegian Tortugas
was destroyed on the 18th; and he ended the month by shelling the Empire
Glade on the 28th. Müller-Stöckheim was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27
November 1942. He was killed in action in the Sargasso Sea on 16 July 1943
when U-67 was attacked and sunk by aircraft from the carrier Core; only
three men survived.

2115. Leutnant Karl FITZNER
Fitzner was born on 4 July 1915 in Düsseldorf. He was a squadron leader in
Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27
November 1942. Fitzner was killed in action on 8 July 1943 and is buried at
Syrtsewo, Russia; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.

2116. Stabsfeldwebel Georg JAUERNIK

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Jauernik was born on 23 November 1915 in Leisnitz. He was a pilot in Dive
Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 November
1942. Jauernik died in an accident on 8 February 1945 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery (as unknown), Posen, Poland.

2117. Oberst Louis TRONNIER
Tronnier was born on 21 November 1897 in Braunschweig. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Tronnier was commander of Grenadier Regiment 70 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 28 November 1942.
He was captured by the Russians in August 1944 and died as a prisoner on
27 January 1952. Tronnier is buried in the German War Cemetery, Row 1,
Grave 3, Cherntsy, Russia.

2118. Gefreiter Rudolf BITTNER
Bittner was born on 18 December 1921 in Sachsenhausen. He was a gunner in
Panzer Jäger Battalion 561 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28
November 1942. Bittner was posted missing near Kreuzburg on 21 January
1945.

2119. Oberst Siegfried WESTPHAL
Westphal was born in Leipzig on 18 March 1902. He spent almost the entire
war on the staff in various roles, including the Africa Corps, under Kesselring
and the Italian High Command. He was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd
Class in May 1940. Westphal was twice recommended for the Knight’s Cross
and it was finally awarded on 29 November 1942. He died on 2 July 1982
and is believed to be buried in Stadtfriedhof, Celle, Lower Saxony.

2120. Major Bernhard SAUVANT
Sauvant was born on 25 March 1910 in Kutten. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September and the 1st Class in October 1939. Sauvant was
commander of I Battalion, Panzer Regiment 36, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 30 November 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 28 July
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1943. He died on 15 April 1967 and is believed to be buried in Alter Friedhof,
Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg.

2121. Feldwebel Friedrich BANACH
Banach was born on 2 January 1916 in Gelsenkirchen. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in November 1939 and the 1st Class in September 1940.
Banach was a platoon leader in Panzer Regiment 36 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 30 November 1942. He was killed in action on 13 March
1943 and he was buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Kharkov, Ukraine.

2122. Oberst Albrecht WÜSTENHAGEN
Wüstenhagen was born on 19 October 1892 in Klostermansfeld. He was
commander of Artillery Regiment 129 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 2 December 1942. Wüstenhagen was killed in action near
Kochanova, Russia, on 26 April 1944 and has no known grave.

2123. Kapitänleutnant Wilhelm DOMMES
Dommes was born in Buchberg on 16 April 1907. He commissioned his first
boat, U-431, on 5 April 1941 and joined the battle of the Atlantic in October.
He was among the first group of U-boats to go into the Mediterranean Sea,
where he scored his first success in December 1941. Dommes took over U-178
from Kapitän zur See Ibbecken and sailed into the Indian Ocean. During his
patrol, he sunk seven ships totalling 37,730 tons. He was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 2 December 1942.
He took his boat to Penang support base, where U-boats were repaired
and provisioned. Dommes took command as chief in the Southern Area and
was subsequently able to direct operations. Many of the successful U-boat
crews in the Far Eastern waters owed their survival to him. In this climate,
thousands of miles from home, it was vital that the crews be kept together.
Dommes had a rest home built in the mountains, where crews waiting for their
boats to be repaired could escape the atmosphere of the harbour. He died on
23 January 1990 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof, Stöckener Strasse 68, Stöcken,
Lower Saxony.
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2124. Leutnant Siegfried GERKE
Gerke was born on 30 April 1907 in Osnabrück. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Pioneer Battalion 16 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2
December 1942. Gerke died on 9 October 1998 and is believed to be buried in
Parkfriedhof, Bad Iburg, Lower Saxony.

2125. Korvettenkapitän Waldemar HOLST
Holst was born on 14 September 1907 in Hanover. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in November 1940. Holst
was commander of R-Boat Flotilla 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 3 December 1942. He died on 17 May 1975 and is buried in Ohlsdorf
Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

2126. Korvettenkapitän Friedrich WUNDERLICH
Wunderlich was born on 13 August 1891 in Bückeburg. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Wunderlich was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in April and the 1st
Class in May 1940. He was commander of U-Jagd-Flotilla 14 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 December 1942. Wunderlich died on 27
March 1977 in Munich.

2127. Maior Gheorghe RĂSCĂNESCU (Romanian Army)
Răscănescu was born on 26 January 1900 in Crãcãoani, Romania. He was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class in 1942. Răscănescu was
commander of I Battalion, Romanian Infantry Regiment 15, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 December 1942. He was sentenced to ten
years for ‘trying to overthrow the political order’, but he was released in 1962.
Răscănescu died in 1967.

2128. Leutnant Friedrich-Wilhelm von EINEM (born von
ROTHMALER)

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Von Einem was born on 19 March 1919 in Hamburg. He was a forward
observer in Artillery Regiment 230 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 4 December 1942. Von Einem died on 2 October 1996 in Lich, Hesse.

2129. Oberfeldwebel Peter ARENT
Arent joined the parachute arm in 1938 and was assigned to Assault Battalion
Koch in time for the attack on ‘Fortress Holland’ in May 1940. He landed on
Fort Eben-Emael and eliminated two of the fort’s cupolas, for which he was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class. Arent fought in Crete and was
recommended for the Knight’s Cross, but he did not receive it.
Now in Fallschirmjäger Regiment 5, he was part of the first wave into
Tunisia in November 1942. Arent was tasked with making contact with two
cut off companies from a Luftwaffe unit surrounded in Teboura, and after
this, he was to form a blocking line on the Medjez el Bab–Mateur road. His
men drove back an attack from the 11th Infantry Brigade. Relieved on 2
December and moved to Hill 154, the next day, his platoon came under
artillery fire and enemy attack. Arent was struck in the head by a bullet and
killed; he has no known grave. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4
December 1942. Arent was deselected for the award by historian WaltherPeter Fellgiebel without reason.

2130. Feldwebel Erich NÜRNBERGER
Nürnberger was born on 22 September 1919 in Schönfelde. He was a platoon
leader in Infantry Regiment 410 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4
December 1942. Nürnberger was killed in action near Gorodenko, Russia, on
14 March 1944 and has no known grave.

2131. Oberst Hans BRENDEL
Brendel was born on 8 February 1887 in Kempten. He was commander of
Infantry Regiment 689 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7
December 1942. Brendel committed suicide on 3 May 1945 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery (Waldfriedhof), Traunstein, Bavaria.

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2132. Kapitän zur See Rolf JOHANNESSON
Johannesson was born on 22 July 1900 in Berlin. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). Johannesson also took
part in the Spanish Civil War. He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class
(1939) in November and the 1st Class in December 1939. Johannesson was
commander of destroyer Z-15 Erich Steinbrinck when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 7 December 1942. He died on 6 December 1989 in
Hamburg.

2133. Leutnant Karl-Friedrich WITTHOLZ
Wittholz was born on 26 February 1920 in Mirow. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Regiment 36 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 December
1942. Wittholz died from spotted fever on 31 July 1949 while a prisoner of
the Russians and has no known grave.

2134. Major Wolfgang EWALD
Ewald was born on 26 March 1911 in Hamburg. He fought in the Spanish
Civil War and shot down one aircraft. Ewald also shot down one enemy
aircraft during the Battle of Britain. In Russia, he shot down seventy-six
enemy aircraft and was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 December 1942 as a
group commander in Fighter Wing 3. Ewald was shot down by flak in July
1943 and taken prisoner. He was released in 1949. Ewald died on 24 February
1995 and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Leonberg, Baden-Württemberg.

2135. Major Willy LANGKEIT
Langkeit was born on 2 June 1907 in Schuchten. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in November 1939 and the 1st Class in August 1940.
Langkeit was commander of I Battalion, Panzer Regiment 36, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 December 1942. The Oak Leaves followed
on 7 December 1943. He died on 27 October 1969 and is buried in
Stadtfriedhof, Feld 15, Row 3, Grave 3, Bad Bramstedt, Schleswig-Holstein.

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2136. Hauptmann Erich PUTZKA
Putzka was born on 31 August 1912 in Osterode. He was a squadron leader
in Reconnaissance Group 121 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9
December 1942. Putzka was posted missing over Liège, Belgium, on 23
December 1944.

2137. Hauptmann Erich SELLE
Selle was born on 28 August 1907 in Wismar. He was a company commander
in Infantry Regiment 410 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9
December 1942. Selle was killed in action on 1 February 1945 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Saldus, Latvia.

2138. Oberleutnant Dieter OSTER
Oster was born on 15 January 1918 in Dresden. He was a company
commander in Motorised Flak Regiment 8 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 9 December 1942. Oster died on 6 December 2015.

2139. Oberleutnant Hans SEHRINGER
Sehringer was born on 21 March 1913 in Freilburg im Breisgau. He was a
pilot in Reconnaissance Group 123 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 9 December 1942. Sehringer died on 8 April 1985 in Müllheim, BadenWürttemberg.

2140. Leutnant Jürgen BROCKE
Brocke was born on 4 February 1922 in Bad Harzburg. He was a pilot in
Fighter Wing 77 when he was killed in action over Voronezh, Russia, on 15
September 1942 and has no known grave. Brocke was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 9 December 1942. He shot down forty-two enemy aircraft.

2141. Leutnant Werner LAU

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Lau was born on 12 July 1908 in Altona. He was a platoon leader in Training
Regiment 800 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 December 1942.
Lau died on 26 May 1980 and is believed to be buried in Öjendorf Friedhof,
Manshardstrasse, Hamburg.

2142. Oberfeldwebel Engelbert HEINER
Heiner was born on 5 June 1914 in Krefeld. He was pilot in Bomber Wing 27
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 December 1942. He was killed
in action over Gelnhausen on 18 March 1945 and has no known grave.
Heiner is credited with fifteen aerial victories—all at night.

2143. Feldwebel Eduard LINDINGER
Lindinger was born on 17 January 1915 in Sattlern. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 December 1942.
Lindinger died on 1 September 2004 in Arnstorf, Bavaria.

2144. Oberstleutnant Ernst KAETHER
Kaether was born on 25 September 1903 in Aachen. He was commander of
Infantry Regiment 14 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10
December 1942. Kaether died on 11 August 1999 and is believed to be buried
in Ortfriedhof, Puchheim, Munich.

2145. Hauptmann Hans ERDMANN
Erdmann was born on 25 December 1916 in Weisswasser. He was commander
of I Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 3, when he was killed in action on 7
December 1942 and is buried in the German War Cemetery,
Krasnodar/Apscheronsk, Russia. Erdmann was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
10 December 1942.

2146. Hauptmann Hermann HEHMEYER
Hehmeyer was born on 12 October 1909 in Osnabrück. He was commander
of III Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 216, when he was awarded the Knight’s
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Cross on 10 December 1942. Hehmeyer died on 29 January 1998 in
Kirchlengern, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2147. Hauptmann Wilhelm KOHLER
Kohler was born on 26 January 1917 in Tübingen. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st and 2nd Class in July 1941. Kohler was commander of a
Kampfgruppe from Infantry Regiment 195 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 10 December 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 4 October 1944.
He was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. Kohler died on 30 September
2002 in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg.

2148. Oberleutnant Gerold OVERHOFF
Overhoff was born on 27 November 1914 in Dessau. He was a company
commander in Motorised Grenadier Regiment 11 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 10 December 1942. Overhoff died on 18 June 2001 in
Wedemark, Lower Saxony.

2149. Unteroffizier Hans KLEMM
Klemm was born on 27 September 1916 in Stolp. He was a section leader in
Motorised Infantry Regiment ‘GD’ when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 10 December 1942. Klemm died on 9 December 1996 in Bad Godesberg,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

2150. Generalleutnant Paul VÖLCKERS
Völckers was born on 15 March 1891 in Kiel. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Völckers was
commander of 78th Infantry Divison when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 11 December 1942. He was captured by the Russians in 1944 and died as
POW near Michailovo on 25 January 1946; Völckers has no known grave.

2151. Major Friedrich KIMMICH

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Kimmich was born on 13 July 1890 in Oberesslingen. He was commander of
II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 554, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 11 December 1942. Kimmich died on 20 October 1962 and is buried
in Uff Kirchhof, Stuttgart-Bad Cannstadt, Baden-Württemberg.

2152. Hauptmann Josef-August FITZ
Fitz was born on 9 January 1910 in Lustenau, Austria-Hungary. He was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in
October 1942. Fitz was commander of I Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment
74, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 11 December 1942. The Oak
Leaves followed on 24 June 1944. He was also awarded the Wound Badge in
Gold. Fitz died on 1 January 1977 in Innsbruck-Arzl, Austria.

2153. Wachtmeister Fritz AMLING
Amling was born on 16 January 1916 in Preussisch. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class on 26 January and the 1st Class on 7 December 1942.
Amling was a platoon leader in Assault-Gun Battalion 202 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 11 December 1942. He is credited with
destroying over forty tanks and armoured vehicles. Amling died on 6 March
1994 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate.

2154. Hauptmann Heinrich ROSSBACH
Rossbach was born on 14 July 1896 in Altona. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 89, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 12 December 1942. Rossbach died on 6 December 1961 in Döbbersen,
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

2155. Oberleutnant Horst WARSCHNAUER
Warschnauer was born on 28 December 1919 in Breslau. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in July 1941.
Warschnauer was a company commander in Motorised Pioneer Battalion ‘GD’
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 December 1942. The Oak

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Leaves followed on 24 February 1945. He died on 26 December 1948 and is
believed to be buried in Zentralfriedhof, Münster.

2156. Hauptmann Rudolf WERMTER
Wermter was born on 18 October 1913 in Konitz. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 415, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 13 December 1942. Wermter was killed in action on 1 September 1944 and
is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 18, Row 22, Grave 703,
Dagneux, near Lyon, France.

2157. Leutnant Siegfried FEHRE
Fehre was born on 5 June 1917 in Memel. He was a forward observer in
Artillery Regiment 126 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13
December 1942. Fehre was killed in action near Leningrad, Russia, on 23
January 1944 and has no known grave.

2158. Oberst Walter FRIES
Fries was born on 22 April 1894 in Gustenhain. He fought in the First World
War. In 1939 and 1940, he fought in Poland and France. Fries also took part
in the invasion of Russia and was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 December
1942.
He served as head of instruction at Dresden Infantry School until March
1943 when he took over command of 29th Panzergrenadier Regiment. The
unit fought in Sicily and Italy, for which he was awarded the Oak Leaves on
29 January 1944. The Swords followed on 11 August 1944. In December
1944, Fries was promoted to General and ended the war as commander of
XXXVI Panzer Corps. He died on 6 August 1982 in Weilburg, Hesse.

2159. Feldwebel Walter GARZ
Garz was born on 6 January 1920 in Salzwedel. He was a platoon leader in
Panzergrenadier Regiment 74 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16
December 1942. Garz died on 24 September 1979 and is believed to be buried
in Zentralfriedhof, Lüneburg, Lower Saxony.
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2160. Oberst Wilhelm ADAM
Adam was born on 28 March 1893 in Eichen. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Adam was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in May 1940 and the 1st Class in
October 1941. He was adjutant in the VI Army when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 17 December 1942. Adam was taken prisoner after the fall
of Stalingrad in January 1943, he was released in 1948. Adam died on 24
November 1978 and is buried in Heide Friedhof, Dresden.

2161. Oberst Richard LEPPER
Lepper was born on 15 July 1897 in Potsdam. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Lepper was
Artillery Commander 6 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17
December 1942. He was taken prisoner after the fall of Stalingrad and died on
30 April 1943; Lepper is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Rossoshka, Russia.

2162. Oberstleutnant Fritz KRAEMER
Kraemer was born on 12 December 1900 in Stettin. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in May 1940. Kraemer
was operations officer in 13th Panzer Divison when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 17 December 1942. Sepp Dietrich selected Kraemer as chiefof-staff of the I SS-Panzer Corps and he was formally admitted into the
Waffen-SS on 1 August 1944.
From 13 November 1944, he served as chief-of-staff with the VI Panzer
Army, a post he held until the end of the war. After the war, he was tried and
sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment for involvement in the Malmedy
Massacre. Kraemer died on 23 June 1959 and is believed to be buried in
Westfriedhof, Lütmarsen, near Höxter, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2163. Oberstleutnant Walter REISSINGER
Reissinger was born on 12 July 1905 in Neustadt. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 215 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17
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December 1942. Reissinger died on 18 September 1986 and is buried in
Stadtfriedhof, Bayreuth, Bavaria.

2164. Major Karl LORENZ
Lorenz was born on 24 January 1904 in Hanau. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1940. Lorenz
was commander of Pioneer Battalion ‘GD’ when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 17 December 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 12 February 1944.
He died on 3 October 1964 and is buried in Burgfriedhof, Bad Godesberg,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

2165. Major Eberhard POHL
Pohl was born on 23 November 1908 in Sagan. He was commander of I
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 134, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
17 December 1942. Pohl died on 16 April 1997 in Ottobrunn, Munich.

2166. General de Divizie Nicolae TĂTĂRANU (Romanian
Army)
Tătăranu was born on 3 October 1890 in Măicăneşti, Romania. He was
commander of 20th Romanian Infantry Division when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 17 December 1942. He died on 13 May 1953 and is buried
in Bellu Cemetery, Bucharest, Romania.

2167. Kapitänleutnant Hans WITT
Witt was born on 25 December 1909 in Bautzen. Witt assumed command of
U-129, and on 10 June 1942, he sank the 4,362-ton L. A. Christensen
followed by the 9,000-ton Hardwicke Grange. By the end of this patrol, he
had sunk nine ships. On his next patrol during October and November 1942,
he attacked convoy TAG16; firing all his torpedoes, he sank the 7,000-ton
tanker Meton and the 9,595-ton Astrell. With no torpedoes left, he headed for
home. Witt was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 December 1942. On his

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third patrol during March and April 1943, he sank the 12,806-ton Melbourne
Star, and on 5 May, he sent the 7,277-ton tanker Panama to the bottom.
After this patrol, he handed U-129 over to Harpe and joined the OKM
staff. On 29 January 1945, he commissioned U-3524, which he scuttled on 5
May. Witt died on 13 February 1980 and is believed to be buried in Ohlsdorf
Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

2168. Hauptmann Joachim BARTH
Barth was born on 20 April 1913 in Meissen. He was commander of Panzer
Jäger Battalion 13 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 December
1942. Barth died on 1 February 2002 in Bad Arolsen, Hesse.

2169. Hauptmann Hennecke VOLCKENS
Volckens was born on 16 August 1916 in Hamburg. He was a company
commander in Panzer Regiment 6 when he died of wounds on 16 December
1942 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Krasnodar/Apscheronsk,
Russia. Volckens was awarded the Knight’s Cross the next day.

2170. Oberleutnant Werner HENKE
Henke was born on 13 May 1908 in Rudak. He joined the Reichsmarine in
1933, serving aboard U-124 before taking command of U-515 on 21 February
1942. On his first patrol, he sank the 10,013-ton Panamanian tanker Stanvac,
followed by nine more ships. In November, he sank the 10,850-ton depot ship
Hecla, needing nine torpedoes to destroy her. On 6 December, he sighted the
18,713-ton steamer Ceramic and, with five torpedoes, sent her to the bottom.
He ended his third patrol with ten ships destroyed, with four more sunk on his
next. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 December 1942, and the Oak
Leaves on 4 July 1943.
On 9 April 1944, U-515 was attacked by destroyers and aircraft from the
carrier Guadalcanal, sinking her; of the sixty men onboard, forty-four,
including Henke, were saved. He was taken to the interrogation camp Fort
George F. Meade. While there, he falsely believed the British wanted to try him
as a war criminal, and knowing this, the Americans threatened to turn him
over if he did not cooperate with them. On 15 June 1944, Henke was shot and
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killed while trying to escape. He is buried in Fort George G. Meade Cemetery,
Maryland, USA. He destroyed a total 155,714 tons of ships.

2171. Oberleutnant Gerhard TÜRKE (or TRÜKE)
Trüke was born on 1 May 1914 in Heinersdorf. He was a company
commander in Motorised Infantry Regiment 29 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 17 December 1942. Trüke died on 21 November 1991 and
is buried in Südfriedhof, Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2172. Oberfeldwebel Bruno KOHNZ
Kohnz was born on 6 October 1914 in Ochtendung. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in November 1939 and the 1st Class in November 1941.
Kohnz was a platoon leader in Jäger Regiment 207 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross 17 December 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 6 March
1943. He was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. Kohnz was killed in
action near Leobschütz, Upper Silesia, on 4 April 1945 and has no known
grave.

2173. Oberfeldwebel Heinz PAETOW
Paetow was born on 26 July 1914 in Berlin. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 132 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17
December 1942. Paetow died on 26 September 1996 in Potsdam,
Brandenburg.

2174. Feldwebel Rudolf KÖNIG
König was born on 11 June 1915 in Trier. He was a platoon leader in
Panzergrenadier Regiment 74 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17
December 1942. König died on 6 May 1985 in Freiheit, Lower Saxony.

2175. Feldwebel Georg (or Johann Georg) SCHÄFER
Schäfer was born on 1 August 1914 in Berfa. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Regiment 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 December
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1942. Schäfer died of wounds at Nagybajom, Hungary, on 13 October 1944
and has no known grave, but some references say he died of wounds in Vienna
on 18 January 1945.

2176. Generalmajor Alexander Edler von DANIELS
Von Daniels was born on 17 March 1891 in Trier. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Von
Daniels was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in October 1939 and
the 1st Class in June 1940. He was commander of 376th Infantry Division
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 December 1942. He was taken
prisoner after the fall of Stalingrad. Von Daniels died on 6 January 1960 in
Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2177. Colonel Radu KORNE (Romanian Army)
Korne was born on 23 December 1895 in Bucharest, Romania. He was
commander of the Romanian 8th Cavalry Division when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 18 December 1942. Korne died in prison on 28 April 1949
and is buried in Eternitatea Cemetery, Strada Eternitate, Iaşi, Romania.

2178. Oberst Alexander VIAL
Vial was born on 7 September 1897 in Homberg. He was commander of
Motorised Grenadier Regiment 60 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 18 December 1942. Vial died on 18 October 1953 and is buried in
Südfriedhof, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein.

2179. Oberstleutnant Hermann BEGEMANN
Begemann was born on 24 February 1896 in Münden. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Begemann was commander of Infantry Regiment 132 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 18 December 1942. He died on 4 July 1965 in
Frielingen, Lower Saxony.

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2180. Hauptmann Rudolf HAEN
Haen was born on 12 March 1915 in Stuttgart. He was a company
commander in Panzer Battalion 103 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 18 December 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 21 September 1944.
Haen was executed by the Americans on 9 May 1945 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Grave 37, St Johann, Kitzbuhel, Austria.

2181. Oberleutnant Walter MIX
Mix was born on 21 December 1917 in Deutsch-Krone. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in August 1941. Mix was a
company commander in Grenadier Regiment 174 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 18 December 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 22
February 1944. He died on 17 November 2004 in Bad Bevensen, Lower
Saxony.

2182. Feldwebel Wilhelm GÜNTHER
Günther was born on 17 May 1913 in Grünau. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Regiment 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 December
1942. Günther was killed in action on 8 April 1945 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, (Hauptfriedhof), Block EH, Row 2, Grave 32,
Sondershausen, Thuringia.

2183. Gefreiter Karl ÖSTERREICHER
Österreicher was born on 24 August 1913 in Kaidling, Austria-Hungary. He
was a machine-gunner in Grenadier Regiment 186 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 18 December 1942. Österreicher died on 30 August 1954 in
Amberg, Bavaria.

2184. Oberstleutnant Eduard Freiherr von SASS
Freiherr von Sass was born on 11 September 1900 in Berlin. He was
commander of Grenadier Regiment 277 when he was awarded the Knight’s

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Cross on 19 December 1942. Von Sass was executed by the Russians at
Velikiye Luki, Russia, on 16 January 1946 and has no known grave.

2185. Hauptmann Hans BEHNKEN
Behnken was born on 28 April 1910 in Hamburg. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 161, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 19 December 1942. Behnken died of wounds on 5 October 1944 and is
believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), IlowoMlawka, near Mława, Poland.

2186. Hauptmann Walther SIEVERS
Sievers was born on 15 June 1902 in Halstenbek. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in May 1940 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Sievers was
commander of III Battalion, Infantry Regiment 415, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 19 December 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 29
January 1944. He was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. He died on 12
June 1982 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof, Bad Pyrmont, Lower Saxony.

2187. Major Hubertus von BONIN
Von Bonin was born on 3 August 1911 in Potsdam. He fought in the Spanish
Civil War, shooting down four aircraft. During the Battle of Britain, he shot
down eight enemy aircraft. He spent some time training new pilots before
transferring to the Russian Front. Von Bonin shot down his first Russian
aircraft on 17 November 1942. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21
December 1942 with fifty-one victories. With his score at seventy-seven, Bonin
was shot down and killed on 15 December 1943. He is buried at Orša,
Belarus, and his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. His
brother, Eckart-Wilhelm, was also awarded the Knight’s Cross.

2188. Hauptmann Hansgeorg BÄTCHER
Bätcher was born on 13 January 1914 in Finsterwalde. He took part in the
Polish campaign and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in September
1939. Bätcher was shot down and captured during the French campaign but
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was released when France surrendered, he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st
Class in July 1940. Bätcher was a squadron leader in Bomber Wing 100 when
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 December 1942. The Oak Leaves
followed on 24 March 1944. He completed over 650 missions and went on to
fly the Me 262 and Arado Ar 234 jet aircraft. Bätcher died on 23 April 2003
and is buried in Uelzen Friedhof, Lower Saxony.

2189. Oberleutnant Adolf BAUM
Baum was born on 28 October 1916 in Friedberg, Austria-Hungary. He was a
battery commander in Motorised Flak Regiment 37 when he was wounded at
Stalingrad and died on 4 December 1942. Baum was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 21 December 1942. He is buried in the German War Cemetery
(Rakowicki Cemetery), Krakow, Poland.

2190. Oberleutnant Martin MEISEL
Meisel was born on 15 September 1916 in Igensdorf. He was a pilot and
technical officer in Reconnaissance Group 123 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 21 December 1942. Meisel died on 13 August 2006 in
Neumarkt, Bavaria.

2191. Leutnant Johannes GEISMANN—‘Hans’
Geismann was born on 20 June 1920 in Hattingen. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 December 1942.
Geismann died on 5 August 1994 in Aurich, Lower Saxony.

2192. Leutnant Ludwig HÄFNER
Häfner was born on 17 February 1921 in Ingolstadt. He was a pilot in Fighter
Wing 3 when he was posted missing near Stalingrad on 10 November 1942.
Häfner was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 December 1942 with fifty-two
victories to his credit.

2193. Oberfeldwebel Helmut HAUGK
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Haugk was born on 24 February 1914 in Gelsenkirchen. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in May 1940. Haugk
was a pilot in Heavy Fighter Wing 26 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 21 December 1942. Haugk died on 28 January 1992 and is buried in
Südfriedhof, Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia. His brother, Werner,
was also awarded the Knight’s Cross.

2194. Feldwebel Leopold MÜNSTER
Münster was born on 13 December 1920 in Höchheim. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in September 1941. Münster
was a pilot in Fighter Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21
December 1942. He shot down ninety-five enemy aircraft, of which twentyfive were on the Western Front. Münster was killed in action near Wöllersheim
on 8 May 1944 and has no known grave. He was awarded the Oak Leaves on
12 May 1944.

2195. Unteroffizier Friedrich WEISS
Weiss was born on 27 September 1919 in Langendreer. He was a gun
commander in Motorised Flak Regiment 36 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 21 December 1942. Weiss was also awarded the Wound
Badge in Gold. He died on 12 October 1992 and is believed to be buried in
Kaarster Friedhof, Kaarst, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2196. Obergefreiter Erich LUCKMANN
Luckmann was born on 28 March 1915 in Dortmund. He was a gun
commander in Motorised Flak Regiment 241 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 21 December 1942. Luckmann was killed in action near
Stalingrad on 18 January 1943 and has no known grave.

2197. Generalleutnant Arno JAHR
Jahr was born on 3 December 1890 in Prittitz. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Jahr was
commander of 387th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
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Cross on 22 December 1942. He killed himself when his unit was being
overrun on 21 January 1943 and is buried near Podgornoje/Voronezh, Russia;
his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.

2198. Oberst Walther von HÜNERSDORFF
Von Hünersdorff was born on 28 November 1898 in Cairo, Egypt. He fought
in the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1914). Von Hünersdorff was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1939) in May 1940. He was commander of Panzer Regiment 11 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 December 1942. The Oak Leaves followed
on 14 July 1943. At Kursk, his HQ was accidently bombed by the Luftwaffe
and von Hünersdorff was wounded, but he refused to go to the aid station.
Later the same day, he was hit in the head by a sniper’s bullet and died on 17
July 1943. Von Hünersdorff is buried in the German War Cemetery, Kharkov,
Ukraine.

2199. Oberleutnant Wilhelm BLADT
Bladt was born on 31 March 1914 in Büdelsdorf. He was a battery
commander in Artillery Regiment 30 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 22 December 1942. Bladt was killed in action near Pskov, Russia, on 10
August 1944 and has no known grave.

2200. Oberst Kurt ANDERSEN
Andersen was born on 2 October 1898 in Hohenrode. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). Andersen was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in September 1939 and the 1st Class
in May 1940. He was commander of Flak Regiment 153 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 December 1942. Andersen died on 9
January 2003 and is buried in Alter Friedhof, Bonn.

2201. Oberst Theodor BECKMANN
Beckmann was born on 24 September 1897 in Everswinkel. He was a group
commander in Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
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23 December 1942. Beckmann died on 10 February 1966 and is buried in
Zentralfriedhof, Münster.

2202. Oberst Otto-Lutz FÖRSTER
Förster was born on 16 March 1894 in Aachen. He was Air Transport
Commander in Luftflotte 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23
December 1942. Förster died on 7 July 1979 and is believed to be buried in
Glockenberg Friedhof, Coburg, Bavaria.

2203. Oberst Eberhard KINZEL
Kinzel was born on 18 October 1897 in Berlin. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Kinzel was on
the general staff when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 December
1942. He was part of the delegation in the surrender negotiations with
Montgomery at Lüneburg Heath in 1945. Kinzel killed himself on 23 May
1945 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Row B, Grave 39A,
Fahrdorf-Karberg, Schleswig-Holstein.

2204. Oberstleutnant Georg TYROLLER
Tyroller was born on 2 February 1897 in Espenlohe. He was commander of
Motorised Light Flak Battalion 84 and a Kampfgruppe when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 23 December 1942. Tyroller was posted missing near
Cottbus on 27 April 1945.

2205. Major Ernst Freiherr von BIBRA
Von Bibra was born on 23 September 1910 in Aachen. He was a group
commander in Bomber Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
23 December 1942. Von Bibra was posted missing near Donets, Russia, on 15
February 1943.

2206. Major Fridolin FATH

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Fath was born on 1 May 1908 in Langenprozelten. He was deputy group
commander in Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
23 December 1942. Fath died on 17 March 1987 in Lohr, Bavaria.

2207. Major Gerhard FEUKER
Feuker was born on 20 April 1906 in Leipzig. He was commander of I
Battalion, Motorised Grenadier Regiment 53, when he was killed in action on
30 November 1942 and is buried at Urdom, Russia; Feuker’s remains are
awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. He was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 23 December 1942.

2208. SS-Sturmbannführer Harry POLEWACZ
Polewacz was born on 31 March 1909 in Berlin. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1940. Polewacz
was commander of III Battalion, SS Panzergrenadier Regiment ‘Nordland’,
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 December 1942. He was killed
in action on 12 January 1943 and is buried in the German War Cemetery,
Uspenka, Ukraine.

2209. Major Erich ZÄHR
Zähr was born on 19 February 1911 in Kreischa. He was commander of
Kampfgruppe 172 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 December
1942. Zähr died on 15 July 1985 and is believed to be buried in Allersburg
Friedhof, Amberg, Bavaria.

2210. Hauptmann Johann DIETRICH
Dietrich was born on 5 August 1911 in Schlossberg. He was company
commander in Motorised Flak Regiment 49 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 23 December 1942. Dietrich died on 2 April 1943 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Jelabuga, Russia.

2211. Hauptmann Hellmuth HAUSER
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Hauser was born on 24 February 1916 in Berlin. He was a squadron leader in
Bomber Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 December
1942. Hauser died on 5 September 2004 and is buried in Waldfriedhof,
Grünwald, Bavaria.

2212. Hauptmann Ernst MERSMANN
Mersmann was born on 21 June 1915 in Kiel. He was a squadron leader in
Bomber Wing 9 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 December
1942. Mersmann died on 17 March 2002 in Cologne, North RhineWestphalia.

2213. Hauptmann Albert SCHNEIDER
Schneider was born on 14 August 1912 in Walldürn. He was commander of
Field Construction Battalion 178 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
23 December 1942. Schneider died on 24 April 1964 in Walldürn, BadenWürttemberg.

2214. Oberleutnant Josef BELZ
Belz was born on 28 September 1909 in Kindelsdorf. He was a pilot in
Kampfgruppe 50 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 December
1942. Belz was posted missing near Gross-Schiemanen, East Prussia, on 2
November 1944.

2215. Oberleutnant Hans GÖTZ
Götz was born on 2 June 1919 in Stuttgart. He was a pilot in Fighter Wing 54
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 December 1942. Götz was
killed in action near Karachev, Russia, on 4 August 1943 and has no known
grave. He is credited with eighty-two combat victories.

2216. Oberleutnant Walter MELTZER
Meltzer was born on 15 October 1915 in Dresden. He was a squadron leader
in Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 December
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1942. Meltzer died in a flying accident near Berlin on 15 August 1943 and has
no known grave.

2217. Leutnant Fritz (or Friedrich) DINGER
Dinger was born on 20 August 1915 in Ottweiler. He was a squadron leader
in Fighter Wing 53 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 December
1942. Dinger was killed in an air raid on 27 July 1943 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Block 8, Grave 718, Cassino, Italy. He is credited with
shooting down sixty-seven enemy aircraft.

2218. Leutnant Joachim KIRSCHNER
Kirschner was born on 6 July 1920 in Dresden. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in January and the 1st Class in April 1942. Kirschner was a
squadron leader in Fighter Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 23 December 1942 having shot down fifty-one enemy aircraft. He was
awarded the Oak Leaves on 2 August 1943 with his score at 170. Kirschner
was shot down on 17 December 1943 by US fighters and baled out of his
fighter, landing safely. He was captured by partisans and shot by firing squad.
Kirschner is buried at Metkovic, Croatia; his remains are awaiting transfer to
a German war cemetery. His final score was 188.

2219. Leutnant Alfred KOEDITZ
Koeditz was born on 5 January 1914 in Burgberg. He was a pilot in
Kampfgruppe 100 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 December
1942. Koeditz died on 18 June 2003 and is believed to be buried in
Waldfriedhof, Schwerte, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2220. Leutnant Gerhard REINECKE
Reinecke was born on 2 January 1914 in Herdecke. He was a pilot in
Reconnaissance Group 121 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23
December 1942. Reinecke died on 21 March 1992 in Lichteneiche, Bavaria.

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2221. Leutnant Günther SCHMID
Schmid was born on 10 October 1920 in Heilbronn. He was a squadron
leader in Dive Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23
December 1942. Schmid was killed in action near Bjelgorod, Russia, on 14
July 1943 and has no known grave.

2222. Leutnant Hendrik STAHL
Stahl was born on 24 July 1921 in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in July 1941. Stahl was a
pilot in Dive Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23
December 1942. The Oak Leaves followed on 24 June 1944. He is credited
with destroying over 100 tanks and armoured vehicles. Stahl died on 25
January 2004 and is buried in Gartenfriedhof, Marienstrasse, Hanover.

2223. Oberfeldwebel Helmut RÜFFLER
Rüffler was born on 18 January 1918 in Waldenburg. He was a pilot in
Fighter Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 December
1942. Rüffler is credited with shooting down eighty-eight enemy aircraft, with
another ten unconfirmed. He died on 21 September 2001 in Niederkassel,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

2224. Oberwachtmeister Richard SCHRAMM
Schramm was born on 8 July 1913 in Langburkersdorf. He was a platoon
leader in Assault-Gun Battalion 202 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 23 December 1942. Schramm died of wounds near Priekule on 17 June
1944 and has no known grave.

2225. Feldwebel Paul BOTH
Both was born on 3 March 1911 in Lubeck. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in August 1941 and the 1st Class in April 1942. Both was a platoon
leader in Grenadier Regiment 411 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
23 December 1942. He was killed in an air raid on 12 August 1944 and is
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buried in the German War Cemetery, Block K, Grave 23, RostockWarnemünde-Age, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

2226. Feldwebel Günther FRENZEL
Frenzel was born on 19 March 1919 in Berlin. He was a pilot in Bomber Wing
1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 December 1942. Frenzel
died on 12 March 2011 in Eltorf, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2227. Feldwebel Willy TRITSCH
Tritsch was born on 13 July 1919 in Niederkainsbach. He was a pilot in Close
Support Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 December
1942. Tritsch died on 19 December 1971 in Richen, Hesse.

2228. Unteroffizier Arthur BÜSSECKE (or BÜSSECKER)
Büssecke was born on 8 July 1918 in Heidelberg. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in May 1940 and the 1st Class in September 1942. Büssecke
was a gun commander in Motorised Flak Regiment 49 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 23 December 1942. He died on 28 July 2014 and is
buried in Hauptfriedhof, Hockenheim, Baden-Württemberg.

2229. Oberfeldwebel Domenikus WALTER
Walter was born on 25 October 1913 in Mörchingen. He was a pilot in
Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 December
1942. Walter died on 14 February 1993 and is believed to be buried in
Westfriedhof, Nuremberg.

2230. Feldwebel Oskar KRÄUSSEL
Kräussel was born on 18 June 1913 in Fürth. He was a platoon leader in
Panzergrenadier Regiment 7 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
December 1942. Kräussel was killed in action in Crimea on 6 March 1943
and has no known grave.

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2231. General Eugen OTT
Ott was born on 20 May 1890 in Sinzig. He fought in the First World War
and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Ott was
commander of LII Army Corps when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
25 December 1942. He died on 11 August 1966 and is buried in Waldfriedhof,
Munich.

2232. SS-Obersturmführer Markus FAULHABER
Faulhaber was born on 22 July 1914 in Rottweil. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in November 1939 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Faulhaber
was a company commander in SS Infantry Regiment ‘Germania’ when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 December 1942. Faulhaber surrendered to
the Americans in May 1945 and was ordered by them to persuade other
German soldiers hiding in the mountains to surrender. The wounded
Faulhaber drove into the mountains with his adjutant, but on 11 May 1945,
they crashed and Faulhaber drowned in the Salzach River. He is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Block 11, Grave 43, Radolfzell, Baden-Württemberg.

2233. Rittmeister Ernst-Albrecht Graf von BROCKDORFFAHLEFELDT
Graf von Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt was born on 26 October 1913 in Ludwigslust.
He was commander of Motorcycle Battalion 22 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 26 December 1942. Von Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt died of
wounds on 14 February 1943 and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Wasgenensteig,
Zehlendorf, Berlin. His father, Walter, was also awarded the Knight’s Cross.

2234. Oberst Wilhelm GÖLLER
Göller was born on 29 July 1889 in Düren. He was commander of Fortress
Pioneer Staff 30 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 December
1942. Göller died on 4 June 1953 in Munich.

2235. Oberst Herbert MICHAELIS
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Michaelis was born on 5 February 1897 in Neuruppin. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 525 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27
December 1942. Michaelis died on 20 August 1969 and is believed to be
buried in Alter Friedhof, Bonn.

2236. Oberstleutnant Hermann OEHMICHEN
Oehmichen was born on 16 November 1899 in Kamenz. He was commander
of Kampfgruppe ‘Oehmichen’ when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27
December 1942. Oehmichen died on 29 April 1987 and is buried in Gauting
Friedhof, Bavaria.

2237. Oberst Wilhelm LORENZ
Lorenz was born on 25 April 1894 in Hamburg. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Lorenz was
commander of Infantry Regiment 376 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 28 December 1942. He died of wounds on 2 January 1943 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Korpowo, Russia.

2238. Oberst Walther WENCK—‘The Boy General’
Wenck was born on born on 18 September 1900 in Wittenberg. He was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in September and the 1st Class in October
1939. Wenck was chief-of-staff in the 3rd Romanian Army when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 December 1942. He was the youngest
general in the army and was involved in the relief of Berlin in 1945. However,
he seems to have been more interested in helping refugees escape towards the
Western Allies. It is estimated that 250,000 refugees and 25,000 solders were
able to avoid capture by the Russians due to his efforts. Wenck died in a car
crash on 1 May 1982 and is buried in Bad Rothenfelde Friedhof, Austria.

2239. Oberstleutnant Vitus STÜRBER
Stürber was born on 6 April 1902 in Hundszell. He was commander of
Motorised Grenadier Regiment 71 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross

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on 29 December 1942. Stürber was killed in action at Stalingrad on 1
February 1943 and has no known grave.

2240. Kapitänleutnant Hermann RASCH
Rasch was born on 26 August 1914 in Wilhelmshaven. He was watch officer
on U-106 when she was commissioned by Oesten on 29 September 1940.
Rasch subsequently assumed command of this U-boat and fired his first
torpedo on 28 October 1941. He saw the torpedo hit, sinking the ship in just
three minutes; despite this, it was not confirmed. Two days later, he sank the
8,246-ton tanker Salinas off the coast of Newfoundland. In January 1942, he
sank the Empire Wildebeeste, the Traveller, and the 6,836-ton tanker
Rochester. In the early hours of 3 February, he sent the 15,355-ton
Amerikaland to the bottom, followed on the 6th by the 10,354-ton Opawa.
On another patrol in May–June, he sank the 7,985-ton merchantman Lady
Drake, the Mexican tanker Faja de Oro, the Hampton Roads, and two other
merchant ships. On 11 September, he sank the Waterton, but the U-boat was
so badly damaged that she was forced to return to port. Rasch was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 29 December 1942. His last command was of the twoman U-Boat group. He died on 10 June 1974 in Hamburg.

2241. Rittmeister Erwin BESLER
Besler was born on 27 May 1909 in Obrawalde. He was commander of
Schnelle Battalion 123 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29
December 1942. Besler died on 5 August 1991 and is buried in Ohlsdorf
Friedhof, Plot AD10 (unmarked), Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

2242. SS-Hauptsturmführer Hans-Georg von
CHARPENTIER
Von Charpentier was born on 16 July 1902 in Strassburg, France. He was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in August 1941 and the 1st Class in January
1942. Von Charpentier was a squadron leader in SS Cavalry Regiment 1 when
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 December 1942. He was killed in
action on 11–12 February 1945 and is buried in the German War Cemetery,
Block 1 (as unknown), Budaörs, Hungary.
354

2243. Oberleutnant Hans BRUHN
Bruhn was born on 31 December 1910 in Glückstadt. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in July 1940 and the 1st Class in November 1941. Bruhn
was a company commander in Grenadier Regiment 90 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 29 December 1942. He was also awarded the Wound
badge in Gold. Bruhn died on 4 April 1952 and is buried in Glückstadt
Friedhof, Schleswig-Holstein.

2244. Feldwebel Gustav STÜHMER
Stühmer was born on 8 April 1914 in Elsfleth. He awarded the Iron Cross 2nd
Class in July and the 1st Class in August 1941. Stühmer was a platoon leader
in Grenadier Regiment 399 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29
December 1942. He was killed in action near Narva, Estonia, on 16 February
1944 and has no known grave. Stühmer had used his body to shield his CO,
Franz Griesbach, from a grenade and for this he was awarded the Oak Leaves
on 6 March 1944. Stühmer was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold.

2245. Oberst Alexander HOLLE
Holle was born on 27 February 1898 in Bielefeld. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Holle was Air
Commander North when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 December
1942. He died on 16 July 1978 and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Munich.

2246. Hauptmann Richard CZEKAY
Czekay was born on 26 March 1916 in Strausberg. He was a squadron leader
in Dive Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30
December 1942. Czekay died on 24 April 2009 and is buried in Neuer
Friedhof, Kitzingen, Bavaria.

2247. Hauptmann Karl-August von der FECHT
Von der Fecht was born on 3 October 1914 in Marne. He was a squadron
leader in Bomber Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30
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December 1942. Von der Fecht died on 4 August 1976 in Burgwedel-Wettmar,
Lower Saxony.

2248. Hauptmann Adolf HEMPEL
Hempel was born on 26 January 1915 in Dürrenbach. He was serving in a
Motorised Flak Training Regiment when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 30 December 1942. Hempel died on 2 June 1971 and is buried in
Burgfriedhof, Bad Godesberg, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2249. Hauptmann Wilhelm WERLIN
Werlin was born on 22 November 1914 in Graz, Austria-Hungary. He was a
squadron leader in Bomber Wing 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 30 December 1942. Werlin died on 12 September 1948 in Starnberg,
Bavaria.

2250. Oberleutnant Hans-Carl SIEVERT
Sievert was born on 1 November 1917 in Meissen. He was a squadron leader
in Bomber Wing 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 December
1942. Sievert died on 30 April 1989 in Osnabrück, Lower Saxony.

2251. Oberleutnant Helmut VIEDEBANTT
Viedebantt was born on 23 December 1918 in Bonn. He was a pilot in Heavy
Fighter Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 December
1942. Viedebantt died near Wusterhausen on 1 May 1945 following a flying
accident; he has no known grave. Viedebantt is credited with shooting down
twenty-three enemy aircraft.

2252. Oberfeldwebel Karl-Heinz BENDERT
Bendert was born in Schwiebus on 9 September 1914. He took part in the
Battle of Britain, shooting down one enemy aircraft, but he was also shot
down himself. Moved to North Africa, he shot down three Curtiss fighters on
16 August 1941. Bendert was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 December
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1942 for shooting down forty-two enemy aircraft, most of which were in
Africa.
Returned to Germany, he became an instructor; however, this was not to
his liking. Bendert took part in defending the home front; beginning in August
1944, he shot down nine four-engined bombers. He ended the war with fiftyfour victories. However, he seems to have been involved in a scandal over
falsifying combat claims. Bendert died on 16 July 1983 in Oldenburg, Lower
Saxony.

2253. Oberfeldwebel Wolfgang MARTIN
Martin was born on 11 September 1916 in Düsseldorf. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in November 1940 and the 1st Class in January 1941.
Martin was a pilot in Bomber Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 30 December 1942. He was killed in action on 13 May 1944 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery (Nordfriedhof), Feld 112, Row O, Grave
119, Düsseldorf.

2254. Unteroffizier Heinz GOLINSKI—‘Figaro’
Golinski was born on 11 July 1919 in Nordstemmen. He shot down forty-six
enemy aircraft, including thirteen Sturmoviks on the Eastern Front.
Transferred to the Mediterranean, Golinski shot down a Spitfire on 16
October 1942 but was killed in action over Malta the same day; he has no
known grave. Golinski was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 December
1942.

2255. Kapitän zur See Günther GUMPRICH
Gumprich was born on 6 January 1900 in Stuttgart. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). Gumprich was
captain of the armed merchant raider Thor (HSK 4) when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 31 December 1942. He was killed in action when his ship
the armed merchant raider Michel (HSK 9) was sunk by the USS Tarpon east
of Yokohama, Japan, on 17 October 1943; he went down with his ship.

357

1943
2256. Oberst Hermann von OPPELN-BRONIKOWSKI
Von Oppeln-Bronikowski was born on 2 January 1899 in Berlin. He fought in
the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1914). Von Oppeln-Bronikowski won a Gold Medal in the team Dressage at
the 1936 Olympic Games. He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939)
in September and the 1st Class in November 1939. Von Oppeln-Bronikowski
was commander of Panzer Regiment 204 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 1 January 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 28 July 1944 and the
Swords on 17 April 1945. He died on 19 September 1966 and is buried in the
village cemetery, Gaissach, Bavaria.

2257. Leutnant Johannes TILLMANN
Tillmann was born on 3 October 1917 in Ludwigsdorf. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 183 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 2 January 1943. Tillmann died of wounds near Morozovsk, Russia,
on 9 January 1945 and has no known grave.

2258. Oberleutnant Armin ERDMANN
Erdmann was born on 24 January 1913 in Witten. He was a company
commander in Panzergrenadier Regiment 79 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 3 January 1943. Erdmann died on 21 July 1961 in Detmold,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

2259. Oberleutnant Paul MARKGRAF
Markgraf was born on 17 July 1910 in Berlin. He was commander of Panzer
Jäger Battalion 40 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 January
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1943. Markgraf died on 7 April 1993 in Berlin.

2260. Oberleutnant Hans-Jürgen SCHREIBER
Schreiber was born on 10 September 1916 in Rostock. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class in July 1941. Schreiber was also awarded the
Wound Badge in Gold. He was a company commander in Reconnaissance
Battalion 22 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 January 1943.
Schreiber died on 28 August 1981 in Bad Grund, Lower Saxony.

2261. Leutnant Georg KÖHLER
Köhler was born on 24 July 1917 in Nishni Petropavlovska, Russia. He was a
company commander in Panzergrenadier Regiment 26 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 3 January 1943. Köhler died on 16 April 2006 in
Nuremberg.

2262. Oberfeldwebel Ernst NEUFELD
Neufeld was born on 29 March 1915 in Birkenfelde. He was a platoon leader
in Motorcycle Battalion 40 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3
January 1943. Neufeld died on 5 October 2010 in Bad Gandersheim, Lower
Saxony.

2263. Oberst Paul KLATT
Klatt was born on 6 December 1896 in Kroppen. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Klatt was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in March and the 1st Class in
December 1940. He was commander of Mountain Jäger Regiment 138 when
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 January 1943. The Oak Leaves
followed on 26 December 1944. Klatt was captured by the Russians in May
1945 and not released until October 1955. He died on 6 June 1973 in
Munich.

2264. Hauptmann Hermann DORMANN
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Dormann was born on 11 October 1912 in Westerkappeln. He was
commander of II Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 64, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 January 1943. Dormann was killed in action
near Stalingrad, Russia, on 22 January 1943 and has no known grave.

2265. Hauptmann Peter SAUERBRUCH
Sauerbruch was born on 5 June 1913 in Zurich, Switzerland. He was
quartermaster general of 14th Panzer Division and commander of
Kampfgruppe ‘Sauerbruch’ when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4
January 1943. Sauerbruch died on 29 September 2010 and is buried in Alter
Friedhof, Bonn.

2266. Oberfeldwebel Kurt WITSCHEL
Witschel was born on 26 March 1915 in Brieg. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in November 1939 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Witschel
was a platoon leader in Jäger Regiment 28 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 4 January 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 11 March 1945. He
was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. Witschel died on 13 April 1992
in Vallendar, Rhineland-Palatinate.

2267. Unteroffizier Horst NAUMANN
Naumann was born on 13 December 1921 in Berlin. He was a gun
commander in Assault-Gun Battalion 184 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 4 January 1943. Naumann died on 27 November 2000 and is buried
in Waldfriedhof, Grosshansdorf, Schleswig-Holstein.

2268. Generalmajor Eduard METZ
Metz was born on 28 November 1891 in Munich. He was commander of 5th
Panzer Division when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 January 1943.
Metz died on 9 June 1969 and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Bad Tölz, Bavaria.

2269. Oberst Konrad BARDE
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Barde was born on 13 November 1897 in Alt-Rosenberg. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Barde was commander of Artillery Regiment 104 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 5 January 1943. He killed himself on 4 May 1945 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery (Waldfriedhof), Block 4, Grave 38,
Traunstein, Bavaria.

2270. Oberst Gottlieb WOLFF
Wolff was born on 5 May 1897 in Verden an der Aller. He was a Kommodore
in Bomber Wing 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 January
1943. Wolff died on 29 March 1971 in Delmenhorst, Lower Saxony.

2271. Major Herbert LORCH
Lorch was born on 13 April 1912 in Zweibrücken. He was a group
commander in Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5
January 1943. Lorch was killed in action near Leningrad on 19 August 1943
and has no known grave.

2272. Hauptmann Christian KÖNIG
König was born on 7 April 1910 in Kirchenlamitz. He was commander of II
Battalion, Motorised Grenadier Regiment 41, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 5 January 1943. König died on 27 December 1980 and is
believed to be buried in Stadtfriedhof, Bayreuth, Bavaria.

2273. Hauptmann Johannes WIESE—‘The Lion of Kuban’
Wiese was born on 7 March 1915 in Breslau. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in September 1941 and the 1st Class in May 1942. Wiese was a
squadron leader in Fighter Wing 52 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 5 January 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 2 March 1944. He shot
down 133 enemy aircraft, including seventy Sturmoviks. Wiese surrendered to
US forces at the end of the war; however, he spent over four years in Russian
POW camps after being denounced by German communists. Wiese died on 16
August 1991 in Kirchzarten, Baden-Württemberg.
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2274. Oberleutnant Franz KIESLICH
Kieslich was born on 17 March 1913 in Bochum. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in August 1941. Kieslich was a
squadron leader in Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 5 January 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 18 October 1944. He
flew over 1,000 missions, sinking ten merchant ships for 23,000 tons, a
destroyer, and a submarine. Kieslich died on 31 August 2012.

2275. Oberleutnant Walter PRÜGER
Prüger was born on 12 December 1914 in Wilhelmshaven. He was a squadron
leader in Coastal Air Group 606 when he was killed in action over Malta on 6
July 1942 and has no known grave. Prüger was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
5 January 1943.

2276. Oberfeldwebel Otto DOMMERATZKY
Dommeratzky was born on 3 May 1916 in Löderburg. He was a pilot in Close
Support Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 January 1943,
with his tally at twenty. On 13 October 1944, Dommeratzky took off with his
mechanic stowed in the fuselage on a transfer flight to the Eastern Front, when
he was jumped by US fighters and his aircraft was badly shot up. He could
have baled out, but he attempted a forced landing to give his mechanic a
chance; both were killed in the crash. Dommeratzky was awarded the Oak
Leaves on 25 November 1944, with his score at thirty-eight victories. He is
buried in the German War Cemetery (Ostfriedhof), Block F, Row 4, Grave 36,
Schönebeck, Saxony-Anhalt.

2277. Feldwebel Wilhelm FREUWÖRTH—‘Willi’
Freuwörth was born on 4 November 1917 in Börssum. He was a pilot in
Fighter Wing 52 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 January 1943.
Börssum is credited with shooting down fifty-eight enemy aircraft. He died on
5 December 1970 and is believed to be buried in Alter Friedhof, Wetzlar,
Hesse.

362

2278. Obergefreiter Fritz METTE
Mette was born on 20 March 1913 in Bochum. He was a section leader in
Motorised Grenadier Regiment 92 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 5 January 1943. Mette was posted missing at Stalingrad on 1 January
1943.

2279. Generalmajor Arthur SCHMIDT
Schmidt was born on 25 October 1895 in Hamburg. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). In the
Second World War, Schmidt served in various staff positions before being
made chief-of-staff to Paulus in the XI Army on 15 May 942. After
encirclement at Stalingrad, it was Schmidt that effectively ran the army.
He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 January 1943, and surrendered
with the army on 30 January 1943. Schmidt was not released until 1955. He
died on 5 November 1987 and is buried in Ohlsdorf Friedhof, Plot E15, Grave
126, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

2280. Hauptmann Herbert WEISS
Weiss was born on 1 November 1899 in Dresden. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). He was
commander of II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 418, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 7 January 1943. Weiss was killed in action at
Eichendorffmühl on 20 February 1945 and has no known grave.

2281. Oberleutnant Johannes MORAWIETZ
Morawietz was born on 3 January 1911 in Pawlau. He was a company
commander in Jäger Regiment 28 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
7 January 1943. Morawietz died on 15 December 1968 and is believed to be
buried in Stadtfriedhof, Gross Gerau, Hesse.

2282. Oberleutnant Willi THULKE

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Thulke was born on 22 September 1916 in Gumbinnen. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in December 1941. Thulke was
a company commander in Grenadier Regiment 501 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 7 January 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 13 March
1944. He was recommended for the Swords but they were not awarded.
Thulke died on 4 September 1998 and is believed to be buried in Westfriedhof,
Lippstadt, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2283. Korvettenkapitän Harro SCHACHT
Schacht was born on 15 December 1907 in Cuxhaven. He commissioned U507 on 8 October 1941 and his first combat patrol started in March 1942. He
fired four torpedoes at convoy ONS76, followed by two stern torpedoes; four
explosions were heard, but no ships were seen to sink. He sank his first tanker
on 30 April, followed by eight more ships, including the 10,371-ton tanker
Virginia. His total tonnage for his first patrol was 44,782 tons. The next
patrol was to Brazil, where Schacht sank six ships and the 90-ton Brazilian
sailing ship Jacyra, following to the letter the instructions of the OKW. It was
because of these sinking that Brazil declared war on Germany.
On 27 December 1942, he sank the 5,154-ton British ship Oakbank, and
on 3 January 1943, he sank the Baron Dechmont was sent to the bottom with
a single torpedo. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 January 1943, five
days later his boat was sunk off the coast of Brazil by US aircraft, there were
no survivors.

2284. Generalmajor Wolfgang PICKERT
Pickert was born on 3 February 1897 in Posen. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Pickert was
commander of 9th Motorised Flak Division when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 11 January 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 5 June 1944.
He died on 19 July 1984 and is buried in the village cemetery, Row 19, Grave
11, Lutzelsachsen, near Weinheim, Baden-Württemberg.

2285. Major Franz BÄKE

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Bäke was born on 28 February 1898 at Schwarzenfels. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914) while still in his
teens. Bäke fought in Poland and the West with Panzerjäger Battalion 65,
being wounded and awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939). In
Russia, he served on the staff of Panzer Regiment 11 on the Leningrad front.
In December 1941, he commanded a panzer battalion on the central sector.
After leave, he took part in the relief effort for Stalingrad and was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 11 January 1943 for his outstanding leadership. On 11
July 1943, during the Kursk offensive, Bäke led a tank column to capture a
bridge over the Donets; during this action, he personally knocked-out three T34s with anti-tank charges. For this, he was awarded the Oak Leaves on 1
August 1943. During the winter of 1943–44, he was in command of
Kampfgruppe ‘Panzer Regiment Bäke’, which destroyed 267 Russian
armoured vehicles for the loss of just five of tanks. For this, he was awarded
the Swords personally by Hitler on 21 February 1944.
Bäke fought for a brief period in France before being transferred back to
the Eastern Front, taking part in the offensive around Lake Balaton, Hungary.
From January to March 1945, he was on a division commander’s course. His
last action was on the Austrian front, where he surrendered to US Forces, not
being released until 1950. Bäke died in a car accident on 12 December 1978
and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Row U8, Grave 13A–13B, Knippschildstrasse,
Hagen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2286. Hauptmann Walter DARGIES
Dargies was born on 13 October 1899 in Gudden, Russia. He was
commander of III Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 418, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 11 January 1943. Dargies died on 13 May 1945 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 8, Row, 19, Grave 2303,
Copenhagen-Bispebjerg, Denmark.

2287. Generalleutnant Georg PFEIFFER
Pfeiffer was born on 5 May 1890 in Wendessen. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Pfeiffer was
commander of 94th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s

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Cross on 15 January 1943. He was killed in action near Mogilev, Russia, on
28 June 1944 and has no known grave.

2288. Generalmajor Helmuth WEIDLING
Weidling was born on 2 November 1891 in Halberstadt. He fought in the First
World War as an airship commander. Weidling was commander of 86th
Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 January
1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 22 February 1944 and the Swords on 28
November 1944. He was the last commander of Berlin and was sentenced to
twenty-five years’ imprisonment by the Russians for not surrendering sooner.
Weidling died in Russian hands near Moscow on 17 November 1955 and has
no known grave.

2289. SS-Hauptsturmführer Hugo EICHHORN
Eichhorn was born on 11 February 1911 in Weilmünster. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in September 1941 and the 1st Class in November 1942.
Eichhorn was adjutant of SS-Pioneer Battalion 5 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 15 January 1943 for holding off a Russian regimental
attack. Eichhorn died on 27 May 1992 and is believed to be buried in
Zentralfriedhof, Münster.

2290. Oberleutnant Helmut GRUBER
Gruber was born on 15 October 1919 in Pforzheim. He was adjutant in the II
Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 125, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 15 January 1943. Gruber died on 6 September 1989 in Gelnhausen,
Hesse.

2291. Oberleutnant Erhard LANGE
Lange was born on 31 July 1913 in Plauen. He was a company commander in
a Kampfgruppe of the Special Command OKW Abwehr II ‘Brandenburg’
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 January 1943. Lange died on
29 September 1972 and is buried in Plauen Friedhof, Saxony-Anhalt.

366

2292. Oberleutnant Heinz PFITZNER
Pfitzner was born on 29 April 1915 in Primkenau. He was a company
commander in Pioneer Battalion 290 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 15 January 1943. Pfitzner died on 12 January 1997 and is believed to be
buried in Osterholz Friedhof, Bremen.

2293. Oberleutnant Hans UHDE
Uhde was born on 29 July 1920 in Dortmund. He was a company commander
in Grenadier Regiment 424 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15
January 1943. Uhde died on 30 June 2011 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Am
Gottesacker 25, Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2294. Leutnant Günter AMELUNG
Amelung was born on 8 April 1914 in Berlin. He was a company commander
in Fast Battalion 123 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 January
1943. Amelung was killed in action near Oborova, Croatia, on 29 March
1943 and has no known grave.

2295. Leutnant Joachim HUNDERT
Hundert was born on 22 January 1920 in Mayen. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 124 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 15 January 1943. Hundert was killed in action on 9 August 1944
and is buried at Sobotka, Poland; his remains are awaiting transfer to a
German war cemetery.

2296. Oberfeldwebel Erich SCHEIBIG
Scheibig was born on 18 January 1914 in Bischdorf. He was a platoon leader
in Grenadier Regiment 174 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15
January 1943. Scheibig died on 19 May 1995 in Berlin.

2297. Oberwachtmeister Otto UDE
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Ude was born on 12 August 1911 in Einbeck. He was a platoon leader in
Bicycle Battalion 30 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 January
1943. Ude died on 13 December 1987 in Reese, near Hanover.

2298. Feldwebel Johann KSIAG
Ksiag was born on 19 August 1914 in Reppist. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Jäger Battalion 176 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15
January 1943. Ksiag died on 23 July 1994 in Kehl, Baden-Württemberg.

2299. Unteroffizier Franz KREUZER
Kreuzer was born on 21 September 1918 in Thomasdorf. He was a section
leader in Grenadier Regiment 89 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
15 January 1943. Kreuzer died on 3 April 1983 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Am Stadion 1, Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate.

2300. Obergefreiter Willi HOPF (or HOPFE)
Hopf was born on 21 June 1912 in Berlin. He was a section leader in Schnelle
Battalion 123 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 January 1943.
Hopf died on 29 October 1997 in Berlin.

2301. Obergefreiter Heinrich SCHWARZ
Schwarz was born on 30 November 1920 in Gelsenkirchen. He was a gunner
in Motorised Artillery Regiment 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 15 January 1943; he was posted missing at Stalingrad the same day.

2302. Kapitänleutnant Albrecht ACHILLES—‘The Hole
Puncher of Trinidad’
Achilles was born in Karlsruhe on 25 January 1914. He joined the U-boat
service in April 1940. He spent the next year as a trainee commander aboard
various submarines before taking over Hans Witt’s U-161. He then undertook
a series of patrols in the waters of South America, earning the nickname of

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‘The Hole Puncher of Trinidad’. On his first patrol, he torpedoed two steamers
and a tanker on the Port of Spain roadstead, but two of these were refloated.
This was followed by the sinking the tanker Circe Shell. Next, he sank the
Lihue with gunfire. Two more ships were sunk but refloated in Port Castries
on the island of Santa Lucia. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16
January 1943.
His second patrol took him back into the same area, and it was during this
patrol that he sank the light cruiser Phoebe. On his next patrol, he achieved
further success off the coast of Brazil, but on 27 September 1943, his U-boat
was attacked by enemy aircraft north-east of Bahia, Brazil, and sunk with all
hands.

2303. Kapitänleutnant Herbert SCHNEIDER
Schneider was born in Nuremberg on 25 June 1915. He was watch officer on
several patrols before commissioning U-522 on 11 June 1942. In the North
Atlantic in October, he fired at the destroyer escort Columbia but the torpedo
failed to run properly. On 2 November, he attacked convoy SC107, firing three
torpedoes and hitting three ships, but only one was reported lost. After outrunning the escort, he attacked again, firing four torpedoes and sinking the
5,801-ton Maritima and the 5,655-ton Mount Pelion. A tanker was also
torpedoed. Schneider attacked a third time, sinking the Parthenon.
On his next patrol, he sank the 5,432-ton Yaka from convoy ONS144. On
9 January, he sank the 10,034-ton tanker Norvik and the 6,833-ton Minister
Wedel from convoy TM1. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 January
1943. Then, on 23 February 1943, he sank the tanker Athelprince; however,
on the same day, he was depth charged by HMS Totland and sunk. There were
no survivors.

2304. Oberstleutnant Ulrich BÜRKER
Bürker was born on 21 November 1903 in Tübingen. In the 1940 French
campaign, he was chief-of-staff of the 10th Panzer Division, but it was in
Russia that he had his first success, when he commanded an ad hoc
battlegroup. Several times he intervened in critical situations, and once he
saved the divisional command post.

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Sent to Africa with the 10th Panzer Division, Bürker was always in the
thick of the fighting. As commander of a battlegroup, Bürker stormed
Christmas Mountain but was driven back by a counterattack. He reorganised
his forces and attacked again; Longstop Hill, as it was known to the British,
was retaken. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 January 1943.
Bürker subsequently served as chief-of-staff of XXII Mountain Infantry Corps.
He died in Munich on 20 October 1983.

2305. Hauptmann Joachim SPIEGEL
Spiegel was born on 21 July 1914 in Polchow. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 4, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
19 January 1943. Spiegel was killed in action on 17 March 1943 and is buried
in the German War Cemetery, Block 25 (as unknown), Korpowo, Russia.

2306. Hauptmann Heinrich VOLKER
Volker was born on 24 June 1911 in Ostermunzel. He fought in France and
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Volker took part in the invasion of
Russia and fought all the way to Moscow and was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class before the winter battles. During 1942, he was involved in antipartisan warfare at Juchow. In January 1943, his division was rushed to the
Woronesch sector to try and stop the Russian encirclement of Stalingrad. With
just fifty men, he held a blocking line and turned back a Russian attack; he
immediately launched a counterattack. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 19 January 1943. Volker was also awarded the Close Combat Clasp
in Gold.
Later, he fought at Kursk and was wounded for the first time. Caught up in
the Kamenez–Podolsk Pocket in early 1944, his division was almost wiped out
and Volker was wounded again but still managed to escape and make it back
to the German lines. In June 1944, he was sent home to attend a regimental
command course. Given command of Panzer Brigade 107, he was sent to
France to help hold open the Falaise Pocket and later retreated into the
Netherlands. Volker ended the war as an instructor at an armour school. He
died on 16 January 1988 in Hanover.

370

2307. Oberleutnant Kurt KLINGER
Klinger was born on 18 December 1911 in Stettin. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 89 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 19 January 1943. Klinger was killed in action on 3 January 1944
and is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Daugavpils, Latvia.

2308. Leutnant Ludwig HIRSCHMANN
Hirschmann was born on 30 June 1914 in Linz. He was serving in Motorised
Artillery Regiment 29 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 January
1943. Hirschmann was killed in action on 3 February 1943 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Jelabuga, Russia.

2309. Leutnant Heinz SCHACHT
Schacht was born on 19 November 1917 in Upahl. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Jäger Battalion 158 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
January 1943. Schacht died on 11 January 2000 and is buried in the German
War Cemetery, Lubeck, Schleswig-Holstein.

2310. Leutnant Paul SONNTAG
Sonntag was born on 8 July 1917 in Borken. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Regiment 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 January
1943. Sonntag died on 20 May 1963 in Emsdetten, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2311. Stabsfeldwebel Ewald MROUSEK (or MRUSEK)
Mrousek was born on 26 December 1911 in Beuthen. He was a platoon leader
in Field Battalion Tunis 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
January 1943. Mrousek died on 24 March 1981 and is buried in Osterholz
Friedhof, Bremen.

2312. Obergefreiter Josef RÖDER

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Röder was born on 28 December 1913 in Schönbach. He was a gunner in
Panzer Jäger Battalion 179 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
January 1943. Röder was killed in action at Stalingrad on 26 January 1943
and has no known grave.

2313. Oberst Sigurt-Horstmar Freiherr von BEAULIEUMARCONNAY
Freiherr von Beaulieu-Marconnay was born on 31 December 1900 in Berlin.
He fought in the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and
2nd Class (1914). Von Beaulieu-Marconnay was commander of Motorised
Grenadier Regiment 29 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20
January 1943. He was taken prisoner after the fall of Stalingrad and died in a
POW camp near Krasnopolje, Ukraine, on 8 October 1953. Von BeaulieuMarconnay has no known grave

2314. Oberst Wilhelm BÖCK
Böck was born on 15 March 1897 in Gartz. He was commander of Artillery
Regiment 176 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 January 1943.
Böck was posted missing at Stalingrad on 23 January 1943.

2315. Oberst Albert BRENDEL
Brendel was born on 8 December 1893 in Coburg. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Brendel
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in October 1939 and the 1st
Class in September 1942. He was commander of Infantry Regiment 274 when
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 January 1942. Brendel was captured
at Stalingrad and died as a POW on 14 April 1943. He is buried in the
German War Cemetery (as unknown), Rossoschka, Volgograd, Russia.

2316. Oberst Fritz ROSKE
Roske was born on 20 January 1897 in Gera. He was commander of Infantry
Regiment 194 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 January 1943.

372

Roske died on 25 December 1956 and is believed to be buried in
Nordfriedhof, Düsseldorf.

2317. Oberstleutnant Richard WOLF
Wolf was born on 18 March 1894 in Simmern. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 208 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20
January 1943. Wolf died on 9 May 1972 and is believed to be buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Würzburg, Bavaria.

2318. Major Wilhelm BRAUN
Braun was born on 6 February 1902 in Hasenweiler. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July 1940 and the 1st Class in July 1942. Braun was
commander of II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 576, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 20 January 1943. He was killed in action at Stalingrad two
days later and has no known grave.

2319. Major Hans von ROCHOW
Von Rochow was born on 25 July 1898 in Stülpe. He was commander of
Bicycle Battalion 176 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 January
1943. Von Rochow was killed in action at Mühlenbeek, Berlin, on 2 May
1945 and has no known grave.

2320. Hauptmann Hans-Joachim LÖSER
Löser was born on 4 April 1918 in Weimar. He was commander of III
Battalion, Fusilier Regiment 230, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
20 January 1943. Löser died on 13 February 2001 in Prien am Chiemsee,
Bavaria.

2321. Hauptmann Christian MARTIN
Martin was born on 14 August 1909 in Freienhagen. He was commander of
Panzer Jäger Battalion 521 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20

373

January 1943. Martin was killed in action at Stalingrad on 27 January 1943
and has no known grave.

2322. Rittmeister Gerhard THIEL
Thiel was born on 9 February 1907 in Haynau. He was commander of III
Battalion, Panzer Regiment 24, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
20 January 1943. Thiel died on 10 April 1943 near Stalingrad as a Russian
POW and has no known grave.

2323. Oberleutnant Rudolf HEGER
Heger was born on 1 June 1917 in Wolframitz, Austria-Hungary. He was a
company commander in Artillery Regiment 96 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 20 January 1943. Heger was killed in action on 31 January
1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 28, Grave 362,
Cassino, Italy.

2324. Oberleutnant Leonhard NECHANSKY
Nechansky was born on 11 July 1913 in Hainburg. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 131 when he was killed in action on 4
December 1942 and is believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as
unknown), Rossoschka, Volgograd, Russia. Nechansky was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 20 January 1943.

2325. Oberleutnant Friedrich SACHA
Sacha was born on 21 September 1915 in Schöningen. He was a company
commander in Panzer Jäger Battalion 160 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 20 January 1943. Sacha died on 5 November 1989 in Bergen, Lower
Saxony.

2326. Leutnant Robert NITTLER
Nittler was born on 8 March 1921 in Dillingen. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 212 when he was awarded the Knight’s
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Cross on 20 January 1943. Nittler was killed in action on 15 January 1943
and is believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Rossoschka, Volgograd, Russia.

2327. Oberfeldwebel Heinz PIEPER
Pieper was born on 20 February 1917 in Berlin. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 230 when he was killed in action on 16 January 1943
and buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Rossoschka,
Volgograd, Russia. Pieper was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 January
1943.

2328. Gefreiter Friedrich-Wilhelm MAGERFLEISCH
Magerfleisch was born on 2 July 1922 in Reinstorf. He was serving in Schnelle
Battalion 276 when he was killed in action on 8 December 1942 and is buried
in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Rossoschka, Volgograd, Russia.
Magerfleisch was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 January 1943.

2329. Kapitänleutnant Albrecht BRANDI—‘Cherry’
Brandi was born in Dortmund on 20 June 1914. He entered the Kriegsmarine
in 1935 and studied on board the cruiser Emden. After graduating, he was
given command of the minesweeper M-1. During the first year of the war, he
worked in the North Sea clearing mines. In April 1941, he started his U-boat
training and was a trainee commander under Erich Topp. Brandi’s first
command was U-617, which he commissioned on 7 April 1942. His first
patrol left Kiel in August 1942 and headed for the Western Approaches, where
he sank four merchant ships before arriving at St Nazaire in October.
In November 1942, he was ordered to the Mediterranean Sea; to do this,
he would have to get through the heavily guarded Straits of Gibraltar. He
decided to switch off his engines and let the current take him through at night,
but he was spotted by a Short Sunderland, which dropped two depth-charges,
missing the U-boat. In the Mediterranean, U-617 was assigned to the 29th UBoat Flotilla based at La Spezia and Toulon. On his third patrol in December
1942, he sank the ocean tug St Issey and two more merchant ships in January
1943. On 21 January, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross. On 1 February, he
375

sank HMS Welshman, followed by two Norwegian ships, the Corona and
Henrik, on the 5th. In April, he claimed the sinking of a light cruiser 40 miles
off Gibraltar, and although this was not confirmed, he was awarded the Oak
Leaves on 11 April 1943. On his last patrol with U-617, Brandi sank the
destroyer Puckeridge on 6 September. Then, on the 12th, he was attacked by
British aircraft, claiming one aircraft shot down, but this was unconfirmed.
Brandi’s U-boat was badly damaged by bombs so he abandoned ship and was
picked up by Spanish troops. The crew were interned, but Brandi escaped and
succeeded in returning to Germany.
In January 1944, Brandi returned to Toulon and took command of U-380,
but after only one patrol, she was sunk by a bombing raid on Toulon. Brandi
took command of U-967 in April 1944, and on 5 May, he sank the destroyer
Fechteler; following this, he was awarded the Swords on 9 May. During his
next patrol, he was taken seriously ill and had to return to base. He was then
appointed commander of all U-boats in the Eastern Baltic Sea in Helsinki and
was awarded the Diamonds on 23 November 1944 for his leadership of the Uboat fleet. His final rank was Fregattenkapitän and his last post was as
commander of the Naval Special Assault Units in Ymuiden. After the war,
Brandi became an architect. He died on 6 January 1966 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Plot 23A, Grave 92–99, Am Gottesacker 25, Dortmund,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

2330. Kapitänleutnant Ulrich HEYSE
Heyse was born in Berlin on 20 September 1906. He joined the U-boat arm at
the beginning of 1940 and served as watch officer on several U-boats before
commissioning U-128 on 12 May 1941. In February 1942, he sank his first
ship, the US tanker Massachusetts. This was followed by another American
tanker of 8,000 tons and the Norwegian 11,000-ton tanker O. A. Knudsen. In
May, he sank a steamer and on 8 June sent the 9,234-ton tanker South Africa
to the bottom. Then another steamer was despatched, while on 23 June, the
10,173-ton tanker Andrea Brövig was destroyed after two torpedo hits. He
ended his patrol by sinking a large steamer on the 27th and torpedoing the
steamer Steel Engineer the next day. During November and December 1942,
he sank another four ships, including a tanker. Heyse was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 21 January 1943. He was appointed commander of the 37th
U-Boat Flotilla with the rank of Korvettenkapitän. Heyse died on 19
376

November 1970 and is believed to be buried in Mühlenfriedhof, Flensburg,
Schleswig-Holstein.

2331. Kapitän zur See Heinrich BRAMESFELD
Bramesfeld was born on 24 June 1899 in Gemen. He fought in the First World
War. Bramesfeld was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in October
1940 and the 1st Class in April 1941. He was commander of 2nd Security
Division when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 January 1943.
Bramesfeld died on 14 January 1992 in Munich.

2332. Oberleutnant Helmut WEINREICH
Weinreich was born on 24 September 1917 in Lenzen. He was a squadron
leader in Bomber Wing 30 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21
January 1943. Weinreich was killed in action over Frankfurt am Main on 18
November 1943 and has no known grave.

2333. Generalmajor Otto KORFES
Korfes was born on 23 November 1898 in Wenzen. He was commander of
295th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
January 1943. Korfes died on 24 August 1964 and is believed to be buried in
Neuer Friedhof, Potsdam, Brandenburg.

2334. Oberstleutnant Hans-Georg BRANDT
Brandt was born on 4 November 1903 in Grimma. He was commander of
Infantry Regiment 577 when he was killed in action on 4 January 1943 at
Stalingrad and was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 January 1943. Brandt is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 34, Row 4, Grave 133,
Rossoschka, Volgograd, Russia.

2335. Oberstleutnant Hans-Christoph von SPANGENBERG
Von Spangenberg was born on 12 July 1898 in Berlin. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 203 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
377

January 1943. Von Spangenberg died on 19 June 1985 in Passau, Bavaria.

2336. Oberstleutnant Luitpold STEIDLE
Steidle was born on 12 March 1898 in Ulm. He was commander of Grenadier
Regiment 767 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 January 1943.
Steidle died on 27 July 1984 in Weimar, Thuringia.

2337. Oberstleutnant Karl WALTER
Walter was born on 13 April 1893 in Lengfeld. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 131 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
January 1943. Walter died on 29 May 1956 in Ober-Ramstadt, Hesse.

2338. Oberstleutnant Hild-Wilfried von WINTERFELD
Von Winterfeld was born on 17 April 1903 in Frankfurt an der Oder. He was
commander of I Battalion, Panzer Regiment 24, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 22 January 1943. Von Winterfeld died in Russian hands at
Beketovka on 3 April 1943 and has no known grave.

2339. Major Hans BOHNENKAMP
Bohnenkamp was born on 17 April 1893 in Schildesche. He was commander
of III Battalion, Artillery Regiment 295, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 22 January 1943. Bohnenkamp died on 2 February 1977 and is
buried in Riensberg Friedhof, Bremen.

2340. Major Fritz WARNECKE
Warnecke was born on 25 November 1898 in Burgdorf. He was commander
of III Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 517, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 22 January 1943. Warnecke died on 4 May 1968 in Ronnenberg,
Lower Saxony.

2341. Hauptmann Herbert LAMPRECHT
378

Lamprecht was born on 28 March 1913 in Berlin. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd in October 1939 and the 1st Class in September 1942. Lamprecht
was deputy commander of Motorised Light Flak Battalion 76 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 January 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on
25 July 1944. He died on 21 September 1978 in Tegernsee, Bavaria.

2342. Hauptmann Hans UHL
Uhl was born on 25 August 1916 in Frankfurt am Main. He was commander
of II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 430, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 22 January 1943. Uhl died on 6 November 1992 and is buried in
Bad Nauheim Friedhof, Hesse.

2343. Hauptmann Hans ZIMMERMANN
Zimmermann was born on 23 September 1915 in Mainz. He was a company
commander in Panzergrenadier Regiment 26 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 22 January 1943. Zimmermann died on 29 June 1993 in
Munich.

2344. Oberleutnant Franz KLITSCH
Klitsch was born on 1 January 1913 in Wilhelmshaven. He was a company
commander in Motorised Grenadier Regiment 120 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 22 January 1943. Klitsch was posted missing at Stalingrad
on 4 January 1943.

2345. Oberleutnant Theodor LANGHART
Langhart was born on 21 September 1919 in Graz, Austria. He was a
squadron leader in Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was killed in action at
Fissenkowo, Russia, on 22 December 1942 and has no known grave. Langhart
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 January 1943.

2346. Leutnant Fritz BRUTSCHER

379

Brutscher was born on 14 March 1915 in Frankfurt am Main. He was a
company commander in Panzer Pioneer Battalion 92 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 22 January 1943. Brutscher was killed in action on 15
February 1943 and is buried at Glasunowka/Orel; his remains are awaiting
transfer to a German war cemetery.

2347. Leutnant Paul LANDGRAF
Landgraf was born on 7 January 1920 in Munich. He was a battery officer in
Motorised Flak Regiment 19 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
January 1943. Landgraf died in 2011.

2348. Leutnant Kurt STIFTER
Stifter was born on 19 April 1918 in Vienna. He was adjutant and a pilot in
Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was killed in action at Fissenkowo, Russia, on
21 December 1942 and awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 January 1943 and
has no known grave.

2349. Oberfeldwebel Otto LEUPERT
Leupert was born on 6 February 1915 in Höchheim. He was a pilot in
Training Group 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 January
1943. Leupert was killed during a crash landing on 26 August 1944 and is
buried at the German War Cemetery, Block 46, Grave 361, Kattenbos N746,
Lommel, Belgium.

2350. Oberfeldwebel Hans STRIPPEL
Strippel was born on 1 December 1912 in Obergeis. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Strippel
was a platoon leader in Panzer Regiment 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 22 January 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 4 June 1944. He is
credited with destroying seventy armoured vehicles. Strippel died on 26
November 1983 in Bad Hersfeld, Hesse.

380

2351. Oberfeldwebel Eugen-Ludwig ZWEIGART
Zweigart was born on 3 May 1914 in Sarreguemines, Alsace-Lorraine. He was
a pilot in Fighter Wing 54 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
January 1943. He was killed in action on 8 June 1944 after baling out of his
fighter and was shot while hanging in his parachute. Zweigart is credited with
sixty-nine victories and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 1, Row
45, Grave 984, St-Désir-de-Lisieux, Normandy, France.

2352. Feldwebel Bruno FRÖHLICH
Fröhlich was born on 20 October 1913 in Stüdenitz. He was a platoon leader
in Grenadier Regiment 430 when he was killed in action on 16 December
1942 and is buried at Waraksino/Osuga, Russia; Fröhlich’s remains are
awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. He was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 22 January 1943.

2353. Unteroffizier Helmuth HARTH
Harth was born on 18 May 1917 in Berleburg. He was a tank commander in
Panzer Regiment 21 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 January
1943. Harth died on 27 January 1992 and is believed to be buried in Dotzlar
Friedhof, Bad Berleburg, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2354. Unteroffizier Bernhard HÜLSMANN
Hülsmann was born on 12 September 1920 in Einen. He was a gun
commander in Motorised Flak Regiment 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 22 January 1943. Hülsmann was killed in action near Dresden in
April 1945 and has no known grave.

2355. Unteroffizier Alfred KRAFT
Kraft was born on 6 March 1917 in Annweiler am Trifels. He was a platoon
leader in Panzer Regiment 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
January 1943. Kraft died of wounds on 20 June 1943 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Annweiler am Trifels, Rhineland-Palatinate.
381

2356. Generalmajor Richard-Heinrich von REUSS
Von Reuss was born on 23 November 1896 in Bromberg. He was commander
of 62nd Infantry Division when he was killed in action at the Don River on 22
December 1942 and has no known grave. Von Reuss was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 24 January 1943.

2357. Oberst Wilhelm WOLFF
Wolff was born on 6 August 1915 in Hanover. He was commander of
Motorised Flak Regiment 37 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
January 1943. Wolff died on 5 November 1966 and is buried in
Gartenfriedhof, Marienstrasse, Hanover.

2358. Oberstleutnant Eduard OBERGETHMANN
Obergethmann was born on 30 April 1898 in Paderborn. He was commander
of Motorised Flak Regiment 99 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
24 January 1943. Obergethmann died of wounds near Gorki on 13 April
1943 while a prisoner of the Russians and has no known grave.

2359. Hauptmann Kurt GEISLER
Geisler was born on 28 January 1914 in Hennersdorf. He was commander of
Air Transport Wing ‘Don’ when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
January 1943. Geisler was killed in action over Bury St Edmunds on 6
September 1943 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 1, Row 12,
Grave 465, Camp Road, Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, England.

2360. Oberleutnant Rudolf PUCHINGER
Puchinger was born on 29 March 1919 in Steyr, Austria. He was a squadron
leader in Bomber Wing 6 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
January 1943. Puchinger was posted missing over France on 19 June 1944.

2361. Leutnant Friedrich RUPP—‘Frieder’
382

Rupp was born on 26 November 1917 in Freilburg im Breisgau. He was a
pilot in Fighter Wing 54 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
January 1943. Rupp was killed in action over the North Sea on 15 May 1943
and has no known grave. He was credited with fifty-two victories.

2362. Leutnant Heinz WAGNER
Wagner was born on 20 November 1919 in Dahle. He was a platoon leader in
Motorcycle Battalion 6 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
January 1943. Wagner was killed in action on 16 August 1944 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Block 1, Row 11, Grave 773, Insterburg, Russia.

2363. Oberfeldwebel Herbert FRIEBEL
Friebel was born on 28 July 1915 in Berlin. He was a pilot in Fighter Wing 51
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 January 1943. Friebel was
killed in action on 15 May 1944 and is buried at Gorodischtsche/Ternopil,
Ukraine; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.

2364. Oberst Felix BECKER
Becker was born on 8 November 1893 in Arnsdorf. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914), as well
as the Wound Badge in Gold. Becker was commander of Grenadier Regiment
418 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 January 1943. He died on
29 December 1979 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof, Göttingen, Lower Saxony.

2365. Oberst Gerhard LINDEMANN
Lindemann was born on 2 August 1896 in Verden. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Lindemann was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in May and the 1st
Class in June 1940. He was commander of Infantry Regiment 216 when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 January 1943. The Oak Leaves
followed on 10 September 1944. Lindemann was captured by the Russians in
July 1944 and not released until 1955. He died on 28 April 1994 in Bremen.

383

2366. Major Paul GLOGER
Gloger was born on 2 April 1896 in Trebnitz. He was commander of AssaultGun Battalion 244 when he was posted missing at Stalingrad on 18 January
1943 and was awarded the Knight’s Cross seven days later.

2367. Hauptmann Rudolf BEHR
Behr was born on 31 December 1916 in Ebensfeld. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in June 1940. Behr was commander
of III Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 201, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 25 January 1943. He was killed in action near Krymsk,
Russia, on 23 July 1943 and has no known grave.

2368. Hauptmann Berthold GAMER
Gamer was born on 27 March 1914 in Heidelberg. He was commander of II
Battalion, Motorised Artillery Regiment 178, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 25 January 1943. Gamer died on 29 October 1966 in
Frankfurt am Main.

2369. Hauptmann Paul Freiherr von HAUSER
Freiherr von Hauser was born on 24 April 1911 in Graz, Austria-Hungary. He
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in November 1939 and the 1st Class in
August 1940. Von Hauser was Motorcycle Battalion 61 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 25 January 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 28
October 1944. He died on 1 April 1999 and is believed to be buried in
Zentralfriedhof, Vienna.

2370. Hauptmann Karl LESTMANN
Lestmann was born on 20 July 1915 in Berlin. He was commander of II
Battalion, Panzer Regiment 15, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
25 January 1943. Lestmann died of wounds on 26 February 1943 and is
buried at Konstantinowka/Donetsk, Ukraine; his remains are awaiting transfer
to a German war cemetery.
384

2371. Hauptmann Martin STEGLICH
Steglich was born in Breslau on 16 July 1915. He fought in Poland, for which
he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class, and France, for which he was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class. Steglich also took part in the invasion of
Russia, on the northern front. In December 1942, at Zemena, the Russians
broke-through on his unit’s flank. On his own initiative, he took with him all
the available men and marched to help; he broke-through to the battalion HQ
and held the position until the Russians were beaten back. Next, he led a
counterattack that completely threw the enemy out of the position. For this
action, Steglich was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 January 1943.
In May 1944, he was sent for a battalion commander’s course in Antwerp.
Steglich was commanding a regiment in the Venlo area of the Netherlands,
from December 1944 to January 1945. In March, he was caught up in
Operation ‘Varsity’, the Allied crossing of the Rhine; for the action there, he
was awarded the Oak Leaves on 5 April 1945. Taken prisoner by the
Americans, he was soon released. Steglich died on 20 October 1997 in
Ruppichteroth, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2372. Oberleutnant Hans-Erich HERWIG
Herwig was born on 24 September 1913 in Dölitz. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 511 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 25 January 1943. Herwig died on 12 February 1998 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Braunschweig, Lower Saxony.

2373. Oberleutnant Eduard KRAUS
Kraus was born on 13 July 1914 in Rotthalmunster. He was a company
commander in Panzergrenadier Regiment 14 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 25 January 1943. Kraus died on 17 May 1978 in Munich.

2374. Oberleutnant Johann MAY
May was born on 1 May 1918 in Kroisbach, Austria-Hungary. He was
commander of III Battalion, Mountain Jäger Regiment 138, when he was

385

awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 January 1943. May was killed in action
near Skelewatyi, Russia, on 5 September 1943 and has no known grave.

2375. Oberwachtmeister Eduard MÜLLER (-REINDERS
added later)
Müller was born on 27 March 1916 in Rodenkirchen. He was a platoon
leader in Assault-Gun Battalion 244 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 25 January 1943. Müller died on 13 July 1982 and is believed to be buried
in Alter Friedhof, Waldbrunn, Bavaria.

2376. Wachtmeister Josef GALLE
Galle was born on 7 January 1914 in Dürr-Kunzendorf. He was a platoon
leader in Assault-Gun Battalion 244 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 25 January 1943. Galle was posted missing at Stalingrad on 28 January
1943.

2377. Oberstleutnant Richard HAIZMANN
Haizmann was born on 29 April 1910 in Hochdorf. He was operation officer
in 9th Motorised Flak Division when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
28 January 1943. Haizmann died on 24 February 1943 as a POW and is
buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Rossoschka, Volgograd,
Russia.

2378. Oberstleutnant Hans SCHURIG
Schurig was born on 4 March 1901 in Dresden. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 260 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28
January 1943. Schurig was posted missing at Stalingrad on 20 January 1943.

2379. Oberstleutnant Erich WOELFEL
Woelfel was born on 5 March 1894 in Flensburg. He was commander of
Infantry Regiment 534 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28

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January 1943. Woelfel died on 24 April 1987 and is buried in Alter Friedhof,
Bad Waldsee, Baden-Württemberg.

2380. Hauptmann Herbert KREINER
Kreiner was born on 16 October 1911 in Netzschkau. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 261, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 28 January 1943. Kreiner died on 24 February 2000 and is buried in
Tuttlingen Friedhof, Baden-Württemberg.

2381. Hauptmann Werner NASEBAND
Naseband was born on 8 January 1916 in Danzig. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 451, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 28 January 1943. Naseband died on 29 August 1997 and is believed to be
buried in Stadfriedhof, Bad Wörishofen, Bavaria.

2382. Hauptmann Friedrich-Hans PLÜMER
Plümer was born on 24 June 1917 in Husum. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 268, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 28 January 1943. Plümer died on 20 November 1993 and is buried in
Parkfriedhof, Eichhofstrasse 56, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein.

2383. Oberstleutnant Richard CLAASSEN
Claassen was born on 4 January 1900 in Berlin. He was commander of
Infantry Regiment 517 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29
January 1943. Claassen died at Frolov on 26 May 1943 as a POW. He is
believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Rossoschka, Volgograd, Russia.

2384. Oberstleutnant Richard EICHLER
Eichler was born on 3 April 1903 in Frankenberg. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 212 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29
January 1943. Eichler was posted missing at Stalingrad on 31 January 1943.
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2385. Hauptmann Kurt SCHÄFER
Schäfer was born on 1 February 1916 in Munich. He was a battalion
commander in Grenadier Regiment 516 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 29 January 1943. Schäfer died near Stalingrad on 6 May 1943 as a
Russian POW and has no known grave.

2386. Generalleutnant Walther LUCHT
Lucht was born on 26 February 1882 in Berlin. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Lucht took
part in the Spanish Civil War with the Condor Legion. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in May and the 1st Class in June 1940. Lucht
was commander of 336th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 30 January 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 9 January 1945. He
died in a car accident on 18 March 1949 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof,
Heilbronn, Baden-Württemberg.

2387. Hauptmann Karl PRÖLL
Pröll was born on 16 September 1910 in Batzhausen. He was commander of II
Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 63, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 30 January 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 25 January 1945.
Pröll died on 7 February 1974 in Passau, Bavaria.

2388. Oberleutnant Friedrich LINDENBERG
Lindenberg was born on 12 July 1914 in Bocholt. He fought in Poland in
1939 and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Lindenberg missed the
campaign in the West and only joined the fighting in Russia in November
1941. He was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class in January 1942. In the
summer of 1942, Lindenberg was made adjutant, and thus missed much of the
fighting.
His regiment was part of the relief force for Stalingrad. For his part in this,
Lindenberg was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 January 1943. He was also
awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold. In October 1943, he had been

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withdrawn from the front to train new recruits. Lindenberg died on 31 May
1995 in Grabenstätt, Bavaria.

2389. Oberleutnant Carl RALL
Rall was born on 2 December 1913 in Munich. He was a company
commander in Mountain Jäger Regiment 98 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 30 January 1943. Rall died on 25 November 1995 and is
believed to be buried in Hauptfriedhof, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria.

2390. Oberleutnant Hermann WALDOW
Waldow was born on 11 April 1916 in Leipzig. He was a commander of
Armoured Reconnaissance Company 700 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 30 January 1943. Waldow was killed in action on 9 June 1944 and is
buried in Ranville War Cemetery (CWGC), Block 7, Row C, Grave 12,
Ranville, Normandy, France.

2391. Oberst Josef SCHMIDT
Schmidt was born on 10 August 1893 in Breslau. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Schmidt was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in October 1939 and the 1st Class in
June 1940, as well as the Wound Badge in Gold. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 199 when he was killed in action near Voronezh, Russia,
on 28 January 1943 and has no known grave. Schmidt was awarded the
Knight’s Cross three days later.

2392. Major Fritz-Joachim Freiherr von ROTSMANN
Frieherr von Rotsmann was born on 27 July 1900 in Darmstadt. He was
commander of I Battalion, Artillery Regiment 176, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 31 January 1943. Von Rotsmann was killed in aciton near
Arsk, Russia, on 27 March 1943 and has no known grave.

2393. General Ernst-Eberhard HELL
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Hell was born on 19 September 1887 in Stade. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Hell was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) in May 1940. He was
commander of VII Army Corps when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1
February 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 4 June 1944. Hell was captured
by the Russians in August 1944 and not released until 1955. He died on 15
September 1973 and is buried in Südfriedhof, Feld A2, Grave 11, Wiesbaden,
Hesse.

2394. Hauptmann Karl-Edmund GARTENFELD
Gartenfeld was born on 27 July 1898 in Aachen. He was a squadron leader in
Reconnaissance Group of OB the Luftwaffe when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 3 February 1943. Gartenfeld died on 4 January 1955 and is
buried in Hochst Friedhof, Frankfurt am Main.

2395. Oberleutnant Siegfried GÖBEL
Göbel was born on 26 May 1916 in Zwickau. He saw action as a Stuka pilot
over Poland, Belgium, France, the English Channel, and England itself. Moved
to Africa, he was badly wounded when his aircraft was shot up by a British
Hurricane over El Alamein on 17 July 1942. On 28 August 1942, he was shot
down by anti-aircraft fire while attacking Allied shipping off the coast off El
Alamein. Göbel sank the cruiser HMS Coventry off Tobruk, for which he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 February 1943.
In late 1944, he was flying over Hungary and was shot down by the
Russians on 19 March 1945. He had flown over 700 missions and sunk more
than 50,000 tons of enemy shipping. Göbel died on 19 May 1988 in Berlin.

2396. Oberwachtmeister Heinz BRETSCHNEIDER
Bretschneider was born on 26 March 1913 in Meinersdorf. He was a battery
officer in Motorised Flak Regiment 13 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 February 1943. Bretschneider died on 16 March 1971 and is
buried in Südfriedhof, Ahlen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

390

2397. Oberfeldwebel Karl HAUPT
Haupt was born on 4 September 1916 in Leipzig. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 February 1943. Haupt
was killed in action over England on 3 January 1944 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Grave 36, Altenkirchen, Rhineland-Palatinate.

2398. Generalleutnant Friedrich GOLLWITZER
Gollwitzer was born on 27 April 1889 in Bullenheim. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Gollwitzer was commander of 88th Infantry Division when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 8 February 1943.
In 1964, Gollwitzer was the subject of an inquiry into allegations that he
was involved in war crimes in Poland during 1939. In particular, he was
accused of ordering the execution of eighteen Poles in the village of Torzeniec
in reprisal for the deaths of three German soldiers (who, in fact, had been
killed by friendly fire). However, no charges were ever brought against him.
Gollwitzer died on 25 March 1977 and is believed to be buried in
Katherinefriedhof, Amberg, Bavaria.

2399. Generalmajor Fridolin von SENGER und ETTERLIN
Von Senger und Etterlin was born on 4 September 1891 in Waldshut. He
fought in the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd
Class (1914). Von Senger und Etterlin was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class
in May and the 1st Class in June 1940. He was commander of 17th Panzer
Divison when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 February 1943.
Responsible for the defence of the Gustav Line, including Monti Cassino,
his contribution was played down due to his opposition to Nazi principles, but
he was awarded the Oak Leaves on 5 April 1944. Von Senger und Etterlin
played no part in the 20 July bomb plot. After the war, he wrote his memoirs,
entitled Neither Fear nor Hope. He died on 4 January 1963 and is buried in
the village cemetery, Hag, near Freilburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg.

2400. Oberst Otto HEIDKÄMPER
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Heidkämper was born on 13 March 1901 in Lauenhagen. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914).
Heidkämper was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in September and
the 1st Class in October 1939. He was cheif-of-staff to XXIV Panzer Corps
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 February 1943. Heidkämper
died on 16 February 1969 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof, Bückeburg, Lower
Saxony.

2401. Oberstleutnant Kurt GEHRKE
Gehrke was born on 13 January 1903 in Altona. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment ‘GD’, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 8 February 1945. Gehrke was killed in action at Glodowo, Poland, on 24
October 1944 and has no known grave.

2402. Oberstleutnant Walter HENRICH
Henrich was born on 25 July 1898 in Geusenheim. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Henrich was commander of Panzergrenadier Regiment 40 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 February 1943. Henrich died of wounds on
30 July 1943 and is buried at Kovel, Ukraine; his remains are awaiting
transfer to a German war cemetery.

2403. Major Friedrich QUENTIN
Quentin was born on 7 January 1905 in Dortmund. He was commander of
Motorcycle Battalion 6 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8
February 1943. Quentin died on 29 September 1988 in Hilden, RhinelandPalatinate.

2404. Major Günther TRIBUKAIT
Tribukait was born on 29 May 1909 in Greifswald. During the winter battles
of 1942–43 on the Eastern Front, he commanded Jäger Battalion 5 and
personally led a breakout from encirclement in January. For this, he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 February 1943. After the war, he was
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arrested by Yugoslav forces and tried for war crimes. Tribukait was executed
by hanging on 26 February 1947 and is buried in Sammelfriedhof, Belgrade,
Serbia.

2405. Hauptmann Gerhard BEHNKE
Behnke was born on 23 December 1910 in Matzkau. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in August 1941. Behnke was
commander of Assault-Gun Battalion 203 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 8 February 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 4 October 1944; he
was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. Behnke died on 9 May 1962 and
is buried in Melaten Friedhof, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2406. Hauptmann Günter CORSSEN
Corssen was born on 6 February 1916 in Bremen. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in September 1941. Corssen was a
battalion commander in Panzer Regiment 39 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 8 February 1943. He died on 16 August 1990 and is buried
in Scottdale Cemetery, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, USA.

2407. Hauptmann Erich DARNEDDE
Darnedde was born on 14 December 1906 in Gandersheim. He was
commander of I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 277, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 8 February 1943. Darnedde died on 11 November 1996 and
is buried in Stadtfriedhof, Hildesheim, Lower Saxony.

2408. Hauptmann Werner GRÜN
Grün was born on 23 November 1913 Hamburg. Sent to Africa with Panzer
Regiment 5, Grün took over a company and led it in several daring attacks.
He took part in the notorious ‘six-day race’, during which he was always in
contact with the enemy. Now in command of the I Battalion, Grün’s panzers
were severely battered at El Alamein, he returned with just four tanks.
In January 1943, with his unit rested and back at full strength, he fought
in Tunisia and played a major part in taking the Faïd Pass. For this, he was
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awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 February 1943. After Africa, he fought in
Russia for a short time before being transferred to the army’s general staff.
Grün died on 5 May 2004 and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Haan, North RhineWestphalia.

2409. Hauptmann Bruno KAHL
Kahl was born in Cologne on 23 November 1914. He fought in Poland and in
Norway before volunteering for the Panzer arm. Kahl took part in the
invasion of Russia and was soon awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class and the
1st Class followed in October 1941. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8
February 1943 for action at Toropez.
Kahl fought at Kursk and was awarded the Oak Leaves on 8 August 1943
for command of a regiment. Given command of the panzer school at Erlangen,
Kahl ended the war as commander of Panzer Regiment ‘GD’. He died on 28
February 1999 in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2410. Hauptmann Hans von LÖSECKE
Lösecke was born on 29 May 1911 in Altona. He was commander of
Motorised Panzergrenadier Regiment 90 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 8 February 1943. Lösecke died on 23 November 1989 and is
believed to be buried in Ohlsdorf Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

2411. Hauptmann Hans-Joachim WISSEMANN
Wissemann was born on 22 June 1915 in Kiel. He was a company commander
in Motorcycle Battalion 6 when he was killed in action near Morozovsk,
Russia, on 30 December 1942 and has no known grave. Wissemann was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 February 1943.

2412. Oberleutnant Max BÖHRENDT
Böhrendt was born on 24 August 1908 in Einlage. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July 1940 and the 1st Class in December 1941. Böhrendt
was a platoon leader in the staff company of Grenadier Regiment ‘GD’ when

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he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 February 1943. He died on 31 March
1997 in Horb am Neckar, Baden-Württemberg.

2413. Oberleutnant Walther-Hans BÖTTCHER
Böttcher was born on 4 November 1916 in Bad Bramstedt. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in November 1941.
Böttcher was commander of I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 216, when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 February 1943. He was killed in action
when he stepped on a mine near Arkhangelsk, Russia, on 6 June 1943 and has
no known grave.

2414. Oberleutnant Rudolf SÜRIG
Sürig was born on 2 January 1913 in Nuremberg. He was a company
commander in Jäger Battalion 13 when he was killed in action near Toropez,
Russia, on 28 November 1942 and has no known grave. Sürig was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 8 February 1943.

2415. Oberleutnant Wolfhart WICKE
Wicke was born on 25 September 1919 in Oberursel. He was a company
commander in Mountain Jäger Regiment 144 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 8 February 1943. Wicke was killed in action on 8 August
1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 17, Row 39, Grave
2113, Champigny–St-André, Normandy, France.

2416. Oberleutnant Hans (or Hanns) WOLFF
Wolff was born on 4 August 1914 in Bad Godesberg. He was a company
commander in Infantry Battalion 540 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 8 February 1943. Wolff died on 14 May 2007 and is buried in
Ostfriedhof, Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2417. Leutnant Heinz VOLKMANN

395

Volkmann was born on 21 August 1921 in Bremen. He was a battery officer in
Artillery Regiment 240 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8
February 1943. Volkmann was killed in action on 15 March 1945 and is
believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Königsberg
(Kaliningrad), Russia.

2418. Oberfeldwebel Werner MAHN
Mahn was born on 17 June 1915 in Probstheida. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Regiment 10 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 February
1943. Mahn died on 4 October 2004 and is buried in Grimma Friedhof,
Saxony-Anhalt.

2419. Feldwebel Edwin STOLZ
Stolz was born on 4 December 1912 in Bühlertal. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 353 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8
February 1943. Stolz died of wounds at Polosk, Russia, on 17 May 1944 and
has no known grave. He was awarded the Oak Leaves on 12 June 1944.

2420. Unteroffizier Herbert RUHNKE
Ruhnke was born on 10 April 1914 in Berlin. He was a gun commander in
Panzer Jäger Battalion 294 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8
February 1943. Ruhnke was posted missing at Schlesien during March 1945.

2421. Gefreiter Werner WRANGEL
Wrangel was born on 24 March 1922 in Passopp. He was serving in Panzer
Jäger Battalion 160 when, almost single-handedly, he knocked-out seventeen
Russian tanks, often waiting until they had passed his position so he could fire
at their flanks or rear. This action allowed a Kampfgruppe to withdraw in
good order with all their wounded. For this, he was awarded the Iron Cross
1st and 2nd Class, the Infantry Assault Badge in Silver, and the Knight’s Cross
—all on 8 February 1943. Wrangel was killed in action on 24 March 1945
and is buried in the German War Cemetery (Stadtfriedhof), Gross Gerau,
Hesse.
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2422. Oberstleutnant Hermann LENZ
Lenz was born on 7 September 1891 in Munich. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 164 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9
Febraruy 1943. Lenz was killed in action on 3 August 1943 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Block 8, Row 31, Grave 1830, Kursk-Besedino,
Russia.

2423. Kapitänleutnant Siegfried Freiherr von FORSTNER
Freiherr von Forstner was born in Hanover on 19 September 1910. After
several patrols as watch officer, he commissioned U-402 on 21 May 1941 and
scored his first success on 16 January 1942 when he torpedoed the British
12,053-ton tanker Llangibby Castle. In April, he sank three more ships. Then,
he penetrated the escort of convoy SC107 and sank three streamers and
damaged a fourth with four torpedoes. Four hours later, he attacked again,
sinking two more steamers; now out of torpedoes, he headed for home.
On 7 February, U-402 made two attacks on convoy SC118, sinking two
ships and damaging the Norwegian tanker Daghild. Two hours later, he sank
two more ships from this convoy. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9
February 1943. On 11 May 1943, Forstner attacked convoy SC129, again
sinking two ships. During his next patrol on 13 October 1943, U-402 was
bombed by aircraft from USS Card north-west of the Azores, sinking the
submarine with all hands.

2424. Major Hans-Franz von HÜLST
Von Hülst was born on 23 December 1898 in Legden. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 378 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9
February 1943. Von Hülst died on 18 August 1986 and is buried in Friedhof
Südhagen, Delbrück, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2425. Hauptmann Josef HEINDL
Heindl was born on 10 March 1904 in Munich. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1940. Heindl was
commander of I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 199, when he was awarded the
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Knight’s Cross on 9 February 1943. He was killed in action near Sumy,
Ukraine, on 10 September 1943 and has no known grave. Heindl was
awarded the Oak Leaves on 18 November 1943.

2426. Leutnant Hugo LÜDCKE
Lüdcke was born on 23 September 1913 in Breslau. He was a company
commander in Jäger Regiment 28 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
9 February 1943. Lüdcke died on 28 May 1970 and is buried in Hasefriedhof,
Osnabrück, Lower Saxony.

2427. Oberfeldwebel Ernst WAWROK
Wawrok was born on 21 April 1913 in Gross-Kauern. He was a platoon
leader in Jäger Regiment 28 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9
February 1943. Wawrok died on 4 February 1995 and is believed to be buried
in Südfriedhof, Wolfsburg.

2428. Oberstleutnant Walter LANGE
Lange was born on 14 July 1898 in Berlin. He fought in the First World War
and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Lange was
commander of Grenadier Regiment 42 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 10 February 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 13 September 1943.
He died on 30 October 1982 and is buried in Hasefriedhof, Osnabrück,
Lower Saxony.

2429. Kapitänleutnant Gerhard BIELIG
Bielig was born in Berlin on 28 April 1916. He served on U-177 as leading
engineer on several patrols and overcame a number of serious situations,
including repairing depth-charge damage, defects in the steering, and arresting
the U-boat’s dive after heavy depth-charge attacks. For this, he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 10 February 1943. After twelve months of front-line
service, Bielig was made an instructor of engineers. He died on 29 September
2004 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Neuss, North Rhine-Westphalia.

398

2430. Hauptmann Horst NIEDERLÄNDER
Niederländer was born on 1 April 1908 in Sensburg. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1942.
Niederländer was commander of I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 686, when
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 February 1943. He was killed in
action near Sebastopol, Crimea, on 25 April 1944 and has no known grave.
Niederländer was awarded the Oak Leaves on 9 June 1944.

2431. Hauptmann Ernst OTTO
Otto was born on 24 August 1909 in Hagen. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 454, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 10 February 1943. Otto died on 25 November 1993 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Münster.

2432. Oberfeldwebel Hans BUNZEL
Bunzel was born on 29 April 1915 in Haynau. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in September 1940 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Bunzel was a
platoon leader in Panzer Battalion 116 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 10 February 1943. He was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold.
Bunzel killed himself on 12 November 1995 in Neukirchen beim Heiligen
Blut, Bavaria.

2433. Oberst Friedrich FRIEDMANN
Friedmann was born on 20 February 1899 in Arnstorf. He was commander of
Mountain Jäger Regiment 144 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12
February 1943. Friedmann died of wounds on 21 August 1943 and is buried
at Alchevsk, Ukraine; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war
cemetery.

2434. Oberst Wolfgang GLAESEMER
Glaesemer was born on 14 March 1899 in Riemberg. He was commander of
Panzergrenadier Regiment 6 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12
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February 1943. Glaesemer died on 10 April 1999 and is believed to be buried
in Waldfriedhof, Bad Tölz, Bavaria.

2435. SS-Obersturmbannführer Max SCHÄFER
Schäfer was born on 17 January 1907 in Karlsruhe. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Schäfer was
commander of SS-Panzer Pioneer Battalion 5 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 12 February 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 25 January
1945. He died on 6 May 1987 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Baden-Baden,
Baden-Württemberg.

2436. Oberleutnant Ewald BARANEK
Baranek was born on 30 April 1919 in Breslau. He was commander of Panzer
Pioneer Battalion 58 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 February
1943. Baranek was killed in action on 1 February 1944 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Block R, Grave 398, Pomezia, Italy.

2437. Unteroffizier Walter KOEPPEL
Koeppel was born on 25 July 1919 in Heilbronn. He was a gun commander in
Grenadier Regiment 111 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15
February 1943. Koeppel died on 19 August 1945 at Rouille, France, as a POW
and has no known grave.

2438. Oberst Georg SCHOLZE
Scholze was born on 21 August 1897 in Löbau. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Scholze was
commander of Motorised Infantry Training Regiment 901 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 February 1943. He killed himself in Berlin
on 24 April 1945 and has no known grave.

2439. Major Friedrich-Heinrich MUSCULUS

400

Musculus was born on 8 October 1899 in Kiel. He was commander of Panzer
Jäger Battalion 111 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 February
1943. Musculus died on 20 February 1986 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof,
Hildesheim, Lower Saxony.

2440. Feldwebel Franz JUSCHKAT
Juschkat was born on 13 February 1917 in Gross Warkau. He fought in
Poland, was wounded, and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. During the
campaign against France and the Low Countries, he was an instructor.
Juschkat fought in Russia on the northern front, seeing much hard fighting
during the winter. In the spring of 1942, while overrun, he knocked-out two
tanks with mines and eliminated a machine-gun position before rejoining the
German lines. For this, he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class.
During the summer of 1942, he was wounded three times. On his return to
the front, Juschkat was put in charge of his regiment’s reserve platoon. Many
times he was called upon to close gaps in the lines and eliminate enemy tanks
that had broken through. Juschkat was wounded during one of these actions,
for which he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 February 1943. At the end
of 1943, he was captured, but he managed to escape and return to his own
lines. Later, he took part in a number of operations behind enemy lines,
sometimes as cavalry. Badly wounded in 1944, Juschkat was out of action
until early 1945 when he knocked-out two tanks with a Panzerfaust. Juschkat
was also awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold, the Wound Badge in Gold,
and five Tank Destruction Badges. He died on 3 December 1967 in
Hartingerorde, Lower Saxony.

2441. Unteroffizier Paul EBEL
Ebel was born on 8 July 1916 in Stennewitz. He was group commander of
Staff Company (Pioneer Platoon) Grenadier Regiment 50 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 February 1943. Ebel was captured by the
Russians in May 1944 and held until 1949. He died on 31 October 1986 in
Goslar, Lower Saxony.

2442. Bootsmannsmaat Karl JÖRSS
401

Jörss was born on 14 May 1910 in Hamburg. He was an anti-aircraft
controller on the transport ship Dora when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
for action in the Mediterranean Sea on 17 February 1943. Jörss died on 15
January 1969 and is buried in Wilhelmshaven Friedhof, Lower Saxony.

2443. Oberleutnant Alexander GLÄSER
Gläser was born on 4 January 1914 in Büdingen. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in May 1940. Gläser
was a squadron leader in Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 19 February 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 28 March
1945. He is credited with flying over 1,100 missions. Gläser died on 13
September 2003 and is buried in Wolferborn Friedhof, Büdingen, Hesse.

2444. Oberleutnant Kurt LEHMANN
Lehmann was born on 25 November 1916 in Woltersdorf. He was a squadron
leader in Bomber Wing 53 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
February 1943. Lehmann died on 25 June 1981 in Augsburg, Bavaria.

2445. Oberleutnant Siegfried REHLE
Rehle was born on 4 August 1915 in Waldkirchen. He was an observer in
Bomber Wing 53 when he was killed in action near Velikiye Luki, Russia, on
30 December 1942 and has no known grave. Rehle was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 19 February 1943.

2446. Leutnant Wilhelm DÖRING
Döring was born on 2 October 1918 in Nuremberg. He was an observer in
Bomber Wing 53 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 February
1943. Döring died on 30 August 1955 in Nuremberg.

2447. Oberfeldwebel Paul LANGKOPF
Langkopf was born on 7 July 1915 in Sarstedt. He was a pilot in Dive Bomber
Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 February 1943.
402

Langkopf died in an accident on 6 November 1961 in Rethen an der Leine,
Lower Saxony.

2448. Oberfeldwebel Werner WEIHRAUCH
Weihrauch was born on 22 August 1916 in Kreuzberg. He was a pilot in Dive
Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 February
1943. Weihrauch flew nearly 1,000 missions. He died on 22 August 1999 in
Nuremberg.

2449. Major Paul MARBACH
Marbach was born on 15 December 1894 in Breslau. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 217, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 20 February 1943. Marbach died on 14 December 1987 and is believed to
be buried in Nussdorf am Inn Friedhof, Bavaria.

2450. Hauptmann Alfred MÜLLER
Müller was born on 23 November 1915 in Kaltensondheim. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in July 1941.
Müller was commander of Assault-Gun Battery 901 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 20 February 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 15
December 1943. He died on 2 July 1997 and is buried in Zentralfriedhof,
Münster.

2451. Oberleutnant Jürgen LUDWIG
Ludwig was born on 5 May 1917 in Oldenburg. He was a company
commander in Pioneer Battalion 173 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 20 February 1943. Ludwig was killed in action on 22 October 1943 and is
buried at Nowogorodkowa, Ukraine; his remains are awaiting transfer to a
German war cemetery.

2452. Leutnant Karl-Heinrich FINK

403

Fink was born on 1 April 1922 in Sonthofen. He first saw action in the
invasion of Russia in 1941. Fink was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd
Class by October, and he fought through the winter battles in front of
Moscow. He also took part in the effort to relieve Stalingrad. Fink
commanded a platoon at the village of Kotelikowo, holding out against an
entire company, and later succeeded in breaking out to the rest of his
battalion. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 February 1943.
Fink was also awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold.
He spent most of 1943 training new officers, and it was not until August
1944 that he returned to the Russian Front. Fink took part in the relief effort
for Budapest. He died on 23 April 1980 in Lindenberg, Bavaria.

2453. SS-Sturmmann Gerardes MOOYMAN
Mooyman was born on 23 September 1923 in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. In
1941, he joined the SS-Freiwilligen Legion ‘Niederlande’ as a gun commander.
At Lake Ladoga on the Russian Front, he knocked-out thirteen enemy tanks;
for this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 February 1943. In March
1946, he was arrested by the Dutch and charged with serving in the Waffen-SS
and was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment but was released after three
years. Mooyman died in a car accident on 21 June 1987 in Anloo, the
Netherlands.

2454. Major Kurt BOETTCHER
Boettcher was born on 26 January 1905 in Berlin. He was commander of
Pioneer Battalion 44 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 February
1943. Boettcher was killed in action on 27 June 1944 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery (Forest Cemetery/Waldfriedhof) (as unknown), Riga,
Latvia.

2455. Oberleutnant Alfred REUTER
Reuter was born on 10 July 1913 in Tondern. He was a company commander
in Infantry Regiment 418 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21
February 1943. Reuter was killed in action near Nataljevka, Russia, on 11
October 1943 and has no known grave.
404

2456. Obergefreiter Anton DICKE
Dicke was born on 25 August 1911 in Warstein. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 3 when he was killed in action on 26 January 1943 and is
buried at Mustolowo Sinyavino, Russia; Dicke’s remains are awaiting transfer
to a German war cemetery. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21
February 1943.

2457. Hauptmann Friedrich SCHNEIDER
Schneider was born on 15 October 1898 in Schlick-Röbel. He was a battalion
commander in Grenadier Regiment 418 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 24 February 1943. Schneider was posted missing near Staraja,
Russia, on 24 February 1943.

2458. Oberst Gerd-Paul von BELOW
Von Below was born on 30 November 1892 in Strasbourg. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Von Below was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in October 1939
and the 1st Class in August 1940. He was commander of the augmented
Grenadier Regiment 374 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28
February 1943. Von Below was captured by the Russians in May 1945 and
died on 8 December 1953. He is buried in the German War Cemetery, Row 2,
Grave 5, Cherntsy, Russia.

2459. Oberst Karl BUSCHE
Busche was born on 14 September 1903 in Breklum. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in May 1940 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Busche was
commander of Jäger Regiment 228 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 28 February 1943. He died of wounds on 28 May 1943 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Block 9, Row 4, Grave 242, Sebastopol, Ukraine.

2460. SS-Sturmbannführer Erwin REICHEL

405

Reichel was born on 11 March 1911 in Vienna. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class after the fall of Poland and the 1st Class after the fall of
France. Reichel was commander of SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 10 when,
during the Third Battle of Kharkov, he pinned down and destroyed a Russian
tank battalion; for this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 February
1943. He died of wounds on 28 February 1943 and is believed to be buried in
the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Kharkov, Ukraine.

2461. SS-Sturmbannführer Max WÜNSCHE
Wünsche was born on 20 April 1914 in Kittlitz. He was serving on Hitler’s
staff and missed the Polish campaign but saw action in France where he was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class. Wünsche took part in the invasion
of Russia and fought at Kharkov, for which he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 28 February 1943.
Given command of 12th SS Panzer Regiment, Wünsche was awarded the
Oak Leaves on 11 August 1944 for the fighting in Normandy. He was
captured on 24 August 1944 near the Falaise Gap; at this time, he was
recommended for the Swords, but they were never awarded. Wünsche was
held until 1948. He died on 17 April 1995 and is buried in Nordfriedhof, Feld
193A, Grave 14, Munich.

2462. SS-Oberscharführer Hans REIMLING
Reimling was born on 17 January 1918 in Karlsruhe. He was a platoon leader
in SS-Panzer Regiment 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28
February 1943. Reimling was killed in action on 7 March 1943 and is buried
in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Kharkov, Ukraine.

2463. SS-Sturmbannführer Albert FREY
Frey was born on 16 February 1913 in Heidelberg. He fought in Poland and
France, and he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in June 1940. Frey also
fought in the Balkans before taking part in the invasion of Russia, where he
was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class in November 1941. He was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 3 March 1943 for the handling of his regiment at
Kharkov; later the same year, he fought at Kursk.
406

In late 1943, the Russians tried to break-through his regimental position
with tanks and artillery support. Frey’s handling of the regiment saved the day
and he was awarded the Oak Leaves for this and his personal bravery on 20
December 1943. He also fought in Normandy, the Ardennes Offensive, and
Hungary before surrendering to US forces in 1945. Frey killed himself on 1
September 2003 in Heilbronn, Baden-Württemberg.

2464. Hauptmann Franz LIST
List was born on 7 April 1912 in Hann. He was commander of II Battalion,
Mountain Jäger Regiment 144, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3
March 1943. List died on 24 July 1970 in Lauterbach, Baden-Württemberg.

2465. Hauptmann Harry TECH
Tech was born on 3 January 1907 in Stettin. He was commander of Motorised
Artillery Battalion 934 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 March
1943. Tech died on 13 January 1990 and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Lenggries,
Bavaria.

2466. Oberleutnant Friedrich CRANTZ
Crantz was born on 31 July 1906 in Berlin. He was a company commander in
Grenadier Regiment 416 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross 3 March
1943. Crantz died on 2 November 1990 in Berlin.

2467. Leutnant Jörg BURG
Burg was born on 25 September 1919 in Berlin. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in November 1941 and the 1st Class in February 1942. Burg
was a platoon leader in Panzer Battalion 18 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 3 March 1943. He was killed in action at Siauliai,
Lithuania, on 21 August 1944 and has no known grave. Burg was awarded
the Oak Leaves on 4 October 1944.

2468. SS-Oberscharführer Herrmann DAHLKE
407

Dahlke was born on 11 February 1917 in Greifswald. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in July 1940 and the 1st Class in December 1941.
Dahlke was a platoon leader in SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 1 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 March 1943 for his part in the Third Battle
of Kharkov, during which his platoon threw back a numerically superior
enemy in hand-to-hand fighting and thus made a decisive contribution to the
successful advance of the battalion. He was killed in action on 5 July 1943
and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 10, Row 15, Grave 1751,
Kharkov, Ukraine.

2469. SS-Oberscharführer Alfred GÜNTHER—‘Freddi’
Günther was born on 25 April 1917 in Magdeburg. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in November 1941. Günther a
company commander in SS-Assault-Gun Battalion 1 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 3 March 1943. He was killed in action when his Tiger tank
was hit by aircraft fire on 15 June 1944; he is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Block 30, Row 8, Grave 303, La Cambe, Normandy, France.

2470. Oberfeldwebel Karl EIDEN
Eiden was born on 20 January 1917 in Gunzenhausen. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in August 1940 and the 1st Class in November 1941.
Eiden was a platoon leader in Grenadier Regiment 97 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 5 March 1943. He died on 20 August 1987 and is
buried in Alter Friedhof, Gunzenhausen, Bavaria.

2471. Generalleutnant Richard MÜLLER
Müller was born on 4 November 1891 in Emseloh. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Müller
was commander of 211th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 7 March 1943. He was killed in action on 16 July 1943 and is buried
near Bryansk, Russia; Müller’s remains are awaiting transfer to a German war
cemetery.

408

2472. Generalleutnant Ernst RUPP
Rupp was born on 13 January 1892 in Landshut. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Rupp was
commander of 97th Jäger Division when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 7 March 1943. He was killed in action on 30 May 1943 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Block 10, Row 48, Grave 3961, Sebastopol,
Ukraine.

2473. Major Gerhard WILLING
Willing was born on 28 November 1910 in Bautzen. He was commander of III
Battalion, Panzer Regiment 33, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7
March 1943. Willing was killed in action on 29 October 1943 and is believed
to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Kirovohrad,
Ukraine.

2474. Oberleutnant Otto KUHN
Kuhn was born on 4 June 1912 in Altlaube. He was a company commander in
Panzergrenadier Regiment 13 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7
March 1943. Kuhn was posted missing near Kovel, Russia, in May 1944.

2475. Oberleutnant Wolfgang von MALOTKI
Von Malotki was born on 25 February 1921 in Danzig. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 45 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 7 March 1943. Von Malotki died on 12 July 2002 in Neustadt an
der Weinstrasse, Rhineland-Palatinate.

2476. Oberjäger Eugen ZEHNDER
Zehnder was born on 2 March 1917 in Oberurbach. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July 1941 and the 1st Class in February 1942. Zehnder
was a section leader in Mountain Jäger Regiment 13 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 7 March 1943. He died on 18 April 1991 and is buried in
Urbach Friedhof, Bavaria.
409

2477. SS-Sturmbannführer Joachim (or Jochen) PEIPER
Peiper was born in Berlin on 30 January 1915. He fought in Poland and in
France, where he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class. Peiper also
took part in the invasion of Russia and was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9
March 1943 for fighting his way behind enemy lines to rescue the cut-off
320th Infantry Division. In November 1943, he was given command of the
Panzer Regiment of the Leibstandarte Division, with which he took part in an
armoured battle near Zhitomir. Peiper broke-through the enemy lines,
destroying over 100 enemy tanks and twenty-two artillery pieces. For this
action, he was awarded the Oak Leaves on 27 January 1944.
He fought in Normandy were his panzers knocked-out over 100 Allied
tanks. In the Ardennes Offensive, he led Kampfgruppe Peiper, smashing
through the lines with his Tiger tanks. However, poor logistic support, Allied
air superiority, and lack of fuel doomed the offensive. During the offensive,
men under Peiper’s command massacred seventy-four US prisoners at the
Malmedy crossroads. Awarded the Swords on 11 January 1945, Peiper
surrendered in 1945.
Peiper was sent for trial for the Malmedy massacre, and while he fully
accepted that he was responsible for actions taken by men under his
command, he always denied that any order to shoot was given. He was
sentenced to death, but following an outcry into the techniques used, his
sentence was changed to life imprisonment. Peiper was released in 1956 and
went to live in Travers, France, with the permission of the French authorities.
Peiper was murdered on 14 July 1976, but his killers have never been
apprehended. He is buried in the family plot at St Ann’s Church, Schondorf
am Ammersee, Bavaria.

2478. SS-Obersturmbannführer Gustav LOMBARD
Lombard was born on 10 April 1895 in Klein Spiegel. Sent to the USA in
1906, he did not return to Germany until after the First World War. After the
fall of Poland, he ordered the execution of any non-German males between
seventeen and sixty years of age. It was reported that 250 men were killed. He
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in December 1940. In July 1941,
Lombard commanded SS-Cavalry Regiment 1 in the Pinsk Marshes, where he

410

ordered all Jews to be shot—some 11,000 Jews and 400 dispersed Russian
soldiers were executed.
He was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class in September 1941 and the
Knight’s Cross on 10 March 1943. Lombard became a Russian POW in April
1945 and was sentenced to twenty-five years’ imprisonment. He was released
in 1955 and tried again by the West German Government but was found not
guilty. Lombard died on 18 September 1992 in Mühldorf am Inn, Bavaria.

2479. SS-Obersturmbannführer August ZEHENDER
Zehender was born on 28 April 1903 in Aalen. He was commander of SSCavalry Regiment 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 March
1943 for holding the village of Cholomedina against several attacks from the
Russians. He also made further attacks deeper into enemy territory. The Oak
Leaves followed on 3 February 1945. Zehender was killed in action on 12
February 1945 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 1 (as
unknown), Budaörs, Hungary.

2480. Major Gerhard MÜLLER
Müller was born on 4 June 1899 in Berlin. He was commander of Pioneer
Battalion 208 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 March 1943.
Müller died of wounds on 13 July 1943 and is buried at Bolchov, Russia; his
remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.

2481. Hauptmann Hans (born Hans-Martin) FRITSCHE
Fritsche was born on 24 June 1909 in Tillowitz. He awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in July 1941 and the 1st Class in February 1942. Fritsche was
commander of II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 528, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 10 March 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 2 October
1943. He died on 27 May 1993 in Hanau, Hesse.

2482. Oberleutnant Paul JACOB
Jacob was born on 4 February 1909 in Leipzig. He was deputy commander of
I Battalion, Jäger Regiment 204, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
411

10 March 1943. Jacob died on 18 August 1979 and is buried in Grainau
Friedhof, Bavaria.

2483. Major Herbert SCHWENDER
Schwender was born on 22 December 1912 in Berlin. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 11 March
1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 6 April 1944. According to Gerhard von
Seemen’s book The Knight’s Cross Bearers 1939–1945, Schwender was also
awarded the Swords. However, there is no evidence to back this up.
Schwender was killed in action at Valga, Estonia, on 22 September 1944 and
has no known grave.

2484. Hauptmann Wilhelm BORCHERT
Borchert was born on 28 May 1904 in Schöneiche. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July 1940 and the 1st Class in September 1941. Borchert
was commander of III Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 121, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 11 March 1943. He was killed in action near
Sebastopol, Crimea, on 13 May 1944 and has no known grave.

2485. Oberleutnant Hans BAASNER
Baasner was born on 1 November 1916 in Gross-Orsichau. He was a radio
operator/observer in Long Range Reconnaissance Group 121 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 11 March 1943. Baasner died on 21 March
1983 and is buried in Oberrahmede Friedhof, Lüdenscheid, North RhineWestphalia.

2486. Feldwebel Gotthard KUMMER
Kummer was born on 19 November 1908 in Grünhainichen. He was a
platoon leader in Grenadier Regiment 45 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 11 March 1943. Kummer died on 19 July 1983 in Goslar, Lower
Saxony.

412

2487. Oberjäger Walter MÖSE
Möse was born on 30 September 1920 in Langenbielau. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in August 1941 and the 1st Class in May 1942. Möse
was a platoon leader in Jäger Regiment 49 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 11 March 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 10 February 1944. He
was killed in action at Plauendorf, East Prussia, on 28 November 1944 and
has no known grave.

2488. Oberst Karl Freiherr von LERSNER
Von Lersner was born on 1 July 1898 in Frankfurt am Main. He was
commander of Grenadier Regiment 537 when he was killed in action near
Orel, Russia, on 25 January 1943 and has no known grave. Von Lersner was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 March 1943.

2489. Feldwebel Alfred HARTMANN
Hartmann was born on 11 March 1914 in Strehlen. He was a platoon leader
in Grenadier Regiment 337 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12
March 1943. Hartmann was posted missing near Lyssogor, Russia, on 19
September 1943 and has no known grave.

2490. Unteroffizier Hermann FLEX
Flex was born on 5 August 1910 in Halberstadt. He was a section leader in
Grenadier Regiment 337 when he was killed in action on 9 March 1943 and is
buried at Zabolotye/Shisdra, Russia; Flex’s remains are awaiting transfer to a
German war cemetery. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross 12 March 1943.

2491. Unteroffizier Wilhelm KIRSCHENMANN
Kirschenmann was born on 4 February 1915 in Baden-Baden. He was a
section leader in Grenadier Regiment 82 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 12 March 1943. Kirschenmann died on 21 January 1988 in
Lichtenau, Baden-Württemberg.

413

2492. Obergefreiter Josef DIRKMORFELD
Dirkmorfeld was born on 4 May 1912 in Möse. He was a section leader in
Pioneer Battalion 208 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 March
1943. Dirkmorfeld died on 20 March 1990 in Rietberg-Mastholte, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

2493. Oberstleutnant Ludwig BECKMANN ‘Lutz’
Beckmann was born on 26 October 1895 in Dortmund. He fought in the First
World War as a pilot, shooting down eight aircraft, including two British aces.
He was also awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Beckmann was
commander of a special transport unit Kampfgruppe 500 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 March 1943. He flew over 200 ‘air bridge’
sorties into Demjansk, Russia. Beckmann died on 19 January 1965 and is
buried in Hasefriedhof, Osnabrück, Lower Saxony.

2494. Major Paul CLAAS
Claas was born on 12 December 1908 in Linden. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st and 2nd Class in September 1940. Claas was group commander in
Bomber Wing 100 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 March
1943. He was killed in action on 20 June 1943 when his bomber crashed in
the Sea of Azov; his body was not recovered.

2495. Kapitänleutnant Erich WÜRDEMANN
Würdemann was born on 15 January 1914 in Hamburg. He commissioned U506 on 15 September 1941 and sunk his first ship, the Dutch steamer Sama, in
May 1942. This was followed by a 7,000-tonner, the 8,862-ton Gulfpenn, and
the tanker David McKelvy. Two more tankers were torpedoed, and the Gulfoil
was shelled and left sinking. During his next patrol, Würdemann sank the City
of Wellington on 21 August 1942, followed by the 4,416-ton Hamla and the
Myrmidon. He ended this patrol with the sinking of the Lima and the Siam II.
His next patrol was to the Indian Ocean, where he sank the Sabor on 7 March
1943; two days later, he sank the Tabor. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 14 March 1943. On his way home from the Indian Ocean, U-506 was
414

sunk by US aircraft on 14 July 1943. There were only six survivors;
Würdemann was not among them.

2496. Hauptmann Wilhelm POHLMANN
Pohlmann was born on 8 September 1914 in Vormholz-Herbede. He was
commander of a Kampfgruppe in the Führer Begleit Battalion when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 March 1943. Pohlmann was killed in action
on 10 October 1943 and is believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery
(as unknown), Kirovohrad, Ukraine.

2497. Oberleutnant Gustav DENK
Denk was born on 24 January 1915 in Soest. He was a pilot in Fighter Wing
52 when he was killed in action on 13 February 1943 near Chernigov, Russia,
and has no known grave. Denk was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 March
1943 with sixty-seven victories to his credit.

2498. Oberleutnant Günter FINK
Fink was born on 17 March 1918 in Berlin. He was a pilot in Fighter Wing 54
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 March 1943. Fink was posted
missing 15 May 1943 after attacking a B-17 bomber over Helgoland. He is
credited with forty-six aerial victories.

2499. Oberleutnant Martin KÖRNER
Körner was born on 15 March 1913 in Meinersdorf. He was a squadron
leader in Fighter Wing 9 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14
March 1943. Körner died on 11 June 1993 and is buried in Diepholz Friedhof,
Lower Saxony.

2500. Leutnant Herbert KUNTZ
Kuntz was born on 15 February 1915 in Diefflen. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 100 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 March 1943. Kuntz
died on 26 August 1998 in Dillingen, Saarland.
415

2501. Leutnant Günther RÜBELL
Rübell was born on 4 May 1921 in Traben-Trarbach. He was a pilot in
Fighter Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 March 1943.
Rübell died on 1 November 1985 and is buried in Mountain View Cemetery,
Prince Edward Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

2502. Leutnant Rudolf SCHÜTZE
Schütze was born on 6 December 1909 in Königsberg. He was a pilot in
Weather Reporting Squadron 5 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
14 March 1943. Schütze was killed in action on 27 August 1943 and is buried
in the German War Cemetery, Block B, Grave 496, Botn-Rognan, Norway.

2503. Oberfeldwebel Herbert BROENNLE
Broennle was born on 25 December 1920 in Munich. He was a pilot in
Fighter Wing 54 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 March 1943.
Broennle was killed in action near Lake Lentini, Italy, on 4 July 1943 and has
no known grave. He is credited with fifty-eight victories.

2504. Oberfeldwebel Herbert KAISER
Kaiser was born on 16 March 1916 in Jessen. He was a pilot in Fighter Wing
77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 March 1943. Kaiser flew
1,200 missions and shot down sixty-eight enemy aircraft. He died on 5
December 2003 in Felde, Schleswig-Holstein.

2505. Oberfeldwebel Hans SCHOEFBECK
Schoefbeck was born on 13 July 1917 in Munich. He was a pilot in
Kampfgruppe 9 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 March 1943.
Schoefbeck died on 18 January 1994 in Feldafing, Bavaria.

2506. Oberfeldwebel Otto SCHULTZ

416

Schultz was born on 31 May 1920 in Dannenberg. A fighter pilot, he fought in
the Battle of Britain and later in Russia. On his arrival in Africa, he had
already shot down more than thirty aircraft. Schultz scored this fiftieth victory
on 30 January 1943 and was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 March 1943.
After Africa, he fought on in Italy and later intercepted enemy bombers,
eight of which he shot down. In total, Schultz brought down seventy-three
enemy aircraft. Schultz died on 28 July 2013 and is believed to be buried in
Waldfriedhof, Fürstenfeldbrück, Bavaria.

2507. Feldwebel Rudolf BERGER
Berger was born on 10 October 1910 in Deutsch-Altenburg, Austria-Hungary.
He was a platoon leader in Pioneer Battalion 296 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 14 March 1943. Berger died on 6 November 1990 and is
buried in St Barbara Friedhof, Linz, Austria.

2508. Feldwebel Erich JECKSTAT
Jeckstat was born on 8 July 1919 in Kuiken. He was a pilot in Bomber Wing
100 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 March 1943. Jeckstat
died on 11 October 1958 near Augsburg, Bavaria.

2509. Feldwebel Gerhard NIEMECK
Niemeck was born on 10 June 1916 in Zerbst. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Regiment 31 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 March
1943. Niemeck died on 19 July 1983 in Neunkirchen, Austria.

2510. Oberjäger Otto DOSER
Doser was born on 8 May 1917 in Neustadt. He was a platoon leader in Jäger
Regiment 75 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 March 1943.
Doser died on 30 December 1992 and is buried in Neustadt Friedhof, BadenWürttemberg.

2511. Oberst Rudolf ERLER
417

Erler was born on 22 May 1888 in Sprottau. He was commander of Grenadier
Regiment 539 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 March 1943.
Erler died on 16 March 1953 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof, Göttingen, Lower
Saxony.

2512. Oberst Hartmut HÜTTNER
Hüttner was born on 6 January 1914 in Frauwalde. He was commander of III
Battalion, Jäger Regiment 228, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15
March 1943. Hüttner died on 22 August 2001 and is believed to be buried in
Neuer Friedhof, Pfaffenhofen, Bavaria.

2513. Hauptmann Hans HAUPTMANN
Hauptmann was born on 13 May 1915 in Neustrelitz. He was commander of
Motorcycle Battalion 55 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15
March 1943. Hauptmann died on 17 March 1971 and is buried in
Waldfriedhof, Itzehoe, Schleswig-Holstein.

2514. Oberleutnant Heinz-Otto FABIAN
Fabian was born on 1 March 1918 in Castrop-Rauxel. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in January and the 1st Class in October 1941. Fabian
was commander of III Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 534, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 March 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on
9 July 1944. He died on 16 September 1990 in Vögelsen, Lower Saxony.

2515. Oberleutnant Anton GRÜNERT
Grünert was born on 11 October 1917 in Neusattel, Austria-Hungary. He was
a company commander in Assault-Gun Battalion 201 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 15 March 1943. Grünert was killed in action on 8
August 1944 and is buried in the Laurahütte German War Cemetery, Block 1,
Row 16, Grave 970, Siemianowice Śląskie, near Bytom, Poland.

2516. Oberfeldwebel Heinrich BECKER
418

Becker was born on 23 January 1914 in Osnabrück. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in December 1941. Becker
was a platoon leader in Panzer regiment 31 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 15 March 1943. He died in an accident on 17 February 1960 and is
buried in Hasefriedhof, Osnabrück, Lower Saxony.

2517. Oberfeldwebel Ewald GÖRSCH
Görsch was born on 24 April 1913 in Klein-Oels. He was a platoon leader in
Panzergrenadier Regiment 13 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15
March 1943. Görsch was posted missing on 3 March 1945.

2518. Oberst Karl-Wilhelm von SCHLIEBEN
Von Schlieben was born on 30 October 1894 in Eisenach. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Von Schlieben was commander of 208th Infantry Division when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 March 1943. He died on 18 June 1964 and
is buried in Friedhofsallee, Wall Grave IV BG-59, Giessen, Hesse.

2519. Major Joachim BLECHSCHMIDT
Blechschmidt was born on 28 December 1912 in Schleiz. He was a group
commander in Heavy Fighter Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 17 March 1943. Blechschmidt was posted missing after being seen to bale
out of his fighter behind enemy lines near Orel, Russia, on 13 July 1943.

2520. Kapitänleutnant Reinhart RECHE
Reche was born on 13 December 1914 in Kreuzburg. On 29 November 1941,
he commissioned U-255 and sailed her into the Norwegian Sea in 1942. Reche
attacked convoy PQ17, sinking the 7,191-ton John Witherspoon and the
5,116-ton Alcoa Ranger on 6 and 7 July. Then, on 8 July, he sent the 6,069ton Olopana to the depths. The 7,168-ton Paulus Potter was bombed and
damaged by a Ju 88; she was boarded by U-255’s crew and valuable
documents were removed before she sank.

419

In September 1942, Reche sank the Silver Sword from convoy QP14. In
October, he sank the Soviet ship Malygin, and in February 1943, he sank the
US ship Greylock from convoy RA52. In March, he attacked convoy RA53,
sinking one ship and damaging the Richard Bland. On 10 March, he came
across her again, and this time sent her to the bottom. He was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 17 March 1943. His last command was on the U-Boat staff.
Reche died on 3 March 1993 in Bad Godesberg, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2521. Hauptmann Kurt HUHN
Huhn was born on 1 August 1912 in Paaren. He was a group commander in
Close Support Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 March
1943. Huhn died on 3 September 1997 in Hanover.

2522. Hauptmann Bruno STOLLE
Stolle was born on 13 April 1915 in Münster. He took part in the Battle for
France as a fighter pilot but scored no victories. On 11 August 1940, during
the Battle of Britain, Stolle shot down two fighters. By the end of 1941, he has
raised his score to fifteen Spitfires and one Blenheim.
Stolle scored all of his victories on the Western Front, and during 1942, he
shot down sixteen aircraft, including three four-engined bombers. He shot
down his thirty-second enemy aircraft on 29 January 1943, for which he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 March 1943. Stolle would only bring down
another four enemy aircraft (one of which was his fourth four-engined
bomber) in 1943. He spent some time in Denmark in early 1944 before
returning to France. Although he continued to command fighter units, he did
not shoot down any more aircraft, indicating that he was no longer flying.
Stolle died on 22 January 2004 and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Rheinbach,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

2523. Hauptmann Alfred ZAHN
Zahn was born on 25 September 1911 in Budzin. He was commander of III
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 96, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 17 March 1943. Zahn died of wounds on 4 April 1943 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Block 8, Row 6, Grave 549, Sebesh, Russia.
420

2524. Oberleutnant Erich STUMPE
Stumpe was born on 5 August 1904 in Sprottau. He was a pilot in
Reconnaissance Group 121 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17
March 1943. Stumpe died on 27 December 1994 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Braunschweig, Lower Saxony.

2525. Hauptmann Heinz SCHUMANN
Schumann was born on 29 November 1914 in Leipzig. He was a squadron
leader in Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18
March 1943. Schumann was killed in action on 8 November 1943 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 6, Row 9, Grave 787,
Champigny–St-André, Normandy, France.

2526. Capitano di Fregata Carlo Luigi Nobile FECIA DI
COSSATO (Italian Navy)
Fecia di Cossato was born on 25 September 1908 in Rome. After assuming
command of the submarine Enrico Tazzoli, Fecia di Cossato fought under the
Germans. He sank the tanker Sildra and was named in the Italian
communiqué on 11 March 1942, having sunk six ships (a total 29,189 tons)
off the US coast. He received the Iron Cross 1st Class on 9 May 1942 and was
recommended for the Knight’s Cross. In December, he sank four ships (a total
20,515 tons). On 21 February 1943, he took over command of the S-Boat
Flotilla 3. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 March 1943.
When Italy changed sides, he took an oath on 8 September and fought
against his former allies, and in an action near Bastia the next day, he sank
seven small German ships. He was awarded the Italian Golden Medal of
Bravery on 27 May 1944. Fecia di Cossato killed himself on 27 August 1944
and is believed to be buried in Cimitero di Poggioreale, Naples, Italy.

2527. Oberst Fritz KRAUSE
Krause was born on 18 December in Küstrin. He was commander of
Motorised Flak Regiment 91 when he was killed in action at Stalingrad on 25

421

January 1943 and has no known grave. Krause was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 24 March 1943.

2528. Hauptmann Kurt BENZ
Benz was born on 13 February 1914 in Altdamm. He was squadron leader of
Kampfgruppe 500 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 March
1943. Benz died on 25 February 1989 and is buried in Ohlsdorf Friedhof,
Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

2529. Hauptmann Joachim LANGBEHN
Langbehn was born on 8 November 1910 in Sielbeck. He was a squadron
leader in Dive Bomber Wing 2 when he was killed in action on 25 November
1942 at Petelazovskij, Russia, and has no known grave. Langbehn was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 March 1943.

2530. Hauptmann Siegfried SCHOLZ
Scholz was born on 16 May 1916 in Nieder Görriesseifen. He was a squadron
leader in Bomber Wing 100 when he was killed in action near Kalach, Russia,
on 25 November 1942 and has no known grave. Scholz was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 24 March 1943.

2531. Hauptmann Ludwig WAGENFELD
Wagenfeld was born on 16 February 1911 in Oldenburg. He was a squadron
leader in Reconnaissance Group 122 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 24 March 1943. Wagenfeld died on 26 February 1993 in Oldenburg,
Lower Saxony.

2532. Oberleutnant Eitel-Albert BARTH
Barth was born on 7 December 1915 in Bucharest, Romania. He was a
squadron leader in Bomber Wing 55 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 24 March 1943. Barth died on 5 May 2004 and is believed to be buried in
St Joseph Friedhof, Ilanz, Switzerland.
422

2533. Oberleutnant Wolfgang BÖWING-TREUDING
Böwing-Treuding was born on 28 January 1922 in Hamburg. He shot down
his first aircraft on 13 July 1941, and by the end of the year had raised his
score to nine. Böwing-Treuding was a pilot in Fighter Wing 51 when he was
killed in action near Velikiye Luki, Russia, on 11 February 1943 and has no
known grave. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 March 1943.
Böwing-Treuding had shot down forty-six enemy aircraft, including sixteen
Sturmoviks.

2534. Oberleutnant Eduard BROGSITTER
Brogsitter was born on 28 December 1919 in Bonn. He was a squadron leader
in Bomber Wing 76 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 March
1943. Brogsitter died on 8 January 2002 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof,
Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate.

2535. Oberleutnant Werner FRANKEN
Franken was born on 2 May 1916 in Edenkoben. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 26 when he was posted missing on 24 February 1943 over the
Mediterranean Sea. Franken was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 March
1943.

2536. Oberleutnant Friedrich HARRIES
Harries was born on 15 January 1908 in Wahnebergen. He was a squadron
leader in Bomber Wing 76 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
March 1943. Harries died on 17 July 1970 and is buried in Waldfriedhof,
Leonberg, Baden-Württemberg.

2537. Oberleutnant Werner (or Hans-Werner)
OBERLÄNDER
Oberländer was born on 16 December 1912 in Bankauer Mühle. He was a
pilot in Bomber Wing 55 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24

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March 1943. Oberländer died on 12 October 1996 and is buried in
Waldfriedhof, Kaufbeuren, Bavaria.

2538. Oberleutnant Arthur PASTERNAK
Pasternak was born on 21 August 1917 in Preiswitz. He was a company
commander in Motorised Pioneer Battalion 8 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 24 March 1943. Pasternak was killed in action on 15
September 1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Beberbeki, Riga, Latvia.

2539. Oberleutnant Horst RUDAT
Rudat was born on 3 May 1920 in Wirtkallen. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in August and the 1st Class in September 1941. Rudat was a
squadron leader in Bomber Wing 55 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 24 March 1943. He died on 31 August 1982 in Laaber, Bavaria.

2540. Oberleutnant Gerhard STAMP
Stamp was born on 3 June 1920 in Bamberg. He was awarded the Iron Cross
1st and 2nd Class in April 1941. Stamp was a pilot in Training Wing 1 when
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 March 1943. He is credited with
sinking 35,000 tons of merchant shipping, the British destroyer Defender,
numerous aircraft, tanks, and vehicles on the ground, and shooting down
three bombers at night and one in the day. Stamp died on 21 May 1998 in
Nassau, Rhineland-Palatinate.

2541. Oberleutnant zur See Hanns-Hartwig TROJER
—‘Count Dracula’
Trojer was born on 22 January 1916 in Birthähn, Transylvania. He joined U67 as watch officer in January 1941 but soon took command of U-3. Then, on
9 May 1942, he commissioned U-221 and, on his first patrol, sunk five ships,
including the 12,398-ton Southern Express. On 8 December 1942, while
attacking convoy HX217, he collided with U-254, which sank. Only four

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survivors were found. Trojer never got over this accident. He was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 24 March 1943. He was known by his crew as ‘Count
Dracula’.
He sank five ships from convoys HX228 and HX229. His third patrol put
him in front of convoy HX237, from which he sank the tanker Sandanger on
1 April 1943. He was heavily depth-charged following this attack and forced
to return to base. Once repaired, U-221 sailed again, but on 27 September
1943, she was destroyed by British aircraft; there were no survivors.

2542. Oberfeldwebel Walter BRANDT
Brandt was born on 24 March 1917 in Salzufelen. He was a pilot in Fighter
Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 March 1943. He is
credited with forty-three victories. Brandt died on 28 January 1977 in Bottrop,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

2543. Oberfeldwebel Karl KETTERER
Ketterer was born on 8 October 1912 in Niedermorschweiler. He was a
platoon leader in Panzer Regiment 15 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 24 March 1943. Ketterer was killed in action at Memmelsdorf on 13
April 1945 and has no known grave.

2544. Oberfeldwebel Willi NEMITZ
Nemitz was born on 1 November 1910 in Greifenhagen. He was a pilot in
Fighter Wing 52 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 March 1943.
Nemitz was killed in action near Bakinskaja, Russia, on 11 April 1943 and
has no known grave. He is credited with eighty-one victories of which at least
eleven were Sturmoviks.

2545. Oberfeldwebel Albert SPIETH
Spieth was born on 26 July 1915 in Altbach. He was a pilot in Bomber Wing
51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 March 1943. Spieth was
killed in action near Bobruisk, Russia, on 4 October 1943 and has no known
grave.
425

2546. Feldwebel Walter PILZ
Pilz was born on 10 November 1919 in Hohendodeleben. He was a pilot in
Bomber Wing 55 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 March
1943. Pilz died on 21 January 1996 in Bergfriede, Saxony-Anhalt.

2547. Oberst Boy RICKMERS
Rickmers was born on 20 December 1895 in New York, USA. He was
commander of Grenadier Regiment 586 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 26 March 1943. Rickmers died on 5 December 1957 in Nieblum,
Schleswig-Holstein.

2548. Oberst Rolf SCHERENBERG
Scherenberg was born on 27 May 1897 in Berlin. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Scherenberg
was commander of Grenadier Regiment 532 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 26 March 1943. He died on 10 June 1961 in Berlin.
However, there is a reference to him dying on 10 September 1960 in Villach,
Austria.

2549. Kapitänleutnant Harald GELHAUS
Gelhaus was born on 24 July 1915 in Göttingen. He took over U-143 in
August 1943 and sank his first ship before succeeding Günther Hessler as
captain of U-107. Taking her out on his first patrol in January 1942, he sank
the 7,419-ton tanker Arcadia, the 3,431-ton Major Wheeler, and, finally, the
10,068-ton tanker Egda. On his next patrol in the Atlantic, he sank three
steamers, including the 14,943-ton Andalucia Star. During March, he attacked
convoy OS44, sinking four ships with four torpedoes, including the 7,801-ton
Roxborough Castle. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26 March 1943.
On 1 May, he sank the 12,411-ton Port Victor.
His last post was as staff officer to the Naval High Command North. His
final tally being eighteen ships for a total of 100,347 tons. Gelhaus died on 2
December 1997 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Bochum, North RhineWestphalia.
426

2550. Major Waldemar von KNOOP
Von Knoop was born on 4 May 1896 in Wiesbaden. He was commander of
Bicycle Battalion 8 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26 March
1943. Von Knoop died on 2 June 1956 in Hohenlockstedt, Schleswig-Holstein.

2551. Major Hermann RAUSCHENBUSCH
Rauschenbusch was born on 31 August 1908 in Biemsen. He was commander
of II Battalion, Jäger Regiment 83, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 26 March 1943. Rauschenbusch died on 22 December 1981 in Bad
Salzuflen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2552. Hauptmann Fritz SCHÜTT
Schütt was born on 2 July 1904 in Ellefeld. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 502, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 26 March 1943. Schütt died on 21 January 1987 and is buried in Ohlsdorf
Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

2553. Hauptmann Helmut VOCKE
Vocke was born on 26 January 1915 in Leipzig. He was commander of II
Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 40, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 26 March 1943. Vocke was killed in action on 28 October 1943 and
is believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Kirovohrad, Ukraine.

2554. Hauptmann Kurt WALTER
Walter was born on 23 October 1911 in Dauernheim. He flew in France as a
bomber pilot, being awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class. At the end of
1941, Walter was moved to dive-bombers operating against Malta. His unit
sank a destroyer, an escort ship, and a 20,000-ton merchant ship. Walter took
part in the sinking of the cruiser HMS Coventry in September 1942.
He flew in support of the Africa Corps over Tobruk and in its drive to El
Alamein. On 26 October 1942, he was shot down and killed. Walter is buried
427

in the German War Cemetery, Crypt 1, El Alamein, Egypt. He was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 26 March 1943.

2555. Leutnant Johannes SCHILLING
Schilling was born on 20 May 1919 in Kleedorf. He was a platoon leader in
Infantry Battalion 540 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26 March
1943. Schilling died on 17 December 1965 in Hildesheim, Lower Saxony.

2556. Unteroffizier Heinrich HENDRICKS
Hendricks was born on 4 April 1923 in Oppum. He was tank driver in Panzer
Regiment 33 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26 March 1943.
Hendricks was killed in action near Dnepropetrovsk, Russia, on 25 November
1943 and has no known grave.

2557. Gefreiter Werner RAUSCH
Rausch was born on 27 January 1916 in Leipzig. He was a gun commander in
Panzer Jäger Battalion 294 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26
March 1943. Rausch died on 8 July 1998 and is believed to be buried in
Südfriedhof, Friedhofsweg 3, Leipzig.

2558. Oberschirrmeister Emil VOGT
Vogt was born on 9 January 1912 in Rehlau. He was serving in
Panzergrenadier Regiment 101 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26
March 1943. Vogt died on 30 April 2007 in Hartha-Kieselbach, Saxony.

2559. Korvettenkapitän Karl NEITZEL
Neitzel was born on 30 January 1901 in Kolberg. He was serving on
minesweepers when the war started. He commissioned U-510 on 25
November 1941. His first patrol was in July 1942 and he sent the 5,285-ton
steamer Maldonado to the bottom. The 8,016-ton tanker Alexia was shot by
three torpedoes but did not sink. On 18 August, he fired three torpedoes at an
8,000-ton ship; ninety seconds later, three explosions were heard, but no ship
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was reported lost by the enemy. He did get confirmation for the sinking of the
4,971-ton Cressington Court.
On his next patrol, in October 1942, he attacked convoy SL125,
torpedoing the 5,681-ton Alaska. In the waters around Barbados, he sighted
convoy BT6 on 9 March 1943. Neitzel fired all his torpedoes in two attacks,
seven US and one British ship were hit, of which four sank. With the exception
of the British Kalvinbank, all were 7,000-ton Liberty ships. Neitzel was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 March 1943. His last command was the 7th
Marine Grenadier Regiment. He died on 13 November 1966 and is buried in
Parkfriedhof, Eichhofstrasse 56, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein.

2560. Kapitänleutnant Ulrich FOLKERS
Folkers was born in Kiel on 6 March 1915. He severed on a number of Uboats as watch officer before taking over command of U-125. His first
successes were in January and April 1942. In May, he sank the Canadian
11,941-ton tanker Calgarolyte, as well as the US 8,893-ton tanker Mercury
Sun along with several smaller ships. In a September patrol, he sank six more
ships. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 March 1943. Then, on 4
May 1943, he sank the North Britain from convoy ONS5; two days later, his
U-boat was sunk by British destroyers. HMS Sunflower and Snowflake were
on the scene but were ‘not approved to pick up survivors’ and ordered to
protect the convoy. Folkers and his crew drowned during the night.

2561. Kapitänleutnant Günther SEIBICKE
Seibicke was born on 30 August 1911 in Ebbersdorf. He commissioned U-436
on 27 September 1941. In February 1942, he sailed into the Arctic where, on
1 March, he sank a small Russian steamer. Exactly one month later, on 1
April, he sank a 4,500-ton ship. On his next patrol, he sighted convoy
HX212; firing five torpedoes, he sank the 10,107-ton tanker Sourabaya and
damaged the 7,350-ton Frontenac and the 8,225-ton Gurney E. Newlin. On
29 October 1942, he attacked convoy HX212 again, sinking the 4,998-ton
Barrwhin.
On 8 January 1943, he sank the 6,394-ton Oltenia II from convoy TM1
and damaged the Albert L. Ellsworth, which he finished off the next day. He
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 March 1943. He was attacked and
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sunk by the British ships Text and Heyderabad on 26 May 1943; there where
no survivors.

2562. Colonel Ioan L. HRISTEA (Romanian Army)
Hristea was born on 17 March 1897 in Bârlad, Romania. He was commander
of Romanian Kaleraschen Regiment 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 28 March 1943. Hristea died in 1972 and is believed to be buried in
Central Cemetery, Sibiu, Romania.

2563. SS-Obersturmbannführer Friedrich-Wilhelm BOCK
Bock was born on 6 May 1897 in Wreschen. He fought in the First World War
and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). Bock was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in August and the 1st Class in September 1941.
He was commander of the II Battalion, SS-Police Artillery Regiment 4, when
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 March 1943. The Oak Leaves
followed on 2 September 1944 as commander of the 9th SS-Panzer Division.
Bock died on 11 March 1978 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof, Block 20, Grave
213, Stöckener Strasse 68, Stöcken, Lower Saxony.

2564. SS-Sturmbannführer Max HANSEN
Hansen was born on 31 July 1908 in Niebüll. He fought in Poland with the
SS-Leibstandarte, for which he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in
November 1939, in France, and the Balkans, for which he was awarded the
Iron Cross 1st Class in May 1941. In Russia, he was wounded three times by
the winter of 1941. Hansen did not return to Russia immediately after
recovering from his wounds, but took command of a panzergrenadier
battalion in France. Back in Russia by late 1942, he took part in the fighting
for Kharkov in the spring of 1943. For his part in the retaking of the city,
Hansen was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 March 1943.
After Kursk, his division was moved to Italy to stop the Italians from
defecting. Once done, the division was sent straight back to Russia, where
Hansen was badly wounded. While recovering in France, the Allies landed in
Normandy and his division was sent to the front there. On 20 July 1944, he
was wounded for the eighth time but refused to leave the front. He survived
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the Falaise Pocket and took part in the Ardennes Offensive, after which he
found himself fighting in Hungary in January 1945. Hansen was wounded in
the failed counterattack and was in hospital when awarded the Oak Leaves on
17 April 1945. He was also awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold and the
Wound Badge in Gold. Hansen died on 7 March 1990 in Niebüll, SchleswigHolstein.

2565. SS-Sturmbannführer Hugo KRAAS
Kraas was born on 25 January 1911 in Witten. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in May 1940. Kraas was
commander of I Battalion, SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 2, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 March 1943 for his part in the Third Battle
of Kharkov. The Oak Leaves followed on 24 January 1944. He died from a
heart attack on 20 February 1980 and is buried in Neuer Friedhof, Feld 1,
Row 6, Grave 7–8, Haddeby, Schleswig-Holstein. His brother, Boris, was also
awarded the Knight’s Cross.

2566. SS-Hauptsturmführer Hans BECKER
Becker was born on 15 November 1911 in Peenemünde. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in February 1943.
Becker was a company commander in SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 2 when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 March 1943. He was killed in action
on 20 August 1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Crypt 36,
Grave Chamber 83, Mont-de-Huisnes, Normandy, France.

2567. SS-Obersturmführer Wilhelm BECK
Beck was born on 22 December 1919 in Bitz. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in September 1941. Beck was a company
commander in II Battalion, SS-Panzer Regiment 1, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 28 March 1943 for his part in the Third Battle of Kharkov.
Beck was killed in action by Allied carpet bombing on 10 June 1944 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 36, Row 9, Grave 325 (next to
Karl-Heinz Prinz), La Cambe, Normandy, France.

431

2568. SS-Obersturmführer Walter GERTH
Gerth was born on 12 December 1914 in Kassel. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in March 1942. Gerth was a
battery commander in SS-Panzer Artillery Regiment 3 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 28 March 1943. He was also awarded the Wound Badge
in Gold. Gerth died on 10 January 1995 and is believed to be buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Tannenkeckerweg 6, Kassel, Hesse.

2569. SS-Obersturmführer Hermann WEISER—‘Bibl’
Weiser was born on 22 November 1918 in Ottenau. He was a company
commander in SS-Reconnaissance Battalion Leibstandarte when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 March 1943 for his part in capturing the
town of Valki. Weiser died on 21 March 1970 and is buried in Alter Friedhof,
Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg.

2570. SS-Oberführer Herbert-Ernst VAHL
Vahl was born on 9 October 1896 in Posen. He fought in the First World War
and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Vahl was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) after the fall of Poland. In France and the
Balkans campaign, he commanded Panzer Battalion 101, equipped with flamethrowing tanks. Vahl continued to command his unit during the early stages of
the invasion of Russia and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class.
In 1942, he joined the Waffen-SS and was given command of SS-Panzer
Regiment 2. Vahl was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31 March 1943 for his
part in the Third Battle of Kharkov, during which he was seriously wounded.
His wound kept him away from the front line until July 1944 when he was
posted to Greece, fighting the partisans. Vahl died in an accident on 22 July
1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Crypt 1, Row 12, Plate 2,
Dionyssos-Rapendoza, Greece.

2571. Altábornagy Gusztáv Vitéz JÁNY (Hungarian Army)
Jány was born on 21 October 1883 in Rajka, Austria-Hungary. He fought in
the First World War. Jány was commander of the Hungarian 2nd Army when
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he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31 March 1943. Jány was found guilty
of war crimes and executed by firing squad on 26 November 1947. He is
buried in Kerepesi Cemetery, Budapest, Hungary. Jány was exonerated in
1993.

2572. SS-Obersturmbannführer Heinz HARMEL—‘Der
Alte’
Harmel was born on 29 June 1906 in Metz. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in June 1940. Harmel was commander of
SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
31 March 1943 for his part in the capture of Kharkov, during which his
regiment made a night attack. He was also awarded a Tank Destruction Badge
for personally knocking-out a tank. The Oak Leaves followed on 7 September
1943.
Harmel, now in command of the 10th SS-Panzer Division, played a major
role in defeating the British at Arnhem in September and was awarded the
Swords on 15 December 1944. Harmel was very popular with his men who
called him ‘Der Alte’ (The Old). In the film A Bridge Too Far, he is played by
Hardy Kruger whose character was called General Ludwig, a role based on
Heinz Harmel and Walter Harzer. Harmel died on 2 September 2000 and is
believed to be buried in Hauptfriedhof, Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2573. Oberstleutnant Friedrich-Carl von STEINKELLER
Von Steinkeller was born on 28 March 1896 in Deutsch Krone. He fought in
the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1914). Von Steinkeller was commander of Panzergrenadier Regiment 7 when
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31 March 1943. He was captured by
the Russians in May 1945 and not released until 1955. Von Steinkeller died on
19 October 1981 in Hanover.

2574. Major Alfred MEINIGKE
Meinigke was born on 13 March 1907 in Sangerhausen. He was commander
of I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 188, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 31 March 1943. Meinigke was killed in action on 27 September
433

1943 and is buried at Dymer, Ukraine; his remains are awaiting transfer to a
German war cemetery.

2575. SS-Sturmbannführer Christian TYCHSEN
Tychsen was born on 3 December 1910 in Flensburg. He was commander of II
Battalion, SS-Panzer Regiment 2, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
31 March 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 10 December 1943. Tychsen
was wounded nine times during the war. He was killed in action on 28 July
1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 5, Row 24, Grave
1196, Marigny, Normandy, France.

2576. Hauptmann Karl HÜBBE
Hübbe was born on 8 January 1914 in Hankau, China. He was commander of
I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 270, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 31 March 1943. Hübbe was killed in action near Ostrov, Russia, on 19
July 1944 and has no known grave.

2577. Hauptmann Rudolf KREITMAIR
Kreitmair was born on 3 May 1914 in Rochlitz. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 282 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 31 March 1943. Kreitmair was killed in action at the Kuban
bridgehead, Russia, on 28 September 1943 and has no known grave.

2578. Rittmeister Jochen MEYER
Meyer was born on 14 August 1914 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was
commander of II Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 155, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31 March 1943. Meyer died on 28 October
1992 and is buried in San Paulo Cemiterio, Brazil.

2579. Oberleutnant Walter LOOS
Loos was born on 31 March 1917 in Krontorp. He was commander of III
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 130, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
434

on 31 March 1943. Loos was killed in action near Fünfkirchen, Hungary, on 1
December 1944 and has no known grave.

2580. Oberleutnant Karl-Heinz WILHELM
Wilhelm was born on 20 December 1913 in Lüneburg. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 46 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 31 March 1943. Wilhelm was killed in action on 14 August 1943
and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 15, Row 10, Grave 577,
Korpowo, Russia.

2581. Leutnant Erich FISCHER
Fischer was born on 1 December 19120 in Böhringen. He was a company
commander in Assault Regiment 14 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 31 March 1943. Fischer died on 29 October 1966 and is buried in Alter
Friedhof, Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg.

2582. Leutnant Alfred LANGGUTH
Langguth was born on 24 October 1908 in Mannheim. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 351 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 31 March 1943. Langguth was killed in action near Kiev, Russia, on
13 January 1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Kiev, Ukraine.

2583. SS-Hauptscharführer Karl-Heinz WORTHMANN
Worthmann was born on 18 January 1911 in Hagen. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class after the fall of France in 1940. Worthmann was
a platoon leader in SS-Panzer Regiment 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 31 March 1943 for his part in the Third Battle of Kharkov. He was
killed in action near Belgorod, Russia, on 7 July 1943 and has no known
grave.

2584. Feldwebel Kurt DIX
435

Dix was born on 29 August 1908 in Zeitz. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 510 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31
March 1943. Dix died on 30 July 1994 in Schenefeld, Schleswig-Holstein.

2585. Feldwebel Josef SCHREIBER
Schreiber was born on 24 December 1919 in Mindersdorf. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class in September 1941. Schreiber was a platoon
leader in Assault Regiment 14 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31
March 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 5 October 1943. He was posted
missing at the fortress Poznan on 1 May 1945.

2586. Unteroffizier Leopold LIEHL
Liehl was born on 31 July 1916 in Grunddorf, Austria-Hungary. He was a
section leader in Panzergrenadier Regiment 10 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 31 March 1943. Liehl died on 21 June 1985 and is believed
to be buried in Pottenbrunn Friedhof, Austria.

2587. Obergefreiter Fritz ARNDT
Arndt was born on 1 June 1919 in Zehdenick. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in December 1941 and the 1st Class on 10 March 1943. Arndt was
a machine-gunner in Panzer Pioneer Battalion 32 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 31 March 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 9 December
1944. He died on 12 March 2003 in Mildenberg, Brandenburg.

2588. Obergefreiter Georg PANKOW
Pankow was born on 23 November 1913 in Friedensburg-Podejuch. He was
serving in Grenadier Regiment 338 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 31 March 1943. Pankow died on 6 August 2001 in St Augustine, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

2589. Generale di Corpo Italo GARIBOLDI (Italian Army)

436

Gariboldi was born on 20 April 1879 in Lodi, Italy. He took part in the
conquest of the Second Abyssinian War in 1935. Gariboldi fought in North
Africa with Rommel, taking command of the 10th Italian Army. In 1942, he
was sent to Russia and was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 April 1943.
Gariboldi was in Italy when Mussolini was ousted and was made a POW by
the Germans. He was condemned to death as a traitor. He was released by the
Allies in 1944. Gariboldi died on 9 February 1970 and is believed to be buried
in Cimitero Flaminio, Rome.

2590. Generalleutnant Ernst HACCIUS
Haccius was born on 11 December 1893 in Hanover. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Haccius was commander of 46th Infantry Division when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 2 April 1943.
He was killed in action on 11 February 1943 near Vasiliev, Russia, and
according to the German War Graves Commission he is buried in the German
War Cemetery (as unknown), Sebastopol, Ukraine. However, it is a very long
away between the two places, so this seems unlikely. He also has a headstone
in Stadtfriedhof, Hildesheimerstrasse, Goslar, Lower Saxony.

2591. Major Karl BECK
Beck was born on 20 September 1911 in Bayreuth. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in November 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1940. Beck was
commander of I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 290, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 2 April 1943. He was killed in action near Radom, Poland,
on 17 January 1945 and has no known grave.

2592. Major Curt von BURGSDORFF
Von Burgsdorff was born on 16 December 1886 in Chemnitz. He was
commander of Grenadier Regiment 580 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 2 April 1943. Von Burgsdorff died on 26 February 1962 and is
buried in Waldfriedhof, Starnberg, Bavaria.

437

2593. Hauptmann Philipp MÜLLER
Müller was born on 2 May 1914 in Gossmannsdorf. He was a squadron
leader in Bomber Wing 55 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2
April 1943. Müller died on 18 February 1994 in Gossmannsdorf, Bavaria.

2594. Oberfeldwebel Ernst GAEDCKENS
Gaedckens was born on 12 April 1914 in Barmbeck. He was a platoon leader
in Grenadier Regiment 46 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 April
1943. Gaedckens died on 16 December 1998 in Neumünster, SchleswigHolstein.

2595. Oberfeldwebel Kurt TRIPPENSEE
Trippensee was born on 10 August 1914 in Freilburg im Breisgau. He was a
platoon leader in Mountain Jäger Regiment 144 when he was killed in action
at Lenina, Russia, on 16 February 1943 and has no known grave. Trippensee
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 April 1943.

2596. Unteroffizier Diedrich LILIENTHAL
Lilienthal was born on 21 June 1921 in Moorhausen. He was a gun
commander in Heavy Schnelle Battalion 290 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 2 April 1943. Lilienthal died of wounds on 28 August 1944
and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 1, Row 6, Grave 61,
Beberbeki, Riga, Latvia.

2597. Obergefreiter Wilhelm OKRENT
Okrent was born on 26 February 1916 in Markdorf. He was a gunner in
Panzer Artillery Regiment 116 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2
April 1943. Okrent was posted missing at Prague on 8 May 1945 and has no
known grave.

2598. Generalleutnant Walther SCHELLER
438

Scheller was born on 27 January 1892 in Hanover. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Scheller was commander of 9th Panzer Division when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 3 April 1943. He was killed in action at Brest-Litovisk,
Belarus, on 21 July 1944 and has no known grave.

2599. Generalmajor Richard REIMANN
Reimann was born on 2 November 1892 in Minden. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Reimann was commander of 18th Flak Division when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 3 April 1943. He was captured by US forces in May 1945
and handed over to the Russians, who held him until 1955. Reimann died on
28 October 1970 in Rottach-Egern, Bavaria, but there is also a reference to
him dying on 28 December 1970 in Bad Gastein, Austria.

2600. Generale di Brigata Giulio MARTINAT (Italian
Alpini-Corps)
Martinat was born on 24 February 1891 in Perrero, Italy. He took part in the
conquest of Libya in 1911, the conquest of Ethiopia in 1935 and of Albania in
1939. Martinat was chief-of-staff in the Italian Alpini-Corps when he was
killed in action near Nikolajev, Russia, on 26 January 1943 and has no known
grave. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 April 1943.

2601. Major Arthur BRUNS
Bruns was born on 27 December 1901 in Goschütz. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 245 when he was killed in action near Stusheni, Russia,
on 4 February 1943 and has no known grave. Bruns awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 April 1943.

2602. SS-Sturmbannführer Joachim SCHUBACH
Schubach was born on 17 September 1910 in Hanover. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class after the fall of Poland and the 1st Class after the fall of

439

France. During the Third Battle of Kharkov, Schubach’s battalion destroyed a
large Russian force, for which he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 April
1943. Schubach was badly wounded (blinded in both eyes) in November 1943
and remained in hospital until 1947. He died from heart failure on 5
November 1980 in Hanover.

2603. Hauptmann Joachim DITTMER
Dittmer was born on 26 November 1915 in Klotzow. He was commander of I
Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 3, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 April 1943. Dittmer was killed in action near Jekaterinowka,
Russia, on 3 November 1943 and has no known grave.

2604. Hauptmann Bernhard LORENZEN
Lorenzen was born on 1 March 1907 in Keitum. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 121, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 3 April 1943. Lorenzen died on 17 July 1983 in Keitum, on the Island of
Sylt, Schleswig-Holstein.

2605. SS-Hauptsturmführer Arzelino MASANRIE (or
MASARIÉ)—‘Lino’
Masanrie was born on 10 October 1912 in Nuremberg. He was commander
of SS-Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 April 1943. Masanrie died of wounds on 9 August 1944 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Block D, Grave 46, Ilowo-Mlawka, near
Mława, Poland.

2606. Hauptmann Wilhelm MYLIUS
Mylius was born on 24 February 1915 in Lanlingen. He was a squadron
leader in Bomber Wing 55 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3
April 1943. Mylius died on 10 September 1970 in Hitzacker-Posade, Lower
Saxony.

440

2607. SS-Hauptsturmführer Walter REDER
Reder was born on 4 February 1915 in Freiwaldau, Austria-Hungary. He was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in 1940 and the 1st Class in 1941. Reder
took part in the Third Battle of Kharkov during which he was severely
wounded, having the lower part of his left arm amputated. For his leadership
there, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 April 1943.
On his return to the front, he took part in the liquidation of the Warsaw
Ghetto. In 1943, he was transferred to Italy, where his unit was involved in
anti-partisan warfare. He ordered the destruction of Marzabotto and the
execution of 700 people, many of them women and children. In March 1945,
his unit pulled back into Hungary, where he surrendered to US forces. He was
soon released due to his wounds but was arrested in Salzburg. Reder was tried
and sentenced to life. He was released in 1985. Reder died on 26 April 1991
and is buried in Gmünden Friedhof, Austria.

2608. Hauptmann Kurt RICK
Rick was born on 26 June 1918 in Ebersteinburg. He was a squadron leader
in Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was killed in action over Stalingrad on 5
February 1943 and has no known grave. Rick was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 3 April 1943.

2609. Oberleutnant Heinz BERGER
Berger was born on 5 May 1917 in Breslau. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in July 1942 and the 1st Class in February 1943. Berger was a
battery commander in Flak Regiment 41 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 April 1943. He was also awarded the Tank Destruction Badge for
knocking-out a tank with handheld weapons. Berger was captured by the
Russians in May 1945 and held until 1949. He died on 19 October 1996 and
is buried in Südfriedhof, Friedhofsweg 3, Leipzig.

2610. Oberleutnant Georg HOLLE
Holle was born on 21 January 1920 in Hanover. He was a squadron leader in
Bomber Wing 51 when he was killed in action near Polltodeiskoje, Russia, on
441

27 February 1943 and has no known grave. Holle was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 April 1943.

2611. Oberleutnant Fritz JACOBY
Jacoby was born on 9 April 1920 in Vienna. He was a company commander
in Panzergrenadier Regiment 11 when he was killed in action near Žizdra,
Russia, on 19 March 1943 and has no known grave. Jacoby was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 3 April 1943.

2612. Oberleutnant Josef LUXENBURGER
Luxenburger was born on 2 April 1915 in Beckingen. He was an observer in
Bomber Wing 55 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 April 1943.
Luxenburger died on 5 February 2009 in Neustadt an der Weinstrasse,
Rhineland-Palatinate.

2613. Oberleutnant Hanns MAGOLD

442

Magold was born on 16 November 1918 in Unteressfeld. He was a company
commander in Assault-Gun Battalion ‘GD’ when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 April 1944. Magold was killed in action near the Dukla-Pass on 15
September 1944 and has no known grave.

2614. Oberleutnant Peter MÜLLER
Müller was born on 24 May 1915 in Boel-Schuby. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 666 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 April 1943. Müller was killed in action at Manoilesti, Russia, on
23 August 1944 and has no known grave.

2615. Oberleutnant Hans SCHALANDA
Schalanda was born on 7 February 1921 in Vienna. He was a pilot in Dive
Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 April 1943.
The Oak Leaves followed on 24 October 1944. Schalanda was killed in action
near Küstrin when he was shot down by anti-aircraft fire on 26 March 1945
and has no known grave. He flew over 900 missions.

2616. Leutnant Felix HELD
Held was born on 16 May 1917 in Hartenstein. He was a platoon leader in
Replacement Battalion Luftwaffe Command Don when he was posted missing
at Kantemirovka-Süd, Russia, on 18 January 1943 and awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 April 1943.

2617. SS-Untersturmführer Heinz MACHER
Macher was born in Chemnitz on 31 December 1919. He fought in Poland
and France during 1939–40. Marcher also fought in the Balkans and the
Invasion of Russia, where he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in
September 1941, the Iron Cross 1st Class in February 1942, and was also
wounded. In the summer of 1942, his division was sent to France for rest.
Macher did not return to Russia until the spring of 1943. At Kharkov when
the attack was wavering, Marcher led his men with the support of a few
assault guns, breaking into the enemy lines. For this, he was awarded the
443

Knight’s Cross on 3 April 1943. Although wounded for the fourth time, he
remained at the front and took part in the Battle of Kursk. Wounded again, he
was awarded the Wound Badge in Gold.
Moved to France for rest and refitting, the 2nd SS Panzer Division was
thrown into battle again when the Allies landed in Normandy. During this
time, he took part in sixty-four attacks, as well as fending off thirty-seven
attacks by the enemy. For this, he was awarded the Oak Leaves on 19 August
1944. Macher was also awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold and one
Tank Destruction Badge. He was sent back home and spent the remainder of
the war on Himmler’s staff. Marcher died on 21 December 2001 and is buried
in Schenefeld Friedhof, Schleswig-Holstein.

2618. Leutnant Hannes STRASSMAIR
Strassmair was born on 2 January 1915 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. He was a
pilot in Reconnaissance Group 122 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 3 April 1943. Strassmair died on 16 March 1962 in Erisried, Bavaria.

2619. Oberfeldwebel Siegfried HUBER
Huber was born on 2 September 1914 in Füssen. He was a pilot in Dive
Bomber Wing 2 when he was killed in action on 19 January 1943 and is
buried at Nowoposkow, Ukraine; Huber’s remains are awaiting transfer to a
German war cemetery. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 April 1943.

2620. Oberfeldwebel Franz PLACZEK
Placzek was born on 5 November 1914 in Kriegsbach. He was an observer in
Bomber Wing 55 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 April 1943.
Placzek died on 17 March 1977 in Löhne, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2621. Feldwebel Alois GUGGANIG
Gugganig was born on 8 June 1906 in Bad Gastein, Austria-Hungary. He was
a platoon leader in Mountain Jäger Regiment 91 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 3 April 1943. Gugganig died of wounds on 6 January 1944

444

and is buried at Vinnitsa, Ukraine; his remains are awaiting transfer to a
German war cemetery.

2622. Feldwebel Alois LEHRKINDER
Lehrkinder was born on 11 April 1916 in Baden, Austria-Hungary. He was a
platoon leader in Grenadier Regiment 447 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 April 1943. Lehrkinder died on 12 January 1990 in Baden,
Austria.

2623. Unteroffizier Johann HLAUSCHKA
Hlauschka was born on 11 April 1914 in Mährisch Neustadt. He was a
section leader in Grenadier Regiment 462 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 April 1943. Hlauschka died on 4 April 1965 and is believed to be
buried in Zentralfriedhof, Vienna.

2624. Obergefreiter Albert HOFFMANN
Hoffmann was born on 11 August 1917 in Schmellwitz. He was a machinegunner in Motorcycle Battalion 55 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 3 April 1943. Hoffmann died on 29 August 2005 and is buried in
Südfriedhof, Heide, Schleswig-Holstein.

2625. Obergefreiter Emil ROSSHART
Rosshart was born on 23 October 1919 in Kirchhausen. He was a section
leader in Assault Regiment 195 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3
April 1943. Rosshart died on 3 April 1990 and is buried in Geisingen
Friedhof, Baden-Württemberg.

2626. Oberleutnant Wilfred HERLING
Herling was born on 7 June 1920 in Dortmund. He was a squadron leader in
Dive Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 April
1943. Herling was killed in action on 28 November 1943 when returning
from a mission, and his unit was jumped by Russian fighters. He is buried in
445

the German War Cemetery, Block 15 (as unknown), Kirovohrad, Ukraine.
Herling flew 700 missions, destroying twenty-six tanks, ten anti-aircraft guns,
twenty-one field guns, eight trains, and damaged a number of ships.

2627. Generalleutnant Karl Freiherr von THÜNGEN
Freiherr von Thüngen was born on 26 March 1893 in Mainz. He fought in the
First World War. Von Thüngen was commander of 18th Panzer Division when
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 April 1943. He was appointed by the
20 July conspirators as commander of Defence Group III Berlin, but he did
not follow their orders and later took part in the interrogation of Major HansUlrich von Oertzen. However, he was arrested, tried, and executed in
Brandenburg prison on 24 October 1944; he has no known grave.

2628. Generalmajor Fritz BECKER
Becker was born on 7 March 1892 in Heidelberg. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Becker was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in May and the 1st Class in June
1940. He was commander of 370th Infantry Division when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 6 April 1943. Becker died on 11 June 1967 and is buried
in the village cemetery, Herzberg am Harz, Lower Saxony.

2629. Generalmajor Fritz MEYER
Meyer was born on 23 December 1893 in Hechthausen. He was commander
of Oberbaustab 7 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 April 1943.
Meyer died on 17 February 1954 and is buried in Sonnenberg Friedhof, Abt A
1-F, Grave 160–161, Wiesbaden, Hesse.

2630. Oberstleutnant Alfred DRUFFNER
Druffner was born on 28 May 1904 in Denkendorf. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 519 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 April
1943. Druffner was killed in action on 30 September 1943 and is buried at
Borisov, Belarus; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.
Druffner was awarded the Oak Leaves on 30 November 1943.
446

2631. Oberstleutnant Rudolf FLINZER
Flinzer was born on 9 November 1889 in Stollberg. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Flinzer
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in May 1940 and the 1st Class
in June 1942. He was commander of Grenadier Regiment 317 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 April 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 5
September 1944. Flinzer died on 17 June 1976 in Opladen, North RhineWestphalia.

2632. SS-Sturmbannführer Sylvester STADLER
Stadler was born on 30 December 1910 in Fohnsdorf, Austria-Hungary. He
fought in Poland, for which he was awared the Iron Cross 2nd Class, and in
France, where he was wounded and awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class. Stadler
also fought in the Balkans. His unit fought all the way to Moscow, where he
was wounded and took part in the defensive winter battles. Promoted in
September 1942, he took part in the fighting to retake Kharkov. He was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 April 1943 for repeated bravery.
Stadler fought at Kursk and was awarded the Oak Leaves on 16 September
1943. He fought all through another Russian winter and his unit was moved
to France for rest and refit. The Allied invasion of Normandy saw him fighting
in France again, but not before his unit committed murder at Oradour-surGlane. There is no evidence Stadler was involved and no charges were brought
against him. After weeks of fighting in Normandy, Stadler was wounded on
the retreat to the Orne River.
He took part in the Ardennes Offensive with the 9th SS-Panzer Division
but was back on the German border by January 1945. It was around this time
that he managed to exchange US prisoners for men of his division. A short
time later, he was sent back to the Eastern Front at Budapest. He was awarded
the Swords on 6 May 1945 (date assigned by the AKCR). Stadler was also
awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold, the Wound Badge in Gold, and one
Tank Destruction Badge. He was able to withdraw his unit and surrender to
US forces. Stadler died on 23 August 1995 and is believed to be buried in Alter
Friedhof, Haunstetten, Augsburg, Bavaria.

2633. Hauptmann Erich FELLMANN
447

Fellmann was born on 20 April 1915 in Luckenwailde. He was commander of
II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 409, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 6 April 1943. Fellmann died on 14 January 2004 and is buried in
Neuer Friedhof, Weil im Schönbuch, Baden-Württemberg.

2634. Hauptmann Gerhard FRIEDRICH
Friedrich was born on 17 October 1909 in Breslau. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in December 1939 and the 1st Class in September 1940.
Friedrich was commander of I Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 13, when
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 April 1943. The Oak Leaves followed
on 3 November 1944. He was posted missing at Trautenau, East Prussia, on 8
May 1945.

2635. Rittmeister Günther HOLZ
Holz was born on 11 February 1904 in Altdamm. He was a company
commander in Panzer Jäger Battalion 258 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 6 April 1943. Holz died on 4 February 1992 in Waldesch,
Rhineland-Palatinate.

2636. SS-Hauptsturmführer Vinzenz KAISER—‘Zenz’
Kaiser was born on 28 February 1904 in Judenburg, Austria-Hungary. He
fought in the campaign in the West against French, British, Dutch, and Belgian
forces. He also fought in the Balkans and took part in the invasion of Russia,
where he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class and was wounded
twice. In late 1942, his unit was resting in France but was soon back in action
on the Russian Front fighting at Kharkov. It was for his actions there,
including personally knocking out several enemy tanks, that Kaiser was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 April 1943. He was also awarded the Close
Combat Clasp in Gold, the Wound Badge in Gold and four Tank Destruction
Badges.
Wounded at Kursk he was sent home to train new recruits. After a short
time fighting in Hungary, Kaiser was sent to France to fight against US forces.
On 20 April 1945, Kaiser and his adjutant went out on reconnaissance in the
area of Nuremberg and were never seen again. In 1965, Kaiser’s adjutant’s
448

remains were discovered. It would appear that he had been shot in the back of
the head. Kaiser’s remains have never been found. He was recommended for
the Oak Leaves for his part in the defence of Nuremberg but they were never
awarded.

2637. SS-Hauptsturmführer Hans WEISS
Weiss was born on 28 August 1911 in Vöhringen. He was commander of SSPanzer Reconnaissance Battalion 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 6 April 1943. Weiss died on 2 October 1978 in Ulrichsberg, Bavaria.

2638. Hauptmann Leo-Volkhard Freiherr von
WITTGENSTEIN
Freiherr von Wittgenstein was born on 13 July 1913 in Posen. He was
commander of III Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 410, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 6 April 1943. He died in an accident near Bonn on 22
February 1945 and has no known grave.

2639. Maior Ioan PĂLĂGHIŢĂ (Romanian Army)
Pălăghiţă was born on 13 February 1899 in Oneşti, Romania. He was
commander of I Battalion, Romanian Infantry Regiment 94, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 April 1943 for leading a counterattack that
prevented German forces from being surrounded. Pălăghiţă was killed in
action near Moldovansko, Russia, on 9 May 1943 and has no known grave.

2640. Leutnant Johannes MEINICKE
Meinicke was born on 24 June 1919 in Znin. He was a squadron leader in
Close Support Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 April
1943. Meinicke was killed in action near Bersinow, Russia, on 4 September
1943 and has no known grave.

2641. Feldwebel Kurt EBENER
449

Ebener was born on 4 May 1920 in Könitz. He shot down his first two enemy
aircraft on 23 May 1942 on the Russian Front. Ebener had shot down ten
aircraft by the end of July and his twentieth on 17 December. From December
1942 until January 1943, he operated from within the Stalingrad pocket, and
during four weeks shot down thirty aircraft. After reaching fifty-two victories,
including fourteen Sturmoviks, he was ordered home to become an instructor
and was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 April 1943. In July 1944, he was
sent to Normandy, where he shot down five US fighters in August. Ebener was
shot down on 23 August and taken prisoner. So bad were his injuries that he
was repatriated to Germany in January 1945. He died on 7 May 1975 and is
buried in Hauptfriedhof, Kelkheim, Hesse.

2642. Major Karl ZIEGLER
Ziegler was born on 1 November 1905 in Krems, Austria-Hungary. He was
commander of III Battalion, Jäger Regiment 207, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 8 April 1943. Ziegler died on 12 January 1992 in Bregenz,
Austria.

2643. Oberleutnant Michael FISCHER
Fischer was born on 21 March 1915 in Cologne. He was a company
commander in Motorised Flak Regiment 14 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 8 April 1943. Fischer died on 25 October 1980 in Kempten,
Bavaria.

2644. Sanitäts-Unteroffizier Willi PIEPER
Pieper was born on 30 October 1912 in Greifswald. He was serving in
Grenadier Regiment 478 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 April
1943. Pieper was killed in action near Trosna, Russia, on 13 July 1943 and
has no known grave.

2645. Oberst Fritz BINGEMER
Bingemer was born on 11 January 1893 in Pirmasens. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
450

Bingemer was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) in June 1940.
He was commander of Infantry Regiment 442 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 9 April 1943. Bingemer died on 28 October 1976 and is
buried in Alter Friedhof, Pirmasens, Rhineland-Palatinate.

2646. Oberst Oskar ECKHOLT
Eckholt was born on 4 November 1894 in Freisenbruch. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Eckholt was commander of Artillery Regiment 178 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 9 April 1943. He died on 12 August 1982 in Theesen,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

2647. Oberst Günter ENGELHARDT
Engelhardt was born on 10 January 1898 in Breslau. He was commander of
Motorised Grenadier Regiment 30 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 9 April 1943. Engelhardt died on 24 February 1975 and is believed to be
buried in Hasefriedhof, Osnabrück, Lower Saxony.

2648. Major Willy WESCHE
Wesche was born on 8 January 1899 in Westerode. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in August and the 1st Class in October 1941. Wesche was
commander of Grenadier Regiment 430 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 9 April 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 6 August 1944. He was
killed in action near Bobruisk, Russia, on 27 June 1944 and has no known
grave.

2649. Hauptmann Rudolf MUNSER
Munser was born on 19 September 1914 in Görlitz. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 338, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 9 April 1943. Munser died on 14 July 2015 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof,
Schweinfurt, Bavaria.

451

2650. Unteroffizier Konrad SAUL
Saul was born on 15 April 1913 in Burg. He was a section leader in Grenadier
Regiment 337 when he died of wounds at Sabotje, Russia, on 27 February
1943 and has no known grave. Saul was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9
April 1943.

2651. Hauptmann Christian WEISS
Weiss was born on 8 August 1915 in Schmiedeberg (now Kowary). He was
commander of II Battalion, Infantry Regiment 26, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 10 April 1942. Weiss died on 25 August 1981 in Munich.

2652. Oberstleutnant Fritz FULLRIEDE
Fullriede was born in Bremen on 4 January 1895. He fought during the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). A
Major at the start of the Second World War, he fought in the Netherlands and
France. Promoted to Oberstleutnant on 1 March 1942, he was sent to Tunisia
in February 1943 and took over a battlegroup in the Kairouan area.
Fullriede carried out offensive patrols, taking Pichen and holding on to
Fondouk. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 11 April 1943.
Later, he saw action in Sicily, being promoted to Oberst in August 1943. He
became commander of the Fortress of Kolberg on 14 February 1945 and held
out until 18 March. For this, he was awarded the Oak Leaves on 23 March
1945. Fullriede died on 3 November 1969 in Bad Oldesloe, SchleswigHolstein.

2653. Kapitän zur See Karl-Conrad MECKE
Mecke was born on 30 December 1894 in Bremen. He was commander of
Marine Flak Regiment 22 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 11
April 1943. Mecke died on 26 May 1982 and is buried in Parkfriedhof,
Eichhofstrasse 56, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein.

2654. Gefreiter Alois PIECHULLA
452

Piechulla was born on 21 June 1921 in Weidenmoor. He was a machinegunner in Panzergrenadier Regiment 33 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 11 April 1943. Piechulla died on 26 January 1990 and is buried in
Lanach Cemetery, Cisek, Poland.

2655. Kapitänleutnant Hans HEIDTMANN
Heidtmann was born in Lübeck on 8 August 1914. He commissioned U-559
on 27 February 1941 and took her out on patrol in August. He fired on
convoy OG71, sinking one ship and damaging another. While on his next
patrol, he was ordered to the Mediterranean Sea and soon sank the Australian
warship Parramatta. A British steamer followed in December and another ship
was hit but not reported lost. Three days later, he sank the Polish steamer
Warzawa. On 21 February 1942, he came across a damaged steamer and fired
two torpedoes, causing the ship to list heavily, but no confirmation was
received.
In June, Heidtmann sank the tanker Athene and torpedoed the British
tanker Brambleleaf. On 30 October 1942, U-559 was attacked by aircraft off
Port Said and left unable to dive, she was then fired on by the British
destroyers Pakenham, Petard, Hero, and Dulverton. Before the U-boat sank,
she was boarded and codebooks and an Enigma machine were taken (for more
details of this action, see pp. 154–155 of my book The Complete George
Cross). Heidtmann was wounded and taken prisoner along with his crew. He
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 April 1943. He died on 5 April 1976 in
Hamburg.

2656. Generalleutnant Hanskurt HÖCKER
Höcker was born on 1 August 1894 in Stadthagen. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Höcker
was commander of 258th Infantry Divison when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 14 April 1943. He died on 10 August 1961 in Detmold, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

2657. Major Heinz HUFFMANN

453

Huffmann was born on 29 December 1905 in Wuppertal. He was commander
of Assault-Gun Battalion 201 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14
April 1943. Huffmann was killed in action on 3 March 1945 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Block 8, Row 10, Grave 2522, Halbe,
Brandenburg.

2658. Major Hans-Joachim KAHLER
Kahler was born on 21 March 1908 in Mörchingen. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July 1940 and the 1st Class in September 1941. Kahler was
commander of Motorcycle Battalion 34 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 14 April 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 17 December 1943. He
died on 14 January 2000 in Hamburg.

2659. Major Rudolf WÄTJEN
Wätjen was born on 9 January 1915 in Dresden. He was commander of
Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion ‘GD’ when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 14 April 1943. Wätjen died on 19 February 2005 and is believed to
be buried in Osterholz Friedhof, Bremen.

2660. Hauptmann Friedrich-Karl HENRICI
Henrici was born on 9 July 1917 in Mainz. He was commander of II
Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 13, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 14 April 1943. He was killed in action on 11 October 1943 and is
buried at Iwankowo/Gomel, Belarus; Henrici’s remains are awaiting transfer
to a German war cemetery.

2661. Hauptmann Heinz-Georg LEMM
Lemm was born on 1 June 1919 in Schwerin. He fought in Poland, for which
he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class, and France, where he was wounded
and awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class. Lemm also took part in the invasion of
Russia and was cut off in September 1941, but he fought his way back to his
own lines, bringing fifty prisoners with him. During the 1941–42 winter, his
division was encircled at Demjansk and had to endure a long siege before they
454

could break-out. Throughout 1942–43, he fought at Leningrad, and in
January 1943, his regiment knocked-out forty-six enemy tanks in three days.
For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 April 1943.
Lemm was awarded the Oak Leaves on 11 July 1944 and presented them
personally by Hitler on 21 July, the day after the failed bomb plot.
Unfortunately, Lemm was seen talking to von Stauffenberg a few days earlier
and he was arrested, but his innocence was accepted, mostly because he had
been at the front for so long. Lemm commanded the 12th Volks Grenadier
Division in the Ardennes Offensive and was awarded the Swords for his
leadership on 15 March 1945. Captured by US forces in the Ruhr Pocket,
Lemm was released in 1950. He died on 17 November 1994 at Ruppichteroth,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

2662. Hauptmann Werner STREIT
Streit was born on 10 February 1918 in Lissa. He was a company commander
in Motorised Grenadier Regiment 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 14 April 1943. Streit died on 5 March 1993 in Neumünster, SchleswigHolstein.

2663. Oberleutnant Erich GEPPERT
Geppert was born on 31 December 1912 in Berlin. He was a company
commander of Assault-Gun Battalion 209 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 14 April 1943. Geppert died on 8 December 1996 in Neudorf,
Hesse.

2664. Leutnant Hermann MAYER
Mayer was born on 1 August 1915 in Neckarbischofsheim. He was a platoon
leader in Grenadier Regiment 258 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
14 April 1943. Meyer died on 8 May 1982 in Neckarbischofsheim, BadenWürttemberg.

2665. Leutnant Walter RIEDEL

455

Riedel was born on 6 April 1919 in Alt Harzdorf. He was a company
commander in Panzergrenadier Regiment 73 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 14 April 1943. Riedel was killed in action on 24 September
1943 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 8 (as unknown), Kiev,
Ukraine.

2666. Wachtmeister Heinrich LIESE
Liese was born on 26 August 1913 in Hochemmerich. He was a platoon
leader in Artillery Regiment 299 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
14 April 1943. Liese died on 16 October 1972 in Neuenhaus, Lower Saxony.

2667. Generalleutnant Heinz ZIEGLER
Ziegler was born on 19 May 1894 in Darkehmen. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). At the
start of the Second World War, he was chief-of-staff of XLII Army Corps, with
which he was in France and Russia. Later, he became chief-of-staff of the chief
of army equipment. He was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939)
in June 1940.
On 3 December 1942, he was sent to Tunisia as second in command to the
CO of the 5th Panzer Army. On 20 February, he became commander of the
German Africa Corps as well as 5th Panzer Army. He handled this well and
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 April 1943. After Tunisia, he returned
to Russia, spending most of the remainder of the war there before being called
to the reserve. Ziegler died on 21 August 1972 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof,
Göttingen, Lower Saxony.

2668. Oberst Hans-Walter HEYNE
Heyne was born on 10 January 1894 in Hanover. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Heyne was
commander of Artillery Regiment 182 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 16 April 1943. He died on 29 August 1967 and is buried on the
Family Estate, Wasserschloss, Bodenengern, Lower Saxony.

456

2669. Oberst Joachim SCHLEE
Schlee was born on 10 July 1897 in Lautenburg. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 338 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 April
1943. Schlee died on 8 April 1960 and is buried in Osterholz Friedhof,
Bremen.

2670. Major Franz MEDICUS
Medicus was born on 8 November 1914 in Dessau. He was leader of
Rommel’s combat echelon and was always at the forefront of the fighting. On
more than one occasion, he had to save Rommel’s skin when he ventured too
close to the front. Medicus was put in charge of a battlegroup several times,
including the assault on the French held fortress of Bir Hakeim.
He held a position near El Alamein against superior forces for a week. In
Tunisia, he (with Harro Brenner), held the Maknassy Pass for eight days,
holding back two regiments and allowing the Africa Corps time to regroup.
Medicus was everywhere encouraging the men. For this action, he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 April 1943, the same day as Brenner.
Medicus was killed in action on 4 April 1945 and is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Row 2, Grave 50, Waltersdorf/Steiermark, Austria.

2671. Kapitänleutnant Helmut MÖHLMANN
Möhlmann was born on 25 June 1913 in Kiel. After a brief period as a trainee
commander, he commissioned U-571 on 22 May 1941. On 26 August, he
torpedoed the Russian steamer Ulyanova off Cape Teribersky; however, the
ship did not sink. On 29 March 1942, in the Atlantic, he sank the 10,923-ton
British steamer Hertford. The 10,044-ton ship Koll was torpedoed and
finished off with gunfire on 6 April, followed by the Margaret off the US coast.
On his next patrol, he sank two large ships and a small coaler. In January
1943, Möhlmann fired at the tanker Vanja but missed. In April, he attacked
convoy ONS2, sinking the Ingerfire and damaging another ship. He was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 April 1943. Möhlmann’s last command was
the 14th U-Boat Flotilla in Narvik. He died on 12 April 1977 in Prien am
Chiemsee, Bavaria.

457

2672. Hauptmann Walter BRUCKER
Brucker was born on 14 December 1918 in Ilshofen. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in May 1940 and the 1st Class in September 1941. Brucker
was commander of III Battalion, Jäger Regiment 56, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 16 April 1943. He died on 13 November 2001 and is buried
in Waldfriedhof, Schwäbisch Hall, Baden-Württemberg.

2673. Hauptmann Konrad KNABE
Knabe was born on 18 September 1915 in Weissenfels. He was a flight leader
in Reconnaissance Squadron 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16
April 1943. Knabe died on 27 March 1996 and is believed to be buried in
Waldfriedhof, Memmingen, Bavaria.

2674. Hauptmann Kurt-Günther LIESE
Liese was born on 9 October 1915 in Berlin. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 309, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 16 April 1943. Liese died on 7 November 2007 in Unterhaching, Bavaria.

2675. Oberleutnant Immo FRITZSCHE
Fritzsche was born on 16 December 1918 in Döcklitz. He was a squadron
leader in Dive Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16
April 1943. Fritzsche was killed in action on 14 December 1943 and is buried
in the German War Cemetery, Block 12, Row 28, Grave 2008, Kirovohrad,
Ukraine. He flew over 700 missions.

2676. Oberleutnant Wilhelm KLÜBER
Klüber was born on 28 January 1914 in Nuremberg. He was a squadron
leader in Dive Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16
April 1943. Klüber was killed in action on 19 July 1944 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Block 15, Row 7, Grave 253, Orglandes, Normandy,
France.

458

2677. Oberleutnant Andreas KUFFNER
Kuffner was born on 30 May 1918 in Munich. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in March 1942. Kuffner was a
squadron leader in Dive Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 16 April 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 20 December 1944.
He was killed in action on 30 April 1945 while attempting to land at Sülte
airfield by an RAF Spitfire. In the same attack, Knight’s Cross holders Rainer
Nossek and Wilhelm Bromen were killed and wounded respectively. Kuffner
flew over 900 missions and destroyed over sixty tanks. He is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Row 5, Grave 3, Sülstorf-Sülte, MecklenburgVorpommern.

2678. Oberleutnant Manfred MEURER
Meurer was born on 8 September 1919 in Hamburg. He shot down his first
enemy aircraft on his first combat mission during the night of 26–27 March
1942. Meurer was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in April and the 1st
Class in December 1942, and by the end of the year, he had raised his score to
eight. During the night of 14–15 February 1943, he shot down three heavy
bombers, and on 12–13 March, four more fell to his guns. Meurer was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 April 1943.
During May, he shot down fourteen enemy aircraft, and in July, his score
reached fifty. He was awarded the Oak Leaves on 2 August 1943. On the
night of 21 January 1944, flying a Heinkel 219, he collided with a bomber
they were attacking. He and his radio operator, Gerhard Scheibe (also
awarded the Knight’s Cross), were killed. His final score is sixty-five, of which
forty were four-engined bombers, all at night. Meurer is buried in Ohlsdorf
Friedhof, Plot BM52, Grave 715, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

2679. Oberleutnant Otto PRIEM
Priem was born on 20 March 1912 in Sandow. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 501 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 16 April 1943. Priem died on 9 July 1990 and is believed to be
buried in Ohlsdorf Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

459

2680. Oberleutnant Eduard SKRZIPEK
Skrzipek was born on 26 June 1917 in Beuthen-Rossberg. He was a pilot in
Bomber Wing 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 April 1943.
The Oak Leaves followed on 24 June 1944. Skrzipek was killed in a flying
accident on 25 February 1945 and is buried in the German War Cemetery,
Plzen, Czech Republic.

2681. Oberleutnant Edwin THIEL
Thiel was born on 19 June 1913 in Oberbexbach. He was a squadron leader
in Fighter Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 April
1943. Thiel was killed in action on 14 July 1944 when his fighter was hit by
flak and is believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Berjosa, Belarus. He is credited with seventy-six victories.

2682. Leutnant Horst ADEMEIT
Ademeit was born on 8 February 1912 in Breslau. He shot down his first two
enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain, but was himself shot down over
the English Channel. Ademeit was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in
September 1940 and the 1st Class in September 1941.
He was a pilot in Fighter Wing 54 on the Russian front when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 April 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 2
March 1944. Ademeit was posted missing over Dünaburg, Latvia, on 7
August 1944. He is credited with shooting down 166 enemy aircraft.

2683. Leutnant Harro BRENNER
Brenner was born on 24 November 1911 in Swakopmund, South West Africa.
After his training, he joined Rommel’s combat echelon under Hauptmann
Medicus. Brenner was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class for
recovering Rommel’s radio station and map centre after they had been
captured by the enemy.
Brenner’s greatest feat was in Tunisia, when his company, together with an
anti-tank and a pioneer platoon, held the Maknassy Pass with Medicus.
Brenner then led counterattacks personally to eliminate the enemy incursions.
460

Two regiments were held back for eight days, allowing the Africa Corps time
to regroup. For this action, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 April
1943, the same day as Medicus. Brenner died on 27 April 1998 and is buried
in Hauptfriedhof, Baden-Baden, Baden-Württemberg.

2684. Leutnant Wilhelm BROMEN
Bromen was born on 26 August 1915 in Dülmen. He was a pilot in Dive
Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 April 1943
for completing 600 missions.
Bromen was wounded on 30 April 1945 while attempting to land at Sülte
airfield by an RAF Spitfire. In the same attack, Knight’s Cross holders Andreas
Kuffner and Rainer Nossek were killed. Bromen is credited with destroying
seventy-six tanks and sixteen trains and shooting down seven enemy aircraft
in 965 missions. He died on 1 October 1990 in Innsbruck, Austria.

2685. Unteroffizier Otto HÜNEMÖRDER
Hünemörder was born on 8 December 1913 in Zielenzig. He was a gun
commander in Infantry Regiment 309 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 16 April 1943. Hünemörder was killed in action at Bolchov, Russia,
on 22 July 1943 and has no known grave.

2686. Gefreiter Fritz SÖCHTING
Söchting was born on 16 February 1924 in Achim. He was a gunner in
Schnelle Battalion 329 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 April
1943. Söchting was killed in action near Bukupe on 19 March 1945 and has
no known grave.

2687. Generalleutnant Werner HÜHNER
Hühner was born on 13 August 1886 in Helmerkamp. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Hühner was commander of 61st Infantry Division when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 18 April 1943. He died on 19 February 1966 and is buried
in Plön Friedhof, Schleswig-Holstein.
461

2688. Oberst Hans WAGNER
Wagner was born on 11 March 1896 in Saarbrücken. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Wagner
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in October 1939 and the 1st
Class in June 1940. He was commander of Artillery Regiment 5 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 April 1943. He died on 14 May 1967 in
Ulm, Baden-Württemberg.

2689. Oberstleutnant Ernst VOSS
Voss was born on 3 November 1899 in Timmenrode. He fought in the First
World War. Voss was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class after the fall of
Poland in 1939 and the 1st Class after the fall of France in 1940. He was
commander of Grenadier Regiment 585 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 18 April 1943. Voss died of wounds on 11 October 1943 and has no
known grave. He was awarded the Oak Leaves on 28 October 1943.

2690. Major Paul ADAM
Adam was born on 23 March 1892 in Saarbrücken. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Adam
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in September 1939 and the 1st
Class in July 1941. He was commander of Grenadier Regiment 158 when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 April 1943. Adam was captured by the
Russians in May 1945 and held until 1948. He died on 30 November 1969
and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Saarbrücken, Saarland.

2691. Hauptmann Rudolf ROESNER
Roesner was born on 14 November 1911 in Waldenburg. He was commander
of I Battalion, Jäger Regiment 38, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
18 April 1943. Roesner died on 11 June 1975 in Gerolstein, RhinelandPalatinate.

2692. Oberleutnant Gerhard BOLDT
462

Boldt was born on 24 January 1918 in Lubeck. He was commander of
Divisions Reconnaissance Battalion 158 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 18 April 1943. He ended the war in the Führerbunker, witnessing the
final days of the Reich. He is author of Hitler’s Last Days: An Eye-Witness
Account. Boldt died on 7 May 1981 and is buried in Burgtor Friedhof,
Lubeck, Schleswig-Holstein.

2693. Oberleutnant Herbert EYMER
Eymer was born on 7 July 1918 in Hamburg. He was commander of II
Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 129, when he was killed in action near
Uspenka, Russia, on 20 February 1943 and has no known grave. Eymer was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 April 1943.

2694. Oberleutnant Werner REICH
Reich was born on 2 July 1917 in Ludwigsburg. He was a company
commander in Motorised Pioneer Battalion 5 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 18 April 1943. Reich died on 11 June 1995 in Königswinter,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

2695. Oberleutnant Konrad SCHEFFOLD
Scheffold was born on 18 August 1908 in Olzreute. He was a company
commander in Pioneer Battalion 24 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 18 April 1943. Scheffold was killed in action on 9 July 1944 and buried in
the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Marigny, Normandy, France.

2696. Leutnant Walter EGGEMANN
Eggemann was born on 28 April 1911 in Kötten. He was an aide-de-camp in
Grenadier Regiment 680 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 April
1943. Eggemann died on 6 March 1956 in Wesselburen, Schleswig-Holstein.

2697. Leutnant Carl-Heinz SCHUBERT

463

Schubert was born on 1 August 1920 in Hamburg. He was a company
commander in Panzer Artillery Regiment 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 18 April 1943. Schubert died on 31 August 1965 and is buried in
Ohlsdorf Friedhof, Plot AE28, Grave 268, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

2698. Oberfeldwebel Hans ROMOTT
Romott was born on 26 February 1913 in Treuburg. He was a platoon leader
in Grenadier Regiment 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 April
1943. Romott was killed accidentally on 19 June 1944 and is believed to be
buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Stare Czarnowo, Poland.

2699. Oberfeldwebel Rudolf WINNERL
Winnerl was born on 15 March 1916 in Lugau. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Winnerl was a
pilot in Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 April
1943. He flew 355 missions and was awarded the Wound Badge in Gold for
his many wounds. Winnerl died on 26 February 1991 and is buried in Syke
Friedhof, Lower Saxony.

2700. Gefreiter Willi HACKBARTH
Hackbarth was born on 17 September 1921 in Klein-Satspe, Hungary. He was
a radio operator in Artillery Regiment 32 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 18 April 1943. Hackbarth died of wounds on 27 July 1944 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 5, Row 12, Grave 160, Beberbeki,
Riga, Latvia.

2701. Oberstleutnant Rudolf KOLBECK
Kolbeck was born on 24 March 1889 in Regensburg. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Kolbeck was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in December 1939 and
the 1st Class in July 1940. He was commander of Grenadier Regiment 316
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 April 1943. The Oak Leaves

464

followed on 22 February 1944. Kolbeck died on 12 September 1965 and is
buried in Alter Friedhof, Landsberg am Lech, Bavaria.

2702. Major Wilhelm EGGEMANN
Eggemann was born on 5 August 1908 in Achmer. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in August 1940.
Eggemann was commander of II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 94, when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 April 1943. The Oak Leaves followed
on 4 May 1944. He died on 27 September 1959 and is believed to be buried in
Ahmser Friedhof, Bad Salzuflen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2703. Major Walter PÖSSL
Pössl was born on 16 September 1909 in Vienna. He was commander of I
Battalion, Panzer Regiment ‘GD’, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
20 April 1943. Pössl was killed in action on 25 September 1944 and buried in
the German War Cemetery, Block 3, Row 24, Grave 1096, Puławy, Poland.

2704. Hauptmann Josef BREGENZER
Bregenzer was born on 30 June 1909 in Werneck. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in February 1942. Bregenzer
was commander of I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 245, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 April 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 17
March 1944. He died of wounds at Swinjuchi, Poland, on 15 July 1944 and
has no known grave.

2705. Hauptmann Wilhelm von SALISCH
Von Salisch was born on 5 November 1913 in Chorin. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1940. Von
Salisch was commander of III Battalion, Jäger Regiment 49, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 April 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 27
July 1944. He was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. Von Salisch was
killed in action on 18 March 1945 and is believed to be buried in the German
War Cemetery (as unknown), Königsberg (Kaliningrad), Russia.
465

2706. Hauptmann Richard SCHWAMBERGER
Schwamberger was born on 21 May 1909 in Trebut. He was commander of III
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 117, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 20 April 1943. Schwamberger died on 23 March 1970 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate.

2707. Oberleutnant Max KEIL
Keil was born on 8 April 1920 in Vienna. He was a deputy company
commander in Panzer Regiment 8 when he was killed in action at Tunis on 8
April 1943 and has no known grave. Keil was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
20 April 1943.

2708. Oberleutnant Günter VOLLMER
Vollmer was born on 15 May 1917 in Berlin. He was a company commander
in Grenadier Regiment 411 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20
April 1943. Vollmer died on 10 December 2004 and is believed to be buried in
Zentralfriedhof, Münster.

2709. Leutnant Ernst WEDDIG
Weddig was born on 24 February 1911 in Halberstadt. He was a company
commander in Panzergrenadier Regiment 101 when he was killed in action at
Saburovo, Russia, on 8 March 1943 and has no known grave. Weddig was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 April 1943.

2710. Oberfeldwebel Robert EICHERT
Eichert was born on 14 June 1914 in Pillupönen. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in May 1940 and the 1st Class in August 1941. Eichert was a
platoon leader in Panzer Regiment 36 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 20 April 1943. He was killed in action at Riga, Latvia, on 23
September 1944 and has no known grave.

466

2711. Oberfeldwebel Theodor PROBST (also spelt PROST)
Probst was born on 3 March 1914 in Gladback. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 519 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 April
1943. Probst was posted missing near Svisloc, Russia, on 1 July 1944.

2712. Oberfeldwebel Alfred SCHREIBER
Schreiber was born on 3 March 1914 in Praterschütz. He was a platoon leader
in Grenadier Regiment 365 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20
April 1943. Schreiber died on 24 September 1991 in Meerbusch, North RhineWestphalia.

2713. Feldwebel Wilhelm STEGER
Steger was born on 23 March 1916 in Kapfenberg, Austria-Hungary. He was
a platoon leader in Panzergrenadier Regiment 10 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 20 April 1943. Steger died on 31 October 1970 and is
buried in Mariazell Friedhof, Austria.

2714. Unteroffizier Alfred LÖFFLER
Löffler was born on 21 June 1921 in Buch. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 487 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 April
1943. Löffler died on 12 January 1961 in Weissenfels, Saxony-Anhalt.

2715. Unteroffizier Otto ROLSER
Rolser was born on 26 June 1915 in Blaubeuren. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 727 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 April
1943. Rolser was killed in action near Orel, Russia, on 1 May 1943 and has
no known grave.

2716. Kapitänleutnant Hermann BÜCHTING
Büchting was born on 14 March 1916 in Neumünster. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in April 1940 and the 1st Class in January 1941.
467

Büchting was commander of S-boat S-27 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 22 April 1943. He died on 27 June 1992 in Rellingen, SchleswigHolstein.

2717. Hauptmann Karl STUBENRAUCH
Stubenrauch was born on 12 April 1911 in Regensburg. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 282 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 22 April 1943. Stubenrauch was posted missing in Berlin during
May 1945.

2718. Oberleutnant Karl-Eberhard RINKE
Rinke was born on 29 September 1915 in Hamburg. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 552 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 22 April 1943. Rinke died on 15 December 1977 and is buried in
Zentralfriedhof, Vienna.

2719. Oberleutnant Oskar SCHAUB
Schaub was born on 19 August 1919 in Krems, Austria. He was commander
of I Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 12, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 22 April 1943. Schaub died on 19 May 1958 and is buried
in Zentralfriedhof, Vienna.

2720. Leutnant Hans THEILEN
Theilen was born on 30 September 1912 in Wilhelmshaven. He was serving in
Coastal Artillery Battalion 289 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
22 April 1943. Theilen was killed in action at Kostron, Russia, on 1 February
1944 and has no known grave.

2721. Unteroffizier Franz JASIEK
Jasiek was born on 8 March 1915 in Stewnitz. He was a platoon leader in
Panzergrenadier Regiment 5 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
April 1943. Jasiek died on 30 September 1982 in Regensburg, Bavaria.
468

2722. Oberst Walter STETTNER Ritter von
GRABENHOFEN
Stettner Ritter von Grabenhofen was born on 19 March 1895 in Munich. He
was commander of 1st Mountain Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 23 April 1943. Stettner Ritter von Grabenhofen was killed in action
in Yugoslavia on 18 October 1944 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof,
Partenkirchen, Bavaria.

2723. Major Heinrich DREWES
Drewes was born on 14 December 1894 in Neunkirchen. He was commander
of Motorcycle Battalion 10 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
April 1943. Drewes died on 24 February 1984 and is buried in Riensberg
Friedhof, Bremen.

2724. Hauptmann Hans (or Hans-Joachim) TENNER
Tenner was born on 7 April 1915 in Bad Harzburg. He was commander of
Fusilier Regiment 487 when he was killed in action at Kamenka, Russia, on 29
March 1943 and awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 March 1943 and has no
known grave.

2725. Oberleutnant Gottfried DONAT
Donat was born on 22 October 1916 in Penig. He was a company commander
in Grenadier Regiment 519 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
April 1943. Donat was killed in action near Bobruisk, Russia, on 24 June
1944 and has no known grave.

2726. Oberleutnant Karl NOACK
Noack was born on 6 November 1911 in Neuzauche. He was company
commander in Reconnaissance Battalion 168 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 24 April 1943. Noack was killed in action on 5 January
1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Potylicz/Potelitsch, Ukraine.

469

2727. Generalleutnant Otto TIEMANN
Tiemann was born on 12 February 1890 in Bruchhausen-Vilsen. He fought in
the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1914). Tiemann was commander of 93rd Infantry Division when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 April 1943. He died on 20 April 1952 in
Bruchhausen-Vilsen, Lower Saxony.

2728. SS-Oberführer Hermann PRIESS
Priess was born on 24 May 1901 in Marnitz. He enlisted in 1919 and fought
in the Freikorps, being awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Priess fought in Poland and was awarded the Iron Cross (1939) 1st and 2nd
Class. He also took part in the invasion of Russia and distinguished himself
when his division was surrounded in the Demjansk Pocket during the winter
of 1941–42. His CO remarked: ‘If it wasn’t for Priess, none of us would still
be here’. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 April 1943.
His division saw heavy fighting at Kharkov and Kursk during 1943, for
which he was awarded the Oak Leaves on 9 September 1943. There was no
respite for the SS-Totenkopf Division, seeing action at every combat crisis on
the Eastern Front. Priess was awarded the Swords on 24 April 1944.
Transferred to the West in July 1944, he saw action in the Saarland and in the
Ardennes Offensive, but his last action was in Hungary in 1945. Priess was
convicted of war crimes because men under his command killed US prisoners
at Malmedy; he was sentenced to twenty years’ imprisonment in 1946 but was
released in 1954. Priess died on 2 February 1985 and is buried in Evangel
Friedhof, Ahrensburg, Schleswig-Holstein.

2729. Rittmeister Georg-Friedrich MORITZ
Moritz was born on 18 February 1918 in Schmolsin. He was a company
commander in Bicycle Battalion 32 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 28 April 1943. Moritz went missing on 13 August 1945 while en route to
Hamburg.

2730. Stabsfeldwebel Georg JURA
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Jura was born on 25 July 1912 in Gleiwitz. He was a platoon leader in Jäger
Regiment 49 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 April 1943. Jura
died on 27 January 1995 in Hanover.

2731. Feldwebel Gerhard LEMKE
Lemke was born on 9 December 1919 in Münsterberg. He was a section
leader in Grenadier Regiment 82 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
28 April 1943. Lemke was posted missing near Mogil, Russia, during July
1944.

2732. Obergefreiter Alfred SCHIEMANN
Schiemann was born on 10 February 1913 in Coswig. He was a section leader
in Motorised Grenadier Regiment 87 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 28 April 1943. Schiemann was killed in action near Kursk, Russia, on 13
July 1943 and has no known grave.

2733. Generalleutnant Erich SCHOPPER
Schopper was born on 2 July 1892 in Zeulenroda. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Schopper was commander of 81st Infantry Division when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 30 April 1943. He died on 18 August 1978 and is believed
to be buried in Nordfriedhof, Minden, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2734. Generalmajor Hellmut von der CHEVALLERIE
Von der Chevallerie was born on 9 November 1896 in Berlin. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Von der Chevallerie was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) in
July 1941. He was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. Von der
Chevallerie was commander of 13th Panzer Division when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 30 April 1943. He died on 1 June 1965 and is buried in
Südfriedhof, Feld A3 WS, Grave 14, Wiesbaden, Hesse. His brother, Kurt, was
also awarded the Knight’s Cross.

471

2735. Oberst Georg HACHTEL
Hachtel was born on 29 June 1894 in Reubach. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Hachtel was
commander of Jäger Regiment 56 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
30 April 1943. He died of wounds at Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg, on 20
July 1943 and has no known grave.

2736. Oberst Erich WOLKEWITZ
Wolkewitz was born on 29 January 1904 in Holthausen. He was commander
of Grenadier Regiment 478 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30
April 1943. Wolkewitz died on 30 June 1987 in Soest, North RhineWestphalia.

2737. Kapitänleutnant Klaus BARGSTEN
Bargsten was born in Bad Oldesloe on 31 October 1911. When the Second
World War started, he was serving at the submarine school in Neustadt. He
later joined U-99 under Otto Kretschmer. On 27 March 1941, Bargsten
commissioned U-563, and on 24 October, he attacked convoy HG75, sinking
a steamer and torpedoing the destroyer Cossack, which did not sink until it
was attacked again on 26 October.
On 3 June 1942, Bargsten commissioned another U-boat, U-521, and his
first success was scored against the British steamer Hartingdon; it was to be
his only success on this patrol. While attacking Gibraltar convoy No. 2, U-521
sank the auxiliary sub-chaser Bredon and torpedoed two more ships. On his
next patrol, he sank the Molly Pitcher. His Knight’s Cross was awarded on 30
April 1943. His luck run out on 2 June 1943 when his boat was attacked and
sunk by the US anti-submarine vessel PC565; most of the crew drowned, but
Bargsten was rescued. He was released in 1946. Bargsten died on 25 October
2000 and is buried in Riensberg Friedhof. Feld Z, Grave 456, Bremen.

2738. Kapitänleutnant Wilhelm FRANKEN
Franken was born on 11 September 1911 in Schildesche. Franken was watch
officer on a number of U-boats before taking command of U-565 and being
472

sent to the Mediterranean Sea. There, on 23 April 1942, he torpedoed the
Kirkland, which blew up. In August, he sank a sailing ship with gunfire and hit
an aircraft carrier with four torpedoes—all failed to explode. On 16
December, he sank the British destroyer Partridge and torpedoed the 16,297ton Cameronia. In February 1943, he torpedoed the 10,297-ton tanker
Semeronia and a large steamer. Two tankers were sunk by him on 20 March.
He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 April 1943. Off Salerno, he scored
two hits on landing ships and a munitions ship, but these were not confirmed.
While serving on the staff of the Commanding Admiral of U-boats on 13
January 1945, he was killed in a fire on board the Daressalam. Franken is
buried in Nordfriedhof, Block VII, Grave 266, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein.

2739. Kapitänleutnant Gunter JAHN
Jahn was born in Hamburg on 27 September 1910. After serving on U-98, he
commissioned U-596 on 13 November 1941; her first combat patrol was in
August the following year. He scored his first confirmed success against
convoy SC100. From January 1943, U-596 was in the Mediterranean Sea, and
on 2 February, she fired at three steamers. Three explosions were heard but no
ships were reported lost by the enemy. On the same day, his torpedoes hit an
escort ship, which exploded but was also not confirmed. U-956 torpedoed two
large steamers on 9 March. The 9,551-ton tanker Hallanger and the 7,135-ton
Fort a la Corhe were sunk on the 30th. Jahn was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 30 April 1943.
During August, he sank six sailing ships with gunfire off the coast of Lebanon.
A Norwegian tanker was sent to the bottom on 4 October 1943 but a hit on a
steamer was not confirmed. Jahn took over as commander of the 29th U-Boat
Flotilla and was taken prisoner by the French in September 1944. He died on
12 April 1992 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof, Krailling, Bavaria.

2740. Oberleutnant Rudolf HERKELMANN
Herkelmann was born on 1 March 1913 in Oberbruch. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 426 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 30 April 1943. Herkelmann died on 29 October 1976 in
Volmarstein, North Rhine-Westphalia.

473

2741. Oberleutnant Gottfried Freiherr von LOEBENSTEIN
von AIGENHORST
Freiherr von Loebenstein von Aigenhorst was born on 27 September 1917 in
Vienna. He was a company commander in Grenadier Regiment 133 when he
was killed in action near Shamara, Russia on 22 April 1943 and has no
known grave. Von Loebenstein von Aigenhorst was awarded the Knight’s
Cross 30 April 1943.

2742. Oberleutnant Karl-Heinz OESTERWITZ
Oesterwitz was born in Innsbruck on 15 March 1914. He fought in France
and the Balkans and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class.
Oesterwitz fought as a ‘Brandenburger’ in Russia, where, on 11 August 1942,
he captured a bridge near Belorelschkaja; for this, he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 30 April 1943.
Moved to the Balkans and then on to Vienna in 1943, his unit was reequipped as a panzergrenadier regiment and sent back to Russia. In early
February 1945, Oesterwitz rescued a German column from an enemy occupied
area near Sprottau; for this, he was awarded the Oak Leaves on 10 February
1945. Oesterwitz died on 13 June 1999 in Pulheim, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2743. Leutnant Heinrich NIEMANN
Niemann was born on 28 March 1921 in Hahlen. He was a company
commander in Pioneer Battalion 196 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 30 April 1943. Niemann died on 16 June 1979 and is believed to be buried
in Nordfriedhof, Minden, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2744. Feldwebel Simon STURM
Sturm was born on 23 October 1914 in Eilendorf. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 82 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 April
1943. Sturm was posted missing near Roslavl, Russia, during May 1943.

2745. Unteroffizier Helmut BORCHARDT
474

Borchardt was born on 1 August 1917 in Woedtke. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in February 1941 and the 1st Class in March 1943. Borchardt
was a platoon leader in Grenadier Regiment 409 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 30 April 1943. He was killed in action between 15 and 18
March 1945 and is buried at Kostrzyn, Poland; Borchardt’s remains are
awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. He was awarded the Oak Leaves
on 14 April 1945.

2746. Oberstleutnant Jürgen SCHMIDT
Schmidt was born on 13 August 1905 in Halle. He was operations officer in
337th Infantry Division when he was killed in action at Obojan, Russia, on 16
February 1943 and has no known grave. Schmidt was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 1 May 1943.

2747. Major Werner HEINE
Heine was born on 30 July 1914 in Wuppertal. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 499, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 1 May 1943. Heine died on 13 February 2002 in Innsbruck, Austria.

2748. Steuermannsmaat Karl-Heinz FISCHER
Fischer was born on 23 July 1913 in Hamburg. He was coxswain on Patrol
Boat VP-711 in VP-Boat Flotilla 7 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 3 May 1943. Fischer died on 12 August 1993 in Hamburg.

2749. Steuermannsmaat Otto FLÜGEL
Flügel was born on 17 November 1917 in Büttel. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July 1940 and the 1st Class in December 1941. Flügel was
coxswain on patrol boat VP-1525 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 3 May 1943. He died on 17 January 1966 and is buried in Paulusfriedhof,
Brunsbüttel, Schleswig-Holstein.

2750. Generalmajor Erich SCHNEIDER
475

Schneider was born on 12 August 1894 in Biedenkopf. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Schneider was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in June and the 1st
Class in July 1941. He was commander of 4th Panzer Division when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 May 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 6
March 1945. Schneider died on 3 October 1980 and is buried in Südfriedhof,
Wiesbaden, Hesse.

2751. SS-Sturmbannführer Rudolf SANDIG
Sandig was born on 11 September 1911 in Eppendorf. He was a company
commander in II Battalion, SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 2, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 May 1943. Sandig died on 11 August 1994
in Weyhe, Bremen.

2752. Leutnant Günther WILFLING
Wilfling was born on 21 December 1922 in Hamburg. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 501 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 5 May 1943. Wilfling died on 21 February 2019.

2753. Oberfeldwebel Wilhelm BÜRGERHOFF
Bürgerhoff was born on 23 September 1905 in Wandhofen. He was a platoon
leader in Grenadier Regiment 166 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
5 May 1943. Bürgerhoff was posted missing near Ivankovce, Russia, on 26
March 1944.

2754. Oberwachtmeister Alfred FAHRENHOLZ
Fahrenholz was born on 4 November 1917 in Etelsen. He was serving in
Artillery Regiment 240 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 May
1943. Fahrenholz died on 21 May 1989 and is believed to be buried in AchimBierden Friedhof, Lower Saxony.

2755. Oberfeldwebel Karl LAUCH
476

Lauch was born on 18 April 1914 in Bremen. He was a platoon leader in
Panzergrenadier Regiment 14 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5
May 1943. Lauch died on 14 October 1998 and is believed to be buried in
Osterholz Friedhof, Bremen.

2756. Feldwebel Walter OPPERMANN
Oppermann was born on 31 May 1921 in Westeregeln. He was a platoon
leader in Jäger Regiment 38 when he died of wounds on 20 March 1943 and
is buried in the German War Cemetery, Plot 18, Row 41, Grave 2575,
Korpowo, Russia. Oppermann was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 May
1943.

2757. Oberjäger Heinrich BOIGK
Boigk was born on 30 October 1912 in Cologne. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in September 1941. Boigk was
a section leader in Jäger Regiment 49 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 5 May 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 18 January 1944. He died on 28
March 2003 in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2758. Oberst Otto BARTH
Barth was born on 18 June 1891 in Dresden. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Barth was
commander of Artillery Regiment 117 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 8 May 1943. He was captured by the Russians in 1945 and held
until 1955. Barth died on 3 May 1963 and is buried in Zentralfriedhof,
Erlangen, Bavaria.

2759. Korvettenkapitän Walther FISCHER
Fischer was born on 25 September 1893 in Kiel. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Fischer was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in December 1939 and the 1st Class
in May 1940. He was commander of VP-Boat Flotilla 13 when he was

477

awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 May 1943. Fischer died on 26 June 1988 and
is buried in Waldfriedhof, Grosshansdorf, Schleswig-Holstein.

2760. Fregattenkapitän Curt RECHEL
Rechel was born on 1 December 1902 in Iserlohn. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in November 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1940. Rechel
was responsible for sinking HMS Splendid on 21 April 1943. He was
commander of destroyer Z-29 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8
May 1943. Rechel died on 10 August 1973 in Farchant, Bavaria.

2761. Hauptmann Helmut GUTZSCHHAHN
Gutzschhahn was born on 24 April 1915 in Dresden. He was commander of I
Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 6, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 8 May 1943. Gutzschhahn died on 10 December 2004 in
Stadtoldendorf, Lower Saxony.

2762. Oberfeldwebel Franz GERL
Gerl was born on 16 November 1914 in Regensburg. He was a platoon leader
in Grenadier Regiment 110 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8
May 1943. Gerl died on 13 June 1980 in Regensburg, Bavaria.

2763. Oberfeldwebel Otto STAROSTA
Starosta was born on 28 December 1916 in Aschersleben. He was a platoon
leader in Grenadier Regiment 686 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
8 May 1943. Starosta died on 20 January 1985 in Goslar, Lower Saxony.

2764. Oberfeldwebel Gerhard STEINFÜHRER
Steinführer was born on 16 April 1916 in Gramelow. He was a platoon leader
in Panzergrenadier Regiment 394 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
8 May 1943. Steinführer was killed in action on 4 July 1943 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Plot 5, Row 40, Grave 2398, Kursk-Besedino,
Russia.
478

2765. Feldwebel Alfred MÜLLER
Müller was born on 11 November 1916 in Erbach. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 256 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 May
1943. Müller was posted missing near Orel, Russia, during July 1943.

2766. Major Freidrich-Wilhelm BUSCHHAUSEN
Buschhausen was born on 11 December 1908 in Düsseldorf. He fought in the
West and took part in the invasion of Russia, where he was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st and 2nd Class. Buschhausen was sent to Africa as commander of I
Battalion, 69th Panzergrenadier Regiment, following the Allied landings in
West Africa. At the Battle for Djebel el Ahmera, he took command of the
southern group, whose forces were completely inadequate for the task. US
forces captured hill after hill until they took the commanding Hill 290.
Buschhausen counterattacked, capturing the hill, 300 prisoners, and two
tanks.
When a frontal attack overran one of his positions, Buschhausen
counterattacked and drove the enemy out. For this action, he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 9 May 1943. When the fighting came to an end in Tunisia,
he was taken prisoner by the Americans. Buschhausen died on 1 October 2004
and is buried in Ostfriedhof, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2767. Hauptmann Detlef LIENAU
Lienau was born on 19 June 1914 in Hagenau. He fought in France in 1940,
for which he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class. Sent to Africa later in
1940 with his unit, Lienau stormed through Cyrenaica. He led the battalion
from Bir Abu Zugherib, driving the Australian 9th Brigade to Querat el
Himeimat. Lienau was wounded but returned to duty in October 1941.
During the retreat from El Alamein in 1942, Lienau always seemed to find
the fuel to keep his vehicles on the move. In December, Rommel paid him a
visit and expressed his admiration for him and his battalion. He held the El
Notia strongpoint in Tunisia, fought his way through the Kasserine Pass, and
stopped an attack by forty enemy tanks. Lienau was wounded in March 1943
when his car was attacked by aircraft; sent home, he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 9 May 1943, but died from his wounds on 22 June 1943 and is
479

buried in the German War Cemetery (Südfriedhof), Dept XXV, Group II
Grave 7–5, Friedhofsweg 3, Leipzig.

2768. Generalleutnant Wolf-Günther TRIERENBERG
Trierenberg was born on 18 June 1891 in Forst. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Trierenberg
was commander of 167th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 10 May 1943. He died on 25 July 1981 in Detmold, North RhineWestphalia.

2769. Generalmajor Kurt Freiherr von LIEBENSTEIN
Freiherr von Liebenstein was born on 28 February 1899 in Jebenhausen. He
fought in the First World War, being awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1914). In 1939, he joined the Army General Staff with the rank of
Oberstleutnant. He was chief-of-staff of the 10th Panzer Division in the
French campaign and served under Guderian in Russia. Liebenstein took
command of the 6th Panzer Regiment in June 1942 and from October to
November 1942 commanded the 3rd Panzer Brigade.
Sent to Africa as CO of the 164th Light Division in December 1942, he
saw action in Tunisia. In Rommel’s lightning advance to Gafsa, Liebenstein
commanded the Africa Corps; after capturing Gafsa and Thelepte airfield, the
attack had to be called off when the British attacked the Mareth Line. He was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 May 1943 but was taken prisoner two days
later. Liebenstein died on 3 August 1975 and is buried in Hoppenlau Friedhof,
Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg.

2770. Oberst Alfred KOESTER—‘The Old Fogey’
Koester was born on 24 January 1894 in Pillkallen. Considered too old for
combat, he was appointed as instructor at the officer school in Hanover where
he was promoted to Oberst. When he learnt that a post for regimental CO had
come up for Panzergrenadier Regiment 200, he volunteered for it and was
accepted. He led the unit in Tunisia with great gusto despite his age.
On his birthday in 1943, he was given a surprise party that lasted seven
hours, but when the Allies attacked, he was first into position to meet it.
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Koester was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 May 1943. He was taken
prisoner when the end came in Tunisia. Koester died on 31 August 1957 and is
buried in Wunstorf Friedhof, Lower Saxony.

2771. Major Heinrich LAU
Lau was born on 15 September 1911 in Niedererlenbach. He was group
commander in Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
10 May 1943. Lau died on 14 September 1956 in Otero Country, New
Mexico, USA.

2772. Hauptmann Hans-Wilhelm ALBERS
Albers was born on 12 June 1914 in Lauenburg. He fought in Poland and
France as a Leutnant, being awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class. Albers
also fought in Russia from the beginning of the Invasion in July 1941. In
Tunisia, he led I Battalion, Artillery Regiment 1. His battalion was engaged in
constant defensive fighting and was one of the few artillery support units
available.
In the Mareth Line, Albers’s battalion stopped a British armoured assault.
He hurried from gun to gun, took the place of a wounded gunner, personally
knocked-out three enemy tanks, and prevented a breakthrough. For this, he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 May 1943. He fought in Sicily and
Italy where, on 21 May 1944, following a night battle, Albers was laying
under a tree resting with his dog. The dog started to bark and a sentry fired to
drive the animal away; Albers was hit and died in hospital on 4 June 1944. He
is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block C, Grave 634, Pomezia, Italy.

2773. Hauptmann Erich HAUT
Haut was born on 13 July 1899 in Carmmin. He was commander of I
Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 86, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 10 May 1943. Haut died on 6 September 1995 in Hamburg.

2774. Hauptmann Horst PATUSCHKA

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Patuschka was born on 22 May 1912 in Kahla. He was a group commander
in Night Fighter Wing 2 when he was killed on 6 March 1943 after his Ju 88
crashed due to engine failure. He is buried in the German War Cemetery (as
unknown), Bordj-Cedria, Tunisia. Patuschka was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 10 May 1943. He is credited with shooting down twenty-three enemy
aircraft, all at night.

2775. Hauptmann Günther STRAEHLER-POHL
Straehler-Pohl was born in Breslau on 29 July 1917. His first action was in
Poland at Wola-Gulowska as a Leutnant with Fallschirmjäger Regiment 1. He
jumped into ‘Fortress Holland’, landing near the Moerdijk bridges, and was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class. Straehler-Pohl also saw action in
Crete and from October 1941 fought in Russia on the River Neva front.
Promoted to Hauptmann on 26 March 1942, he saw action in North
Africa with the Ramcke Parachute Brigade, taking part in its successful
passage through enemy-held territory to Fuka after the Battle of El Alamein.
He also fought against the Americans on the Tunisian front. His battlegroup
fought a bitter battle with US forces at Hamman Lif, and for this action, he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 May 1943. He was unable to collect
the award as he had been captured on 8 May in the Tunis bridgehead.
Straehler-Pohl died on 31 July 1980 in Wildeshausen, Lower Saxony.

2776. Oberleutnant Paul BIRNKRAUT
Birnkraut was born on 8 August 1919 in Gesecke. He was a pilot in Long
Range Reconnaissance Group 121 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 10 May 1943. Birnkraut died on 1 January 1987 in Munich.

2777. Oberleutnant Ernst-Wilhelm RAPRÄGER
Rapräger was born on 15 September 1918 in Strasbourg. When the war
started, he was serving in a flak unit on the Westwall. Promoted to Leutnant
on 1 February 1940, Rapräger joined the parachute arm. He held several post
before being promoted to Oberleutnant on 19 May 1942 and being
transferred to the Rocket Battery Testing Battalion. On 28 October 1942, he
was named commander of Fallschirmjäger Regiment 1’s 15th Battery.
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In response to the Allied landing in Northwest Africa, the Luftwaffe’s
Barenthin Regiment was sent to Africa with Rapräger serving in the regiment’s
III Battalion. He successfully repulsed several enemy attacks in the northern
sector. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 May 1943 and
promoted to Hauptmann. On 15 July 1944, he took over the Parachute
Rocket Battalion south of Nimwegen, where, on 17 September 1944, he
repelled several attacks by US forces. Rapräger was severely wounded the
same day while personally leading an offensive patrol near Riethorst. He died
on 16 February 2008.

2778. Leutnant Willi HÖRNER
Hörner was born on 10 March 1912 in Stuttgart. He was a squadron leader in
Dive Bomber Wing 2 when was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 May 1943.
Hörner was killed in action near Lomowez, Russia, on 21 July 1943 and has
no known grave.

2779. Leutnant Walther OBERLOSKAMP
Oberloskamp was born on 27 January 1920 in Friedeberg. He was a platoon
leader in Assault-Gun Battalion 667 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 10 May 1943. Oberloskamp was killed in action near Minsk, Russia, on
26 June 1944 and has no known grave.

2780. Leutnant Konrad ZECHERLE (later changed to
RITTMEYER)
Zecherle was born on 16 February 1919 in Schwandorf. Sent to Tunisia with
the Armoured Reconnaissance Battalion 190, Zecherle managed to knock-out
a number of US tanks with only a few armoured cars at his disposal on 29
November 1942, thus stopping a US advance through the Chougui Pass and
across the Tine River.
When the enemy made a penetration toward Pichon, Zecherle knocked-out
five enemy tanks and drove into their right flank, stopping another attack. He
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 May 1943 but was taken prisoner
shortly afterwards. Zecherle died on 7 March 2009 in Veitshöchheim, Bavaria.

483

2781. Oberfeldwebel Emil SCHAREINA
Schareina was born on 25 July 1915 in Waplitz, Austria-Hungary. He was a
platoon leader in Grenadier Regiment 24 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 10 May 1943. Schareina died on 20 September 1985 and is believed
to be buried in Alter Friedhof, Geesthacht, Schleswig-Holstein.

2782. Feldwebel Josef IPPISCH
Ippisch was born on 24 January 1913 in Regenstauf. He was a platoon leader
in Grenadier Regiment 123 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10
May 1943. Ippisch was posted missing at Lötzen, East Prussia, on 21 July
1944.

2783. Unteroffizier Kurt VOLK
Volk was born on 14 August 1919 in Trabitz. He was serving in Panzer Jäger
Battalion 9 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 May 1943. Volk
died on 13 September 2005 in Trabitz, Bavaria.

2784. Obergefreiter Franz KOSTKA
Kostka was born on 7 October 1919 in Streitkirch. He was a section leader in
Grenadier Regiment 399 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 May
1943. Kostka was posted missing at Leslau during January 1945.

2785. Oberstleutnant Paul AUDORFF
Audorff was born on 6 February 1904 in Hof. He fought in Poland and
France as a Hauptmann, for which he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and
2nd Class. Promoted to Major, he was stationed on the Atlantic Wall until the
autumn of 1942 when his unit was moved to Tunisia. On landing, his
battalion was thrown straight into the fighting at Medjez el Bad. His battalion
also fought at Christmas Mountain.
On 1 February 1943, Audorff was promoted to Oberstleutnant, and on 20
April, he drove his battalion into the middle of the Allied build-up, but in the
end, he was forced to retreat. A major British offensive was stopped by
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Audorff with help from Fallschirmjäger Regiment 5, thus preventing the Allies
from breaking through to Tunis until May. On the morning of 8 May 1943 at
Protville, Audorff was captured after a brief skirmish. He was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 13 May 1943 while a POW. Audorff died on 17 January
1981 and is buried in Marktredwitz Friedhof, Bavaria.

2786. Major Josef HISSMANN
Hissmann was born on 19 November 1907 in Elsen. He fought in Poland and
France in 1940 with a flak unit. He fought in Russia, being awarded the Iron
Cross 1st Class. Hissmann left Russia for Africa in April 1942. He fought with
élan in the Gazala Line and his unit stormed into Tobruk.
In the fighting at El Alamein, Hissmann drove the enemy out of the
Ruweisa tracks and forced the decision at Alam el Mil station. He further
distinguished himself in Tunisia, especially at Sbeitla and at Djebel Zaghouan.
For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 May 1943. Hissmann died
on 25 May 1989 and is buried in Elsen Friedhof, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2787. Major Wolfgang KRETZSCHMAR
Kretzschmar was born on 2 July 1907 in Allenstein. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1940. Kretzschmar
was commander of Grenadier Battalion 540 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 15 May 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 30 September
1944. He was killed in action on 27 December 1944 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Block U1, Row 16, Grave 471, Saldus, Latvia.
Kretzschmar was awarded the Swords on 12 January 1945.

2788. Hauptmann Heinz von BRESE (later changed to
WITTCHOW von BRESE-WINIARY)
Von Brese was born on 13 January 1914 in Dresden. He fought in Poland, for
which he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class, and France, for which he
was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class. By December 1942, von Brese was a
Hauptmann commanding a divisional-sized battlegroup in Russia, and during
the Battle for Stalingrad, he was responsible for the defence of a bridge on the

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Don River, resupplying the city. For this defence, von Brese was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 15 May 1943.
In 1944, von Brese was trapped in the Tscherkassy Pocket, and for his
leadership, he was awarded the Oak Leaves on 6 April 1944. Sent to
command a panzer training school and after completing a divisional
commander course, he was given command of Panzer Fusilier Regiment ‘GD’
in September 1944. Von Brese went into Russian captivity at the end of the
war and was not released until 1953. He died on 3 December 1995 and is
buried in Hauptfriedhof Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg.

2789. Hauptmann Georg GEBHARDT
Gebhardt was born on 29 April 1901 in Meckenbeuren. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in November 1941. Gebhardt
was commander of III Battalion, Jäger Regiment 204, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 15 May 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 19 February
1945; he was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. Gebhardt died on 6
July 1975 and is believed to be buried in Waldfriedhof, Säckingen, BadenWürttemberg.

2790. Oberleutnant Wolfgang MEINHOLD
Meinhold was born on 8 October 1902 in Neuruppin. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in July 1940 and the 1st Class in August 1941. Meinhold
was a company commander in Grenadier Regiment 123 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 15 May 1943. He died of wounds near Uelzen on 3
April 1945 and has no known grave.

2791. Obergefreiter Wilhelm KLÖPPING
Klöpping was born on 4 September 1919 in Elberfeld. He was a machinegunner in Panzergrenadier Regiment 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 15 May 1943. Klöpping died on 9 May 1990 in Wuppertal, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

2792. Oberwachtmeister Willi WAGNER
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Wagner was born on 12 March 1898 in Dörna. He was a platoon leader in
Coastal Artillery Battalion 789 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
17 May 1943. Wagner died on 21 December 1966 and is buried in
Mühlhausen Friedhof, Thuringia.

2793. Feldwebel Johann SCHWERDFEGER
Schwerdfeger was born on 24 November 1914 in Plein. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in November 1942.
Schwerdfeger was a platoon leader in Jäger Regiment 228 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 May 1943 for action at Kuban and the
Taman Peninsula. During the breakout from the Hube Pocket, he was severely
wounded and was awarded the Oak Leaves on 14 May 1944. Willi Heinrich’s
book The Willing Flesh, later made into the film Cross of Iron, is said to be
loosely based on Schwerdfeger. He died on 29 December 2015 in Plein,
Rhineland-Palatinate.

2794. Generalleutnant Gotthard FRANTZ
Frantz was born on 5 May 1888 in Berlin. He saw action in the First World
War, being awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Frantz served in
a flak battery during the Polish and French campaigns and was awarded the
Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939). He became commander of the 12th Flak
Division in the Smolensk–Orel area of the Russian Front, where he was
wounded three times.
In Tunisia, he commanded the 19th Flak Division and frequently directed
his guns from an exposed position as they engaged enemy air and ground
targets. Taken prisoner by the Russians on 11 May 1943, Frantz learnt that he
had been awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 May 1943. He died on 21 January
1973 and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Abt T4, Row 4, Grave 1 (headstone
removed), Bad Homburg, Hesse.

2795. Oberst Busso von WEDEL
Von Wedel was born on 12 June 1897 in Giebichenstein. He was commander
of Grenadier Regiment 89 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18

487

May 1943. Von Wedel died on 15 March 1981 in Eckernförde, SchleswigHolstein.

2796. Major Otto-Ernst REMER
Remer was born on 18 August 1912 in Neubrandenburg. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in June 1940. Remer was
commander of I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment ‘GD’, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 18 May 1943 for covering the withdrawal of an entire
Waffen-SS armoured corp during the Battle of Kharkov. The Oak Leaves
followed on 12 November 1943 for his leadership at Krivoi Rog.
Remer played a major roll in preventing the takeover of the government
after the 20 July plot to kill Hitler. He was wounded nine times during the war
and was awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. Although Remer accumulated
over fifty days in combat, he was not awarded the Clasp Combat Clasp in
Gold. After the war, he was involved in Holocaust denial, forming the Socialist
Reich Party (banned in 1955), after which he had to flee to Egypt. Remer
returned to Germany in the 1980s forming the German Freedom Movement
that advocated a reunified country and the removal of NATO, but this was
just an umbrella organisation for underground Nazi organisations. Remer was
sentenced to twenty-two months’ imprisonment for publishing articles that
incited racial hatred and had to flee to Spain to avoid prison. He died on 4
October 1997 in Marbella, Spain.

2797. Hauptmann Wilhelm-Ferdinand GALLAND—‘Wutz’
Galland was born on 23 October 1914 in Bochum. He shot down his first
enemy aircraft on 21 July 1941, and by the end of the year, he had added two
more. His tally was eight in May 1942, and by the end of that year, it had
reached twenty-one. Galland a group commander in Fighter Wing 26 when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 May 1943 with twenty-five victories to
his credit. He was killed in action on 17 August 1943 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Block 21, Grave 290, Kattenbos N746, Lommel,
Belgium. Galland’s final score was fifty-five victories, of which twenty-seven
were Spitfires and seven four-engined bombers. Galland’s three brothers also
served in the Luftwaffe, Adolf was one of the most renowned German fighter

488

pilots; Paul shot down seventeen enemy aircraft before being killed in action;
and Fritz was a reconnaissance pilot who survived the war.

2798. Hauptmann Eduard KIEFER (later changed to Tilman
KIWE)
In Poland and Norway, Kiefer was a platoon leader in the Kluge Detachment.
He fought in France with the General Göring Regiment, being wounded.
Promoted to Oberleutnant in July 1940, Kiefer fought in Russia from July
1941 until May 1942, during which time he was wounded twice, awarded the
Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class, and promoted to Hauptmann.
After training in motorised reconnaissance, he was sent to Tunisia as CO
of a motorcycle company in December 1942. There he fought on the Pont du
Fahs-Mateur Road, and with just 200 men, he occupied Djebel Achkel.
Kiefer’s force held out under repeated bombardments and attacks for more
than a week. He surrendered on 12 May 1943 only when he heard of the end
in Tunisia and was awarded the Knight’s Cross on the same day. Apparently, it
was presented to him while a POW. Kiefer died on 30 November 1995 and is
buried in Neuer Südfriedhof, Munich.

2799. Hauptmann Joachim PETZOLD
Petzold was born on 26 February 1913 in Loschwitz. He was a group
commander in Bomber Wing 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
18 May 1943. Petzold died on 23 July 1991 in Salem, Baden-Württemberg.

2800. Oberleutnant Robert HOEFELD
Hoefeld was born on 3 November 1917 in Bochum. He was a company
commander in Fallschirmjäger Regiment 5 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 18 May 1943. Hoefeld died on 9 October 1971 and is buried in
Friedberg Friedhof, Hesse.

2801. Oberleutnant Wilhelm KÜSTER

489

Küster was born on 7 January 1917 in Erda. He was a pilot in Reconnaissance
Group 122 when he was posted missing in North Africa on 25 November
1942 and awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 May 1943.

2802. Oberleutnant Kay LANGFELDT
Langfeldt was born on 28 December 1918 in Oldenburg. He was a company
commander in Bicycle Battalion 30 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 18 May 1943. Langfeldt died on 13 June 1980 in Oldenburg, Lower
Saxony.

2803. Oberleutnant Rudolf MAYR
Mayr was born on 1 May 1910 in Miesbach. He was a squadron leader in
Bomber Wing 40 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 May 1943.
Mayr died on 4 August 1991 and is believed to be buried in Ohlsdorf
Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

2804. Leutnant Erhard JÄHNERT
Jähnert was born in Panitzsch on 17 August 1917. As a Stuka pilot, he took
part in the campaigns against Poland and France, being awarded the Iron
Cross 1st and 2nd Class. In December 1940, he was moved to Sicily, from
where he flew missions on Malta and British convoys. From February 1941
until April 1943, he flew in support of the Africa Corps.
Promoted to Leutnant in December 1942, Jähnert was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 18 May 1943. After the end in Africa, he was sent to the
Russian Front, where Jähnert took part in the sinking of three destroyers in
the Black Sea in October 1943 and completed 500 combat missions. After a
short time as instructor, he returned to the combat now flying a Fw 190 with
which he destroyed twenty-five Russian tanks. Recommended for the Oak
Leaves, but he was never awarded them. Jähnert died on 23 July 2006 in Jever,
Lower Saxony.

2805. Leutnant Gerd MISCHKE

490

Mischke was born on 16 March 1920 in Wuppertal. His first action was at
Crete when he landed as an anti-aircraft gun commander with the rank of
Unteroffizier. On 22 May 1941, he repulsed an attack near Rethymnon with
his 20-mm flak gun and led the counterattack. For this, he was awarded the
Iron Cross 1st Class. He fought in Russia and later on the home front against
enemy bombers. On 19 June 1942, he was promoted to Leutnant.
He next saw action in North Africa after the Tunis bridgehead was
established, where he and several comrades stopped an advance by American
tanks south of Mateur. In March 1943, in Jefna, he destroyed an enemy tank
that had advanced to within 40 metres of his position. On 5 May, his antitank guns knocked-out six tanks and prevented a breakthrough. For this, he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 May 1943. Mischke died on 5
November 1992 in Wuppertal, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2806. Obergefreiter Heinrich WITTE
Witte was born on 19 January 1921 in Jameln. He was a gunner in Flak
Regiment ‘HG’ when he was killed in action on 8 May 1943 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Ossario 3, Panel 24, Bordj-Cedria, Tunisia. Witte
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 May 1943.

2807. Leutnant zur See Otto POLLMANN
Pollmann was born on 3 March 1915 in Wesermünde. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in May 1940 and the 1st Class in March 1943. Pollmann
was commander of U-Jäger 2210 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
19 March 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 25 April 1944. He is credited
with sinking fourteen submarines. He died on 28 February 1958 in Leer,
Lower Saxony.

2808. Generalmajor Joseph SCHMID—‘Beppo’
Schmid was born on 24 September 1901 in Göggingen. He was commander in
Tunisia of the deployed detachment of the Division ‘General Göring’ when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 May 1943. His leadership qualities left
much to be desired, but as one of Göring’s favourites, he was always given

491

another chance. Schmid died on 30 August 1956 and is buried in
Hermanfriedhof, Augsburg, Bavaria.

2809. Major Ernst VIELHAUER
Vielhauer was born on 10 May 1907 in Bolkenhain. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 461, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 21 May 1943. Vielhauer died of wounds at Breslau on 30 September 1943
and has no known grave.

2810. Hauptmann Ernst ZIMMERMANN
Zimmermann was born on 18 March 1915 in Darmstadt. He was commander
of I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 105, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 21 May 1943. Zimmermann was killed in action near Orel, Russia,
on 7 July 1943 and has no known grave.

2811. Oberleutnant Karl PRÜMM
Prümm was born on 12 June 1917 in Trier. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in August and the 1st Class in November 1941. Prümm was a
company commander in Grenadier Regiment 105 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 21 May 1943. He was also awarded the Wound Badge in
Gold. Prümm died on 10 January 1999 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Am
Stadion 1, Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate.

2812. Feldwebel Karl PIRNER
Pirner was born on 14 November 1913 in Königstein. He was a platoon
leader in Grenadier Regiment 520 when he was killed in action at Jasenok,
Russia, on 13 March 1943 and has no known grave. Pirner was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 21 May 1943.

2813. Oberleutnant Egon ALBRECHT (aka ALBRECHTLEMKE)

492

Albrecht was born on 19 May 1918 in Curitiba, Brazil. He was a Bf 110 pilot
in Heavy Fighter Wing 76 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
May 1943. Albrecht is credited with twenty-five enemy aircraft shot down
(including six four-engined bombers), as well as eleven aircraft, 162 motor
vehicles, 254 covered vehicles, three trains, eight flak positions, twelve antitank positions, and eight infantry positions destroyed on the ground. Albrecht
was killed in action on 25 August 1944 and buried in the German War
Cemetery, Block 3, Row 8, Grave 316, Beauvais, Rue de le Mie au Roy,
Beauvais, Picardy, France.

2814. Oberleutnant August GEIGER
Geiger was born on 6 May 1920 in Überlingen. He shot down his first two
enemy aircraft (both bombers) on 26 June 1942, and by the end of the year, he
had brought down ten aircraft and been awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd
Class. With forty victories to his credit, Geiger was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 22 May 1943.
He was killed in action on 29 September 1943 when he baled out of his Bf
110 and landed in the Zuiderzee. His parachute dragged him under and he
drowned. Geiger is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block M, Row 4,
Grave 83 (near Gildner and Knacke), Timmermansweg, Ysselsteyn, the
Netherlands. He was credited with fifty-three victories and awarded the Oak
Leaves on 2 March 1944.

2815. Oberfeldwebel Gustav SCHUBERT
Schubert was born on 11 November 1916 in Königszelt. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in September 1940.
Schubert was a pilot in Dive Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 22 May 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 24 October
1944. He was killed in action over Hohensalza, Poland, on 20 January 1945
and has no known grave. Schubert flew over 1,200 missions.

2816. Feldwebel Franz LEHNER
Lehner was born on 14 February 1918 in Vienna. He was an observer in
Bomber Wing 53 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 May 1943.
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He died on 25 August 2000 in Hohenweiler, Austria.

2817. Feldwebel Fritz WILL
Will was born on 18 January 1919 in Offenseth. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 53 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 May 1943. Will was
killed in action near Hahn on 28 August 1944 and has no known grave.

2818. Generalleutnant Robert MEISSNER
Meissner was born on 23 December 1888 in Vienna. He fought in the AustroHungarian army during the First World War. Meissner was commander of
68th Infantry Divison when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 May
1943. He died at Pervouralsk in Russian captivity on 8 August 1953 and has
no known grave.

2819. Oberleutnant Wolf RECKTENWALD
Recktenwald was born on 12 August 1917 in Oldenburg. He was commander
of Bicycle Squadron 255 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 May
1943. Recktenwald died on 15 March 2005 in Bonn.

2820. Hauptmann Werner ROELL
Roell was born on 8 February 1914 in Ailly-sur-Noye, France. He was a
squadron leader in Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 25 May 1943. Roell died on 10 May 2008 in Salenstein,
Switzerland.

2821. Hauptmann Josef SCHÖLSS
Schölss was born on 22 March 1916 in Ingolstadt. He was a squadron leader
in Bomber Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 May
1943. Schölss died on 22 August 2009 and is buried in Waldfriedhof,
Fürstenfeldbrück, Bavaria.

494

2822. Oberleutnant Rudolf TRENN
Trenn was born on 22 November 1917 in Altefähr. He was a squadron leader
in Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 May
1943. Trenn was killed in a flying accident on 16 April 1943 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Block 33, Row 12, Grave 460, Bourdon, Picardy,
France.

2823. Capitano di Corvetta Gianfranco GAZZANAPRIAROGGIA (Italian Navy)
Gazzana-Priaroggia was born on 30 August 1912 in Milan. He served as
watch officer on submarines before he was given command of the Italian
submarine Archimede on 21 April 1942. He sank his first ship, the 5,586-ton
Cardina in the Atlantic, on 15 June. His success continued in November 1942
with four ships sunk for 26,000 tons.
On 14 March 1943, he sank the 21,517-ton Empress of Canada. In April
1943, he sailed into the Indian Ocean, and on the 18th, he sank three ships
with four torpedoes for 23,262 tons. On the night of 24 May 1943, he was
depth-charged by the destroyer Active and the frigate Ness; all hands went
down with the boat. Gazzana-Priaroggia was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
26 May 1943 and the Italian Golden Medal of Bravery. In 1993, the Italian S525 submarine was named Gianfranco Gazzana-Priaroggia in his honour.

2824. Fleet Admiral Isoroku YAMAMOTO (born Isoroku
TAKANO) (Commander-in-Chief Combined Japanese Fleet)
Yamamoto was born on 4 April 1884 in Nagaoka, Japan. At the age of
sixteen, he was adopted by the Yamamoto family. He fought in the RussoJapanese War in 1905 and was wounded at Tsushima, losing two fingers from
his left hand. He was against the war with China and the USA, partly because
of his studies at Harvard and his two postings as naval attaché in Washington,
DC.
Japanese military strategy had, for two decades, planned to wear down the
US fleet as they advanced across the Pacific using submarines and land-based
air units until they could be engaged in a decisive battle. Correctly pointing

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out that this plan never worked even in the Japanese war games, and painfully
aware of the US strategic advantage in productive capacity, Yamamoto
proposed the preventive strike, followed by a decisive battle. Yamamoto
hoped, but probably did not believe, if the US could be dealt such a blow early
in the war, they may be willing to negotiate an end to the conflict. He planned
for everything, apart from the carriers being absent.
With the US fleet largely out of action after Pearl Harbor, the Japanese
were able to conquer the Dutch East Indies and the Philippines, securing their
oil and rubber rich Southern Resources Area. Yamamoto’s next move was to
draw the American fleet into an ambush at Midway, but the Americans knew
what was coming and laid their own trap. The following Battle of Midway
saw all four of Japan’s carriers sunk, along with the best of her pilots. It was a
blow the Japanese would never recover from. Yamamoto was retained as C-inC despite the loss of face over Midway, mainly to keep morale high. Japanese
naval forces inflicted considerable damage to the US fleet around Guadalcanal
but could not draw the Americans into a decisive fleet action. After the loss of
Guadalcanal, Yamamoto made more use of land-based aircraft.
To boost morale, he decided to make an inspection tour throughout the
South Pacific. The US intercepted a signal giving the details of the tour, and on
18 April 1943, they sent sixteen P-38 Lightnings to shoot him down. His body
was found the next day and cremated at Buin, Papua New Guinea. Some of
his ashes are interred at Tama Reien Cemetery (Fuchu City), Tokyo, Japan,
while the remainder are at his ancestral home in Nagaoka City. Yamamoto
was awarded the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords on 27 May
1943

2825. Major Erwin KOCH
Koch was born on 14 February 1916 in Dessau. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 447, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 28 May 1943. Koch died on 20 April 1987 in Überlingen, BadenWürttemberg.

2826. Hauptmann Herbert LÜTJE
Lütje was born on 30 January 1918 in Abbesbüttel. As a night fighter pilot, he
took part in the French campaign but did not shoot down his first aircraft
496

until 6 September 1941. By the end of 1942, he had brought down fifteen.
Lütje shot down a B-17 bomber during a daytime mission on 4 March 1943.
He shot down his twentieth aircraft on 29 March 1943. On 13 May, he shot
down six British bombers in one night. Lütje was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 1 June 1943. Moved to Romania, he continued to raise his score, shooting
down six Wellington bombers. Returned to Germany for the defence of the
Reich, Lütje was awarded the Oak Leaves on 17 April 1945 with fifty
victories. He died on 18 January 1967 and is believed to be buried in Wahn
Friedhof, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2827. Leutnant Wolf-Udo ETTEL
Ettel was born on 26 February 1921 in Hamburg. He shot down his first two
aircraft on 24 June 1941 but was himself shot down on 10 July. Ettel swam
the River Don and returned to his unit four days later. His score reached
twenty in August and thirty by October 1942. He shot down twenty-eight
aircraft in March and thirty-six in April 1943, including five on the 11th. He
claimed his 120th aerial victory on 11 May 1943, but was again shot down
himself. He made it back to German lines despite coming under Russian rifle
fire. The same night, he led a patrol to his aircraft to recover important
equipment. Ettel was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 June 1943.
Moved to Greece, he shot down a Spitfire on 14 July, and on 16 July, he
shot down two B-24 bombers. Ettel was killed in action on 17 July 1943 and
is buried in the German War Cemetery, Crypt 2, Number 1, Plate C,
Sarcophagus 85, Motta San Anastasia, Italy. He was awarded the Oak Leaves
on 31 August 1943, having shot down 124 aircraft, including twenty-one
Sturmoviks.

2828. Obergefreiter Otto KÖLBEL
Kölbel was born on 20 August 1908 in Grossbothen. He was a section leader
in Grenadier Regiment 542 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1
June 1943. Kölbel died on 11 July 1974 in Engelsdorf, Saxony.

2829. Hauptmann Walter NEITZEL

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Neitzel was born on 9 May 1913 in Greifenberg. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in November 1940 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Neitzel
was commander of I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 409, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 June 1943. He died of wounds on 2
September 1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Beberbeki, Riga, Latvia. Neitzel was awarded the Oak Leaves on 5 September
1944.

2830. Oberleutnant Hans-Werner DEVERS
Devers was born on 25 June 1910 in Berlin. He was a platoon leader in
Reconnaissance Battalion 101 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2
June 1943. Devers died on 5 August 1960 in Hamburg.

2831. Oberleutnant Siegfried RÖTHKE
Röthke was born on 3 August 1915 in Mürow. He was a squadron leader in
Bomber Wing 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 June 1943.
Röthke died on 27 April 2003 in Bad Salzuflen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2832. Leutnant Georg SCHMID
Schmid was born on 14 March 1909 in Pfullingen. He was adjutant in II
Battalion, Jäger Regiment 229, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2
June 1943. Schmid died on 28 October 1990 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof,
Gmelinstrasse 20, Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg.

2833. Oberfeldwebel Heinrich OCHS
Ochs was born on 19 April 1915 in Ettlingen. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in September 1940 and the 1st Class in October 1941. Ochs was a
platoon leader in Panzer Jäger Battalion 101 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 2 June 1943. He was also awarded the Wound Badge in
Gold. Ochs was killed in action near Michailovka, Russia, on 21 October
1943 and has no known grave. He was awarded the Oak Leaves on 30
December 1943.

498

2834. Oberfeldwebel Johann-Peter OEKENPÖHLER
Oekenpöhler was born on 1 August 1917 in Hiltrup. He was a pilot in
Bomber Wing 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 June 1943.
Oekenpöhler died on 14 August 1980 in Hiltrup, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2835. Oberfeldwebel Georg STRAUBE
Straube was born on 30 June 1911 in Winkeldorf. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Jäger Battalion 18 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 June
1943. Straube died on 16 October 1994 in Bad Nauheim, Hesse.

2836. Feldwebel Walter RUDOLPH
Rudolph was born on 26 January 1915 in Kunzendorf. He was a platoon
leader in Grenadier Regiment 123 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
2 June 1943. Rudolph died of wounds at Grodno, Russia, on 18 July 1944
and has no known grave.

2837. Oberjäger Josef KASTNER
Kastner was born on 3 June 1910 in Burgau. He was a platoon leader in Jäger
Regiment 207 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 June 1943.
Kastner was killed in action at on 9 December 1944 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Block 3, Row 12, Grave 265, Presov, Slovakia.

2838. Oberst Alwin WOLZ
Wolz was born on 22 September 1897 in Windsfeld. He fought in the First
World War, being awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). He took
part in the campaign against France as CO of the 25th Flak Regiment. This
unit knocked-out thirty-nine bunkers in the Maginot Line. In Africa, he set up
the first ever flak front on 27 May 1942 and halted the enemy armour that
had broken through.
Later in Tunisia, his 88-mm flak guns were the backbone of the German
defence. His unit knocked-out fifty enemy tanks during the withdrawal southwest of El Agareb. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 June
499

1943. Wolz died on 15 September 1978 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof,
Vaterstetten, Bavaria.

2839. Oberleutnant Georg EINHOFF
Einhoff was born on 19 October 1904 in Baven. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 366 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 6 June 1943. Einhoff was killed in action on 18 February 1945 and
is buried at Wiele, Poland; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war
cemetery.

2840. Feldwebel Karl-Heinz ROSSBACH
Rossbach was born on 7 May 1920 in Greiz. He was a platoon leader in
Panzergrenadier Regiment 7 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6
June 1943. Rossbach was killed in action near Luzk, Russia, on 25 February
1944 and has no known grave.

2841. Unteroffizier Josef BLOCK
Block was born on 25 October 1912 in Mühlheim. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 June
1943. Block died on 25 November 1996 and is buried in Nauort Friedhof,
Rhineland-Palatinate.

2842. Generalleutnant Friedrich von SCOTTI
Von Scotti was born on 3 March 1889 in Offenbach. He was commander of
227th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 June
1943. Von Scotti died on 16 July 1969 and is buried in Beiertheim Friedhof,
Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg.

2843. Generalmajor Ferdinand NOELDECHEN
Noeldechen was born on 26 April 1895 in Preussisch Stargard. He fought in
the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1914). Noeldechen was commander of 96th Infantry Division when he was
500

awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 June 1943. He died on 19 October 1951 and
is buried in Ohlsdorf Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

2844. Generalmajor Gottlob MÜLLER
Müller was born in Kitzingen on 17 March 1895. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). When the
Allies landed in North Africa, it was necessary for the Germans to establish a
command structure over Tunisia.
Müller had to coordinate all air activities and acquire airfields, supplies,
and personnel. In spite of all the problems, he was able to keep the aircraft in
the air until the end. A commonly heard phrase was ‘Gottlob, Müller is here’
(‘Gottlob’ meaning thank God). It never failed to raise a smile form the
general. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 June 1943. Flown out of
Africa before the end, Müller was transferred to the reserve. He was killed in
action on 28 April 1945 and is buried in Charlottenburg Friedhof, (German
War Cemetery), Block 113, Row 12, Grave 1, Trakehnerallee, Berlin.

2845. Oberst Hermann von WEDEL
Von Wedel was born on 27 July 1893 in Magdeburg. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 590 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 June
1943. Von Wedel died of wounds on 5 February 1944 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery (as unknown), Tartu, Estonia.

2846. Generalmajor Walther KRAUSE
Krause was born on 31 December 1890 in Schweidnitz. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Krause
was commander of 170th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 10 June 1943. He died on 25 October 1960 and is buried in
Stadtfriedhof, W30, Grave 364, Göttingen, Lower Saxony.

2847. Major Heinrich KIESLING
Kiesling was born on 31 May 1909 in Gröppendorf. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in July 1940. Kiesling was
501

commander of III Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 768, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 10 June 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 7 November
1943. He was posted missing near Vitebsk, Belarus, on 18 June 1944.

2848. Hauptmann Volkhard EITNER
Eitner was born on 2 January 1914 in Berlin. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 212, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 10 June 1943. Eitner died on 5 November 1996 and is buried in
Südfriedhof, Wiesbaden, Hesse.

2849. Hauptmann Heinrich KLEIN
Klein was born on 5 May 1913 in Horneburg. He was a squadron leader in
Bomber Wing 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 June 1943.
Klein died on 15 July 1982 in Hamburg.

2850. Oberleutnant Rudolf KUNZ
Kunz was born on 23 August 1918 in Dillingen. He was commander of ‘Fast’
Battalion 306 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 June 1943.
Kunz died on 9 August 2010 in Hattingen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2851. Oberleutnant Johann RAB
Rab was born on 18 April 1912 in Köchling, Austria-Hungary. He was a
company commander in Panzer Pioneer Battalion 79 when he died of wounds
at Klincy, Russia, on 30 March 1943 and has no known grave. Rab was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 June 1943.

2852. Feldwebel Josef HEINRICHS
Heinrichs was born on 14 March 1918 in Übach. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 328 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross 10 June
1943. Heinrichs died on 18 August 1991 and is believed to be buried in
Zentralfriedhof, Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

502

2853. Leutnant Udo CORDES
Cordes was born on 22 July 1921 in Dortmund. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 June 1943. Cordes
died on 7 March 2007 and is believed to be buried in Ostfriedhof, Am
Ostpark 3, Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2854. Oberwachtmeister Wilhelm WEGNER
Wegner was born on 21 October 1914 in Seefeld. He fought in France with an
assault-gun unit, being awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Wegner took part in
the invasion of Russia and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class in July 1941.
Now with the Grossdeutschland, Wegner saw much action in different areas
of the front. Having suffered great casualties, the unit was withdrawn in the
spring of 1942 for rest and refit. Back in action by late June, Wegner fought at
the River Tim and the Don. In August, his unit was moved to Smolensk where
it would stay until January 1943, fighting at Volcansk and Kharkov.
For his actions at Kharkov were he knocked-out twelve enemy tanks,
Wegner was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 June 1943. He fought in the
great tank battles at Kursk, but in September, his unit was once again moved
back for rest and refit. In August 1944, Wegner was sent for officer training in
Munich, returning to the front in November as a Leutnant. Wegner was badly
wounded and taken prisoner by the British while in hospital. He died on 10
March 1989 and is buried in Evangelischer Friedhof, Emsdetten, North RhineWestphalia.

2855. Leutnant Fritz STILLGER
Stillger was born on 18 November 1916 in Friedrichsdorf. He was a company
commander in Panzergrenadier Regiment 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 14 June 1943. Stillger was posted missing near Schirwindt, East
Prussia, on 16 October 1944.

2856. Feldwebel Josef SCHÜSSLER
Schüssler was born on 6 January 1918 in Goldbach. He was a platoon leader
in Grenadier Regiment 106 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14
503

June 1943. Schüssler died on 13 February 2000 in Aschaffenburg, Bavaria.

2857. Korvettenkapitän Martin SALTZWEDEL
Saltzwedel was born on 13 September 1906 in Stettin. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in August 1940.
Saltzwedel was captain of the destroyer Z-24 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 15 June 1943. He died on 1 April 1987 and is buried in
Ohlsdorf Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

2858. Major Arthur JANDER
Jander was born on 14 November 1907 in Hirschberg. He was commander of
a Kampfgruppe in 62nd Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 15 June 1943. Jander died on 28 April 1972 and is believed to be
buried in Allenbach Friedhof, Hilchenbach, Rhineland-Palatinate.

2859. Kapitän zur See Alfred SCHULZE-HINRICHS
Schulze-Hinrichs was born on 6 November 1899 in Leipzig. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in January and the 1st Class in February 1940.
Schulze-Hinrichs was captured at Narvik during the Norwegian campaign but
was released at the end of the campaign in June 1940. He then commanded
Destroyer Flotilla 6, and during the attack on convoy QP11, his destroyer,
Hermann Schoemann, was disabled and scuttled the following day.
Nevertheless, the attack resulted in the sinking of HMS Edinburgh. SchulzeHinrichs was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 June 1943. He died on 22
June 1972 and is believed to be buried in Osterfriedhof, Plön, SchleswigHolstein.

2860. Kapitän zur See Alfred-Karl SMIDT
Smidt was born on 30 August 1903 in Neuenhaus. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in November and the 1st Class in December 1939. Smidt was
commander of the destroyer Z-27 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
15 June 1943. He died on 11 January 1984 in Rendsburg, Schleswig-Holstein.

504

2861. Feldwebel Wilhelm LEHNER
Lehner was born on 7 November 1914 in Fischach. He was a platoon leader
in Panzergrenadier Regiment 40 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
15 June 1943. Lehner died on 19 July 2012 in Fischach, Bavaria.

2862. Feldwebel Josef FITZEK
Fitzek was born on 24 March 1913 in Tarnowitz. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 482 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 June
1943. Fitzek died on 18 November 1982 and is believed to be buried in
Stadtfriedhof, Wels, Austria.

2863. Major Kurt HASSEL
Hassel was born on 26 June 1911 in Nuremberg. He was commander of
Panzer Verband 700 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 June
1943. Hassel died on 9 June 1963 in Darmstadt, Hesse.

2864. Wachtmeister Eduard KLAR
Klar was born on 30 December 1915 in Batzdorf, Austria-Hungary. He was a
forward observer in Artillery Regiment 122 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 17 June 1943. Klar died on 12 July 2001 in Hanau, Hesse.

2865. SS-Hauptscharführer Willi ESSLINGER
Esslinger was born on 2 June 1916 in Markertshofen. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in May 1940 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Esslinger
was a platoon leader in SS-Panzer Jäger Battalion 5 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 19 June 1943. Esslinger was killed in action at Radzymin,
Poland, on 25 August 1944 and has no known grave.

2866. Oberfeldwebel Hermann LINDER
Linder was born on 5 November 1914 in Ebingen. He was a platoon leader in
Jäger Regiment 207 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 June
505

1943. Linder was killed in action at the Kuban bridgehead, Russia, on 8 July
1943 and has no known grave.

2867. Major Wolf-Werner Graf von der SCHULENBURG
Graf von der Schulenburg was born on 14 September 1899 in Berlin. He
fought in the First World War, being wounded on the Western Front. Called up
in 1939, he joined at his own request Fallschirmjäger Regiment 1 as ordnance
officer and took part in the Polish campaign. Von der Schulenburg jumped
into ‘Fortress Holland’ and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class. A
promotion to Hauptmann followed on 1 November 1940.
In Crete, he served with the III Battalion, providing support to the
battalion commander. During the winter war in Russia at the River Neva, he
was promoted to Major. His first combat command was the I Battalion in
February 1942. Near Orel and Dimitrovsk, his battalion fought under the
command of the 78th Assault Division, whose commander recommended him
for the Knight’s Cross, which was awarded to him on 20 June 1943. He
fought in Italy in the Monte Cassino area before taking command of
Fallschirmjäger Regiment 13 in April 1944. Von der Schulenburg was killed in
action on 14 July 1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 2,
Row 22, Grave 821, Marigny, Normandy, France.

2868. Hauptmann Ernst BÖHM
Böhm was born on 23 February 1916 in Würzburg. He fought in the Spanish
Civil War with the Condor Legion. Böhm was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd
Class in May and the 1st Class in July 1940. He was a company commander
in Motorised Flak Regiment 241 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
20 June 1943. Böhm died on 2 April 1987 in Leverkusen, North RhineWestphalia.

2869. Hauptmann Hans-Dieter FRANK
Frank was born on 8 July 1919 in Kiel. He was a squadron leader in Night
Fighter Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 June 1943.
Frank was killed when his aircraft collided with another member of his unit
over Celle on 28 September 1943 and he has no known grave. He was
506

awarded the Oak Leaves on 2 March 1944. Frank is credited with fifty-five
victories.

2870. Hauptmann Klaus HÄBERLEN
Häberlen was born on 14 April 1916 in Geislingen. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October and the 1st Class in December 1940. Häberlen
was a group commander in Bomber Wing 51 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 20 June 1943. He died on 7 April 2002 and is buried in
Konstanz Friedhof, Baden-Württemberg.

2871. Hauptmann Wilhelm HERGET
Herget was born on 30 June 1910 in Stuttgart. During the French campaign,
flying a Bf 110, he shot down three Spitfires and a Curtiss Hawk. For this, he
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Herget continued to do well during the
Battle of Britain, raising his score to fourteen by the end of the year, and he
was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class.
In 1941, he was converted to the night-fighter role and flew with Night
Fighter Wing 1. Herget was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 June 1943 with
thirty victories to his credit. During the night of 20 December 1943, he shot
down eight RAF bombers in just fifty minutes. The Oak Leaves followed on
11 April 1944 with his tally at sixty. In 1945, he went on to fly the Me 262 jet
fighter. His final score was seventy-three, of which fifty-seven were at night.
Herget died on 27 March 1974 and is believed to be buried in Waldfriedhof,
Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg.

2872. Hauptmann Kurt-Albert PAPE
Pape was born on 12 May 1917 in Rendsburg. He was a squadron leader in
Dive Bomber Wing 5 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 June
1943. Pape was killed in action near Ssamodurowka, Russia, on 7 July 1943
and has no known grave.

2873. Hauptmann Kurt SCHREIBER

507

Schreiber was born on 22 March 1919 in Woxfelde. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 1, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
21 June 1943. Schreiber died on 4 July 1981 in Essen, North RhineWestphalia.

2874. Oberleutnant Helmut BOHLENS
Bohlens was born on 22 September 1914 in Hamburg. He was a pilot in Long
Range Reconnaissance Group 122 when he was posted missing over the
Mediterranean Sea on 19 April 1943. Bohlens was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 21 June 1943.

2875. Oberleutnant Joachim GEY
Gey was born on 11 March 1916 in Engelsdorf. He was a squadron leader in
Bomber Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 June 1943.
Gey died on 26 December 1989 in Münster.

2876. Oberleutnant Franz SCHIESS—‘Nawratil’
Schiess was born on 25 February 1921 in St Polten, Austria. He saw service
with the army in Poland before transferring to the Luftwaffe. He shot down
his first two enemy aircraft on 22 June 1941, the opening day of the Russian
campaign. In August, with fourteen victories, his unit was sent to Germany for
rest and refit, being redeployed to the Mediterranean area in December.
Operating from Sicily, he shot down eleven aircraft over Malta. Moved to
Tunisia, he shot down a further thirteen, including a B-17 bomber. Back in
Sicily after the fall of Tunisia, Schiess was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21
June 1943 with his tally at fifty-five.
After two months’ leave, he returned to the front and shot down twelve
aircraft in eleven days. However, on 2 September 1943, he was posted missing
after attacking a bomber formation. His total was sixty-seven aircraft, of
which thirty-eight were P-38 Lightnings, making him the most successful
‘Lightning-killer’.

2877. Oberfeldwebel Stefan LITJENS—‘Steff’
508

Litjens was born on 13 October 1913 in Hasselt. He was a pilot in Fighter
Wing 53 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 June 1943. Litjens
was credited with thirty-eight victories, seventeen on the Eastern Front. He
died on 25 February 2002 in Kalkar, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2878. Oberfeldwebel Alfred NITSCH
Nitsch was born on 12 April 1917 in Gollau. He was a pilot in
Reconnaissance Group 123 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21
June 1943. Nitsch died on 26 April 2000 and is believed to be buried in
Südfriedhof, Frankfurt am Main.

2879. Oberfeldwebel Johannes SCHEID
Scheid was born on 16 August 1910 in Alsweiler. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 June
1943. Scheid died on 9 May 1970 in Alsweiler, Saarland.

2880. Oberleutnant Klaus FAULMÜLLER
Faulmüller was born on 21 June 1917 in Freiburg im Breisgau. He was a
company commander in Mountain Jäger Regiment 13 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 25 June 1943. Faulmüller was killed in action near
Melitopol, Ukraine, on 25 October 1943 and has no known grave.

2881. Feldwebel Emil WERNIG
Wernig was born on 28 March 1920 in Idar-Oberstein. He was a platoon
leader in Grenadier Regiment 105 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
25 June 1943. Wernig was killed in action on 20 November 1943 and is
believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Kiev,
Ukraine.

2882. Hauptmann Hermann SCHMIDT
Schmidt was born on 13 May 1915 in Braunetsried. He was commander of IV
Battalion, Artillery Regiment 81, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
509

28 June 1943. Schmidt died on 1 July 2002 in Munich.

2883. Hauptmann Heinz SCHWEIZER
Schweizer was born on 18 July 1908 in Berlin. He was a Luftwaffe fireworker
or armourer, specifically a bomb disposal operator. Political prisoners and
criminals were used to dig out the bombs and Schweizer would then defuse
them. In May 1943, Schweizer recovered a bouncing bomb from a plane that
crashed on its way to the Dambuster raid. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 28 June 1943.
In 1945, he learnt that the SS were going to execute a number of political
prisoners. Together with his junior assistant, he went to the camp claiming
that a number of unexploded bombs required a large team of labourers. He
had the prisoners released into his custody and took them to his HQ until they
could be released to the American army. Schweizer was murdered on 5 June
1946 at Klobbicke and has no known grave.

2884. Feldwebel Willy SCHNEIDERMANN
Schneidermann was born on 27 July 1919 in Taucha. He was a section leader
in Grenadier Regiment 192 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29
June 1943. Schneidermann was posted missing at Biechow on 12 January
1945.

2885. Korvettenkapitän Otto MAURER
Maurer was born on 18 December 1905 in Bettnau. He was commander of RBoat Flotilla 12 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 July 1943.
Maurer died on 21 March 1982 and is buried in Bergfriedhof, WaldshutTiengen, Baden-Württemberg.

2886. Kapitänleutnant Günther HEYDEMANN
Heydemann was born on 11 November 1914 in Greifswald. He served in
several U-boats before commissioning U-575 on 19 June 1941, scoring his first
success on 2 October. In April 1942, he sank the 6,887-ton Robin Hood, and
on 18 July, he sank the 12,910-ton tanker San Gaspar, followed by two British
510

sailing ships sunk by gunfire. On 29 October, the 11,330-ton Abosso was sunk
after several torpedo hits. In January 1943, Heydemann attacked convoy
TM1, torpedoing the Norwegian tanker Minister Wedel and the Panamanian
10,034-ton tanker Norvik, both were finished off by U-522.
He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 July 1943. U-575 engaged
convoy HX222, firing a spread of torpedoes at the 14,547-ton whaling factory
ship Vestfold, which sank with her deck cargo of tank landing craft. He
finished off this patrol by sinking the City of Flint. His last post was as
weapons and training director of the 23rd and 25th U-Boat Flotillas. He died
on 2 January 1968 in Wedel, near Hamburg.

2887. Oberfeldwebel Albert BRUNNER
Brunner was born on 17 July 1918 in Mergentheim. He was a pilot in Fighter
Wing 5 when he was killed in action on 7 May 1943 and is believed to be
buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Pechenga, Russia. Brunner
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 July 1943 with fifty-three victories to his
credit.

2888. Oberfeldwebel Herbert ROEWER
Roewer was born on 10 June 1918 in Halle. He was a pilot in Bomber Wing 3
when he was posted missing near Kharkov, Russia, on 11 May 1943 and
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 July 1943.

2889. SS-Obergruppenführer Arthur PHLEPS—‘Papa’
Phleps was born on 29 November 1881 in Birthälm, Austria-Hungary. He
fought in the First World War, for which he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd
Class (1914), and the Hungarian-Romanian War of 1919. He left Romania
and joined the Waffen-SS in 1940 under his mother’s maiden name of Stolz,
but in 1941, he reverted to his real name. Phleps was awarded the Iron Cross
1st and 2nd Class (1939) in July 1941. He was involved in partisan warfare in
Croatia during early 1943 where his unit committed many crimes. Phleps was
commander of 7th SS-Division when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4
July 1943. In 1944, he was fighting partisans in Bosnia where he was criticised
for his harshness in the mass killing of male civilians. At Simand, Romania, on
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21 September 1944, he was captured by the Russians and was shot while
attempting to escape during an air raid, he has no known grave. Phleps was
awarded the Oak Leaves on 24 November 1944.

2890. Oberleutnant Rudolf LÖCHNER
Löchner was born on 14 April 1915 in Düsseldorf. He was a company
commander in Schnelle Battalion 161 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 5 July 1943. Löchner was accidentally killed near Esrevenilles on 15
March 1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 16, Row 2,
Grave 40, Bourdon, Picardy, France.

2891. Oberleutnant Horst WEBER
Weber was born on 8 August 1919 in Münster. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in April 1940 and the 1st Class in July 1941.Weber was
commander of patrol boat S-55 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5
July 1943. He died on 8 January 2007 in Bad Neuenahr, Rhineland-Palatinate.

2892. Oberjäger Ulrich KARG
Karg was born on 4 July 1918 in Liebenstein. He was a bicycle platoon leader
in Mountain Regiment 91 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 July
1943. Karg died on 20 September 1986 in Windeck-Imhausen, North RhineWestphalia.

2893. Colonel Corneliu TEODORINI (Romanian Army)
Teodorini was born on 18 September 1983 in Craiova, Romania. He was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in November 1941 and the 1st Class in
February 1943. Teodorini was commander of 6th Romanian Cavalry Division
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 July 1943. The Oak Leaves
followed on 8 December 1943. He died on 10 July 1976 and is buried in Bellu
Cemetery, Bucharest, Romania.

2894. Kapitänleutnant Friedrich MARKWORTH
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Markworth was born in Wolfenbüttel on 14 February 1915. He served as
watch officer under Victor Schütze on U-103. Markworth took over command
of U-66 and sailed on his first patrol in July 1942, sinking three ships and a
US coastal patrol vessel off Port Castries. Later, he sank two British motor
torpedo boats in Port Castries harbour. On 6 August 1942, he sank the
steamer Rosewie, which was followed by four steamers, including the 8,621ton tanker Winamac. Then, on 9 September, he sank the Pelping. During a
patrol in February 1943, he sank a French fishing trawler. In the evening of 25
February, he attacked convoy UC1, sinking a destroyer and a ship estimated at
5,000 tons.
He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 July 1943. On his next patrol,
Markworth sank the 10,173-ton tanker Esso Gettysburg and the 10,195-ton
tanker Bloody Marsh off the coast of Florida. He was later transferred to the
15th U-Boat Flotilla. Markworth died on 13 January 1994 and is believed to
be buried in Waldfriedhof, Detmold, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2895. Kapitänleutnant Karl MÜLLER
Müller was born on 2 September 1916 in Essen. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in April 1940 and the 1st Class in September 1941. Müller
was commander of S-boat S-52 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8
July 1943. He died on 19 May 1989 and is believed to be buried in
Rosenfriedhof, Celle, Lower Saxony.

2896. SS-Unterscharführer Franz STAUDEGGER
Staudegger was born on 12 February 1923 in Kärnten, Austria. He was a
Tiger tank commander in SS-Panzer Regiment 1 when, during the Battle of
Kursk on 7 July 1943, he knocked-out twenty-two Russians tanks. For this
action, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 July 1943. He also fought in
Normandy (with Michael Wittmann) and later in the Battle of the Bulge.
Staudegger died on 16 March 1991 in Frankfurt am Main.

2897. SS-Hauptsturmführer Karl KLOSKOWSKI
Kloskowski was born on 9 February 1917 in Lamkow. He was a platoon
leader in 2nd SS-Panzer Regiment when with just a few men he prevented the
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Russians from blowing up a bridge. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 11 July 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 11 August 1944.
Kloskowski was captured and murdered by American soldiers on 23 April
1945. According to some sources, this was a revenge killing following the
death in combat of US General Maurice Rose. Kloskowski is buried in
German War Cemetery (Stadtfriedhof), Grave 1823, Hildesheimerstrasse,
Goslar, Lower Saxony.

2898. SS-Obersturmführer Waldemar RIEFKOGEL
Riefkogel was born on 7 January 1913 in Celle. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in August 1941 and the 1st Class in January 1942. Riefkogel
was a company commander in SS-Panzer Regiment 3 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 11 July 1943. He was killed in action on 30 July 1944
and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 2, Row 25, Grave 1944,
Puławy, Poland.

2899. Unteroffizier Heinrich OFENLOCH
Ofenloch was born on 17 November 1919 in Bürstadt. He was a section
leader in Pioneer Battalion 323 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
12 July 1943. Ofenloch died on 6 January 1969 in Heidelberg, BadenWürttemberg.

2900. Major Georg FUHRMANN
Fuhrmann was born on 18 December 1914 in Kiel. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 501, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 13 July 1943. Fuhrmann died on 18 November 2008 in Hanover.

2901. Kapitänleutnant Georg STAATS
Staats was born on 13 March 1916 in Bremen. He was a watch officer before
commissioning U-80 on 8 April 1941, but he never took her into action and
commissioned U-508 on 20 October 1941. He fired his first torpedo on 6
August 1942 without success. Later, he came across special convoy No. 12

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and sunk two ships; on 18 August, he fired on two more ships but missed. His
torpedoes expended, U-508 returned to base.
Staats put to sea and on 11 November 1942 sank the 7,176-ton Nathaniel
Hawthorne and the 5,248-ton Lindenhall. He sent the 5,318-ton City of
Corinth to the bottom on 17 November. This was followed by the 6,191-ton
Clan MacFadden, the Empire Cromwell, the Trevalgan, and the City of Bath.
The Solon II was sunk on 3 December, bringing his total tonnage for this
patrol to 54,286 tons. Staats returned to sea in the summer of 1943 and sunk
the 8,400-ton De la Salle on 9 July. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14
July 1943. Two more ships were sunk before U-508 was bombed and sunk on
12 November 1943, in the Bay of Biscay; there were no survivors.

2902. Oberst Erich KAHSNITZ
Kahsnitz was born on 17 February 1898 in Adlig-Kaukern. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Kahsnitz was commander of Fusilier Regiment ‘GD’ when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 15 July 1943. He died of wounds at Breslau on 29 July
1943 and has no known grave.

2903. Hauptmann Gerhart (or Gerhard) NEMNICH
Nemnich was born on 12 November 1912 in Pinneberg. He was commander
of Panzer Pioneer Battalion 19 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15
July 1943. Nemnich was killed in action at Zossen on 15 March 1945 and has
no known grave.

2904. SS-Obersturmführer Rudolf von RIBBENTROP
Von Ribbentrop was born on 11 May 1921 in Wiesbaden. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in February 1943.
Von Ribbentrop was a company commander in SS-Panzer Regiment 1 when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 July 1943. He was also awarded the
Wound Badge in Gold. In 2008, Von Ribbentrop published a biography of his
father, the foreign minster to England, called Joachim von Ribbentrop: Mein
Vater: Erlebnisse und Erinnerungen. Von Ribbentrop died on 20 May 2019
and is buried in Friedhof Wiesbaden Biebrich, Wiesbaden, Hesse.
515

2905. Leutnant Heinz KÜSTER
Küster was born on 17 March 1909 in Belgrade. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 108 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 15 July 1943. Küster was killed in action near Pavlograd, Russia, on
27 September 1943 and has no known grave. Although some references say he
died on 25 September 2000.

2906. Generalleutnant Vollrath LÜBBE
Lübbe was born on 4 March 1894 in Klein Lunow. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Lübbe
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in August 1940 and the 1st
Class in July 1941. He was commander of 2nd Panzer Division when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 July 1943. Lübbe was captured by the
Russians in February 1945 and held until 1955. He died on 4 May 1964 and
is believed to be buried in Gartenfriedhof, Marienstrasse, Hanover.

2907. SS-Sturmbannführer Bernhard DIETSCHE
Dietsche was born on 3 February 1912 in Singen. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1941. Dietsche was
commander of II Battalion, SS-Mountain Jäger Regiment 2, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 July 1943 for his personal bravery while
fighting the partisans in Croatia and Serbia. He died on 28 January 1975 and
is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate.

2908. Major August SEIDENSTICKER
Seidensticker was born on 4 September 1904 in Düsseldorf. A tank
commander in Poland and France, where he most likely earnt the Iron Cross
1st and 2nd Class. Seidensticker made a name for himself in Russia. In
February 1943, he was named commander of 504th Heavy Tank Battalion
and was sent to Tunisia with it. At the Maknassy Pass, his battalion inflicted
heavy losses on the 9th US Infantry Division, as well as destroying forty-four
enemy tanks.

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Seidensticker was badly wounded on 7 May 1943 and taken prisoner. For
the action at the Maknassy Pass, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17
July 1943. He may well have been presented his medal as a POW as there is at
least one photo of him wearing it. Seidensticker died on 13 December 1975 in
Munich.

2909. Oberst Kurt MÖHRING
Möhring was born on 3 January 1900 in Gross Lipschin. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Möhring was commander of Grenadier Regiment 82 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 18 July 1943. He was killed in action on 18 December
1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Grave 102, Holsthum,
Rhineland-Palatinate.

2910. Oberstleutnant Walter HOLLAENDER
Hollaender was born on 15 October 1903 in Verden an der Aller. He was
commander of Assault Regiment 195 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 18 July 1943. He died on 8 August 1974 in Hamburg.

2911. Major Wilhelm (von?) GORIANY
Goriany was born on 18 July 1914 in Nowo Mesto, Austria-Hungary. He was
commander of II Battalion, Mountain Artillery Regiment 85, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 July 1943. Goriany died on 19 May 1968
and is buried in Zentralfriedhof, Vienna.

2912. Hauptmann Anton DONNHAUSER
Donnhauser was born Vienna on 8 April 1913. He fought in Poland, was
wounded, and awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Donnhauser took part in the
fighting in France and the Balkans, being awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class. In
Russia, his motorised company fought all the way to Moscow. Donnhauser
was wounded and sent home, so he missed the winter war in the east.
He returned to the front in September 1942 and was part of the relief
effort for Stalingrad. At Kursk in 1943, Donnhauser’s men broke-though a
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Russian Rifle Brigade. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 July
1943. He was also awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold. At the
Tscherkassy Pocket, Donnhauser, now commanding a regiment, would often
lead from the front and penetrated deep into the enemy positions. Wounded
again in February 1944, he was sent on a command course, and following
this, he went to the HQ of the inspector general of armoured forces. He died
on 30 October 1984 in Wehrheim, Hesse.

2913. Hauptmann Wilhelm HEMMER
Hemmer was born on 14 January 1886 in Bremen. He was a company
commander in Feldzeug Battalion 16 when he died of wounds on 12 July 1943
and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block VI, Series O, Grave 24,
Lubeck, Schleswig-Holstein. Hemmer was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18
July 1943.

2914. Oberleutnant Karl-Willi LUMPP
Lumpp was born on 26 June 1915 in Heidelberg. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 226 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 18 July 1943. Lumpp died on 31 March 2001 in Bad Soden, Hesse.

2915. Oberfeldwebel Josef KÄS
Käs was born on 2 July 1915 in Munich. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 19 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 July
1943. Käs died on 27 September 2005 in Munich.

2916. Oberfeldwebel Willi ZAHN
Zahn was born on 15 December 1915 in Usch. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 507 when he was killed in action on 16 July 1943 and is
believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), KurskBesedino, Russia. Zahn was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 July 1943.

2917. Hauptmann Kurt WONTORRA
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Wontorra was born on 17 May 1905 in Danzig. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 239, when he was killed in action near
Bielgorod, Russia, on 16 July 1943 and has no known grave. Wontorra was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 July 1943.

2918. SS-Sturmbannführer Martin GROSS
Gross was born in Frankfurt am Main on 15 April 1911. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in July 1940. Gross
was seriously wounded in Russia during 1941, and on his recovery, he was
posted to the staff before taking command of II Panzer Regiment Battalion of
the Leibstandarte in January 1943, fighting at Kharkov in March. On 12 July
1943 at Bjelgorod, his position was attacked, and not only did he throw back
the enemy, he also encircled and destroyed them. Over 100 Russian tanks were
knocked-out. For this, Gross was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 July 1943,
but he always insisted he wore it for his men. He was also awarded the Wound
Badge in Gold.
In the summer of 1944, Gross fought at Riga and in Lithuania, but in
December 1944, he took part in the Ardennes Offensive commanding SSPanzer Regiment 12. He ended the war in Hungary but surrendered to US
forces in May 1945. Gross died on 1 March 1984 and is buried in Bad Laer
Friedhof, Osnabrück, Lower Saxony.

2919. Hauptmann Helmut SCHMISCHKE
Schmischke was born on 30 September 1915 in Wanne-Eickel. He was
commander of Pioneer Battalion 36 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 22 July 1943. Schmischke was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. He
was captured by the Russians in May 1945 and held until 1950. Schmischke
died on 18 June 1999 in Bad Soden, Hesse.

2920. Leutnant Heinrich TERIETE
Teriete was born on 20 Febraury 1915 in Altrhede. He was a platoon leader in
Heavy Panzer Jäger Battalion 635 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
22 July 1943. Teriete died on 17 November 2002 in Altenberg, North RhineWestphalia.
519

2921. Unteroffizier Erich PETER
Peter was born on 19 September 1920 in Wehlau. He was a pilot in Dive
Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 July 1943.
Peter was killed in action on 25 April 1945 and is buried in Charlottenburg
Friedhof, (German War Cemetery), Block I, Row 7, Grave 2, Trakehnerallee,
Berlin.

2922. Unteroffizier Peter WINDSCHÜTTL
Windschüttl was born on 20 May 1918 in Trohatin, Austria-Hungary. He was
a gun commander in Grenadier Regiment 72 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 22 July 1943. Windschüttl died on 21 January 1992 in
Thanstein, Bavaria.

2923. General Johannes FRIESSNER
Friessner was born on 22 March 1892 in Chemnitz. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Friessner was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in July and the 1st
Class in August 1940. He was commander of XXIII Army Corps when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 July 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 9
April 1944. Friessner was relieved of his command in December 1944 because
he could not stop the Russian offensive. He is the author of Betrayed Battles.
Friessner died on 26 June 1971 and is buried in the village cemetery, Bayerisch
Gmain, Bavaria.

2924. Oberfeldwebel Eberhard MAISEL (or MEISEL)
Maisel was born on 27 July 1914 in Forstlahm. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 118 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 July
1943. Maisel died on 14 February 1986 in Kulmbach, Bavaria.

2925. Oberfeldwebel Wilhelm SCHLECHT
Schlecht was born on 23 April 1915 in Kuchen. He was a platoon leader in
Assault Regiment 195 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 July
520

1943. Schlecht died on 14 February 1953 and is buried in Bartenbach
Friedhof, Göppingen, Baden-Württemberg.

2926. Obergefreiter Josef HOLLEKAMP
Hollekamp was born on 19 August 1920 in Metelen. He was a section leader
in Bicycle Reconnaissance Battalion 36 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 23 July 1943. Hollekamp died on 20 December 1992 in Bad
Kreuznach, Rhineland-Palatinate.

2927. SS-Oberführer Jürgen WAGNER
Wagner was born on 9 September 1901 in Strasbourg. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in July 1940. Wagner was
commander of SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 9 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 24 July 1943 for his part in destroying a large Russian tank
group. The Oak Leaves followed on 11 December 1944. After the war, he was
extradited to Yugoslavia to stand trial for war crimes. He was executed in
Belgrade on 5 April 1947 and has no known grave, although some references
state that he was still on trial until June 1947.

2928. Oberst Herbert SCHIMPFF
Schimpff was born on 26 December 1892 in Gross Peterwitz. He was
commander of Grenadier Regiment 171 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 24 July 1943. Schimpff died on 1 June 1952 in Marburg, Hesse.

2929. Major Konstantin ROGALLA von BIEBERSTEIN
Rogalla von Bieberstein was born on 23 January 1905 in Berlin. He was
commander of Panzergrenadier Regiment 114 when he was killed in action at
Bjelgorod, Russia, on 14 July 1943, possibly by friendly fire; he has no known
grave. Rogalla von Bieberstein was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 July
1943.

2930. Oberleutnant Eckhard SCHNEIDER
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Schneider was born on 12 May 1920 in Danzig. He was a company
commander in Fusilier Regiment 202 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 24 July 1943. Schneider died of wounds at Kiev, Russia, on 4 October
1943 and has no known grave.

2931. Hauptfeldwebel Josef NIEMIETZ
Niemietz was born on 22 March 1914 in Oberglogau. He was a platoon
leader in Panzer Jäger Battalion 332 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 24 July 1943. Niemietz died on 13 March 2001 and is believed to be
buried in Duisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2932. Generalleutnant Arthur HAUFFE
Hauffe was born on 20 December 1892 in Wittgensdorf. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Hauffe was commander of 46th Infantry Division when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 25 July 1943. He was captured by the Russians on 22 July
1944 and died the same day when he accidently stood on a mine. Hauffe is
buried at Knjashe, Ukraine; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war
cemetery.

2933. Major Friedrich SPITÄLLER
Spitäller was born on 2 October 1898 in Sarajewo, Austria-Hungary. He was
commander of Jäger Battalion 8 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
25 July 1943. He was killed in a flying accident near Prnjavor on 10 October
1944 and has no known grave.

2934. Oberleutnant Hellmut POMMER
Pommer was born on 6 March 1919 in Zschorlau. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 179 when he died of wounds on 17 July
1943 and has no known grave. Pommer was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
25 July 1943.

522

2935. Leutnant Heinz OEHL
Oehl was born on 10 November 1911 in Niedernhausen. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 62 when he was killed in action on 5 July
1943 near Orel, Russia, and has no known grave. Oehl was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 25 July 1943.

2936. Leutnant Paul WEBER
Weber was born on 25 June 1914 in Herdorf. He was a company commander
in Grenadier Regiment 508 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25
July 1943. Weber died on 17 April 1996 in Herdorf, Rhineland-Palatinate.

2937. Oberfeldwebel Albert AHRENS
Ahrens was born on 25 May 1917 in Anderbeck. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Jäger Battalion 31 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 July
1943. Ahrens died on 6 March 1982 in Dinslaken, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2938. Generalleutnant Walter SCHILLING
Schilling was born on 23 December 1895 in Kulm. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Schilling was commander of 17th Panzer Division when he was killed in
action on 21 July 1943 and is believed to be buried in the German War
Cemetery (as unknown), Kharkov, Ukraine. He was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 28 July 1943.

2939. Oberst Martin BIEBER
Bieber was born on 10 November 1900 in Tabarz. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st and 2nd Class in June 1940. Bieber was commander of Grenadier
Regiment 184 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 July 1943. The
Oak Leaves followed on 2 September 1944. He was captured by the Russians
in May 1945 and not released until 1955. Bieber died on 19 October 1974
and is buried in Nordfriedhof, Feld 91, Grave 704–705, Düsseldorf.

523

2940. Oberstleutnant Stefan-Heinrich HÖKE
Höke was born on 24 October 1905 in Essen. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 18 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 July
1943. Höke was killed in action at Bobruisk, Belarus, on 28 June 1944 and
has no known grave.

2941. Hauptmann Aloys MOCKEN
Mocken was born on 13 April 1913 in Munich Gladbach. He was commander
of I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 216, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 28 July 1943. Mocken died on 10 May 1998 in Schwalmtal, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

2942. Hauptmann Gustav REIMAR
Reimar was born on 24 April 1910 in Didderse. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in December 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1940. Reimar
was a company commander in Panzergrenadier Regiment 4 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 July 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 10
September 1944. He was killed in action near Kisbér, Hungary, on 23 March
1945 and has no known grave.

2943. Rittmeister Helmuth SPAETER
Spaeter was born on 11 March 1918 in Koblenz. He was a company
commander in Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion ‘GD’ when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 28 July 1943. Spaeter died on 5 July 1999 in Eching,
Bavaria.

2944. Oberleutnant Oskar KAUTZ
Kautz was born on 13 November 1911 in Zuckers. He was a company
commander in Motorised Panzergrenadier Regiment 156 when he was killed
in action near Garany, Russia, on 22 July 1943 and has no known grave.
Kautz was awarded the Knight’s Cross 28 July 1943.

524

2945. Feldwebel Fritz JOKISCH
Jokisch was born on 23 December 1919 in Brieg. He was a platoon leader in
Panzergrenadier Regiment 110 when he died of wounds near Bjelgorod,
Russia, on 14 July 1943 and has no known grave. Jokisch was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 28 July 1943.

2946. Unteroffizier Herbert LINDNER
Lindner was born on 29 July 1912 in Hochweiler. He was a section leader in
Panzergrenadier Regiment 60 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28
July 1943. Lindner died on 13 August 1995 and is believed to be buried in
Waldfriedhof, Velbert, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2947. SS-Sturmbannführer Günther-Eberhard WISLICENY
Wisliceny was born on 5 September 1912 in Regulowken. He fought in the
campaign in the West and took part in the invasion of Russia. Wisliceny was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in November
1942. Wounded in December, he did not see action again until April 1942.
Always leading from the front, he saw action at the Rzhev Salient, along the
Don and Donez Rivers and at Poltawa.
In 1943, he fought at Kharkov, Kiev, and later at Kursk. For his part at
Kursk, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 July 1943. After a short rest
in France, his unit was back in Russia, but Wisliceny was wounded and again
sent to France. When the Allies landed in Normandy, his unit was rushed to
that front where he fought in the Saint-Lô area, where he turned back some
sixty American attacks. For this, he was awarded the Oak Leaves on 26
December 1944.
Wisliceny took part in the Ardennes Offensive, but after its failure, his unit
was sent back to the Eastern Front in early 1945. He was awarded the Swords
on 6 May 1945 (date assigned by the AKCR). Wisliceny was also awarded the
Close Combat Clasp in Gold, the Wound Badge in Gold, and two Tank
Destruction Badges. He surrendered to US forces but was handed to the
French who found him guilty of ‘voluntary membership of the Waffen-SS’.
Released in 1951, Wisliceny died on 25 August 1985 and is buried in Bothfeld
Friedhof, Abt 43, Grave M62 (headstone removed), Hanover.
525

2948. Hauptmann Erwin PESCH
Pesch was born on 6 April 1918 in Rolandseck. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 239, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 30 July 1943. Pesch died on 16 April 1984 in Cologne, North RhineWestphalia.

2949. SS-Hauptsturmführer Helmuth SCHREIBER
Schreiber was born on 25 March 1917 in Giessen. He fought in Poland but
missed the campaign in the West as well as the Balkans. Schreiber was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class in December 1941 while in Russia.
Sent to France in June 1942, Schreiber held several posts until returned to
Russia in early 1943. While there, he fought in the pocket at Kharkov, but
managed to break-out.
When the Russians broke through, he led a counterattack into their flank,
which was so successful that he continued and threw the enemy out of their
own positions. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 July 1943.
He was also awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold and the Wound Badge
in Gold. Schreiber spent the next three months at NCO training school before
returning to the Russian Front where he fought at Kiev. In Normandy, when
the Allies landed, he was badly wounded in the arm, which the surgeon
wanted to amputate, but Schreiber refused to allow it. Still not fully recovered,
he fought in the Remagen bridgehead in March 1945. After a short time
fighting in Vienna, he was able to surrender to US forces. Schreiber died on 6
December 2008.

2950. SS-Hauptscharführer Alois WEBER
Weber was born on 30 November 1915 in Blumenried. He was a platoon
leader in SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment ‘Deutschland’ when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 30 July 1943. He died on 19 January 2003 in Kempten,
Bavaria.

2951. Unteroffizier Hugo DEVENTER

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Deventer was born on 10 November 1916 in Rheinhausen. He was a platoon
leader in Pioneer Battalion 31 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30
July 1943. Deventer died on 6 January 1979 in Recklinghausen, North RhineWestphalia.

2952. Oberstleutnant Wilhelm BUCK
Buck was born on 1 April 1903 in Lubeck. He was commander of
Panzergrenadier Regiment 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31
July 1943. Buck was killed in action near Koselecz, Ukraine, on 24 September
1943 and has no known grave.

2953. Hauptmann Friedrich LORENZ
Lorenz was born on 9 June 1917 in Dresden. He was a squadron leader in
Dive Bomber Wing 1 when he was killed in action on 17 July 1943 near
Mcensk, Russia, and has no known grave. Lorenz was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 31 July 1943.

2954. Hauptmann Martin WANDERSLEB
Wandersleb was born on 2 November 1918 in Langelsheim. He was a
company commander in Grenadier Regiment 12 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 31 July 1943. Wandersleb was killed in action on 28 August
1943 near Sevsk, Russia, and has no known grave.

2955. Hauptmann Jakob ZIMMERMANN
Zimmermann was born on 19 January 1912 in Mertloch. He was commander
of I Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 10, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 31 July 1943. Zimmermann died of wounds on 8 October
1943 and is believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Kirovohrad, Ukraine.

2956. Oberleutnant Erich BAUMGARTL

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Baumgartl was born on 24 October 1918 in Braunsdorf, Austria-Hungary. He
was a squadron leader in Bomber Wing 55 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 31 July 1943. Baumgartl was killed in action on 12 July 1944 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 3, Row 15, Grave 652, Rue de le
Mie au Roy, Beauvais, Picardy, France.

2957. Oberleutnant Hans-Detlef GOLLERT-HANSEN
Gollert-Hansen was born on 3 November 1913 in Breslau. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in June 1941 and the 1st Class in March 1942.
Gollert-Hansen was commander of II Battalion, Cavalry Regiment 31, when
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31 July 1943. The Oak Leaves followed
on 14 January 1945. He was killed in action on 6 March 1945 and is buried
in the German War Cemetery, Block II, Row 6, Grave 3, Balatonfured,
Hungary.

2958. Leutnant Wilhelm HILGERS
Hilgers was born on 4 April 1915 in Recklinghausen. He was a company
commander in Assault Regiment 215 when he was killed in action on 11 July
1943 and is buried at Glasunowka/Orel, Russia; Hilgers’s remains are
awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. He was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 31 July 1943.

2959. Leutnant Hans LUTHARDT
Luthardt was born on 15 June 1916 in Coburg. He was commander of
Assault Company 302 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31 July
1943. Luthardt died on 24 June 1983 and is believed to be buried in
Glockenberg Friedhof, Coburg, Bavaria.

2960. Oberfeldwebel Josef KOCIOK
Kociok was born on 26 April 1918 in Alt Schalkendorf. He was a pilot in
Heavy Fighter Wing 1 when he shot down his first enemy aircraft on 24 April
1941. By the time he was sent to night fighters in February 1943, he had shot
down twelve enemy aircraft and destroyed fifteen on the ground, as well as
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four tanks, four guns, nearly 150 trains, two bridges, an anti-aircraft battery,
and eigthy other vehicles. On the night of 9–10 May, he shot down three
Russian bombers, followed by four more on the night of 15–16 May 1943.
Kociok was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31 July 1943. He was killed on the
night of 26–27 September 1943 when he collided with a Russian aircraft and
his parachute failed to open. Kociok is buried in the German War Cemetery,
Sebastopol, Ukraine. He shot down a total of thirty-three aircraft, of which
twenty-one were at night.

2961. Oberwachtmeister Kurt KRÜGER
Krüger was born on 19 June 1914 in Berlin. He was a battery officer in
Artillery Regiment 156 when he died of wounds on 12 July 1943 and is buried
in the German War cemetery (as unknown), Kursk-Besedino, Russia. Krüger
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31 July 1943.

529

2962. SS-Oberscharführer Kurt SAMETREITER
Sametreiter was born on 9 April 1922 in Böckstein, Austria. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in July 1941 and the 1st Class in September 1942.
Sametreiter was a platoon leader in SS-Panzer Jäger Battalion 1 when, during
the Battle of Kursk, he knocked-out twenty-four Russian tanks in one action.
For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31 July 1943. Sametreiter died
on 28 January 2017.

2963. Unteroffizier Sebastian SCHULLER
Schuller was born on 14 January 1918 in Martinsbuch. He was serving in
Motorised Panzer Jäger Battalion 10 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 31 July 1943. Schuller died on 16 December 1974 and is buried in
Waldfriedhof, Munich.

2964. Generalmajor Georg NEUFFER
Neuffer was born on 18 April 1895 in Steinbach. He fought in the artillery
during the First World War, being awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1914). He went into action in Tunisia as commander of a flak division and
personally distinguished himself on a number of occasions, being awarded the
Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939). His division shot down seventy aircraft
and knocked-out 120 enemy tanks. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 1 August 1943. Neuffer died on 11 May 1977 in Soest, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

2965. Oberleutnant Herbert POLLOW
Pollow was born on 17 July 1906 in Berlin. He was commander of II
Battalion, Infantry Regiment 479, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
1 August 1942. Pollow was killed in action near Trysseli, Russia, on 14
August 1942 and has no known grave.

2966. Major Waldemar KLUGE
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Kluge was born on 30 January 1904 in Kupferberg. He was commander of I
Battalion, Fallschirm-Panzergrenadier Regiment 2, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 2 August 1943. Kluge died on 19 December 1978 and is
buried in Straubing Friedhof, Bavaria.

2967. Hauptmann Robert REBHOLZ
Rebholz was born on 30 March 1915 in Sigmaringen. He was commander of
Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion ‘HG’ when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 2 August 1943. Rebholz died on 4 March 1999 and is buried in
Alter Friedhof, Menzenberger Strasse, Bad Honnef, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2968. Hauptmann Rudolf SIGMUND
Sigmund was born on 5 March 1915 in Hardheim. He shot down two enemy
aircraft before transferring to a night fighter. On one night in June 1943, he
shot down four bombers, three of which were downed in just fourteen
minutes. On the night of 25–26 July 1943, Sigmund shot down a bomber but
its rear gunner got in a burst and one of Sigmund’s engines was ablaze. He was
about to bale out, but on realising his own gunner was badly wounded, he
decided to stay with the aircraft and attempt to return to his base. Despite
being almost blinded by blood from a head wound, Sigmund landed his stillburning Bf 110.
For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 August 1943. On 3
October 1943, with his tally at twenty-eight enemy aircraft (mostly fourengined bombers), Sigmund was returning from attacking bombers over
Munich when he was hit by friendly anti-aircraft fire and killed; he has no
known grave.

2969. Feldwebel Waldemar GOETTLER
Goettler was born on 12 December 1915 in Sumy, Ukraine. He was serving in
Intelligence Command 201 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2
August 1943. Goettler was posted missing near Königsberg during September
1944.

531

2970. Unteroffizier Franz JURSA
Jursa was born on 4 February 1913 in Hohenau. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 482 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2
August 1943. Jursa died on 14 May 1985 in Hohenau, Austria.

2971. Hauptmann Ernst GUSCHKER
Guschker was born on 24 November 1910 in Falkenburg. He was commander
of II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 587, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 August 1943. Guschker died of wounds on 13 December 1943 and
is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Kharkov, Ukraine.

2972. SS-Obersturmführer Georg KARCK—‘Oschi’
Karck was born on 11 June 1911 in Bad Segeberg. He fought in the campaign
n the West and in Greece. Karck took pert in the invasion of Russia and was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in April 1942. At Kharkov in March 1943,
he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class.
At Kursk on the night of 4–5 July 1943, Karck led a team to capture Hill
228.6 near Jachostoff, personally accounting for five bunkers during the
attack; wounded in the head, Karck fought on during a Russian counterattack.
The position was held and for this he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3
August 1943. Karck was killed in a traffic accident on 3 July 1944 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 9, Row 27, Grave 1876,
Champigny-St-André, Normandy, France.

2973. Oberst Karl HENKE
Henke was born on 22 July 1896 in Berlin. He fought in the First World War
and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Henke was
commander of Motorised Pioneer Landings Regiment 770 when he organised
the evacuation of troops across the Strait of Kerch, an action for which he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 August 1943. Trapped in the pocket at Pillau
Henke killed himself on 27 April 1945 and is buried at Kosa; his remains are
awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.

532

2974. Oberstleutnant Erich-Otto SCHMIDT
Schmidt was born on 17 August 1899 in Annaberg. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 679 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4
August 1943. Schmidt died on 18 June 1959 and is buried in Undertal
Friedhof, Bühlertann, Baden-Württemberg.

2975. SS-Sturmbannführer Georg EBERHARDT
Eberhardt was born on 27 February 1914 in Bad Frankenhausen. He was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in August and the 1st Class in September
1941. Eberhardt was commander of SS-Freiwilligen Panzergrenadier Battalion
‘Narwa’ when, between 19 and 21 July 1943 at Kharkov, his battalion held
off several Russian attacks. Eberhardt was killed in action on 21 July and for
this action was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 August 1943. He is buried at
Uspenka, Ukraine; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war
cemetery.

2976. Hauptmann Clemens-Heinrich Graf von KAGENECK
Graf von Kageneck was born on 17 October 1913 in Berlin. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in July 1941.
Von Kageneck was commander of Heavy Panzer Battalion 503 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 August 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on
26 June 1944. He died on 18 March 2005 and is believed to be buried in
Waldfriedhof, Bad Homburg, Hesse. His brother, Arbogast, was also awarded
the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves.

2977. SS-Hauptsturmführer Albert MÜLLER
Müller was born on 20 September 1913 in Oftersheim. He was a company
commander in SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 10 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 4 August 1943. Müller died on 2 February 1993 and is
buried in Plankstadt Friedhof, Baden-Württemberg.

2978. SS-Hauptsturmführer Walter SCHMIDT
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Schmidt was born on 28 January 1917 in Bremen. He was commander of III
Battalion, SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment ‘Westland’, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 4 August 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 15 May 1944.
Schmidt died on 28 July 2000 in Bremen.

2979. Hauptmann Erwin ZILGER
Zilger was born on 25 November 1912 in Schwerte. He was a company
commander in Jagd-Panzer Battalion 186 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 4 August 1943. Zilger was killed in action at Brest-Litovsk, Russia,
on 29 July 1944 and has no known grave.

2980. Oberleutnant Kurt ZITZEN
Zitzen was born on 25 March 1916 in Lobberich. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1941 and the 1st Class in January 1942. Zitzen
was a company commander in Assault-Gun Battalion 177 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 August 1943. He was captured by the
Russians in September 1944 and held until 1953. Zitzen died on 24 August
1993 in Viersen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2981. Leutnant Karl-Heinz JAEGER
Jaeger was born on 25 June 1914 in Dortmund. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in December 1942 and the 1st Class in July 1943. Jaeger was
a company commander in Grenadier Regiment 167 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 4 August 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 16 March
1945. He died on 20 December 1992 in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2982. Oberfeldwebel Otto DAMM
Damm was born on 29 May 1914 in Eschenhahn. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 216 when he was killed in action near Busuluk, Russia,
on 16 July 1943 and has no known grave. Damm was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 4 August 1943.

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2983. Oberfeldwebel Hubert PILARSKI
Pilarski was born on 19 October 1913 in Buer-Scholven. He was a platoon
leader in Grenadier Regiment 511 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
4 August 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 9 June 1944. Pilarski died on 5
October 1996 in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2984. Obergefreiter Heinrich THEILEN
Theilen was born on 12 May 1919 in Ringelei. He was a section leader in
Panzergrenadier Regiment 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4
August 1943. Theilen died on 13 January 1960 in Dautenheim, RhinelandPalatinate.

2985. Major Josef FISCHER
Fischer was born on 27 September 1909 in Gabelbach. He was commander of
II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 507, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 6 August 1943. Fischer died on 3 April 1987 in Ulm, BadenWürttemberg.

2986. Unteroffizier Gerhard BRUCHMANN
Bruchmann was born on 26 September 1918 in Röhrsdorf. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in November 1941 and the 1st Class in February
1942. Bruchmann was a section leader in Grenadier Regiment 12 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 August 1943. He was also awarded the
Wound Badge in Gold. He died on 31 October 1998 in Düsseldorf.

2987. Generalleutnant Emil VOGEL
Vogel was born on 20 July 1894 in Zwickau. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Vogel was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) after the fall of Poland. He
was commander of 101st Jäger Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 7 August 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 14 May 1944. Vogel

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died on 1 October 1985 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Zeppelinstrasse,
Mülheim, North Rhine-Westphalia.

2988. Hauptmann Horst FORTUN
Fortun was born on 4 March 1917 in Neustadt. He was commander of I
Battalion, Panzer Regiment 25, when he died of wounds on 17 July 1943 at
Sekmenjevka, Russia, and has no known grave. Fortun was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 7 August 1943.

2989. Rittmeister Arno PFEUFFER
Pfeuffer was born on 14 January 1908 in Heldritt. He was commander of
Reconnaissance Battalion 332 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7
August 1943. Pfeuffer died on 10 November 1992 and is believed to be buried
in Waldfriedhof, Villingen, Baden-Württemberg.

2990. SS-Untersturmführer Werner WOLFF
Wolff was born on 28 November 1922 in Memel. He was adjutant in III
Battalion, SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 2, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 7 August 1943. Badly wounded in the thigh, Wolff was about to
have his leg amputated but he pulled his pistol out and warned the orderly he
was not going to lose his leg. He made a full recovery. He died of wounds on
29 March 1945 in Hungary and has no known grave.

2991. Generalmajor Otto-Joachim LÜDECKE
Lüdecke was born on 27 May 1894 in Stassfurt. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Lüdecke was
commander of 56th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 8 August 1943. He died on 13 February 1971 in Hassel, Lower
Saxony.

2992. Major Karl PANTZLAFF

536

Pantzlaff was born on 15 December 1897 in Stettin. He was commander of III
Battalion, Panzer Artillery Regiment 2, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 8 August 1943. Pantzlaff died on 12 March 1955 and is buried in
Gertruden Friedhof, Kirchhofstrasse, Oldenburg, Lower Saxony.

2993. Major Heribert STATHER
Stather was born on 20 July 1917 in Offenburg. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 482 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8
August 1943. Stather died on 4 April 1991 and is buried in Waldfriedhof,
Leinfelden, Baden-Württemberg.

2994. Hauptmann Rudolf von BÜNAU
Von Bünau was born on 6 May 1915 in Stuttgart. He was commander of
Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 9 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 8 August 1943.
Von Bünau killed in action on 15 August 1943 and is buried at Roslawl,
Russia; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. His
father, also called Rudolf, was awarded the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves.

2995. Hauptmann Otto DOMRICH
Domrich was born on 10 March 1918 in Meiningen. He was commander of I
Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 2, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 8 August 1943. Domrich was killed in action on 11 August 1943
and is believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Duchowschtschina, Russia.

2996. Hauptmann Herbert-Dietrich (or Herbert-Rudolf)
MERKEL
Merkel was born on 21 November 1914 in Rippershausen. He was
commander of I Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 304, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 August 1943. Merkel died on 26 November

537

1986 and is believed to be buried in Waldfriedhof, Haan, North RhineWestphalia.

2997. Oberwachtmeister Alfred KONRAD
Konrad was born on 10 April 1915 in Erlangen. He was a platoon leader in
Reconnaissance Battalion 7 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8
August 1943. Konrad died of wounds at Augsburg, Bavaria, on 10 January
1944 and has no known grave.

2998. Oberwachtmeister Herbert MEISSNER
Meissner was born on 27 April 1913 in Allenstein. He was a platoon leader in
Assault-Gun Battalion 244 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8
August 1943. Meissner was killed in action near Bobruisk, Russia, on 28 June
1944 and has no known grave.

2999. Oberfeldwebel Karl RIECHERS
Riechers was born on 18 March 1916 in Vorsfelde. He was a company
commander in Panzergrenadier Regiment 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 8 August 1943. Riechers was killed in action near Orel, Russia, on 3
September 1943 and has no known grave.

3000. Feldwebel Otto CHOWANETZ
Chowanetz was born on 24 October 1919 in Saitz. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September 1941 and the 1st Class in August 1942.
Chowanetz was a platoon leader in Grenadier Regiment 17 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 August 1943. He was posted missing near
Orel, Russia, on 17 March 1943.

3001. Obergefreiter Matthias POLL
Poll was born on 26 December 1919 in Winden. He was a section leader in
Pioneer Battalion 186 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 August

538

1943. Poll was killed while clearing mines in Winden on 20 September 1945
and has no known grave.

3002. Oberfeldwebel Josef ROTTER
Rotter was born on 12 March 1912 in Augsburg. He was a platoon leader in
Jäger Regiment 204 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 August
1943. Rotter was killed in action at Oppau on 16 April 1945 and has no
known grave.

3003. Leutnant Robert KLIMA
Klima was born on 5 November 1915 in Linz. He was a company commander
in Grenadier Regiment 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10
August 1943. Klima died on 8 April 1983 and is buried in St Barbara
Friedhof, Linz, Austria.

3004. Leutnant Theodor PÜLTZ
Pültz was born on 18 May 1920 in Fröhstockheim. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 9 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 10 August 1943. Pültz was posted missing near Apostolovo, Russia, on 5
February 1944.

3005. Oberleutnant zur See Karl-Ehrhart KARCHER
Karcher was born on 3 January 1918 in Remscheid. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1940 and the 1st Class in September 1941.
Karcher was commander of patrol boat S-87 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 12 August 1943. He died on 12 March 1973 and is buried
in Freistett Friedhof, Rheinau, Baden-Württemberg.

3006. Oberwachtmeister Walter BEUTLER
Beutler was born on 11 April 1914 in Königsberg. He was a gun commander
in Assault-Gun Battalion 245 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13

539

August 1943. Beutler died on 28 December 1995 in St Augustine, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

3007. Unteroffizier Gottwald STIER
Stier was born on 17 March 1919 in Zoghaus. He was serving in Assault-Gun
Battalion 667 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 August 1943.
Stier died on 21 August 1994 in Zoghaus, Thuringia.

3008. General Otto WÖHLER
Wöhler was born on 12 July 1894 in Grossburgwedel. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Wöhler
was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) after the fall of Poland.
He was commander of I Army Corps when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 14 August 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 18 November 1944. After
the war, he was sentenced to eight years for war crimes but only served two.
Wöhler died on 5 February 1987 and is buried in Evangelisch-Lutherisch
Friedhof, Abt P, Grave 99, Grossburgwedel, Lower Saxony.

3009. Generalleutnant Siegmund Freiherr von SCHLEINITZ
Freiherr von Schleinitz was born on 23 July 1890 in Berlin. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Von Schleinitz was commander of 9th Infantry Division when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 14 August 1943. He was captured by the Russians in
March 1945 and held until 1955. Von Schleinitz died on 30 November 1968
and is buried in Südfriedhof, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein.

3010. Oberst Rudolf DEMME
Demme was born on 3 June 1894 in Mühlhausen. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Demme
also took part in the Spanish Civil War. He was awarded the Iron Cross 1st
and 2nd Class (1939) in September 1941. Demme personally knocked-out a
tank in August 1942. He was commander of Panzergrenadier Regiment 59
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 August 1943. The Oak Leaves
540

followed on 28 July 1944. Demme was also awarded the Wound Badge in
Gold. He died on 5 January 1975 and is buried in Lüftelberg Friedhof,
Meckenheim, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3011. Oberst Helmut von LILIENHOFF-ZWOWITZKI
Von Lilienhoff-Zwowitzki was born on 10 September 1905 in Goldap. He was
commander of Grenadier Regiment 439 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 14 August 1943. Von Lilienhoff-Zwowitzki was killed in action on
30 June 1944 and is buried at Ustisch, Russia; his remains are awaiting
transfer to a German war cemetery.

3012. Oberst Helmut STAEDKE
Staedke was born on 30 August 1905 in Munich. He was chief of the general
staff of XXXV Army Corps when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14
August 1943. Staedke died on 3 September 1973 in Tübingen, BadenWürttemberg.

3013. Major Hans DREXLER
Drexler was born on 25 December 1911 in Breslau. He was commander of III
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 232, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 14 August 1943. Drexler died on 14 November 2001 in Steingaden,
Bavaria.

3014. Major Rupert GRUBER
Gruber was born on 22 August 1914 in Nuremberg. He was commander of
Assault-Gun Battalion 209 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14
August 1943. Gruber died on 1 February 1968 in Stuttgart, BadenWürttemberg.

3015. SS-Sturmbannführer Walter KNIEP
Kniep was born on 13 December 1909 in Lorenzen. He was commander of
SS-Assault-Gun Battalion 2 when between 5 July 1943 and 17 January 1944
541

his unit knocked-out 129 Russian tanks, while losing only two of its assaultguns. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 August 1943. Kniep
was killed on 22 April 1944 during training when a soldier accidently shot
him while unloading his pistol. He is buried in the German War Cemetery,
Crypt 55, Grave Chamber 135, Mont-de-Huisnes, Normandy, France.

3016. Major Rudolf TRITTEL
Trittel was born on 18 June 1913 in Magdeburg. He was commander of III
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 479, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 14 August 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 23 March 1945. Trittel died
of wounds as a POW on 18 May 1945 and is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Row 1, Grave 73, Kastrup, Denmark.

3017. Hauptmann Hans ENDRES
Endres was born on 5 June 1915 in Hof. He was commander of I Battalion,
Panzer Artillery Regiment 74, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14
August 1943. Endres died on 5 October 2004 in Zell am Main, Bavaria.

3018. Hauptmann August ENDRISS
Endriss was born on 21 November 1914 in Schweinfurt. He was a company
commander in Artillery Regiment 219 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 14 August 1943. Endriss died on 15 August 1967 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Schweinfurt, Bavaria.

3019. Hauptmann Alfons KLEINMANN
Kleinmann was born on 10 December 1916 in Blankenrath. He was
commander of I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 118, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 14 August 1943. Kleinmann died on 12 March 1982 in
Blankenrath, Rhineland-Palatinate.

3020. Oberleutnant Hans-Werner DEPPE

542

Deppe was born on 21 March 1921 in Obernbeck. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 58 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 14 August 1943. Deppe died on 30 December 2009 in Bielefeld,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

3021. Oberleutnant Egon HOLZAPFEL
Holzpfel was born on 10 September 1915 in Ibbenbüren. He was adjutant in
Grenadier Regiment 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 August
1943. Holzpfel died on 1 September 1989 in Welver, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3022. Stabsfeldwebel Heinrich SCHULZE
Schulze was born on 27 March 1912 in Neuengesecke. He was a platoon
leader in Panzer Battalion 116 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14
August 1943. Schulze was killed in action near Wesel on 25 March 1945 and
has no known grave.

3023. Oberfeldwebel Friedrich ANDERS
Anders was born on 4 November 1917 in Eisenach. He was a platoon leader
in Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 14 August 1943. Anders died on 7 March 1988 and is believed to be
buried in Bad Vöslav Friedhof, Austria.

3024. Oberfeldwebel Wilhelm HAXTER
Haxter was born on 11 November 1914 in Haltern. He was commander of a
bicycle platoon in Grenadier Regiment 691 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 14 August 1943. Haxter died on 12 March 1970 in Künzelsau,
Baden-Württemberg.

3025. Oberfeldwebel Franz LECHL
Lechl was born on 19 December 1918 in Königsschalding. He was a platoon
leader in Grenadier Regiment 266 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
14 August 1943. Lechl died on 16 February 1970 in Schalding, Bavaria.
543

3026. SS-Unterscharführer Simon GRASCHER
Grascher was born on 18 December 1920 in Klagenfurt, Austria. He was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in December 1941 and the 1st Class in
April 1943. Grascher was a platoon leader in SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment
Der Führer when on 14 July 1943 when his platoon attacked a Russian
position near Belgorod. Despite the heavy fire, Grascher managed to knockout two T-34 tanks and then took over command of the company with which
he led the attack that succeeded in capturing the enemy position. However, he
was killed during this action and is buried at Petrowskoje/Mius, Ukraine;
Grascher’s remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. He was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 August 1943 for this action. He was also
awarded the Wound Badge in Gold.

3027. SS-Unterscharführer Johann THALER
Thaler was born on 6 February 1920 in Breitenbach, Austria. He was a tank
driver in SS-Panzer Regiment 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
14 August 1943. Thaler was killed in action near Vienna on 7 April 1945, but
has no know grave.

3028. SS-Sturmbannführer Ernst HÄUSSLER
Häussler was born on 31 March 1914 in Tullau. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Häussler was
commander of SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment ‘Thule’ when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 15 August 1943. He died from heart failure on 14 July 1979
and is buried in Öhringen Friedhof, Baden-Württemberg.

3029. SS-Sturmbannführer Kurt LAUNER
Launer was born on 16 June 1906 in Zeithain. He was commander of SSPanzergrenadier Regiment 6 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15
August 1943. Launer died on 5 February 1990 in Würzburg, Bavaria.

3030. SS-Hauptsturmführer Ernst DEHMEL
544

Dehmel was born on 7 April 1915 in Hilden. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in September 1941. Dehmel was
commander of III Assault-Gun Battalion, 3rd SS-Panzer Divison, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 August 1943 for his part in the Battle of
Kursk and Belgorod. Dehmel was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. He
was lynched by French soldiers on 7 August 1945 and is buried in
Evangelischer Friedhof, Hilden, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3031. Hauptmann Hermann JORDAN
Jordan was born on 10 October 1916 in Guhlen. He was commander of III
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 9, when he was killed in action on 2 August
1943 and is buried at Kelkolowo Regiment Cemeteries Russia; Jordan’s
remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. He was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 16 August 1943.

3032. Oberfeldwebel Helmut KOHLA
Kohla was born on 16 January 1917 in Osterfeld. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Battalion 21 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 August
1943. Kohla was killed in action near Werch Lesslje, Russia, on 25 June 1944
and has no known grave.

3033. Oberfeldwebel Stefan MAURER
Maurer was born on 9 March 1912 in Entringen. He was a platoon leader in
Motorised Grenadier Regiment 35 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 16 August 1943. Maurer was posted missing near Orsa, Russia, during
June 1944.

3034. Feldwebel Jakob WEBER
Weber was born on 19 January 1914 in Hausen. He was serving in Panzer
Battalion 21 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 August 1943.
Weber died on 23 April 1979 and is buried in Hausen Friedhof, RhinelandPalatinate.

545

3035. Obergefreiter Ernst DAVID
David was born on 8 July 1920 in Schellweiler. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in November 1941 and the 1st Class in October 1942. David
was a machine-gunner in Grenadier Regiment 118 when he was killed in
action on 11 August 1943 and is buried at Samoschje/Spas, Russia; his
remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. David was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 16 August 1943.

3036. Gefreiter Ferdinand ROOS
Roos was born on 26 July 1908 in Homburg. He was a section leader in
Pioneer Battalion 6 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 August
1943. Roos died on 3 December 1991 and is buried in Glockenberg Friedhof,
Coburg, Bavaria.

3037. Major Friedrich RICHTER
Richter was born on 27 August 1910 in Bayreuth. He was commander of III
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 42, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 17 August 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 5 April 1945. Richter died
on 16 June 1969 in Hof an der Saale, Bavaria.

3038. Hauptmann Hansjörg HAUSER
Hauser was born on 6 March 1916 in Marschalkenzimmern. He was
commander of II Battalion, Motorised Grenadier Regiment 35, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 August 1943. Hauser was killed in action
near Orsa, Russia, on 30 August 1944 and has no known grave.

3039. Hauptmann Albert KNOP
Knop was born on 7 January 1918 in Heinitzpolder. He was commander of III
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 118, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 17 August 1943. Knop died on 2 June 1995 and is buried in Frankenthal
Friedhof, Rhineland-Palatinate.

546

3040. Oberleutnant Wilhelm GLASER
Glaser was born on 29 January 1914 in Stuttgart. He was a platoon leader in
Motorised Grenadier Regiment 35 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 17 August 1943. Glaser died on 14 January 1949 and is believed to be
buried in Hoppenlau Friedhof, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg.

3041. Oberleutnant Heinz REINHART
Reinhart was born on 24 October 1919 in Sulz. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 109 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 17 August 1943. Reinhart was killed in action at Vistystis, East
Prussia, on 18 October 1944 and has no known grave.

3042. Feldwebel Karl NESTLE
Nestle was born on 7 March 1915 in Neu-Nuifra. He was a platoon leader in
Motorised Grenadier Regiment 35 when he was killed in action near Orel,
Russia, on 30 July 1943 and has no known grave. Nestle was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 17 August 1943.

3043. Obergefreiter Georg BONK
Bonk was born on 12 March 1917 in Knurów. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in February and the 1st Class in March 1943. Bonk was a
machine-gunner in Grenadier Regiment 365 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 17 August 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 9 June 1944.
He died on 10 October 1982 and is believed to be buried in Vollen Friedhof,
Westoverledingen, Lower Saxony.

3044. Kapitänleutnant Gerd KELBLING
Kelbling was born in Salzbrunn on 12 June 1915. During the early part of the
war, he served on minesweepers in the Baltic and North Sea before joining the
U-boat service. On 23 October 1941, he commissioned U-593, but it was not
until May 1942 that he fired his first torpedo—at a Greek steamer that was
later captured. Two days later, he sank the Panamanian 8,426-ton tanker
547

Persephone. Moved to the Mediterranean Sea, he fired at two steamers, which
were not confirmed. He also fired at an aircraft carrier but again there was no
confirmation.
A series of patrols resulted in numerous hits and measurable success. He
sank three ships in March. Then, on 22 June, Kelbling sank two large landing
craft, which was followed in July by a 6,000 tonner. A 7,000-ton ships and the
minesweeper Skill were sent to the bottom on 21 September 1942. He was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 August 1943. On 12 December 1943, U593 was attacked by the destroyers Tynedale and Holcombe—both were sunk
by the U-boat. On the next day, however, U-593 was sunk by the escorts
Wainwright and Calpe. Kelbling and his crew were picked up. He died on 9
June 2005 and is buried in St Johann Friedhof, Diessen am Ammersee,
Bavaria.

3045. Admiral Otto von SCHRADER
Von Schrader was born on 18 March 1888 in Lyck. He fought in the First
World War as a U-boat commander and sank fifty-seven ships, for which he
was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Von Schrader was
commanding admiral of the Norwegian West Coast when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 19 August 1943. He was taken prisoner at the end of the
war and killed himself on 19 July 1945 while still a POW. He has no known
grave.

3046. Hauptmann Friedrich-Wilhelm STRAKELJAHN
Strakeljahn was born on 7 September 1914 in Lubeck. He was a squadron
leader in Fighter Wing 5 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
August 1943. Strakeljahn was killed in action on 6 July 1944 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Daugavpils, Latvia.

3047. Oberleutnant Franz SCHMIDT
Schmidt was born on 19 September 1910 in Wiesbaden. He was a squadron
leader in Bomber Wing 55 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
August 1943. Schmidt died on 31 July 1947 in Sandberg, Bavaria.

548

3048. Leutnant Karl SCHMID
Schmid was born on 4 April 1916 in Hettenhausen. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 August 1943. Schmid
died on 21 July 2006 and is buried in Städtischer Friedhof, Bad Wörishofen,
Bavaria.

3049. Oberfeldwebel Rudolf TRENKEL
Trenkel was born on 17 January 1918 in Neudorf. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September and the 1st Class in October 1940. Trenkel was
a pilot in Fighter Wing 52 when he awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 August
1943. He shot down 138 enemy aircraft. Trenkel surrendered to the
Americans in 1945 but was handed over to the Russians. He died on 26 April
2001 and is buried in Zentralfriedhof, Vienna.

3050. Feldwebel Werner STEIN
Stein was born on 5 February 1919 in Bochum. He was a rear gunner in Dive
Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 August 1943.
Stein died on 22 January 1963 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Bochum, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

3051. General Carl HILPERT
Hilpert was born on 12 September 1888 in Nuremberg. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Hilpert
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in April and the 1st Class in
June 1940. He was commander of LIV Army Corps when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 22 August 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 8 August
1944. Hilpert was captured in May 1945 and died as a Russian POW on 1
February 1947. He is buried in the German War Cemetery, Section 4, Grave
43, Krasnogorsk, Russia.

3052. Generalleutnant Friedrich HOCHBAUM

549

Hochbaum was born on 7 August 1894 in Magdeburg. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Hochbaum was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in July and the 1st
Class in August 1941. He was commander of 34th Infantry Division when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 August 1943. The Oak Leaves followed
on 4 June 1944. Hochbaum was captured in May 1945 and died as a Russian
POW on 28 January 1955. He is buried in the German War Cemetery, Row 3,
Grave 6, Cherntsy, Russia.

3053. Oberst Josef ELBL
Elbl was born on 26 March 1893 in Pilsen, Austria-Hungary. He was
commander of Grenadier Regiment 330 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 22 August 1943. Elbl was killed in action on 10 November 1943 and
is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Kiev, Ukraine.

3054. Oberstleutnant Johannes DEEGENER
Deegener was born on 18 February 1905 in Wuppertal. He was commander of
Jäger Regiment 49 when he was killed in action on 31 July 1943 near Lake
Ladoga, Russia, and has no known grave. Deegener was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 22 August 1943.

3055. Hauptmann Wolfgang DARIUS
Darius was born on 2 April 1911 in Blankenheim. He was commander of
Panzer Battalion 21 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 August
1943. Darius died on 18 November 2000 in Bonn.

3056. Hauptmann Friedrich GOLDAMMER
Goldammer was born on 13 August 1910 in Heidelberg. He was commander
of Schnelle Battalion 306 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
August 1943. Goldammer died on 21 January 1982 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Heilbronn, Baden-Württemberg.

550

3057. Hauptmann Reinhard HÖRNING
Hörning was born on 19 October 1895 in Ehrenbreitstein. He was
commander of I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 546, when he was killed in
action near Stalingrad on 17 October 1942 and has no known grave. Hörning
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 August 1943.

3058. Hauptmann Ernst METELMANN
Metelmann was born on 28 June 1915 in Barner Stück. He was commander of
I Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 11, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 22 August 1943. Metelmann was posted missing near Ragodino,
Russia, on 7 August 1943.

3059. Oberleutnant Kurt CHRISTOFZIK
Christofzik was born on 17 March 1910 in Gusken. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in September 1941.
Christofzik was a company commander in Grenadier Regiment 530 when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 August 1943. He died on 4 May 1976
and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Tannenkeckerweg 6, Kassel, Hesse.

3060. Oberleutnant Werner FLACK
Flack was born on 28 October 1919 in Breslau. He was a company
commander in Jäger Regiment 49 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
22 August 1943. Flack was killed in action on 16 December 1943 and is
buried at Melniza, Russia; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war
cemetery.

3061. Leutnant August STAAR
Staar was born on 26 March 1914 in Werne. He was a company commander
in Grenadier Regiment 112 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
August 1943. Staar was killed in action on 17 April 1945 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Feld 14, Grave 85, Velbert-Langenberg, North RhineWestphalia.
551

3062. Leutnant Hans-Christian STOCK
Stock was born on 21 November 1919 in Liebstadt. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in February 1942. Stock
was a platoon leader in Assault-Gun Battalion 270 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 22 August 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 23 October
1944. He was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. Stock was killed in
action on 12 January 1945 and is buried in the German War Cemetery,
Troppau/Opava, Czech Republic.

3063. Feldwebel Hans NIEDZWETZKI
Niedzwetzki was born on 7 April 1912 in Wittenwalde-Szameiten. He was a
platoon leader in Grenadier Regiment 23 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 22 August 1943. Niedzwetzki was posted missing at Königsberg,
East Prussia, during 1945

3064. Feldwebel Wilhelm SCHLANG
Schlang was born on 7 September 1914 in Elsdorf. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Jäger Battalion 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
August 1943. Schlang was killed in action at Erlangen on 4 May 1945 and has
no known grave.

3065. Oberjäger Josef EHINGER
Ehinger was born on 5 January 1917 in Seetal. He was a section leader in
Mountain Jäger Regiment 100 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
August 1943. Ehinger died on 18 July 1953 in Leobendorf, Bavaria.

3066. Unteroffizier Helmut HEUTLING
Heutling was born on 23 April 1918 in Langreder. He was a gunner in
Panzergrenadier Regiment 59 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
August 1943. Heutling died on 29 June 2004 in Heidelberg, BadenWürttemberg.

552

3067. Oberst Hermann BRACHER
Bracher was born on 28 September 1895 in Tübingen. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Bracher was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in June 1940 and the
1st Class in August 1941. He was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. He
was commander of Grenadier Regiment 460 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 23 August 1943. Bracher was recommended for the Oak
Leaves in March 1944, but they were not awarded. He was captured by the
Russians in 1944 and held until 1954. Bracher died on 29 October 1974 and
is buried in Bergfriedhof, Galgenbergstrasse, Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg.

3068. SS-Sturmbannführer Jakob FICK—‘Jopp’
Fick was born on 17 January 1912 in Ulm. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in July 1940. Fick was
commander of I Battalion, SS-Rifle Regiment ‘Langemarck’, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 August 1943. Fick died on 22 April 2004 in
Goslar, Lower Saxony.

3069. Major Walter MISERA
Misera was born on 14 July 1906 in Vogelsgrün. He fought in Belgium and
France in 1940. Misera also fought in the Balkans, being awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class. In Russia, he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class after the
winter fighting of 1941–42. In 1942, his unit was part of the drive to the Don
River and Stalingrad. After the fall of Stalingrad, he fought in the Kalitwa
sector, being wounded in the stomach in July of 1943. While in hospital, he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 August 1943.
Sent home for training, he did not return to the front until July 1944, in
Lithuania. While commanding a Kampfgruppe, he took and held an important
crossroads at Seta. For this, he was awarded the Oak Leaves on 2 September
1944. Misera was also awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold and the
Wound Badge in Gold. Captured by the Russians in May 1945, Misera died
on 27 September 1993 and is believed to be buried in Westfriedhof,
Nuremberg.

553

3070. Major Eduard SCHAEFER
Schaefer was born on 13 August 1913 in Esslingen am Necker. He was
commander of I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 72, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 23 August 1943. Schaefer died on 30 December 1985 in
Nuremberg.

3071. Hauptmann Josef BADER
Bader was born on 21 February 1911 in Alt-Oberndorf. He was commander
of II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 95, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 23 August 1943. Bader died on 2 July 1970 and is buried in
Ostfriedhof, Karlstadt am Main, Bavaria.

3072. Hauptmann Eberhard MUENZNER
Muenzner was born on 17 July 1920 in Mittelfrohna. He was adjutant in
Panzergrenadier Regiment 111 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23
August 1943. Muenzner was killed in action near Azannes-et-Soumazannes,
France, on 8 September 1944 and has no known grave.

3073. Oberleutnant Heinrich SCHARFF
Scharff was born on 17 December 1920 in Waasen, Austria. He was
commander of I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 109, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 23 August 1943. Scharff died on 2 April 2011 in Vienna.

3074. Oberleutnant Konrad SCHMIDT
Schmidt was born on 12 August 1912 in Eismannsberg. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 42 when he was killed in action in Crimea
on 21 July 1943 and has no known grave. Schmidt was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 23 August 1943.

3075. Leutnant Franz AMMANN

554

Ammann was born on 3 November 1919 in Genderkingen. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in August 1941 and the 1st Class in July 1942.
Ammann was a company commander in Grenadier Regiment 256 when he
was killed in action on 18 August 1943 and is buried at Boromlja, Ukraine;
his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. Ammann was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 August 1943.

3076. Oberfeldwebel Gerhard BREHME
Brehme was born on 7 September 1912 in Sorau. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September 1940 and the 1st Class in August 1941. Brehme
was a platoon leader in Panzer Battalion 52 when he died of wounds on 27
July 1943 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 10, Row 35,
Grave 4090, Kharkov, Ukraine. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23
August 1943.

3077. Feldwebel Herbert KRIENING
Kriening was born on 20 January 1913 in Berlin. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 234 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23
August 1943. Kriening was killed in action on 16 July 1944 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Vilnius, Lithuania.

3078. Feldwebel Franz BREDEMEYER
Bredemeyer was born on 12 October 1913 in Dortmund. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in August 1941. Bredemeyer
was a platoon leader in Infantry Regiment 156 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 23 August 1943. He died on 13 February 1985 in Bremen.

3079. Wachtmeister Josef TRÄGNER
Trägner was born on 10 February 1915 in Schellesen, Austria-Hungary. He
was serving in Assault-Gun Battalion 667 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 23 August 1943. Trägner died on 20 January 1974 in Dromersheim,
Rhineland-Palatinate.

555

3080. Unteroffizier Johann DREXEL
Drexel was born on 22 December 1919 in Oberreute. He was a gun
commander in Grenadier Regiment 408 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 23 August 1943. Drexel died on 9 February 2004 and is buried in
Günzburg Friedhof, Bavaria.

3081. Obergefreiter Walter KUHN
Kuhn was born on 9 January 1920 in Mehlsack. He was a gunner in Panzer
Jäger Battalion 1 when he knocked-out four enemy tanks in twenty minutes
with handheld weapons. For this action, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 23 August 1943. Kuhn died on 1 February 2010 in Gelsenkirchen, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

3082. Obergefreiter Erich WAGNER
Wagner was born on 20 January 1917 in Karf. He was a gun commander in
Jäger Regiment 38 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 August
1943. Wagner died on 20 February 1998 and is believed to be buried in Neuer
Friedhof, Pöcking, Bavaria.

3083. Gefreiter Robert RAHLENBECK
Rahlenbeck was born on 12 April 1923 in Arnsberg. He was a gunner in Jäger
Regiment 38 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 August 1943.
Rahlenbeck died on 2 December 2008 in Emsdetten, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3084. Major Friedrich-Wilhelm STEUER
Steuer was born on 19 December 1906 in Hamburg. He was commander of III
Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 129, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 26 August 1943. Steuer died on 26 June 1979 in Frankfurt am Main.

3085. Hauptmann Felix OSTERMANN

556

Ostermann was born on 22 December 1917 in Hötting, Austria-Hungary. He
was commander of Divisions Battalion 260 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 26 August 1943. Ostermann died on 1 October 1996 in Völs,
Austria.

3086. Oberleutnant Lothar DÜNSER
Dünser was born on 22 April 1918 in Bludenz, Austria-Hungary. He was
serving in Motorised Flak Regiment 38 when he died of wounds near Rogan,
Russia, on 14 August 1943 and has no known grave. Dünser was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 26 August 1943.

3087. Oberleutnant Günter HASENBECK
Hasenbeck was born on 31 July 1919 in Mülheim. He was a company
commander in Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 6 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 26 August 1943. Hasenbeck died on 26 February 1958 in
Mülheim, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3088. Leutnant Bernhard MIKUS
Mikus was born on 12 September 1914 in Bochum. He was a company
commander in Panzergrenadier Regiment 114 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 26 August 1943. Mikus died on 31 January 1987 in
Niederaussem, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3089. Oberfeldwebel Rudolf FUCHS
Fuchs was born on 27 April 1919 in Lindenhardt. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 42 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26
August 1943. Fuchs died on 26 February 1998 in Lindenhardt, Bavaria.

3090. Oberfeldwebel Emil GODEN
Goden was born on 11 February 1916 in Moschnitz. He was a platoon leader
in Grenadier Regiment 407 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26
August 1943. Goden died on 7 March 1949 in Hamburg.
557

3091. Feldwebel Simon FREUTSMIEDL
Freutsmiedl was born on 28 December 1915 in Gigling. He was a platoon
leader in Jäger Regiment 204 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26
August 1943. Freutsmiedl died on 27 April 1993 and is buried in
Waldfriedhof, St Georgen, Baden-Württemberg.

3092. Feldwebel Karl STREIT
Streit was born on 15 January 1914 in Adelsdorf. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 461 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26
August 1943. Streit was killed in action at Gorodok, Russia, on 9 November
1943 and has no known grave.

3093. Feldwebel Robert VOGEL
Vogel was born on 25 October 1918 in Abstatt. He was a platoon leader in
Motorised Grenadier Regiment 119 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 26 August 1943. Vogel died on 31 January 1975 in Esslingen am Necker,
Baden-Württemberg.

3094. Unteroffizier Kurt BADE
Bade was born on 12 November 1917 in Berlin. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 23 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 26 August 1943. Bade died on 22 April 1988 in Berlin.

3095. Unteroffizier Josef KARL
Karl was born on 26 December 1910 in Nuremberg. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in February 1942 and the 1st Class in July 1943. Karl was an
assault-gun commander in Panzer Jäger Battalion 49 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 26 August 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 16
February 1944. He died on 31 March 1962 and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Bad
Tölz, Bavaria.

558

3096. Oberst Fritz POLACK
Polack was born on 22 October 1892 in Gera. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Polack was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in September 1939 and the 1st Class
in December 1942. He was commander of Motorised Artillery Regiment 29
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 August 1943. Polack died on
6 April 1956 while on holiday in Falmouth, Cornwall, England.

3097. Oberstleutnant Otto FISCHER
Fischer was born on 24 July 1908 in Burg Gemünden. He was commander of
Motorised Grenadier Regiment 156 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 27 August 1943. Fischer died on 14 March 1975 in Cologne, North RhineWestphalia.

3098. Oberstleutnant Walther KRÜGER
Krüger was born on 26 March 1902 in Kassel. He was commander of
Panzergrenadier Regiment 71 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27
August 1943. Krüger died on 12 August 1958 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof,
Kassel, Hesse.

3099. Major Othmar (or Ottmar) POLLMANN
Pollmann was born on 25 September 1917 in Regensburg. He was
commander of II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 481, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 27 August 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 28
February 1945. Pollmann died on 11 September 1991 in Munich.

3100. Hauptmann Karl RIESS
Riess was born on 24 December 1916 in Cuxhaven. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 282 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 27 August 1943. Riess died on 28 February 1982 and is believed to
be buried in Gmünd Friedhof, Bavaria.

559

3101. Oberfeldwebel Friedrich MÜLLER
Müller was born on 27 Febraury 1915 in Rothwasser. He was a platoon
leader in Grenadier Regiment 461 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
27 August 1943. Müller died on 25 February 1993 and is buried in Ohlsdorf
Friedhof, Plot R14, Grave 70, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

3102. Oberfähnrich Max HASCHBERGER
Haschberger was born on 29 July 1913 in Neudek, Austria-Hungary. He was
aide-de-camp in I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 481, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 27 August 1943. Haschberger died on 15 January 2002
in Regensburg, Bavaria.

3103. Feldwebel Georg KLEIN
Klein was born on 23 April 1912 in Wurmansau. He was a platoon leader in
Jäger Regiment 204 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 August
1943. Klein died on 13 October 1988 in Altenau, Lower Saxony.

3104. Unteroffizier Hans PASSEGGER
Passegger was born on 24 July 1920 in Köflach, Austria. He was a telephone
section leader in II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 480, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 27 August 1943. Passegger died on 17 March 2001 in
Leoben, Austria.

3105. Unteroffizier Alfred STAUBACH
Staubach was born on 7 February 1913 in Erlenkamp. He was a section leader
in Grenadier Regiment 697 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27
August 1943. Staubach died on 22 July 1965 in Saarbrücken, Saarland

3106. Generalleutnant Werner FORST
Forst was born on 21 December 1892 in Magdeburg. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Forst
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was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in September and the 1st Class
in October 1939. He was commander of 106th Infantry Division when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 August 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on
22 February 1944. Forst died on 3 February 1971 and is buried in
Südfriedhof, Grave A-3, Wiesbaden, Hesse.

3107. Generalleutnant Wolfgang von KLUGE
Von Kluge was born on 5 May 1892 in Stettin. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Von Kluge
was commander of 292nd Infantry Division when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 29 August 1943. He died on 30 October 1976 and is buried
in Parkfriedhof, Eichhofstrasse 56, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein. His brother,
Günther, was awarded the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.

3108. Generalleutnant Heino von RANTZAU
Von Rantzau was born on 8 March 1894 in Karlsruhe. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Von
Rantzau was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in May and the 1st
Class in July 1940. He was commander of 2nd Motorised Flak Division when
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 August 1943. Von Rantzau died on
2 November 1946 while still a POW and is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Grave E29a, Stadtallendorf-Allendorf, Hesse.

3109. Oberst Helmut WOHLFAHRT (or WOHLFARTH)
Wohlfahrt was born on 1 January 1904 in Kaiserslautern. He was commander
of Grenadier Regiment 110 when he was posted missing near Bagrinovo,
Russia, on 15 July 1943. Wohlfahrt was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29
August 1943.

3110. Major Walter EHLE
Ehle was born on 28 April 1913 in Windhuk, German South-West Africa. He
was a pilot in Heavy Fighter Wing 1 and shot down three enemy aircraft
before transferring to night fighters. Ehle was a group commander in Night
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Fighter Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 August 1943,
with thirty-one victories to his credit. He was killed in a crash while
attempting to land on 17 November 1943 and is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Block 21, Grave 42, Kattenbos N746, Lommel, Belgium. He is
credited with thirty-eight victories, all but three of which were at night.

3111. Major Werner KLÜMPER
Klümper was born on 19 April 1911 in Herne. He was a group commander in
Bomber Wing 26 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 August
1943. Klümper died on 21 October 1989 and is believed to be buried in St
Lorenz Friedhof, Travemünde, Schleswig-Holstein.

3112. Major Siegfried KNEMEYER—‘Knall Max’ or ‘Star
Gazer’
Knemeyer was born on 5 April 1909 in Ellerbusch. He was an expert in
aviation technology and was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 August 1943
as reward for his work in the development of the German aircraft industry.
After the war, the Russians asked him to work for them, but he declined and
went to work for the US Government. Knemeyer died on 11 April 1979 and is
buried in Glen Forest Cemetery, Yellow Springs, Greene County, Ohio, USA.

3113. Major Günther RADUSCH—‘Fips’
Radusch was born on 11 November 1912 in Schwetz. He took part in the
Spanish Civil War with the Condor Legion and shot down one aircraft.
Radusch was a group commander in Night Fighter Wing 3 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 August 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on
6 April 1944. He is credited with sixty-five victories, of which fifty-seven were
four-engined bombers. Radusch died on 28 July 1988 in Nordstrand,
Schleswig-Holstein.

3114. Major Walter VOGEL

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Vogel was born on 11 February 1914 in Haan. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 6, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
29 August 1943. Vogel died on 2 May 1997 in Lubeck, Schleswig-Holstein.

3115. Major Dietmar WAHL
Wahl was born on 2 January 1917 in Queck. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 282, when he died of wounds on 13 August
1943 and is believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Sebastopol, Ukraine. Wahl was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 August
1943.

3116. Hauptmann Jakob THUMANN
Thumann was born on 20 July 1911 in Dürnzhausen. He was commander of
II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 351, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 29 August 1943. Thumann was killed in action near Orel, Russia, on
8 September 1943 and has no known grave.

3117. Oberleutnant Emil BITSCH—‘Birth’
Bitsch was born on 14 June 1916 in Griesbach. He shot down his first enemy
aircraft on 2 July 1941. Bitsch was shot down near Stalingrad on 4 September
1942 but was soon back in combat. He was a squadron leader in Fighter Wing
3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 August 1943, with 104
victories to his credit. Shortly afterwards, he was transferred to the defence of
the Reich. Bitsch shot down four four-engined bombers to bring his total to
108. Then, on 15 March 1943, he was killed in action and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Block Z, Row 6, Grave 148 (next to Rudolf Frank),
Timmermansweg, Ysselsteyn, the Netherlands.

3118. Oberleutnant Axel BRUNS
Bruns was born on 7 June 1915 in Lutzig, Yugoslavia. He was a company
commander in Artillery Regiment 241 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 29 August 1943. Bruns was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold.
He died on 21 April 1990 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof, Celle, Lower Saxony.
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3119. Oberleutnant Walter EGGERS
Eggers was born on 1 December 1914 in Emmendorf. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 116 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 29 August 1943. Eggers was posted missing near Tiraspol, Moldova,
on 19 August 1944.

3120. Oberleutnant Gerhard KONOPKA
Konopka was born on 27 March 1911 in Tirschtiefel. He fought in Poland,
Belgium, and France, being awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Konopka
fought in Russia and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class. During the drive
to the Don River in 1942, he personally knocked-out four enemy tanks. Due
to his experience, he was sent to train new recruits and did not return to the
Russian Front until the summer of 1943.
During intense fighting at Orel, he stormed the so-called ‘Yellow Heights’
at Alissowa and was able to neutralise a strong enemy position. Konopka was
badly wounded the next day. For this action, he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 29 August 1943. He was also the first man in the German Army to
be awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold (25 June 1943). Wounded at
least seven times, he was deemed unfit for combat and sent home to train
infantry anti-tank tactics. However, he did take part in fighting outside of
Berlin in March–April 1945. Konopka was also awarded the Wound Badge in
Gold and four Tank Destruction Badges. He died on 29 January 1997 and is
believed to be buried in Alter Friedhof, Darmstadt, Hesse.

3121. Leutnant Berthold KORTS
Korts was born on 21 May 1912 in Karlsruhe. He started the war with the
artillery before transferring to the Luftwaffe in 1942. With 113 victories to his
credit, Korts was posted missing on 29 August 1943 near Kharkov, Russia,
and has no known grave. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross the same day.

3122. Oberfeldwebel Adolf GLUNZ—‘Addi’
Glunz was born on 11 June 1916 in Mecklenburg. He shot down his first
enemy aircraft on 7 May 1940 and his second on 19 May. Glunz was awarded
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the Iron Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in July 1941. He spent a
short time in Russia, claiming three aircraft and two tanks destroyed. In July
1941, Glunz was back in France, and by the end of the year, he had shot down
twenty-three. He was a pilot in Fighter Wing 26 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 29 August 1943.
On 22 February 1944, he shot down five four-engined bombers and a
fighter. Glunz was awarded the Oak Leaves on 24 June 1944 with sixty-five
victories to his credit. Glunz shot down his last enemy aircraft, a Spitfire, on 1
January 1945 for his seventy-first victory. He is also credited with the
destruction of five aircraft on the ground. Glunz died on 1 August 2002 and is
buried in Oberrahmede Friedhof, Lüdenscheid, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3123. Oberfeldwebel Reinhard KOLLAK
Kollak was born on 28 March 1915 in Frögenau. He shot down his first
enemy aircraft as a night fighter pilot on 17 June 1941. Kollak was a pilot in
Night Fighter Wing 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 August
1943, with twenty-nine victories. He ended the war with forty-nine victories
to his credit. Kollak died on 6 February 1980 in Bonn.

3124. Major Helmut GROSS
Gross was born on 27 December 1910 in Dreifelden. He was commander of
Division Fusilier Battalion 129 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31
August 1943. Gross died on 24 October 2004 and is buried in Alter Friedhof,
Hachenburg, Rhineland-Palatinate.

3125. Oberleutnant Fritz BIERMANN
Biermann was born on 5 January 1916 in Herten. He was a company
commander in Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 6 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 31 August 1943. Biermann was killed in action on 30
March 1945 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Blumau, Austria.

3126. Fahnenjunker-Oberfeldwebel Kaspar HARSCHEIDT

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Harscheidt was born on 9 May 1912 in Gürzenich. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 253 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31
August 1943. Harscheidt died on 12 August 1990 in Düren, North RhineWestphalia.

3127. Feldwebel Johann EISGRUBER
Eisgruber was born on 21 December 1915 in Aunkofen. He was a platoon
leader in Grenadier Regiment 62 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
31 August 1943. Eisgruber died on 13 June 1993 in Munich.

3128. Feldwebel Walter FASEL
Fasel was born on 7 July 1919 in Kiel. He was a platoon leader in Fusilier
Regiment 26 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31 August 1943.
Fasel died on 13 August 2013 in Wittmund, Lower Saxony.

3129. Feldwebel Hermann HARTMANN
Hartmann was born on 10 September 1916 in Frankfurt am Main. He was a
platoon leader in Pioneer Battalion 34 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 31 August 1943. Hartmann died on 29 October 1981 and is believed
to be buried in Waldfriedhof, Munich.

3130. Hauptmann Helmut KIESLING
Kiesling was born on 27 September 1911 in Marienwerder. He was
commander of II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 336, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 1 September 1943. Kiesling was killed in action on 12
April 1944 and is buried at Gura Bicului, Moldova; his remains are awaiting
transfer to a German war cemetery.

3131. Oberleutnant Bernhard BRAMBRINK
Brambrink was born on 14 September 1915 in Hamm. He was a company
commander in Pioneer Battalion 97 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross

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on 1 September 1943. Brambrink died on 7 October 1978 and is buried in
Parkfriedhof, Ottobrunn, Bavaria.

3132. Oberleutnant Rudolf DENNINGER
Denninger was born on 3 January 1911 in Rosenheim. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 439 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 1 September 1943. Denninger was killed in action on 31 March
1945 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Plot 24A, Row K, Grave 8,
Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate.

3133. Oberfeldwebel Paul BAUMANN
Baumann was born on 4 July 1914 in Allenstein. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 422 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1
September 1943. Baumann died of wounds on 6 February 1944 and is buried
in Luga, Russia; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.

3134. Oberfeldwebel Johann GÖTTLER
Göttler was born on 25 March 1914 in Ebermengen. He was a platoon leader
in Panzergrenadier Regiment 63 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1
September 1943. Göttler died on 6 January 1998 in Ebermengen, Bavaria.

3135. Leutnant Herbert HORTEN
Horten was born on 3 June 1918 in Bonn. He was a company commander in
Artillery Regiment 81 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2
September 1943. Horten was killed in action at Jihlava, Czechoslovakia, on 9
May 1945 and has no known grave.

3136. Oberfeldwebel Heinz-Georg HAASE
Haase was born on 14 April 1914 in Caputh. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 122 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2
September 1943. Hasse was killed in action at Tarchau, Russia, on 27
November 1943 and has no known grave.
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3137. Fregattenkapitän Gustav Freiherr von LIEBENSTEIN
Freiherr von Liebenstein was born on 25 April 1891 in Rastatt. He fought in
the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1914). Von Liebenstein was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in April
and the 1st Class in July 1940. He was commander of 2nd Assault Division
and sea transport chief of the Strait of Messina when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 3 September 1943. Von Liebenstein died on 17 January
1967 and is buried Waldfriedhof, Munich.

3138. Hauptmann Ernst FACH
Fach was born on 6 July 1912 in Remscheid. He was a squadron leader in
Bomber Wing 3 when he was killed in action on 15 March 1943 and is
believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Kharkov,
Ukraine. Fach was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 September 1943.

3139. Hauptmann Reinhard GRAUBNER
Graubner was born on 2 August 1915. He was a group commander in
Bomber Wing 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 September
1943. Graubner died on 3 November 1986 in Walluff, Hesse.

3140. Hauptmann Heinrich HÖFER
Höfer was born on 14 July 1911 in Bad Oeynhausen. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1941. Höfer
was a group commander in Bomber Wing 55 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 3 September 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 18
November 1944. He died on 2 January 1996 and is believed to be buried in
Werste Friedhof, Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3141. Hauptmann Siegfried JUNGKLAUS
Junklaus was born on 18 November 1914 in Großfahner. He was a group
commander in Bomber Wing 3 when he was killed in action over Poti

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Harbour, Russia, on 22 April 1943 and has no known grave. Junklaus was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 September 1943.

3142. Oberleutnant Walter LUITJENS
Luitjens was born on 13 April 1921 in Marburg. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 151 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 September 1943. Luitjens died of wounds near Lake Ladoga,
Russia, on 27 January 1944 and has no known grave.

3143. Oberleutnant Hans-Georg ROMEIKE
Romeike was born on 5 December 1920 in Königsberg. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 43 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 September 1943. Romeike was killed in action at Strutinka,
Russia, on 14 January 1944 and has no known grave.

3144. Leutnant Paul SCHMIDT
Schmidt was born on 27 September 1912 in Sichtigvor. He was an observer in
Short Range Reconnaissance Wing 15 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 September 1943. Schmidt died on 15 February 1986 in Bitburg,
Rhineland-Palatinate.

3145. Oberfeldwebel Herbert ISACHSEN
Isachsen was born on 17 October 1913 in Weingarten. A bomber pilot, he
took part in the Polish and Norwegian campaigns. Isachsen fought in the
Battle of Britain and was wounded twice. He was awarded the Iron Cross 1st
Class for bombing a large factory in Swansea, which was put out of action for
several weeks. He spent some time as an instructor but at his own request
went back to combat. Isachsen attacked Malta and bombed convoys. He also
bombed Tobruk and took part in long-range missions to the Suez Canal and
Alexandra, where his bombs hit the Queen Elizabeth.
On 9 January 1943, he was shot down over Tunisia and was captured by
the British. Awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 September 1943, he was

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apparently presented it while a POW. Isachsen died on 21 October 2003 in
Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3146. Generalleutnant Heinrich RECKE
Recke was born on 25 August 1890 in Konitz. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Recke was
commander of 161st Infantry Division when he was posted missing at
Kharkov, Russia, on 18 August 1943. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
4 September 1943.

3147. Oberst August FRIKER
Friker was born on 28 May 1899 in Landenargen. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 480 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4
September 1943. Friker died on 19 July 1966 in Heilbronn, BadenWürttemberg.

3148. Oberst Joachim-Friedrich LANG
Lang was born on 14 September 1899 in Montigny-les-Metz, Alsace-Lorraine.
He was commander of Grenadier Regiment 481 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 4 September 1943. Lang was killed in action on 16 April
1945 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 18 (as unknown),
Pillau/Baltijsk, Russia.

3149. Oberst Oldwig von NATZMER
Von Natzmer was born on 29 June 1904 in Liegnitz. He was operations officer
in Panzergrenadier Division ‘GD’ when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
4 September 1943. Von Natzmer died on 1 April 1980 in Hanover.

3150. Kapitänleutnant Herbert PANKNIN
Panknin was born in Neustettin on 27 December 1913. He served on U-106
and U-861 under Jürgen Oesten as his leading engineer. The two would not be
without each other and became known as ‘The Firm of Oesten and Panknin’.
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He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 September 1943. Panknin was
always coming up with ways of extending the length of a patrol and allowing
more time to find and sink targets.
Panknin was on friendly terms with his captain and the entire crew, being
universally respected as a superior and comrade. Panknin was with U-861
when she was taken to England and sunk as part of Operation Deadlight. He
died on 15 March 2001 and is believed to be buried in Sievern Friedhof,
Langen, Lower Saxony.

3151. Oberleutnant Willi LECHTENBÖRGER
Lechtenbörger was born on 2 Febraruy 1914 in Bottrop. He had been the
leading engineer on U-60 but was transferred to U-201 as its leading engineer
on 25 January 1941 under Adalbert Schnee. He took part in a number of
dramatic patrols and on several occasions displayed his special talent for
getting the U-boat out of difficult situations and back to the surface after
depth-charge attacks. He was on hand when U-847 was commissioned on 23
January 1943 and sailed with Herbert Kuppisch when he had assumed
command. On 27 August 1943 in the Sargasso Sea, U-847 was attacked by
aircraft from the US carrier Card, the U-boat was sent to the bottom, there
were no survivors. Lechtenbörger was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4
September 1943.

3152. Leutnant Heinz KREY
Krey was born on 31 December 1921 in Wiesbaden. He was the leading
engineer on U-752 under Schroeter. On 23 May 1943, the U-boat was
attacked in the North Atlantic by aircraft from the carrier Archer. The captain
was killed and Krey took command, ordering the boat to be abandoned. He
then set the explosive charges and blew up the submarine before a British
destroyer could capture it. Krey went down with the U-boat, but his actions
saved most of the crew who were picked up. For this selfless act, he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 September 1943.

3153. Stabsfeldwebel Claus BREGER

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Breger was born on 25 December 1910 in Pinnow. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in May 1940. Breger was a
platoon leader in Infantry Regiment 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 4 September 1943. He died of wounds on 17 December 1944 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Row 1, Grave 17, Stadtkyll, RhinelandPalatinate. Breger was awarded the Oak Leaves on 14 January 1945.

3154. Oberfeldwebel Alfred MATERN
Matern was born on 15 December 1910 in Königsberg. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in August and the 1st Class in September 1941. Matern
was a platoon leader in Fusilier Regiment 22 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 4 September 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 16 March
1945. He died of wounds at Insterburg, Russia, on 26 March 1945 and has no
known grave.

3155. Hauptmann Otto WOHLFEIL
Wohlfeil was born on 13 December 1916 in Emden. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 371, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 5 September 1943. Wohlfeil died on 22 May 1986 and is believed to be
buried in Waldfriedhof, Rheinbach, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3156. SS-Standartenführer Hellmuth BECKER
Becker was born on 12 August 1902 in Neuruppin. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in June 1940. In August 1943, as
commander of SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 6, Becker was tasked with
capturing the city of Nikotowka. The city was taken after heavy fighting in
which two Russians divisions, two armoured brigades, and a motorised
brigade were destroyed. For this action, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
7 September 1943.
On 21 September 1944, he was awarded the Oak Leaves for his actions in
Romania. At the end of the war, his unit surrendered to US forces but were
handed over to the Russians. Becker was tried for supposed sabotage by the
Russians and shot in February 1953; he has no known grave.

572

3157. Major Josef-Georg MULZER
Mulzer was born on 23 April 1915 in Munich. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in August 1942. Mulzer was
commander of Pioneer Battalion 195 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 7 September 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 10 January 1944. He died
on 21 January 2011 in Würzburg, Bavaria.

3158. Hauptmann Robert ALBER
Alber was born on 13 October 1906 in Baienfurt. He was the commander of I
Battalion, Panzer Regiment 201, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
7 September 1943. Alber died on 7 June 1988 in Böblingen, BadenWürttemberg.

3159. Hauptmann Friedrich-Wilhelm KRIEGER
Krieger was born on 2 May 1916 in Osterode. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 87, when he was killed in action on 1
September 1943 and is buried at Roslawl, Russia; Krieger’s remains are
awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. He was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 7 September 1943.

3160. Hauptmann Norbert OTTAWA
Ottawa was born on 31 May 1918 in Pelplin. He was a company commander
in Fusilier Regiment 22 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7
September 1943. Ottawa died on 21 January 1974 in Hofheim, Hesse.

3161. Hauptmann Gerd RUGE
Ruge was born on 17 August 1913 in Breege. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in August 1941. Ruge was commander of I
Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 128, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 7 September 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 16 November 1944.
He died on 18 January 1997 in Wetzlar, Hesse.

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3162. Oberleutnant Walther-Peer FELLGIEBEL
Fellgiebel was born on 7 May 1918 in Berlin. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in July 1940 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Fellgiebel was a
company commander in Motorised Light Artillery Battalion 935 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 September 1943.
In 1954, he joined the Association of Knight’s Cross Recipients (AKCR)
and in 1961 served on the board of directors. He became head of the order
commission of the AKCR in 1970. Fellgiebel is author of Elite of the Third
Reich. He died on 14 October 2001 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Frankfurt
am Main.

3163. Leutnant Herbert SEILER
Seiler was born on 9 July 1911 in Nerchau. He was a company commander in
Grenadier Regiment 445 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7
September 1943. Seiler died on 25 March 1996 in Bayreuth, Bavaria.

3164. Oberfeldwebel Gerhard VIRKUS
Virkus was born on 27 July 1915 in Stolp. He was a platoon leader in
Panzergrenadier Regiment 25 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7
September 1943. Virkus died on 7 October 1970 and is believed to be buried
in Stadtfriedhof, Celle, Lower Saxony.

3165. Obergefreiter Josef BECKMANN
Beckmann was born on 4 May 1920 in Gelsenkirchen. He was on the staff of
the III Battalion, Fusilier Regiment 39, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 7 September 1943. Beckmann was also awarded four Tank
Destruction Badges. He is buried in Breidenbach Friedhof, Hesse.

3166. Obergefreiter Oswin GÖTTERT
Göttert was born on 5 December 1912 in Gommlo. He was a section leader in
Grenadier Regiment 445 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7
September 1943. Göttert died on 3 June 1986 in Reinharz, Saxony-Anhalt.
574

3167. Oberst Heinrich-Walter BRONSART von
SCHELLENDORFF
Bronsart von Schellendorf was born on 21 September 1906 in Neustrelitz. He
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in June 1940.
Bronsart von Schellendorf was commander of Panzergrenadier Regiment 13
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 September 1943. The Oak
Leaves followed on 12 February 1944. He was killed in action on 25
September 1944 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Block 60, Row 12, Grave 12,
Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg.

3168. Oberst Martin UNREIN
Unrein was born on 1 January 1901 in Weimar. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). Unrein was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in October 1939 and the 1st Class in July
1940. His battalion was all but wiped out in Russia during 1941 and Unrein
was court-martialled, but was exonerated.
He was commander of Panzergrenadier Regiment 4 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 10 September 1943 for his part in the Fourth Battle of
Kharkov. The Oak Leaves followed on 26 June 1944. Unrein died on 22
January 1972 and is buried in the Street Chapel, Prince Eugene Barracks,
Kulsheim, Baden-Württemberg.

3169. Oberstleutnant Georg von STÜNZNER
Von Stünzner was born on 8 August 1908 in Bernstadt. He was operations
officer of 29th Panzergrenadier Division when he died of wounds on 3
September 1943 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 11, Grave
1106, Cassino, Italy. Von Stünzner was awarded the Knight’s Cross 10
September 1943.

3170. Rittmeister Hans BOEHMER
Boehmer was born on 8 September 1910 in Lichtenfels. He was commander of
Reconnaissance Battalion 238 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross 10

575

September 1943. Boehmer died on 10 August 1999 and is believed to be
buried in Bamberg Friedhof, Bavaria.

3171. Hauptmann Kurt DEICHEN—‘Charly’
Deichen was born on 20 April 1914 in Berlin. He was commander of Panzer
Reconnaissance Battalion 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10
September 1943. Deichen died on 27 February 1969 in Lüneburg, Lower
Saxony.

3172. Hauptmann Johannes STÖRL
Störl was born on 12 December 1909 in Dresden. He was a company
commander in Artillery Regiment 156 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 10 September 1943. Störl was killed in action near Lepel, Russia, on
1 July 1944 and has no known grave.

3173. Hauptmann Wolfgang WIEDEMANN
Wiedemann was born on 10 September 1914 in Auerbach. He was
commander of Panzer Recognisance Battalion 125 when he was killed in
action on 6 September 1943 and is buried in the German War Cemetery (as
unknown), Duchowschtschina, Russia. Wiedemann was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 10 September 1943.

3174. Oberleutnant Josef HAMPL
Hampl was born on 22 November 1915 in Falkenau, Austria-Hungary. He
was a company commander in Mountain Jäger Regiment 85 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 September 1943. Hampl died on 30 August
1964 and is believed to be buried in Katholischer Friedhof, Kempten, Bavaria.

3175. Oberleutnant Wilhelm KÖNIG
König was born on 11 June 1917 in Asseln. He was commander of I Battalion,
Cavalry Regiment ‘Mitte’, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10

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September 1943. König died of wounds on 15 August 1944 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Puławy, Poland.

3176. Oberleutnant Hans LEX
Lex was born on 21 January 1916 in Langengeisling. He was a tank
commander in Panzer Regiment ‘GD’ when, at Kursk, he knocked-out sixteen
T-34 tanks and stopped a threat to his regiment’s flank. For this, Lex was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 September 1943. He died on 11 August
1994 and is believed to be buried in Waldfriedhof, Munich.

3177. Oberleutnant Karl RENOLDNER
Renoldner was born on 10 May 1920 in Linz. He was a company commander
in Grenadier Regiment 462 when he was killed in action near Vazma, Russia,
on 16 August 1943 and has no known grave. Renoldner was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 10 September 1943.

3178. Oberleutnant Siegfried RUPPRECHT
Rupprecht was born on 24 February 1920 in Fürth. He was a company
commander in Mountain Jäger Regiment 85 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 10 September 1943. Rupprecht was killed in action on 25
January 1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 10, Grave
536, Cassino, Italy.

3179. Oberleutnant Ludwig STREIT
Streit was born on 9 July 1911 in Munich. He was a company commander in
Artillery Regiment 114 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10
September 1943. Streit died on 8 January 1947 in Munich.

3180. Feldwebel Josef SCHWABENBERGER
Schwabenberger was born on 6 March 1920 in Linz, Austria. He was a
platoon leader in Grenadier Regiment 467 when he was awarded the Knight’s

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Cross on 10 September 1943. Schwabenberger was killed in action near
Krasniza, Russia, on 30 March 1944 and has no known grave.

3181. Major Martin BUHR
Buhr was born on 3 April 1913 in Marienhafe. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July 1940 and the 1st Class in September 1942. Buhr was
commander of Assault-Gun Battalion 202 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 11 September 1943. He died on 23 August 1988 and is buried in
Ostfriedhof, Karlstadt am Main, Bavaria.

3182. Hauptmann Karl-Heinz HOLZAPFEL
Holzapfel was born on 5 July 1915 in Hadamar. He was commander of
Motorised Pioneer Battalion 29 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
11 September 1943. Holzapfel was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold.
He died on 15 January 2003 in Bad Hersfeld, Hesse.

3183. Hauptmann Kurt SCHNEIDER
Schneider was born on 14 April 1916 in Wadersloh. He was a company
commander in Artillery Regiment 129 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 11 September 1943. Schneider died of wounds on 9 October 1943
and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 13, Row 33, Grave 2347–
2362, Kirovohrad, Ukraine.

3184. SS-Hauptsturmführer Hans JUCHEM
Juchem was born on 4 June 1917 in Cologne. He fought in Poland and
France, being wounded in the latter. Juchem also took part in the invasion of
Russia with the SS-Division Viking and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and
2nd Class. His division was involved in the drive to the Caucasus in 1942 and
the subsequent withdrawal. At Hill 186.9, he personally led a company in an
attack and then blocked an entire enemy battalion’s escape route. Juchem was
killed in action near Isjum, Russia, on 13 August 1943 and has no known
grave. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 September 1943 for his

578

action at Hill 186.9. Juchem was also awarded the Close Combat Clasp in
Gold.

3185. SS-Hauptsturmführer Günther SITTER
Sitter was born on 23 January 1915 in Schildberg. He was commander of II
Battalion, SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 10, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 12 September 1943. Sitter was killed in action on 25 July 1944 and
is buried in the German War Cemetery (Rakowicki Cemetery), Krakow,
Poland.

3186. SS-Oberscharführer Helmut BAUER
Bauer was born on 2 February 1920 in Mittelschefflenz. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in July 1941 and the 1st Class in March 1943. Bauer
was a platoon leader in SS-Panzer Regiment 5 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 12 September 1943 for attacking a large number of T-34
and T-60 tanks, which his platoon destroyed without loss. He died from heart
disease on 30 November 1967 and is buried in Bergfriedhof, Wertheim am
Main, Baden-Württemberg.

3187. Oberst Jobst von HANSTEIN
Hanstein was born on 6 December 1887 in Brandenburg. He was commander
of Grenadier Regiment 109 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13
September 1943. Hanstein died on 4 June 1968 and is buried in Waldfriedhof,
Bad Homburg, Hesse.

3188. Hauptmann Freidrich BAUER
Bauer was born on 23 September 1913 in Bamberg. He was a commander of
II Battalion, Panzer Regiment 33, when he was killed in action near
Zaporozhe, Ukraine, on 10 September 1943 and has no known grave. Bauer
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 September 1943.

3189. Hauptmann Kurt FRIEDRICH
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Friedrich was born on 11 March 1913 in Rückers. He was commander of III
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 525, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 13 September 1943. Friedrich died on 16 November 1980 and is buried in
Waldfriedhof, Bad Homburg, Hesse.

3190. Hauptmann Hans HELMLING
Helmling was born on 10 November 1906 in Darmstadt. He was commander
of II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 480, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 13 September 1943. Helming was killed in action on 4 December
1943 and is buried at Kutnia, Belarus; Helmling’s remains are awaiting
transfer to a German war cemetery.

3191. Hauptmann Wilhelm PIRCH
Pirch was born on 17 April 1915 in Berlin. He was commander of Panzer
Reconnaissance Battalion 11 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13
September 1943. Pirch died on 3 October 1976 in Wiesbaden, Hesse.

3192. SS-Hauptsturmführer Otto SKORZENY—‘The Long
Jumper’
Skorzeny was born on 12 June 1908 in Vienna, Austria-Hungary. He fought in
the Netherlands, France, and the Balkans campaign, where he managed to get
a large Yugoslav force to surrender to him. Skorzeny also fought in Russia and
in December 1942 was hit on the back of the head by shrapnel. He refused all
first aid apart from a few aspirin, a bandage, and a glass of Schnapps. A few
hours later, he rejoined his unit but suffered headaches and stomach pains so
bad he was evacuated for proper treatment.
After his recovery, Skorzeny was given a staff role in Berlin. He read
everything he could find on commando warfare and forwarded his ideas to the
higher command. His ideas included sabotage and working deep behind
enemy lines, as well as using enemy uniforms. In July 1943, he was personally
selected by Hitler to lead an operation to rescue Mussolini. Skorzeny was
twice shot down while flying over areas where Mussolini was being held.
Then, on 12 September 1943, he led the raid on Gran Sasso in a textbook

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operation, finding and rescuing Mussolini without shots being fired. For this,
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 September 1943.
Skorzeny was involved in the planning to capture the Yugoslav partisan
Tito but advised against it when the plan became compromised. The raid was
a complete disaster. Skorzeny was in Berlin when the 20 July bomb plot went
ahead and he helped to put down the rebellion. His next raid in October 1944
was to capture Hungary’s Regent Miklós Horthy’s son and force his father to
resign as head of state. The success of his operation earnt him promotion to
Obersturmbannführer.
Skorzeny’s next and most famous raid was Operation Greif during the
Battle of the Bulge, where paratroopers dressed as Americans landed behind
the lines. Also, captured US vehicles and German armoured vehicle modified
to look American were used. In addition, about twenty-five men dressed in
American uniform and using US jeeps penetrated the lines to cause disorder
and confusion. Some of his men were captured and spread the rumour that
Skorzeny was personally leading a raid to capture Eisenhower, who was not
amused at having to spend Christmas 1944 in isolation due to the threat. In
retaliation, Eisenhower ordered an all-out manhunt for Skorzeny, including
wanted posters calling him ‘The Most Dangerous Man in Europe’. In all,
twenty-three of these men were captured and eighteen were shot as ‘spies’.
Skorzeny spent the remainder of the war commanding regular troops, but did
try to sabotage the bridge at Remagen with frogmen, but this failed. He was
awarded the Oak Leaves on 9 April 1945.
After the war, Skorzeny and nine other men were tried as war criminals for
violating the laws of war, in that he ordered his men to fight while wearing US
uniforms. He admitted ordering his men to wear the uniforms, but his defence
argued that as long as the uniforms were discarded before combat started,
such a tactic was a legitimate ruse. On the last day of the trail, Wing
Commander Forest Yeo-Thomas GC testified that he and other SOE agents
wore German uniforms behind enemy lines. Realising that to convict Skorzeny
could expose their own agents to the same charges, he and the other
defendants were acquitted. Skorzeny died from cancer in Spain on 5 July 1975
and his ashes were interred in the family grave at Döblinger Friedhof, Group
32, Row 7, Grave 32, Vienna.

3193. Oberleutnant Karl-Heinz SCHULZ-LEPEL
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Schulz-Lepel was born on 14 March 1914 in Gross Labenz. He fought with
Infantry Regiment 557 on the Russian Front for the entire war. Schulz-Lepel
was involved in the heavy fighting to relieve the encircled units in the
Demjansk Pocket, for which he was awarded the German Cross in Gold in
November 1942.
He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 September 1943 for bravery in
the face of the enemy while fighting on the same front. Schulz-Lepel died on 5
July 1993 and is believed to be buried in Städtischer Friedhof, Bad Neuenahr,
Rhineland-Palatinate.

3194. Oberleutnant Erich ZERNIN
Zernin was born on 15 March 1916 in Cologne. He was a company
commander in Panzer Regiment 11 when he was killed in action at Kharkov,
Russia, on 13 August 1943 and has no known grave. Zernin was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 13 September 1943.

3195. Leutnant Harald GESSNER
Gessner was born on 28 January 1921 in Mannheim. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 61 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 13 September 1943. Gessner was killed during an air raid on 18
March 1944 and is buried in Schwetzingen Friedhof, Baden-Württemberg.

3196. Stabsfeldwebel Friedrich-Karl WARWEL
Warwel was born on 11 May 1912 in Molthainen. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 477 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13
September 1943. Warwel died on 2 April 1980 in Bomlitz, Lower Saxony.

3197. Feldwebel Georg KÖNIG
König was born on 14 April 1916 in Domnitz. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Battalion 18 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 September
1943. König died on 3 June 1995 and is buried in Westfriedhof, Paderborn,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

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3198. Feldwebel Franz WURDAK
Wurdak was born on 5 September 1921 in Negranitz. He was a platoon leader
in Pioneer Battalion 137 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13
September 1943. Wurdak died on 25 March 2004 and is buried in St Barbara
Friedhof, Linz, Austria.

3199. Sanitäts-Unteroffizier Franz SCHMITZ
Schmitz was born on 12 October 1918 in Bonn. He was a medic in Grenadier
Regiment 279 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 September
1943. He is said to have saved/rescued 2,000 German soldiers, along with
unknown numbers of Russians. Schmitz was also awarded the Wound Badge
in Gold. He died on 11 June 1895 and is buried in Inden Friedhof, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

3200. Obergefreiter Bernhard HIMMELSKAMP
Himmelskamp was born on 21 December 1919 in Grüppenbühren. He was a
gunner in Panzer Regiment 35 when he died of wounds on 29 August 1943
and is buried at Grudskaja, Russia; Himmelskamp’s remains are awaiting
transfer to a German war cemetery. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13
September 1943.

3201. Oberst Heino Reichsführer von KÜNSBERGWEIDENBERG
Reichsführer von Künsberg-Weidenberg was born on 2 September 1905 in
Speyer. He was commander of Grenadier Regiment 188 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 16 September 1943. Von Künsberg-Weidenberg died on
29 January 1984 and is buried in Ascona Cimitero, Switzerland.

3202. Major Ernst KÖNIG
König was born on 12 August 1908 in Fulda. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in October 1940. König was
commander of Grenadier Regiment 12 when he was awarded the Knight’s
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Cross on 16 September 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 21 September
1944. He was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. König died on 3
March 1986 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof, Göttingen, Lower Saxony.

3203. Major Peter SCHÄGGER
Schägger was born on 24 November 1914 in Obersöchering. He was
commander of Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 23 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 16 September 1943. Schägger was killed in action near
Kriwoi Rog, Russia, on 15 November 1943 and has no known grave.

3204. Hauptmann Friedrich von KOENEN
Von Koenen was born in Danzig on 28 January 1916. He was living in South
Africa and rushed back to Germany to enlist. Von Koenen spent some time in
the Abwehr before joining a Brandenburg unit in North Africa. His first
operations were in early 1942 at Trigh el Abd and Bir Hakeim. On 10 and 15
July 1942, his men cut the railway line near El Alamein. The paved road from
Qattara Well to Egypt was also blown up.
On 26 December 1942, von Koenen led a glider attack on the railway
bridge at Sidi bou Bakr. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16
September 1943. He later saw action in Greece and Yugoslavia. He was killed
in action on 20 April 1944 when his car was ambushed; the partisans rushed
the car, shot him, and ripped the Knight’s Cross from his neck as he lay dying.
Von Koenen is buried at Kraljevo, Serbia; his remains are awaiting transfer to
a German war cemetery.

3205. Hauptmann Hellmut SCHMIDT
Schmidt was born on 1 February 1913 in Lüben. He was a company
commander in Panzer Regiment 10 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 16 September 1943. Schmidt died on 9 January 1996 in Essen, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

3206. Hauptmann Hermann VICINIUS

584

Vicinius was born on 23 April 1907 in Odernheim. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 866, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 16 September 1943. Vicinius died on 8 March 1971 in Murnau, Bavaria.

3207. Major Wilhelm KIESER
Kieser was born on 12 March 1905 in Tauberbischofsheim. He was
commander of II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 313, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 16 September 1943. Kieser died on 14 March 1976 and
is believed to be buried in Delkenheim Friedhof, Wiesbaden, Hesse.

3208. Obergefreiter Gerhard KUNERT
Kunert was born on 17 February 1920 in Heidau. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in February and the 1st Class in July 1943. Kunert was a
section leader in Panzergrenadier Regiment 33 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 16 September 1943. He was killed in action on 31 August
1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Saldus,
Latvia. He was awarded the Oak Leaves on 4 October 1944.

3209. Obergefreiter Paul WEISS
Weiss was born on 29 June 1913 in Kirchenthumbach. He was a section leader
in Grenadier Regiment 481 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16
September 1943. Weiss died as a POW at Uryupinsk, Russia, on 25 April 1945
and has no known grave.

3210. Oberst Hans BOELSEN
Boelsen was born on 6 March 1894 in Emden. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Boelsen was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in May 1940 and the 1st Class in
June 1941. He was commander of Panzergrenadier Regiment 111 when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 September 1943. Boelsen died on 24
October 1960 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Block B, Grave 212B, Frankfurt
am Main.

585

3211. Oberst Hermann HESSLER
Hessler was commander of Grenadier Regiment 286 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 17 September 1943. He was deselected for the award by
historian Walther-Peer Fellgiebel without reason. It is not known when Hessler
died.

3212. Oberst Hermann KESSLER
Kessler was born on 16 August 1899 in Rosario de Santa Fe, Argentina. He
was commander of Grenadier Regiment 192 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 17 September 1943. Kessler died on 11 January 1968 in
Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate.

3213. Hauptmann Karl BIEG
Bieg was born on 13 September 1909 in Hessental. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in September 1941. Bieg was
commander of II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 868, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 17 September 1943. He died on 12 October 1993 and is
buried in Weingarten Friedhof, Baden-Württemberg.

3214. SS-Obersturmführer Johannes GÖHLER—‘Hannes’
Göhler was born on 15 September 1918 in Bichofswerda. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in October 1941 and the 1st Class in January 1942.
Göhler was a squadron commander in SS-Cavalry Regiment 1 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 September 1943. He died on 21 February
2003 and is believed to be buried in Stadtfriedhof, Bayreuth, Bavaria.

3215. SS-Obersturmführer Willy GRIEME
Grieme was born on 4 October 1914 in Triest, Austria-Hungary. He was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class in December 1941. Grieme was a
company commander in SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment ‘Der Führer’ when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 September 1943. He died on 31 July
2005 in Fohnsdorf, Austria.
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3216. Leutnant Elimar MEYER
Meyer was born on 31 December 1916 in Darmstadt. He was a glider pilot in
Luftandegeschwader 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17
September 1943. Meyer died on 12 November 1996 and is believed to be
buried in Ohlsdorf Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

3217. Unteroffizier Heinz PIEPER
Pieper was born on 25 July 1916 in Hanover. He was a gun commander in
Panzer Jäger Battalion 19 when he died of wounds during the withdrawal
from Kursk on 7 September 1943 and has no known grave. Pieper was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 September 1943.

3218. Hauptmann Heinz PAULUSSEN
Paulussen was born on 23 January 1920 in Bautzen. He was commander of
Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 18 when he was killed in action near
Wjasma, Russia, on 7 September 1943 and is believed to be buried in the
German War Cemetery (as unknown), Duchowschtschina, Russia. Paulussen
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 September 1943.

3219. Hauptmann Edel-Heinrich ZACHARIAELINGENTHAL (later changed to Edel LINGENTHAL)
Zachariae-Lingenthal was born on 19 April 1916 in Hanover. He was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in July
1940. Zachariae-Lingenthal was commander of II Battalion, Panzer Regiment
15, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 September 1943. He died
on 30 March 1998 and is believed to be buried in Waldfriedhof, Bad Honnef,
North Rhine-Westphalia. His father-in-law was Erich von Manstein.

3220. Oberfeldwebel Franz GAPP
Gapp was born on 8 July 1919 in Erbach. He was a pilot in Bomber Wing 6
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 September 1943. Gapp went

587

on to fly the Me 262 jet fighter and shot down several B-24 bombers and at
least one P-38 Lightning. He died on 8 September 2015 in Berlin.

3221. Oberfeldwebel Gerhard GERTLER
Gertler was born on 4 October 1914 in Frankenberg. He was a platoon leader
in Jäger Regiment 83 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18
September 1943. Gertler died on 18 March 1994 in Lage, North RhineWestphalia.

3222. Sanitäts-Feldwebel Rudolf BÄCKER
Bäcker was born on 21 February 1914 in Erndtebrück. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in August 1941 and the 1st Class in January 1942.
Bäcker was serving in II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 36, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 September 1943. He died on 3 September
2005 and is buried in Erndtebrück Friedhof, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3223. Oberst Johannes SCHULZ
Schulz was born on 23 October 1892 in Kaltenborn. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Schulz
was commander of Panzergrenadier Regiment 10 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 19 September 1943. He was killed in action on 27
November 1943 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 12, Row 3,
Grave 162, Kirovohrad, Ukraine.

3224. Oberstleutnant Joachim SANDER
Sander was born on 7 August 1898 in Wernigerode. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Sander
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in September and the 1st Class
in October 1939.
He was commander of Panzer Regiment 23 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 19 September 1943. Sander was killed in action on 3
November 1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 6, Row 11,

588

Grave 817, Insterburg, Russia. He was awarded the Oak Leaves on 5
February 1945.

3225. Major Helmuth ORLOWSKI
Orlowski was born on 7 October 1914 in Reddern. He was a group
commander in Long Range Reconnaissance Group 122 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 19 September 1943. Orlowski was killed in action near
Pescaria, Italy, on 8 November 1943 and has no known grave.

3226. Major Carl SCHLOTTMANN
Schlottmann was born on 31 July 1898 in Metz. He was commander of
Pioneer Battalion 168 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
September 1943. Schlottmann was posted missing near Tarnopol, Russia, on 1
March 1944.

3227. Hauptmann Heinrich GERLACH
Gerlach was born on 18 December 1912 in Liegnitz. He was a pilot in XI
Fliegerkorps when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 September 1943
for his part in the rescue of Mussolini. Gerlach died on 20 October 1993 in
Helsa, Hesse.

3228. Hauptmann Hermann HENLE
Henle was born on 10 July 1916 in Traunstein. He was commander of II
Battalion, Werfer Regiment 70, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
19 September 43. Henle died on 16 March 2008 in Herrsching, Bavaria.

3229. Hauptmann Hermann-Gustav JOCHIMS
Jochims was born on 8 August 1909 in St Annen. He fought in Poland, was
wounded, and awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. In France, he was wounded
again. Jochims took part in the invasion of Russia and was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st Class in July 1941 after knocking out several tanks. He fought at
Kursk in 1943 and was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 September 1943.
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In January 1944, Jochims was sent to Paris for training as a battalion
commander, but was soon back on the Russian Front where his unit was
encircled at Kamenez-Podolsk. It did not take long to break-out. Jochims had
personally knocked-out nine enemy tanks and was wounded fifteen times
before being killed on 28 April 1945. He was also awarded the Close Combat
Clasp in Gold, the Wound Badge in Gold, and nine Tank Destruction Badges.
He is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block N, Row 8, Grave 49, BerlinPlötzensee.

3230. Hauptmann Karl KENNEL
Kennel was born on 17 January 1914 in Pirmasens. He was a squadron leader
in Close Support Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s cross on 19
September 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 25 November 1944. Kennel
shot down thirty-four enemy aircraft and is believed to have shot down the
Russian ace Nikolay Abramashvili on 30 November 1942. He died on 1 July
1999 in Pirmasens, Rhineland-Palatinate.

3231. Hauptmann Heinz RICHTER
Richter was born on 3 February 1913 in Dorfehemnitz. He was a group
commander in Bomber Wing 77 when he was killed in action at Prague on 2
June 1943 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Row 1, Grave 10,
Kusel, Rhineland-Palatinate. Richter was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
September 1943.

3232. Oberleutnant Heinz-Edger BERRES
Berres was born on 10 January 1920 in Koblenz. He was a squadron leader in
Fighter Wing 77 when he was killed in action over the Straits of Messina,
Sicily, on 25 July 1943; his body was not recovered. Berries was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 19 September 1943, with fifty-two victories to his credit.

3233. Oberleutnant Lothar LINKE
Linke was born on 23 October 1909 in Liegnitz. He was a squadron leader in
Night Fighter Wing 1 when he was killed in action on 14 May 1943 and is
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buried in the German War Cemetery, Block AR, Row 4, Grave 92,
Timmermansweg, Ysselsteyn, the Netherlands. Linke was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 19 September 1943, with twenty-seven victories to his
credit.

3234. Oberleutnant Günther LÖFFELBEIN
Löffelbein was born on 6 June 1919 in Cuxhaven. He was a squadron leader
in Fighter Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 September
1943. Löffelbein died on 29 January 2011 and is believed to be buried in
Lindenberg Friedhof, Siegen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3235. Oberleutnant Waldemar LUTSCH
Lutsch was born on 17 August 1918 in Graz, Austria-Hungary. He was a
squadron leader in Reconnaissance Group 121 when he was posted missing
over Dieppe, France, on 4 September 1943 and awarded the Knight’s Cross on
19 September 1943.

3236. Leutnant Hans KRUMMINGA
Krumminga was born on 6 May 1920 in Bokel. He was a pilot in Dive
Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 September
1943. Krumminga was killed in action while taking off on 28 November 1943
and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 15 (as unknown),
Kirovohrad, Ukraine.

3237. Leutnant Dieter MUND
Mund was born on 16 March 1922 in Hildesheim. He was a company
commander in Panzer Jäger Battalion 61 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 19 September 1943. Mund died of wounds on 23 November 1943
and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 12, Row 2, Grave 104,
Kirovohrad, Ukraine.

3238. Oberfeldwebel Kurt PLENZAT
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Plenzat was born on 17 January 1914 in Insterburg. His first combat mission
was during the Battle of Britain flying a Stuka dive bomber. Plenzat also took
part in the Balkans campaign and the invasion of Crete, but it was in Russia
that he really started to do well. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
September 1943 after flying 652 missions. The Oak Leaves were awarded on
24 January 1945 after 1,000 missions. In total, Plenzat flew 1,234 missions,
shot down four enemy aircraft, and knocked-out around eighty tanks. He was
also shot down himself seven times. Plenzat died on 17 November 1998 in
Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3239. Feldwebel Hans DÖBRICH
Döbrich was born on 24 March 1916 in Sonneberg. He was a pilot in Fighter
Wing 5 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 September 1943. He
shot down sixty-five enemy aircraft and had another nineteen unconfirmed.
He was also shot down himself at least twice, and on one occasion, it took
him seven days to return to his unit. Döbrich’s flying career ended when he
was seriously wounded in the face. He died on 6 April 1984 and is buried in
Zentralfriedhof, Vienna.

3240. Feldwebel Georg GRANSEE
Gransee was born on 29 June 1917 in Berkenbrügge. He was a platoon leader
in Panzer Regiment 31 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
September 1943. Gransee was killed in action on 23 January 1945 and is
believed to be buried in the Gross Nädlitz German War Cemetery (as
unknown), Nadolice Wielkie, near Wroclaw, Poland.

3241. Feldwebel Heinz VINKE
Vinke was born on 22 May 1920 in Barby. A night fighter pilot, his first
victory was on 27 February 1942 when he shot down an RAF bomber. Vinke
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 September 1943 with twenty-seven
victories to his credit. He was posted missing over the English Channel on 26
February 1944 during a search and rescue mission. Vinke was awarded the
Oak Leaves on 25 April 1944. He had shot down fifty-four aircraft, all at
night.
592

3242. Obergefreiter Heinrich KAUP
Kaup was born on 25 July 1912 in Brenkhausen. He was serving in Grenadier
Regiment 184 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 September
1943. Kaup died on 22 April 1999 in Brenkhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3243. Kapitänleutnant August MAUS
Maus was born on 7 February 1915 in Wuppertal. He served as watch officer
under Merten on U-68 before commissioning U-185 on 13 June 1942. During
his first patrol, he sank the British ship Peter Maersk, but his next attack was
frustrated by torpedo failure. Maus attacked convoy KG123 between Key
West and Guantanamo, sinking two good sized sailing ships as well as the
tanker Virginia Sinclair. On 6 April, in the same area, he sank the 7,176-ton
steamer John Servier.
On his next patrol, Maus attacked convoy BT18, firing at five ships and
sinking three, a fourth was damaged. His last success was the 7,133-ton Fort
Halkett. On 24 August 1943, he was attacked by aircraft from the carrier
Core and sunk; Maus and some of the crew were taken prisoner. He was
awarded the Knight’s on 21 September 1943. Maus died on 28 September
1996 and his ashes were scattered in Ohlsdorf Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse,
Hamburg.

3244. Major Franz von MENTZ
Von Mentz was born on 11 May 1908 in Düsseldorf. He was commander of
Panzergrenadier Regiment 40 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
September 1944. Von Mentz died on 6 May 1999 and is believed to be buried
in Nottuln Friedhof, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3245. Rittmeister Helmut von MOLTKE
Von Moltke was born on 12 September 1916 in Berlin. He was commander of
Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 19 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 22 September 1943. Von Moltke died on 22 May 2006 in GarmischPartenkirchen, Bavaria.

593

3246. Feldwebel Walter ROHDE
Rohde was born on 8 July 1917 in Kriescht. He was a platoon leader in
Panzergrenadier Regiment 25 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
September 1943. Rohde was killed in action at Tschernaja-Retschka, Russia,
on 13 February 1944 and has no known grave.

3247. Unteroffizier Bernhard WALTERBACH
Walterbach was born on 30 October 1918 in Rheine. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in December 1941 and the 1st Class in December 1942.
Walterbach was a platoon leader in Pioneer Battalion 253 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 September 1943. He died on 26 July 1997
and is buried in Königsesch Friedhof, Rheine, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3248. Major Adolf ABEL
Abel was born on 18 October 1914 in Gerdt. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in June and the 1st Class in October 1940. Abel was commander of
I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 264, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 23 September 1943. He was killed in action near Gura Galbenei, Moldova,
on 26 August 1944 and has no known grave.

3249. Major Rudolf IHDE
Ihde was born on 14 March 1915 in Buchholz. He was commander of I
Battalion, Assault Regiment 195, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
23 September 1943. Ihde died of wounds on 8 February 1945 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Grave 636, Seelow, Brandenburg.

3250. Major Hans-Gunnar SCHWIEGER
Schwieger was born on 25 September 1910 in Lubeck. He was commander of
Division Fusilier Battalion 72 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23
September 1943. Schwieger died on 23 May 1994 and is believed to be buried
in Waldfriedhof, Munich.

594

3251. Hauptmann Otto HAFNER
Hafner was born on 16 March 1914 in Munich. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 61 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 23 September 1943. Hafner died on 5 November 2006 in Gmünd,
Baden-Württemberg.

3252. Wachtmeister Otto DIEM
Diem was born on 13 July 1917 in Benshausen. He was a gun commander in
Reconnaissance Battalion 9 when he was killed in action on 8 August 1943
and is buried at Apscheronsk, Russia; Diem’s remains are awaiting transfer to
a German war cemetery. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 September
1943.

3253. Wachtmeister Benedikt FÜRGUTH (or FÜRGUT)
Fürguth was born on 26 January 1915 in Illerbeuren. He was a forward
observer in Artillery Regiment 7 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
23 September 1943. Fürguth was killed in action near Orel, Russia, on 23
October 1943 and has no known grave.

3254. Oberfeldwebel Georg ESCHENBACHER
Eschenbacher was born on 6 November 1914 in Welschenkahl. He was a
platoon leader in Grenadier Regiment 451 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 24 September 1943. Eschenbacher was killed in action on 9 January
1944 and is believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Berjosa, Belarus.

3255. Oberfeldwebel Willi FROST
Frost was born on 2 April 1915 in Goldberg. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Regiment 15 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
September 1943. Frost died of wounds on 24 January 1945 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Row 25, Grave 1066, Kastel, Hesse.

595

3256. Oberfeldwebel Erich HORAK
Horak was born on 29 September 1916 in Vienna. He was a platoon leader in
Fusilier Regiment 68 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
September 1943. Horak died on 27 April 1995 and is buried in
Zentralfriedhof, Vienna.

3257. Gefreiter Arnold REINHARDT
Reinhardt was born on 10 May 1921 in Tornesch. He was a section leader in
Grenadier Regiment 166 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24
September 1943. Reinhardt died on 10 February 1970 in Tornesch, SchleswigHolstein.

3258. Oberst Peter KÖRTE
Körte was born on 26 June 1896 in Berlin. He fought in the First World War
and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Körte was
commander of Fusilier Regiment 26 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 27 September 1943. He died on 13 January 1947 and is buried in Ummeln
Friedhof, Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3259. Hauptmann Ernst-Albrecht HÜCKEL
Hückel was born on 23 September 1919 in Wriezen. He was commander of
Panzer Pioneer Battalion ‘GD’ when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27
September 1943. Hückel died on 24 December 1996 and is believed to be
buried in Zentralfriedhof, Erkelenz, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3260. Leutnant Heinz STEINBACH
Steinbach was born on 21 July 1920 in Möllenbeck. He was a platoon leader
in Panzer Pioneer Battalion 19. Steinbach died of wounds near Charkow,
Russia, on 22 August 1943 and has no known grave. Steinbach was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 27 September 1943.

596

3261. Oberfeldwebel Heinrich LODTKA
Lodtka was born on 24 April 1915 in Berlin. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 82 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27
September 1943. Lodtka died of wounds on 4 January 1944 and is buried at
Bobruisk, Belarus; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war
cemetery.

3262. Gefreiter Heinz GOLDBERG
Goldberg was born on 16 July 1921 in Brandenburg. He was a gunner in
Artillery Regiment 333 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27
September 1943. Goldberg died on 20 August 1992 in Hanover.

3263. Major Hans MICHAELIS
Michaelis was born on 10 September 1910 in Hesedorf. He was commander
of Grenadier Regiment 184 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28
September 1943. Michaelis died on 26 May 2000 and is buried in the village
cemetery, Hesedorf, near Bremen.

3264. Oberleutnant Karl FRÖHLICH
Fröhlich was born on 22 December 1914 in Mettkau. He was a company
commander in Panzer Battalion 18 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 28 September 1943. Fröhlich died on 22 August 1986 in Berlin.

3265. Oberfeldwebel Walter MOHR
Mohr was born on 5 July 1914 in Heftrich. He was a platoon leader in II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 313, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 28 September 1943. Mohr died on 16 December 2005 and is believed to be
buried in Idstein Friedhof, Hesse.

3266. Generalleutnant Helmuth HUFFMANN

597

Huffmann was born on 31 July 1891 in Werden. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Huffmann
was commander of 62nd Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 30 September 1943. He died on 9 December 1975 and is buried in
Rüngsdorf Friedhof, Abt VI, Grave 482–483, Bad Godesberg, North RhineWestphalia.

3267. Major Karl WARNHOFF
Warnhoff was born on 10 February 1902 in Stolp. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 587 when he was killed in action near Charkow, Russia,
on 2 September 1943 and has no known grave. Warnhoff was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 30 September 1943.

3268. Oberleutnant Josef HERBST
Herbst was born on 29 January 1915 in Kattowitz. He was a company
commander in Fusilier Regiment ‘GD’ when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 30 September 1943. Herbst died on 20 August 1995 in St Augustine,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

3269. Leutnant Ernst KLEINSCHMIDT
Kleinschmidt was born on 13 August 1917 in Ottmachau. He was adjutant in
Panzergrenadier Regiment 111 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30
September 1943. Kleinschmidt was killed in action near Berlin on 26 April
1945 and has no known grave.

3270. Oberfeldwebel Heinz GRAEBER
Graeber was born on 12 July 1918 in Berlin. He was a radio operator in
Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 September
1943. Graeber died on 4 July 1999 and his ashes were scattered in Ohlsdorf
Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

3271. Unteroffizier Heinz ROTHHARDT
598

Rothardt was born on 11 February 1921 in Erfurt. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 11 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 30 September 1943. Rothardt died on 8 August 2011 in Essen, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

3272. Oberleutnant Willi WECHSUNG
Wechsung was born on 29 December 1913 in Lockhausen. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 426 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 1 October 1943. Wechsung died on 22 March 2001 and is buried in
Hasefriedhof, Osnabrück, Lower Saxony.

3273. Leutnant Gerhard MILBRADT
Milbradt was born on 31 March 1918 in Ruhbein. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 532 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 1 October 1943. Milbradt was posted missing near Bobruisk, Russia,
during June 1944.

3274. Major Lothar ZAHN
Zahn was born on 20 September 1911 in Posen. He was commander of III
Battalion, Motorised Grenadier Regiment 30, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 2 October 1943. Zahn died on 10 February 1989 in
Osnabrück, Lower Saxony.

3275. Hauptmann Gerhard KORTHALS
Korthals was born on 22 June 1914 in Berlin. He was a squadron leader in
Bomber Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 October
1942. Korthals was killed in action near Aéroport de Lorient, France, on 3
November 1942 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 9, Row 16,
Grave 382, Chemin de la Gruche, Pornichet, near St Nazaire, France.

3276. Hauptmann Hinrich STRATEMANN

599

Stratemann was born on 3 December 1915 in Jarssum. He was a company
commander in Motorised Grenadier Regiment 76 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 2 October 1943. Stratemann died on 26 July 1995 in
Emden, Lower Saxony.

3277. Unteroffizier Rudolf de BUHR
De Buhr was born on 23 January 1917 in Aurich. He was a section leader in
Motorised Infantry Regiment 76 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
2 October 1943. De Buhr died on 18 January 1994 in Aurich, Lower Saxony.

3278. Generalleutnant Emilio Esteban INFANTES (Spanish
Blue Division)
Infantes was born on 18 May 1892 in Toledo, Spain. He fought in the Rif War
in Morocco and the Spanish Civil War. In December 1942, he took command
of the Spanish Blue Division outside of Leningrad. During a major Russian
offensive to break the siege of Leningrad in February 1943, the division was
attacked; outnumbered seven to one, it held position. For this, he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross, but he had to wait until 3 October 1943.
Recalled to Spain, he took no further part in the war. He is the author of
Blue Division: Spanish Volunteers on the Eastern Front, published in 1958.
Infantes died after a long illness on 6 September 1962 and is believed to be
buried in Cementario de Ceares, Gijón, Spain.

3279. Oberst Ulrich IFFLAND
Iffland was born on 30 April 1898 in Turowo. He was commander of Fusilier
Regiment 22 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 October 1943.
Iffland was killed in action near Novgorod, Russia, on 18 November 1943
and has no known grave.

3280. Major Eugen BRECHT
Brecht was born on 23 April 1912 in Welzheim. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in September 1941. Brecht

600

was serving on the staff of 131st Infantry Division when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 3 October 1943. He was posted missing near Krugloje,
Russia, on 27 June 1944.

3281. Oberleutnant Bodo SPRANZ
Spranz was born in Nordhausen on 1 January 1920. He joined the army in
1938 and saw service in Poland, France, and Russia with Assault-Gun Brigade
237. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves on 3 October 1943.
He was one of only four men to receive the Oak Leaves at the same time as the
Knight’s Cross, and two of these were political awards.
He was also awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class, the Wound Badge
in Gold, and Four Tank Destruction Badges for individual destruction of an
enemy tank. He died on 1 September 2007 and is believed to be buried in
Riensberg Friedhof, Bremen.

3282. SS-Hauptscharführer Kurt FRANKE
Franke was born on 13 June 1913 in Wurzen. He fought in France, being
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in June 1940; he was also wounded. Franke
took part in the invasion of Russia, and while having great success at first, his
division was encircled before Leningrad, where he was wounded for the third
time. Flown out for treatment, he rejoined his unit in France. The SSTotenkopf was sent back to Russia in January 1943. In the fighting around
Kharkov, Franke was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class in May 1943.
After Kursk, the division was sent to the Mius River. With just a handful
of men, Franke held a bridgehead over the Merla against overwhelming odds.
For this action, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 October 1943. He
was also warded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold. Franke fought all through
the defensive battles of 1944 and was killed in action on 19 January 1945 and
is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 2, Row 4, Grave 96, Veszprem,
Hungary.

3283. Hauptmann Herbert FRANKE
Franke was born on 28 December 1916 in Glatz. He was commander of I
Battalion, Artillery Regiment 162, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
601

on 5 October 1943. Franke died on 14 June 1972 in Bad Godesberg, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

3284. Oberfeldwebel Anton BAYER
Bayer was born on 30 May 1914 in Hamburg. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1940 and the 1st Class in October 1941. Bayer
was a platoon leader in Grenadier Regiment 19 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 5 October 1943. He died on 7 July 1996 in Hohenwarth,
Bavaria.

3285. Generalmajor Edmund HOFFMEISTER
Hoffmeister was born on 4 March 1893 in Aschaffenburg. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Hoffmeister was commander of 383rd Infantry Division when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 October 1943. He was captured on 1 July
1944. He died in Russia while still a POW in March 1951 and has no known
grave.

3286. Major Fritz FECHNER
Fechner was born on 16 December 1913 in Danzig. He awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1940. Fechner was
commander of III Battalion, Panzer Regiment 23, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 6 October 1943. He died on 6 April 1990 in Tübingen,
Baden-Württemberg.

3287. Major Guido von WARTENBERG
Von Wartenberg was born on 14 August 1904 in Neuruppin. He was
commander of Panzergrenadier Regiment 111 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 6 October 1943. Von Wartenberg died of wounds on 16
September 1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery (Forest
Cemetery/Waldfriedhof) (as unknown), Riga, Latvia.

602

3288. Hauptmann Hermann SCHARNAGEL
Scharnagel was born on 26 May 1914 in Dischingen. He was commander of
Pioneer Battalion 173 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 October
1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 30 September 1944. Scharnagel was killed
in action near Sebastopol on 8 May 1944 and has no known grave.

3289. Hauptmann Ludwig FRANZ
Franz was born on 3 September 1915 in Schramberg. He was commander of I
Battalion, Motorised Grenadier Regiment 35, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 8 October 1943. Franz was killed in action near Minsk,
Russia, on 5 July 1944 and has no known grave.

3290. Hauptmann Erwin LANGE
Lange was born on 19 March 1913 in Rützenhagen. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 698, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 8 October 1943. Lange died of wounds as a POW on 18 May 1945 and is
buried at Dolnyslask/Opole, Poland; his remains are awaiting transfer to a
German war cemetery.

3291. Oberleutnant Walter ELFLEIN
Elflein was born on 10 December 1914 in Neustadt. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in December 1939 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Elflein was
a company commander in Grenadier Regiment 95 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 8 October 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 5 December
1943. The Wound Badge in Gold was awarded the same day. He died on 30
December 2000 and is buried in Neustadt Friedhof, Coburg, Bavaria.

3292. Oberleutnant Otto GAILLINGER
Gaillinger was born on 18 November 1912 in Rottenburg. He was a company
commander in Infantry Battalion 500 when he was killed in action on 29
September 1943 and is buried at Solowjewka/Zaporozhye, Ukraine;

603

Gaillinger’s remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. He was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 October 1943.

3293. Oberleutnant Adolf HOYER
Hoyer was a born on 17 July 1915 in Johnsdorf, Austria-Hungary. He was
company commander in Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 120 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 October 1943. Hoyer was killed in action at
Kiev, Russia, on 4 November 1943 and has no known grave.

3294. Oberfeldwebel Balthasar HEFTER
Hefter was born on 10 July 1912 in Miesbach. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Battalion 18 when he died of wounds near Orel, Russia, on 28 July
1943 and has no known grave. Hefter was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8
October 1943.

3295. SS-Oberscharführer Josef LAINER—‘Sepp’
Lainer was born on 13 March 1920 in Brixen, Austria. He fought in the
Netherlands, Belgium, and France during 1940. Lainer took part in the
invasion of Russia and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class before Moscow.
In the space of two hours, he was wounded three times, spending several
months in hospital. It was not until early 1943 that Lainer returned to the
front. Awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class at Kiev in February, he was wounded
again but refused to leave the front for long.
On 15 August 1943, Lainer was at Kharkov where his men turned back
repeated attacks by infantry and armour over five days; wounded for the sixth
time, Lainer was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 October 1943 for this
action. He also was awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold and the Wound
Badge in Gold. In January 1944, Lainer fought at Kamenez-Podolsk before
being moved to the Western Front. Captured by US forces in August, he
escaped but was recaptured two days later. Released in 1946, he was illegally
imprisoned by the French and made to clear mines. Lainer escaped from there
too. He died on 4 September 2002 and is buried in Zentralfriedhof, Vienna.

604

3296. Unteroffizier Ferdinand WEGERER
Wegerer was born on 9 August 1917 in Neusiedl, Austria-Hungary. He was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in August 1941.
Wegerer was a platoon leader in Panzergrenadier Regiment 10 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 8 October 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on
4 June 1944. He died on 8 December 1999 and is buried in Pernitz Friedhof,
Austria.

3297. Obergefreiter Erich SCHMITT
Schmitt was born on 16 May 1920 in Weilher-Mörlenbach. He was a section
leader in Grenadier Regiment 118 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
8 October 1943. Schmitt died on 29 March 2002 and is buried in
Waldfriedhof, Viernheim, Hesse.

3298. Major Friedrich-Wilhelm REINKE
Reinke was born on 25 December 1908 in Stettin. He was commander of I
Battalion, Flak Regiment 9, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9
October 1943. Reinke died on 10 August 1986 in Hamburg.

3299. Hauptmann Karl-Heinrich MATERN
Matern was born on 20 Febraury 1919 in Althof. He was a group commander
in Heavy Fighter Wing 1 when he was killed in action over Brest, France, on 8
October 1943 and has no known grave. Matern was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 9 October 1943.

3300. Hauptmann Hermann MICHAEL
Michael was born on 13 November 1918 in Weissenstadt. He was a squadron
leader in Bomber Wing 1 when he was killed in action on 5 July 1943 and has
no known grave. Michael was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 October 1943.

3301. Oberleutnant Walter GRASEMANN
605

Grasemann was born on 3 July 1917 in Hamburg. He was a squadron leader
in Bomber Wing 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 October
1943. Grasemann died on 26 November 2007 and is buried in Waldfriedhof,
Fürstenfeldbrück, Bavaria.

3302. Oberleutnant Heinz JUNGCLAUSEN
Jungclausen was born on 7 March 1919 in Klein Eschenbruch. He was a
squadron leader in Dive Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 9 October 1943. Jungclausen was killed in action over Boppard,
Germany, on 26 December 1944 and has no known grave. He had flown over
1,000 missions.

3303. Oberleutnant Franz ROKA
Roka was born on 22 March 1918 in Ferdinandsberg, Austria-Hungary. He
was a squadron leader in Dive Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 9 October 1943. Roka was posted missing at Mohilew,
Russia, on 21 October 1943.

3304. Oberleutnant Robert SEIB
Seib was born on 21 September 1919 in Windhuk, German West Africa. He
was a squadron leader in Bomber Wing 55 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 9 October 1943. Seib died on 23 April 1948 and is believed to be
buried in Plumstead Cemetery, Cape Town, South Africa.

3305. Oberleutnant Bruno TILEBEIN
Tilebein was born on 9 July 1910 in Mammendorf. He was an observer and
staff officer in Bomber Wing 4 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9
October 1943. Tilebein died on 2 May 2001 and is believed to be buried in
Hasefriedhof, Osnabrück, Lower Saxony.

3306. Leutnant Günther MÜLLER

606

Müller was born on 27 January 1921 in Rastatt. He was a squadron leader in
Close Support Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 October
1943. Müller was killed in action near Ploiești, Romania, on 23 June 1944
and has no known grave.

3307. Oberfeldwebel Johann BOOS
Boos was born on 1 August 1915 in Ney. He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd
Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in April 1941. Boos was a pilot in
Bomber Wing 55 when he was shot down on 16 May 1943 and captured by
the Russians three days later. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9
October 1943. Boss was released in 1948 and learned of the award for the
first time. He died on 20 December 2003 in Kratzenburg, RhinelandPalatinate.

3308. Oberst Karl ARNING
Arning was born on 10 February 1892 in Berlin. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Arning was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in September and the 1st Class in
October 1939. He was commander of Grenadier Regiment 24 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 11 October 1943. Arning died on 17
November 1964 and is buried in Ohlsdorf Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse,
Hamburg.

3309. Major Hans KRAH
Krah was born on 22 May 1916 in Wiesloch. He was commander of I
Battalion, Fusilier Regiment 34, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
11 October 1943. Krah was killed in action on 21 July 1944 and is buried at
Rudka, Poland; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.

3310. Hauptmann Wilhelm RÜNGELER
Rüngeler was born on 11 November 1914 in Unna. He was commander of
Assault Battalion 178 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 11 October

607

1943. Rüngeler died on 16 October 2001 in Arnsberg, North RhineWestphalia.

3311. Hauptmann Ludwig WEISSMÜLLER
Weissmüller was born on 31 March 1915 in Metz. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 462, when he was killed in action at Ljadzo,
Russia, on 18 August 1943 and has no known grave. Weissmüller was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 11 October 1943.

3312. Oberleutnant Anton GLASL
Glasl was born on 13 February 1897 in Freising. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Glasl was
commander of Mountain Jäger Regiment 100 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 11 October 1943. He died on 17 April 1965 in Mühldorf
am Inn, Bavaria.

3313. Stabsfeldwebel Heinrich GATH
Gath was born on 2 September 1911 in Hirschhausen. He was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 11 October 1943 for action at the Dnieper Line. Gath also
fought in Normandy and the Ardennes Offensive before surrendering at Fulda,
Germany, in April 1945. Gath died on 5 May 1986 in Hirschhausen, Hesse.

3314. Obergefreiter Otto RIESS (also spelt RICHS)
Riess was born on 12 August 1921 in Marienbad. He was a gun commander
in Grenadier Regiment 55 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 11
October 1943. Riess died on 29 May 2008 in Frankfurt am Main.

3315. Major Richard METZGER
Metzger was born on 6 February 1912 in Mainz. He was commander of
Infantry Battalion 561 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12
October 1943. Metzger was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. He was

608

captured by the Russians in June 1944 and held until 1955. He died on 8
December 1982 and is believed to be buried in Südfriedhof, Wiesbaden, Hesse.

3316. Hauptmann Max KLÜVER
Klüver was born on 22 April 1909 in Hamburg. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June and the 1st Class in July 1940. Klüver was
commander of I Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 40, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 October 1943. He died on 31 December
1998 and is buried in Plön Friedhof, Schleswig-Holstein.

3317. Oberleutnant Hermann AMMER
Ammer was born on 8 March 1914 in Mamming. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in October 1941. Ammer was
commander of II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 62, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 12 October 1943. He died on 9 December 2000 and is
buried in Vilshofen Friedhof, Passau, Bavaria.

3318. Oberleutnant Joachim DOMASCHK
Domaschk was born on 20 May 1914 in Dresden. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June and the 1st Class in October 1940. Domaschk was
commander of I Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 108, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 October 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on
11 June 1944. He was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. Domaschk
died on 21 June 1986 in Hanover.

3319. Oberleutnant Alois EDING
Eding was born on 20 October 1914 in Munich. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 19 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 12 October 1943. Eding died on 16 July 1956 and is buried in
Waldfriedhof, Munich.

3320. Leutnant Bernhard SOWADA
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Sowada was born on 13 August 1920 in Schönkirch. He was a platoon leader
in Assault-Gun Battalion 237 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12
October 1943. Sowada was killed in action on 25 December 1944 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Gyor, Hungary.

3321. Oberjäger Karl OBERKIRCHER
Oberkircher was born on 10 December 1916 in Oberbexbach. He was a
section leader in Mountain Jäger Regiment 218 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 12 October 1943. Oberkircher died on 28 November 1976
in Oberbexbach, Saarland

3322. Hauptmann Joachim BORRMANN
Borrmann was born on 28 July 1914 in Cottbus. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in August 1941. Borrmann
was commander of III Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 427, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 October 1943. He died on 2 October 2003
and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Hanau, Hesse.

3323. SS-Hauptsturmführer Rudolf SÄUMENICHT
Säumenicht was born on 13 February 1916 in Harburg. He was a company
commander in SS-Panzer Regiment 3 when, without orders, he led a
counterattack to halt an enemy breakthrough, which resulted in the
destruction of over forty Russian tanks for the loss of two of his own. For this
action, Säumenicht was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 October 1943. He
was killed in action on 26 August 1944 and is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Modlin, near Warsaw, Poland.

3324. Hauptmann Hans WIENKE
Wienke was born on 23 February 1907 in Berlin. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 196, when he was killed in action near
Charkow, Russia, on 13 August 1943 and has no known grave. Wienke was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 13 October 1943.

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3325. Oberst Kurt LOTTNER
Lottner was born on 10 October 1899 in Hamm. He fought in the First Wold
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Lottner was
commander of Infantry Regiment 111 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 14 October 1943. He died on 15 March 1957 in Bad Schwartau,
Schleswig-Holstein.

3326. SS-Sturmbannführer Ernst SCHÄFER
Schäfer was born on 16 December 1913 in Neuruppin. He was commander of
III Battalion, SS-Motorised Grenadier Regiment 10, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 14 October 1943. Schäfer died on 15 March 1975 and is
buried in Petersfriedhof, Salzburg, Austria.

611

3327. SS-Obersturmführer Hans (or Hans-Karl) DREXEL
Drexel was born on 22 November 1919 in Dettenhausen. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in November 1941. Drexel was
commander of II Battalion, SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 10, when he
destroyed a Russian attack at Boiki in September 1943. For this action, he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 October 1943. He died on 12 April 1962
and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg.

3328. SS-Obersturmführer Berndtlubich von MILOVAN (or
Berndt LUBICH von MILOVAN)
Von Milovan was born on 7 December 1913 in Riga, Latvia. He was a
company commander in SS-Assault-Gun Battalion 3 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 14 October 1943. Von Milovan died on 17 April 2006 in
Moss, Norway.

3329. Leutnant Walter BUSCH
Busch was born on 25 April 1908 in Lieberhausen. He was a company
commander in Infantry Battalion 561 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 14 October 1943. Busch died on 25 June 1964 and is buried in
Grotenbach Friedhof, Gummersbach, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3330. SS-Hauptscharführer Paul TRABANDT
Trabandt was born on 24 October 1913 in Reinfeld. He was a platoon leader
in SS-Panzer Jäger Battalion ‘Viking’ when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 14 October 1943. Trabandt died on 27 July 1991 and is believed to be
buried in Städtischer Friedhof, Ahrensburg, Schleswig-Holstein.

3331. Hauptmann Max-Georg KRONER
Kroner was born on 14 May 1912 in Erlangen. He was commander of III
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 463, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross

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on 17 October 1943. Kroner died on 18 June 1973 and is believed to be
buried in Zentralfriedhof, Erlangen, Bavaria.

3332. Oberst Gerhard SCHMIDHUBER
Schmidhuber was born on 9 April 1894 in Dresden. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Schmidhuber was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in September
1939 and the 1st Class in June 1940. He was commander of Panzergrenadier
Regiment 304 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 October 1943.
In 1944, he was made supreme commander of the German Army in
Hungary. As such, he was able to prevent the liquidation of the Jewish ghetto
in the face of the advancing Red Army. Schmidhuber was awarded the Oak
Leaves on 21 January 1945. He was killed in action on 11 February 1945 and
is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 1 (as unknown), Budaörs,
Hungary.

3333. Major Otto FRANK
Frank was born on 20 November 1916 in Ludwigshafen. He was commander
of I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 278, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 18 October 1943. Frank died on 10 May 1968 and is buried in
Ostfriedhof, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3334. Hauptmann Heinz MOTHES
Mothes was born on 13 September 1914 in Berlin. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 3, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
18 October 1943. Mothes died on 19 November 1987 in Heidenheim, BadenWürttemberg.

3335. Hauptmann Joachim QUASSOWSKI
Quassowski was born on 8 January 1914 in Reichensee. He was commander
of II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 484, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 18 October 1943. Quassowski was killed in action near Brünn on 30
April 1945 and has no known grave.
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3336. Hauptmann Emil RENTSCHLER
Rentschler was born on 29 March 1912 in Schorndorf. His division missed the
start of the French campaign, only being committed in June 1940, but for his
part, Rentschler was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. He fought in Russia,
all the way to the gates of Moscow, was wounded, and was awarded the Iron
Cross 1st Class. His wound kept him away from the front until the summer of
1942, and on his return, he fought his way to Stalingrad. Luckily, his unit was
outside of the pocket formed by the Russian counteroffensive.
After the withdrawal, Rentschler did not see action again until May 1943.
Wounded three times in as many months, he knocked-out several enemy tanks
at Nowo Alexandrowka, showing his personal leadership skills. He withdrew
his men from the Selenyj Heights while under attack from a company of T-34
tanks. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 October 1943.
Rentschler was also awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold, the Wound
Badge in Gold, and two Tank Destruction Badges. Sent to a training and
replacement unit, he did not see action again until July 1944 where he was
wounded for the seventh time. Rentschler was recommended for the Oak
Leaves for his fighting in East Prussia during the spring of 1945. However, due
to a typographic error, the award went to Helmut Renschler (no ‘t’), and
although this was known before the end of the war, the error was never put
right. Rentschler died on 28 December 1984 and is believed to be buried in
Pliensau Friedhof, Esslingen am Neckar, Baden-Württemberg.

3337. Hauptmann Rudolf ZETTLER
Zettler was born on 19 May 1916 in Munich. He was commander of AssaultGun Battalion 667 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 October
1943. Zettler was killed in action near Minsk, Russia, on 27 June 1944 and
has no known grave.

3338. Oberleutnant Franz KECHT
Kecht was born on 25 April 1914 in Chieming. He was commander of III
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 70, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 18 October 1943. Kecht died form wounds on 25 October 1943 and is

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believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Kirovohrad,
Ukraine.

3339. Oberleutnant Arno TAULIEN
Taulien was born on 15 April 1919 in Preussisch-Eylau. He was a company
commander in Panzer Regiment 6 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
18 October 1943. Taulien died on 19 September 1989 and is believed to be
buried in Alter Friedhof, Bonn.

3340. Wachtmeister Paul WEGENER
Wegener was born on 7 September 1920 in Berlin. He was serving in AssaultGun Battalion 237 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 October
1943. Wegener died on 5 July 1997 in Berlin.

3341. Feldwebel Kaspar WITTKAMP
Wittkamp was born on 23 February 1915 in Bergisch Gladbach. He was
serving in Grenadier Regiment 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
18 October 1943. Wittkamp died on 29 May 1958 in Cologne, North RhineWestphalia.

3342. Oberleutnant zur See Dietrich SCHÖNEBOOM
Schöneboom was born in Amdorf on 9 December 1917. He commanded U-58
briefly before taking over U-431. In January 1943, he sailed on his first patrol
in the Mediterranean Sea. On 23 January, he sank the 100-ton Egyptian
sailing ship Alexandria. Then, on 23 January, he came across a number of
sailing ships, three of which he sank with gunfire. On 26 March, Schöneboom
attacked a convoy, firing at three ships, hitting two and sinking the 6,415-ton
City of Perth. Off Cape Tres Forcas, he fired at a group of warships and three
hits were heard on a Frobisher-class cruiser. After this attack, he was heavily
depth charged.
On 22 August, U-431 fired at an Aurora-class cruiser north-west of
Palermo; the ship came to a halt and another explosion was heard five minutes
later. In October, he fired at an 8,000-ton ship, one hit being heard. He was
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awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 October 1943. U-431 was sunk by the
British submarine Ultimatum south-west of Marseille on 30 October 1943;
there were no survivors.

3343. Oberst Richard KOTZ
Kotz was born on 12 September 1886 in Waldau. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). He was
commander of Grenadier Regiment 289 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 21 October 1943. Kotz died on 8 June 1960 and is buried in Neuer
Friedhof, Feld 22, Grave 22–23, Linzer Strasse, Bad Honnef, North RhineWestphalia.

3344. Oberstleutnant Hanns LAENGENFELDER
Laengenfelder was born on 8 February 1903 in Nuremberg. He was
commander of Grenadier Regiment 106 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 21 October 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 30 April 1945. He
died on 18 July 1982 and is believed to be buried in Westfriedhof, Nuremberg.

3345. Hauptmann Helmut FRINK
Frink was born on 28 June 1919 in Diez. He was a company commander in
Artillery Regiment 251 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21
October 1943. Frink was killed in action on 30 August 1943 near Lake
Velikije, Russia, and has no known grave.

3346. Hauptmann Rainer WINCKLER
Winckler was born on 3 September 1919 in Battenberg. He was commander
of III Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 57, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 21 October 1943. Winckler was killed in action near Bobriza,
Russia, on 1 November 1943 and has no known grave.

3347. Oberleutnant Georg SCHAUER

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Schauer was born on 20 December 1917 in Würzburg. He was a platoon
leader in Divisions Fusilier Battalion 320 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 21 October 1943. Schauer died of wounds on 13 January 1944 and
is believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Kirovohrad, Ukraine.

3348. Leutnant Franz SCHMID
Schmid was born on 25 June 1918 in Au-Hallertau. He was a company
commander in Schnelle Battalion 306 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 21 October 1943. Schmid died on 15 February 2010.

3349. Oberst Ferdinand HIPPEL
Hippel was born on 4 September 1903 in Gross Bössau. He was commander
of Grenadier Regiment 253 when he awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
October 1943. Hippel died on 18 April 1968 and is buried in Alter Friedhof,
Weissenthurm, Rhineland-Palatinate.

3350. Leutnant Herbert WOLLSCHLAEGER
Wollschlaeger was born on 7 July 1917 in Preussisch Friedland. He was a
battery officer in Artillery Regiment 32 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 22 October 1943. Wollschlaeger died on 4 January 1990 and is
buried in Südfriedhof, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein.

3351. Feldwebel Georg WIRTH
Wirth was born on 13 August 1915 in Hohenknoden. He was a platoon leader
in Grenadier Regiment 21 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
October 1943. Wirth died on 1 July 1992 in Hohenknoden, Bavaria.

3352. Generalleutnant Kurt CHILL
Chill was born on 1 May 1895 in Thorn. He fought in the First World War
and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). Chill was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class (1939) in October 1939 and the 1st Class in July 1941. He
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was commander of 122nd Infantry Division when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 25 October 1943. Chill was captured by the Russians in
May 1945 but escaped and ended up in British hands. He was released in
1947. Chill died on 5 July 1976 in Grömitz, Schleswig-Holstein.

3353. Generalleutnant Ludwig MÜLLER
Müller was born on 28 June 1892 in Zeselberg. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Müller was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in October 1939 and the 1st Class in
May 1940. He was commander of 97th Jäger Division when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 25 October 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 6 April
1944. Müller was captured by the Russians in August 1944 and held until
1955. He died on 28 June 1972 and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Munich.

3354. Generalleutnant Franz WESTHOVEN
Westhoven was born on 7 December 1894 in Ludwigshafen. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Westhoven was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in June and the 1st
Class in July 1940. He was commander of 3rd Panzer Division when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 October 1943. Westhoven died on 9
October 1983 and is buried in Ohlsdorf Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse,
Hamburg.

3355. Oberstleutnant Artur WANKE
Wanke was born on 24 June 1901 in Idaweiche/Kattowitz. He was
commander of Grenadier Regiment 680 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 25 October 1943. Wanke died on 2 March 1987 and is believed to
be buried in Stadtfriedhof, Celle, Lower Saxony.

3356. Leutnant Hans BARTKOWIAK
Bartkowiak was born on 8 March 1917 in Görlitz. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July 1940 and the 1st Class in September 1941.
Bartkowiak was a platoon leader in Motorised Grenadier Regiment 30 when
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he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 October 1943. He died on 15 April
1985 in Waldkappel, Hesse.

3357. Oberwachtmeister Karl BECHER
Becher was born on 15 September 1916 in Bayreuth. He was a battery officer
in Artillery Regiment 125 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25
October 1943. Becher died on 10 May 2007 in Sulzberg-Laufen, Bavaria.

3358. Oberfeldwebel Walter WRIEDT
Wriedt was born on 10 December 1911 in Kiel. He fought in Poland, Norway,
and took part in the invasion of Russia from Finland. Moved to the southern
front in August 1942, Wriedt was a platoon leader in Mountain Jäger
Regiment 138 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 October 1943.
He spent the remainder of the war on the Russian Front, surrendering in May
1945. Wriedt died on 7 June 1997 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Am Stadion
1, Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate.

3359. Oberst Gerhard WEBER
Weber was born on 21 March 1898 in Merseburg. He was commander of
Motorised Grenadier Regiment 41 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 26 October 1943. He was killed in action at Kulpanka, Russia, on 13
January 1944 and has no known grave.

3360. Oberstleutnant Johannes HOPPE
Hoppe was born on 12 November 1896 in Peterswalde. He was commander
of Panzergrenadier Regiment 12 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
26 October 1943. Hoppe was killed in action on 26 January 1944 and is
buried at Salesje/Ptich, Belarus; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German
war cemetery.

3361. Hauptmann Paul KAZMEIER

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Kazmeier was born on 24 October 1909 in Prevorst. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 420, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 26 October 1943. Kazmeier died on 16 July 1994 in Stuttgart, BadenWürttemberg.

3362. Hauptmann Günter LIETHMANN
Liethmann was born on 10 July 1918 in Düsseldorf. He was a company
commander in Assault-Gun Battalion 237 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 26 October 1943. Liethmann died on 11 August 1999 and is buried
in Nordfriedhof, Hilden, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3363. Hauptmann Emil MÖLLER
Möller was born on 19 November 1916 in Bielefeld. He fought during the
campaign in the West, was wounded in the chest (close to the heart), and was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Möller was awarded the Iron Cross 1st
Class for the fighting in the Balkans in April 1941, Russia, and Crimea in
April 1942, and Möller had already been awarded the Wound Badge in Gold
for his seven wounds. Despite this, he rarely left the front. Wounded twice
more in front of Sebastopol, Möller, still only an Oberleutnant, was often
found commanding a battalion.
Möller was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26 October 1943 for action at
Orel. He was also awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold, the Wound
Badge in Gold, and one Tank Destruction Badge. Trapped in the Tscherkassy
Pocket, Möller was able to fight his way out, although wounded. At Baranow
during the winter of 1944–45, Möller was in another encirclement but was
wounded for the thirteenth time and flown out. He died on 10 July 1993 and
is believed to be buried in Sennefriedhof, Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3364. Oberwachtmeister Ludwig BECKMANN
Beckmann was born on 16 May 1915 in Hassloch. He was an artillery
observer in Panzer Artillery Regiment 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 26 October 1943. Beckmann was posted missing near Galina,
Russia, during June 1943.

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3365. Wachtmeister Adolf STÜCK
Stück was born on 11 March 1915 in Rodebach. He was a forward observer
in Artillery Regiment 251 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26
October 1943. Stück died on 31 October 1984 in Bad Soden-Allendorf, Hesse.

3366. Unteroffizier Karl HOFER
Hofer was born on 17 December 1919 in Nuremberg. He was a platoon
leader in Panzer Jäger Battalion 49 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 26 October 1943. Hofer died on 5 November 1973 and is believed to be
buried in Westfriedhof, Nuremberg.

3367. Obergefreiter Willi SCHAFFNER
Schaffner was born on 24 November 1920 in Dentlein. He was serving in
Grenadier Regiment 61 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26
October 1943. Schaffner was posted missing near Pułtusk, Poland, on 4
September 1944.

3368. Generalleutnant Hans KAMECKE
Kamecke was born on 18 August 1890 in Halberstadt. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Kamecke was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in January and the 1st
Class in June 1940. He was commander of 137th Infantry Division when he
was killed in action on 16 October 1943 and is buried at Ostrowy/Lojew,
Belarus; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. Kamecke
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 October 1943.

3369. Generalleutnant Arthur KULLMER
Kullmer was born on 17 August 1896 in Gross Bockenheim. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Kullmer was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in May and the 1st
Class in July 1940. He was commander of 296th Infantry Division when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 October 1943. The Oak Leaves
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followed on 28 February 1945. Kullmer died in Russians hands on 28 March
1953 and is buried in the POW camp cemetery at Sverdlovsk, Russia.

3370. Generalleutnant Albert PRAUN
Praun was born on 11 December 1894 in Staffelstein. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Praun
was commander of 129th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 27 October 1943. In 1950, France requested Praun to be extradited
for war crimes, but this was refused due to lack of evidence. He died on 3
March 1975 and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Munich.

3371. Hauptmann Wilhelm DREWES
Drewes was born on 26 May 1907 in Ilster. He was commander of I Battalion,
Panzergrenadier Regiment 13, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27
October 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 20 April 1944. Drewes died on
14 July 1982 and is buried in Riensberg Friedhof, Bremen.

3372. Hauptmann Karl HEILAND
Heiland was born on 24 February 1916 in Erlangen. He was commander of III
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 55, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 27 October 1943. Heiland was killed in action on 30 September 1943 and
is buried at Nikopol, Ukraine; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German
war cemetery.

3373. Hauptmann Friedrich-Wilhelm WANDEL
Wandel was born on 24 July 1915 in Kaldau. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 347, when he died of wounds on 26 October
1943 at Bottissow, Russia, and has no known grave. Wandel was awarded the
Knight’s Cross the next day.

3374. Oberleutnant Ferdinand KUESTER

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Kuester was born on 24 March 1914 in Elsenborn, Belgium. He was a
company commander in Grenadier Regiment 58 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 27 October 1943. Kuester was killed in action at the Warka
bridgehead on 14 January 1945 and has no known grave.

3375. Oberleutnant Carl-August LANDFERMANN
Landfermann was born in Dortmund on 3 July 1914. He served on U-38
before transferring to U-181 as leading engineer under Wolfgang Lüth. There
followed a series of brilliant feats in November 1942, which enabled the Uboat to return to base. Landfermann was with Lüth on the second longest Uboat patrol, 206 days from March to October 1943. After which, Lüth
recommended him for an award for his great technical achievements, and he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27 October 1943. His last service position
was as instructor in the Close Support Wing Front. He died on 18 November
2003 in Hagen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3376. Leutnant Dietrich HECHT
Hecht was born on 17 November 1915 in Kreuzburg. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 666 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 27 October 1943. Hecht died on 27 April 1994 in SchleswigHolstein.

3377. Oberfeldwebel Ernst KROHN
Krohn was born on 30 August 1911 in Klonofken. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 505 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 27
October 1943. Krohn was killed in action near Kielce, Poland, during January
1945 and has no known grave.

3378. Korvettenkapitän Franz KOHLAUF
Kohlauf was born on 3 December 1910 in Klosterbeuren. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in December 1939 and the 1st Class in April 1940.
Kohlauf was commander of T-Boat Flotilla 4 when, on 22–23 October 1943,
the British cruiser HMS Charybdis and the escort destroyer HMS Limbourne
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were sunk, for no loss. For this action, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
29 October 1943.
He was killed in action in the Bay of St Malo on 26 April 1944 when his
boat, T-29, was sunk by HMCS Haida; Kohlauf is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Block 13, Row 3, Grave 91, Route de Kerivoal, PloudanielLesneven, Bretagne, France.

3379. Oberstleutnant Walter LEHWESS-LITZMANN
Lehwess-Litzmann was born on 5 June 1907 in Bromberg. He was
commander of Bomber Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
29 October 1943. Lehwess-Litzmann died on 16 September 1986 in Wildau,
Berlin.

3380. Major Klaus NOCKEN
Nocken was born on 30 November 1916 in Krefeld. He was a group
commander in Bomber Wing 26 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
29 October 1943. Nocken was killed in action on 16 May 1945 and is buried
in the German War Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof), Brno, Czech Republic.

3381. Major Karl-Heinz SCHOMANN
Schomann was born on 14 June 1914 in Lubeck. He was a group commander
in Close Support Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29
October 1943. Schomann died on 21 August 2006 in Molfsee, SchleswigHolstein.

3382. Hauptmann Walter KIPFMÜLLER
Kipfmüller was born on 3 March 1920 in Munich. He was a squadron leader
in Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 October
1943. Kipfmüller died on 13 January 1991 in Munich.

3383. Oberleutnant Heinz JENTE

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Jente was born on 13 January 1919 in Lübbenau. He was a squadron leader in
Bomber Wing 26 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 October
1943. Jente died on 9 October 1986 in Mühldorf, Bavaria.

3384. Oberleutnant Hans-Theo MOSSGRABER
Mossgraber was born on 23 August 1918 in Pollensa. He was a squadron
leader in Bomber Wing 3 when he was killed in action near Šablykino, Russia,
on 27 November 1942 and has no known grave. Mossgraber was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 29 October 1943.

3385. Leutnant Ludwig HAMMER
Hammer was born on 25 May 1914 in Tagensdorf, Austria-Hungary. He was
a pilot and observer in Reconnaissance Wing 12 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 29 October 1943. Hammer died on 31 December 1994 and
is buried in Anif Parish Cemetery, near Salzburg, Austria.

3386. Leutnant Erich HARTMANN—‘Bubi’
Hartmann was born on 19 April 1922 in Weissach. He qualified as an
advanced glider pilot and instructor at the age of fifteen. Hartmann went to
Russia as a fighter pilot in October 1941 and shot down his first enemy
aircraft in November. By April 1943, he had gained only seven victories—not
a great start for the man who would become the highest scoring ace of all
time. By July, this had increased to thirty-four victories.
In August 1943, he shot down forty-nine enemy aircraft. On 20 September
1943, he shot down his 100th opponent. With his tally at 148, Hartmann was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 October 1943. After a short leave, he was
back at the front, and on 2 March 1944, he shot down ten enemy aircraft,
bringing his total to 202 victories and the awarded of the Oak Leaves on the
same day. He was presented with the Oak Leaves at Berchtesgaden with a
number of other pilots, all of whom were drunk by the time they arrived. After
some attempts at sobering up, Hartmann put on an officer’s cap only to be
told it belonged to Hitler.
With his score at 239, he was awarded the Swords on 2 July 1944. During
July and August 1944, he brought down another seventy-eight aircraft, and
625

his 300th on 23 August. Two days later, he was awarded the Diamonds. On
17 April 1945, he was credited with his 350th victory. Hartmann’s last victory
was on 8 May 1945 when he shot down his 352nd enemy aircraft, more than
any other pilot. Hartmann was shot down himself sixteen times. He was
known by the Russians as ‘The Black Devil of the South’. Hartmann spent ten
years in Russian hands after the war. He died on 19 September 1993 and is
buried Neuer Friedhof, Weil im Schönbuch, Baden-Württemberg.

3387. Leutnant Günther SCHACK
Schack was born on 12 November 1917 in Bartenstein. He shot down his first
enemy aircraft on 23 July 1941. He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in
August 1941 and the 1st Class in June 1942. Schack’s score increased very
slowly—his third victory only coming after 100 combat missions in November
1941. By the time his unit was re-equipped with the Fw 190 in November
1942, he had only shot down eighteen enemy aircraft. Things started to get
better from then on, however. On his first mission in the Fw 190 on 17
December 1942, he shot down five aircraft and four more followed on 29
January 1943. On 1 April 1943, with his tally at forty-eight, he was sent home
to train new pilots.
Returning to the front in July 1943, Schack shot down ten aircraft that
month and a further forty in August. His 100th came in September and he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 October 1943. He was awarded the Oak
Leaves on 20 April 1944 with his score at 133. Schack ended the war with
174 victories to his credit and was shot down himself fifteen times. He died on
14 June 2003 and is buried in St Johannes Friedhof, Nideggen, North RhineWestphalia.

3388. Oberfeldwebel Otto KITTEL—‘Bruno’ or ‘Butcher
Killer’
Kittel was born on 21 February 1917 in Kronsdorf, Sudetenland,
Czechoslovakia. He flew in the Balkans campaign but failed to shoot down
any enemy aircraft. Kittel took part in the invasion of Russia and shot down
his first enemy aircraft on the opening day of the campaign, 22 June 1941. He
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class on 30 June, having shot down three
aircraft, and the 1st Class in October 1941. Kittel’s victory tally was slow at
626

first, but by the end of February 1943, he had scored thirty-nine aerial
victories, and by mid-March, this had gone up to forty-six.
In March 1943, Kittel crash landed behind enemy line after his engine
failed, but managed to make his way back to German lines. On 3 May 1943,
he was shot down by the rear gunner of an enemy bomber. Kittel shot down
his fiftieth aircraft on 10 June 1943. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29
October 1943 with his tally at 123 victories. In November 1943, he was sent
to train new pilots, not returning to the front until March 1944. Kittel shot
down his 150th enemy aircraft on 8 April and was awarded the Oak Leaves
on 11 April 1944. He continued to shoot down Russian aircraft, reaching 200
in August. With his tally at 264, Kittel was awarded the Swords on 25
November 1944. On 14 (some say 16) February 1945, Kittel shot down a
Sturmovik but was himself shot down. Kittel is buried at Sabile, Latvia; his
remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. His final score was
267. Kittel was the most successful German fighter pilot to be killed in action.
He shot down so many Sturmoviks that he was known as the Butcher Killer,
Butcher being the name the Germans gave to the Sturmovik.

3389. Oberfeldwebel Friedrich KRALEMANN
Kralemann was born on 25 December 1914 in Beckum. He was a pilot in
Bomber Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 29 October
1943. Kralemann was killed in action on 10 December 1943 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Grave 1, Beckum, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3390. Oberst Rudolf BACHERER
Bacherer was born on 19 June 1895 in Pforzheim. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Bacherer was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in June and the 1st Class in
September 1940. He was commander of Grenadier Regiment 234 when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 October 1943. The Oak Leaves
followed on 11 August 1944. Bacherer was captured by the Americans after
the fall of St Malo. He died on 6 July 1964 and is buried in Bad Krozingen
Friedhof, Baden-Württemberg.

627

3391. Oberstleutnant Helmuth HUFENBACH
Hufenbach was born on 27 February 1908 in Rüstersiel. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in September and the 1st Class in October 1939.
Hufenbach was commander of Grenadier Regiment 667 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 October 1943. He was killed in action near
Heiligenbeil, East Prussia, on 27 March 1945 and has no known grave.
Hufenbach was awarded the Oak Leaves the next day.

3392. Hauptmann Julius GRUND
Grund was born on 23 July 1912 in Vienna. He was commander of I
Battalion, Mountain Regiment 138, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 30 October 1943. Grund died on 5 May 1985 in Klagenfurt, Austria.

3393. Hauptmann Karl (often misspelt Carl) THIEME
Thieme was born on 28 May 1914 in Wesermünde-Lehe. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in April 1941. Thieme
was commander of I Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 110, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 October 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on
23 October 1944 as commander of Panzergrenadier Regiment 111. Thieme
was awarded the Swords on 9 May 1945 (this award was made in accordance
with the Dönitz-Decree). He was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold.
Thieme died on 6 June 2004 in Langen, Hesse.

3394. Oberleutnant Max JOHNE
Johne was born on 7 July 1919 in Schönfeld. He was a company commander
in Grenadier Regiment 667 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30
October 1943. Johne was killed in action on 2 April 1945 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery (as unknown), Važec, Slovakia.

3395. Leutnant Walter SCHELLHASE
Schellhase was born on 6 July 1920 in Pähl. He was a battery officer in Werfer
Regiment 52 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 October 1943.
628

Schellhase died on 23 April 2004 in St Englmar-Rettenbach, Bavaria.

3396. Feldwebel Willy KEIPP
Keipp was born on 13 October 1917 in Erkelenz. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 124 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30
October 1943. Keipp died on 11 April 1996 and is believed to be buried in
Neuer Friedhof, Hetzerath, Rhineland-Palatinate.

3397. SS-Oberscharführer Alfred NOWAK
Nowak was born on 1 August 1920 in Dinklage. He was a platoon leader in
SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 1 when he was killed in action near
Klimenkowke, Russia, on 13 September 1943 and has no known grave.
Nowak was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 November 1943.

3398. General Friedrich MIETH
Mieth was born on 4 June 1888 in Eberswalde. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Mieth was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in October 1939 and the 1st Class in
February 1940. He was commander of IV Army Corps when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 2 November 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 1
March 1944. Mieth was killed in action on 2 September 1944 and is buried at
Vutcani, Romania; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war
cemetery.

3399. Oberst Max ULICH
Ulich was born on 25 March 1896 in Berlin. He fought in the First World War
and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Ulich was
commander of Motorised Grenadier Regiment 15 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 2 November 1943. He died on 8 May 1996 and is buried in
Bergfriedhof, Bad Reichenhall, Bavaria.

3400. Hauptmann Siegfried FACKLER
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Fackler was born on 25 August 1914 in Rückersdorf. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 521 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 2 November 1943. Fackler was killed in action on 27 June 1944 and
is buried at Bobruisk, Russia; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German
war cemetery.

3401. Oberleutnant Armin PREISS
Preiss was born on 25 November 1913 in Ziegenhals. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 520 when he was killed in action at
Bryansk, Russia, on 30 September 1943 and has no known grave. Preiss was
awarded the Knight’s Cross 2 November 1943.

3402. Leutnant Fritz RUNGE
Runge was born on 6 April 1908 in Schivelbein, Yugoslavia. He was
commander of II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 532, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 2 November 1943. Runge died on 16 September 1990 in
Schotten, Hesse.

3403. Unteroffizier Heinrich ENGEL
Engel was born on 29 April 1914 in Sonneberg. He was a platoon leader in
Assault-Gun Battalion 259 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2
November 1943. Engel died on 15 December 2004 in Sonneberg, Thuringia.

3404. Obergefreiter Friedrich GLASER
Glaser was born on 13 November 1920 in Hambach. He was a gunner in
Grenadier Regiment 253 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2
November 1944. Glaser died on 16 March 1999 in Neustadt an der
Weinstrasse, Rhineland-Palatinate.

3405. Major Wilhelm NÄDELE
Nädele was born on 21 April 1903 in Nehren. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 460, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
630

on 4 November 1943. Nädele was killed in action near Tschapskowa, Russia,
on 6 July 1944 and has no known grave.

3406. Hauptmann Karl PABST
Pabst was born on 2 April 1914 in Schlotheim. He was commander of III
Battalion, Mountain Artillery Regiment 112, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 4 November 1943. Pabst died on 7 May 1985 and is
believed to be buried in Zentralfriedhof, Idar-Oberstein, Rhineland-Palatinate.

3407. Oberleutnant Karl-Arthur APITZSCH
Apitzsch was born on 25 October 1920 in Neustettin. He was an observer in
Artillery Regiment 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4 November
1943. Apitzsch was killed in action near Stalingrad in early 1943 and has no
known grave.

3408. Oberleutnant Heinz SCHRÖDER
Schröder was born on 6 January 1920 in Rendsburg. He was a company
commander in Artillery Regiment 260 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 4 November 1943. Schröder was posted missing near Orša, Russia,
during July 1944.

3409. Oberfeldwebel Xaver BITTL
Bittl was born on 18 November 1915 in Buchenhüll. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1940 and the 1st Class in July 1943. Bittl was a
platoon leader in Grenadier Regiment 423 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 4 November 1943. He was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold.
Bittl was killed in action on 16 May 1944 and is buried in the German War
Cemetery (Forest Cemetery/Waldfriedhof) (as unknown), Riga, Latvia.

3410. Oberfeldwebel Edwin EBINGER
Ebinger was born on 13 January 1914 in Heidelberg. He was a platoon leader
in Mountain Jäger Regiment 13 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4
631

November 1943. Ebinger died of wounds on 4 March 1944 and is believed to
be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Kiev, Ukraine.

3411. Oberfeldwebel Friedrich FLUHS
Fluhs was born on 26 August 1912 in Gnutz. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 255 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4
November 1943. Fluhs was killed in action during July 1944 and is buried at
Minsk, Belarus; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.

3412. Unteroffizier Otto LOOSE
Loose was born on 20 May 1920 in Heinrichsdorf. He was a gun commander
in Grenadier Regiment 507 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 4
November 1943. Loose was KIA on 27 July 1944 and is believed to be buried
in Ohlsdorf Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

3413. Major Rudolf HALLENSLEBEN
Hallensleben was born on 2 June 1916 in Uelzen. He was commander of
Bomber Wing 76 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 November
1943. Hallensleben was killed in action on 19 April 1945 and is believed to be
buried in Riedheim Friedhof, Leipheim, Bavaria.

3414. Generalleutnant Werner GOERITZ
Goeritz was born on 9 March 1892 in Braunschweig. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Goeritz
was commander of 291st Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 6 November 1943. He died on 27 May 1958 and is buried in
Waldfriedhof, Bad Tölz, Bavaria.

3415. Generalmajor Ernst-August ROTH
Roth was born on 19 April 1898 in Potsdam. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). Roth was
Fliegerführer Nord when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 November
632

1943. He died on 26 September 1975 and is buried in Evangelischer Friedhof,
Feld W, Grave 1482/14, Ahrensburg, Schleswig-Holstein.

3416. Oberst Andreas von AULOCK
Von Aulock was born on 23 March 1893 in Kochelsdorf. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in November 1939 and the
1st Class in June 1940. Von Aulock was commander of Grenadier Regiment
226 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 November 1943 for action
in the Kuban bridgehead.
He was awarded the Oak Leaves on 16 August 1944 as commander of
Fortress St Malo. Von Aulock surrendered to the Americans the next day. He
died on 23 June 1968 in Wiesbaden, Hesse.

3417. Oberst Friedrich BLÜMKE
Blümke was born on 18 February 1898 in Rahnwerder. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Blümke
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in September and the 1st Class
in October 1939. He was commander of Grenadier Regiment 347 when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6 November 1943. Blümke died of
wounds as a Russian POW near Odessa on 4 September 1944 and has no
known grave.

3418. Oberst Paul KEISER
Keiser was born on 8 February 1894 in Hagen. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 326 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6
November 1943. Keiser died on 25 June 1981 in Ludwigshafen, RhinelandPalatinate.

3419. Oberstleutnant Siegfried GROTHEER
Grotheer was born on 3 July 1907 in Hochlar. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 464 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6

633

November 1943. Grotheer died on 17 December 1991 in Solingen, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

3420. Major Leopold BARTL
Bartl was born on 31 March 1902 in Rehberg, Austria-Hungary. He was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in June
1940. Bartl was commander of Pioneer Battalion 335 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 6 November 1943. He died on 4 April 1980 and is
buried in Krems Friedhof, Austria.

3421. Hauptmann Willy WICHERT
Wichert was born on 8 March 1918 in Mehlsack. He was a company
commander in Divisions Fusilier Battalion 291 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 6 November 1943. Wichert died of wounds near Tarnopol,
Russia, on 10 March 1944 and has no known grave.

3422. Oberfeldwebel Zeslaus MONTREAL
Montreal was born on 4 April 1912 in Gladbeck. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 445 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 6
November 1943. Montreal was killed in action on 21 January 1945 and is
buried at Szczytno, Poland; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war
cemetery.

3423. Major Karl FREWER
Frewer was born on 21 July 1908 in Hembsen. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 167, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 12 November 1943. Frewer died of wounds on 6 March 1945 and is
buried in Städtischer Friedhof (German War Cemetery), Fled B, Row 5, Grave
21, Stubenrauch Strasse, Tempelhof, Berlin.

3424. Major Ernst STOCK

634

Stock was born on 14 December 1908 in Wiesdorf. He was commander in
Grenadier Regiment 849 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12
November 1943. Stock was killed in action at Prut, Romania, on 28 August
1944 and has no known grave.

3425. Hauptmann Heinrich JUNG
Jung was born on 15 August 1912 in Offenbach. He was a group commander
in Fighter Wing 54 when he was killed in action on 30 July 1943 and is buried
at Mga, Russia; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.
Jung was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 November 1943.

3426. SS-Hauptsturmführer Dieter KESTEN
Kesten was born on 9 June 1914 in Gelsenkirchen. He was a company
commander in SS-Panzer Regiment 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 12 November 1943 for his part in the battles around Kursk and Kharkov.
Kesten was killed in action on 3 April 1945 and is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Block 3, Row 1, Grave 59, Blumau, Austria.

3427. Hauptmann Hans-Jörg NAUMANN
Naumann was born on 8 January 1918 in Strassburg. He was commander of
Field Replacement Battalion 172 when he was killed in action near
Perejasslaw, Russia, on 13 October 1943 and has no known grave. Naumann
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 November 1943.

3428. Hauptmann Franz Reichsführer von STERNBACH
Reichsführer von Sternbach was born on 14 February 1913 in Innsbruck,
Austria-Hungary. He was commander of III Battalion, Grenadier Regiment
688, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 November 1943. Von
Sternbach died of wounds at Krapiwna, Russia, on 21 November 1943 and is
believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Schatkowo,
Belarus.

635

3429. Hauptmann Ewald-Günther TROST
Trost was born on 27 April 1911 in Nieder-Jeutz. He was a squadron leader in
Bomber Wing 26 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 November
1943. Trost died on 26 June 1999 in Insel Norderney, Lower Saxony.

3430. Hauptmann Walter WESTENBERGER
Westenberger was born on 17 March 1914 in Nattkischken. He was
commander of I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 255, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 12 November 1943. Westenberger was posted missing near
Minsk, Russia, during July 1944.

3431. Oberleutnant Karl-Heinz WEBER—‘Benjamin’
Weber was born on 30 January 1922 in Heringsdorf. He shot down his first
enemy aircraft on 24 June 1941. Weber was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class
in July and the 1st Class in August 1941. He was a squadron leader in Fighter
Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 November 1943.
Weber was posted missing over Normandy on 7 June 1944 and was awarded
the Oak Leaves on 20 July 1944. He is credited with 136 victories.

3432. Leutnant Hans HASELBACH
Haselbach was born on 11 Febraury 1910 in Berlin. He was a pilot in Bomber
Wing 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 November 1943.
Haselbach was posted missing near Fastov, Russia, on 28 December 1943.

3433. Leutnant Helmuth SPRUNG
Sprung was born on 27 November 1921 in Hilders. He was
a pilot in Bomber Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 12 November 1943. Sprung died on 14 October
1955 and is believed to be buried in Südfriedhof, Bonn.

636

3434. Leutnant Rudolf WEINELT
Weinelt was born on 16 April 1917 in Motzdorf, Austria-Hungary. He was a
company commander in Panzer Pioneer Battalion 19 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 12 November 1943. Weinelt died on 2 July 1996 and is
believed to be buried in Stadtfriedhof, Gmelinstrasse 20, Tübingen, BadenWürttemberg.

3435. Oberwachtmeister Günter CHRZONSZ (later
changed to CARSTEN)
Chrzonsz was born on 5 October 1914 in Meseritz. He was a platoon leader
in Assault-Gun Battalion 277 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12
November 1943. Chrzonsz died on 31 October 2003 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Friedhofstrasse 1, Landshut, Bavaria.

3436. Oberfeldwebel Albert KELBCH
Kelbch was born on 22 November 1914 in Preussenthal. He was a pilot in
Reconnaissance Wing 120 when he was killed in action on 8 November 1943
and is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Futa Pass, near
Bologna, Italy. Kelbch was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 November 1943.

3437. Oberfeldwebel Emil LÖFFLER
Löffler was born on 23 March 1913 in Zwiefaltendorf. He was a platoon
leader in Grenadier Regiment 460 when he was killed in action on 25 October
1943 and is buried at Asaritschi, Belarus; his remains are awaiting transfer to
a German war cemetery. Löffler was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12
November 1943.

3438. Oberfeldwebel Hubert STRASSL
Strassl was born on 24 May 1918 in Linz, Austria-Hungary. He was a pilot in
Fighter Wing 51 when he was killed in action near Kursk, Russia, on 8 July
1943 and has no known grave. Strassl was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12
November 1943. He is credited with shooting down sixty-seven enemy
637

aircraft; his best day was on 5 July 1943 when he brought down fifteen enemy
aircraft.

3439. Fahnenjunker-Oberfeldwebel Friedrich STANNEK
Stannek was born on 12 January 1921 in Hausdorf. He was an observer in
Reconnaissance Group 12 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12
November 1943. Stannek was killed in action at Sulau on 25 October 1944
and has no known grave.

3440. Feldwebel Gerhard ROTHE
Rothe was born on 11 November 1919 in Schliefen. He was Theodor
Nordmann’s radio operator/rear gunner in Dive Bomber Wing 1 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12 November 1943. Rothe died in an accident
on 3 July 1966 in Diepholz, Lower Saxony.

3441. Feldwebel Heinrich SCHOLLEN
Schollen was born on 22 December 1916 in Aachen. He was a platoon leader
in Panzergrenadier Regiment 14 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
12 November 1943. Schollen died on 19 May 1968 and is believed to be
buried in Ostfriedhof, Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3442. Unteroffizier Günter BARTSCH
Bartsch was born on 22 April 1920 in Triebel. He was a platoon leader in
Panzergrenadier Regiment 110 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12
November 1943. Bartsch died on 6 March 1990 in Vogtareuth, Bavaria.

3443. Unteroffizier Leopold POSCHUSTA
Poschusta was born on 15 November 1919 in Trumau, Austria. He was a
platoon leader in Panzer Fusilier Regiment ‘GD’ when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 12 November 1943. Poschusta was killed in action on 15
November 1943 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 15, Row
25, Grave 3655, Kirovohrad, Ukraine.
638

3444. Unteroffizier Johann PRCHAL
Prchal was born on 20 December 1912 in Untertannowitz, Austria-Hungary.
He was a section leader in Grenadier Regiment 448 when he was posted
missing near Gomel, Russia, on 17 October 1943 and was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 12 November 1943.

3445. Unteroffizier Georg WEISS
Weiss was born on 25 November 1918 in Eger, Austria. He was a section
leader in Grenadier Regiment 521 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
12 November 1943. Weiss died on 13 August 1963 in Nidda, Hesse.

3446. Obergefreiter Richard FOLDENAUER
Foldenauer was born on 24 September 1920 in Altheim. He was a messenger
in Grenadier Regiment 460 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 12
November 1943. Foldenauer was posted missing at Osten on 15 December
1944.

3447. Obergefreiter Georg THUMBECK
Thumbeck was born on 6 October 1921 in Kirchenthumbach. He was a
section leader in Motorised Grenadier Regiment 60 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 12 November 1943. Thumbeck died on 19 September 2004
in Kirchenthumbach, Bavaria.

3448. SS-Obersturmbannführer Heinrich PETERSEN
Petersen was born on 31 March 1904 in Sonderburg. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in June 1940. Petersen was
commander of SS-Mountain Jäger Regiment 1 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 13 November 1943. He killed himself near Prague on 9
May 1945 and has no known grave.

639

3449. SS-Obersturmbannführer Albin Freiherr von
REITZENSTEIN
Freiherr von Reitzenstein was born on 4 March 1911 in Berlin. He was
commander of SS-Panzer Regiment 2 when, during the Battles of Kursk, Mius,
Kharkov, and Kolomak, his regiment was credited with destroying 839 tanks,
eighteen assault guns, and 366 guns. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 13 November 1943. Von Reitzenstein killed himself on 30 November
1943 due to events surrounding the death of a Russian female volunteer. He is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Schitomir, Ukraine.

3450. SS-Hauptsturmführer Siegfried BROSOW
Brosow was born on 10 December 1918 in Steinfelde. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in December 1941.
Brosow was a company commander in SS-Panzer Pioneer Battalion 2 when on
13 September 1943 he led a counterattack with forty-five men using
flamethrowers into the flank of a Russian penetration, routing two enemy
battalions and restoring the line. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 13 November 1943. Brosow was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold.
He died on 18 November 2008 in Oberkotzau, Bavaria.

3451. Oberst Josef HAAS
Haas was born on 24 September 1897 in Amberg. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 485 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14
November 1943. Haas died of wounds on 22 May 1944 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery (as unknown), Sebesh, Russia.

3452. Major Erich LORENZ
Lorenz was born on 31 August 1905 in Wattenscheid. He fought in France
and in Russia on the Leningrad front, where he was awarded the Iron Cross
1st and 2nd Class. He personally knocked-out two tanks in 1942. In October
1943, his battalion fended off large-scale attacks at Lesno and Selenzy, and
despite being wounded for the sixth time, Lorenz stayed with his men; for this,
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 November 1943.
640

Caught up in the Kamenez-Podolsk Pocket in March 1944, Lorenz was
awarded the Oak Leaves on 4 May 1944 for his part in fighting his way out.
He was also awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold, the Wound Badge in
Gold, and two Tank Destruction Badges. Lorenz was recommended for the
Swords in February 1945, but they were not awarded. He died on 10
December 1984 and is believed to be buried in Hauptfriedhof, Bochum, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

3453. Major Karl PILAT
Pilat was born on 12 December 1904 in Zävertitz. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 53, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 14 November 1943. Pilat was posted missing near Orša, Russia, on 27
June 1944 and has no known grave.

3454. Kapitänleutnant Hellmut ROHWEDER
Rohweder was born in Hagen on 17 January 1914. He took part in ten
combat patrols in U-17, U-69, and U-514 as leading engineer. On several
occasions, he kept his boat from sinking. Rohweder joined U-514 on 24
January 1942. Then, on 8 July 1943, U-514 was bombed by British aircraft
off Cape Finistere; Rohweder kept the boat afloat until all the crew were able
to get off. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 November 1943. He died
on 9 February 2008 in Flintbek, Schleswig-Holstein.

3455. Hauptmann Wilhelm BROEFFEL
Broeffel was born on 6 February 1915 in Nienhagen. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in August 1941. Broeffel
was commander of II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 502, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 November 1943. He was killed in action
near Vitebsk, Belarus, on 24 June 1944 and has no known grave.

3456. Rittmeister Hans-Christoph GRIESSBAUER
Griessbauer was born on 5 November 1917 in Hamburg. He was a company
commander in Divisions Fusilier Battalion 58 when he was awarded the
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Knight’s Cross on 14 November 1943. He was killed in action near Nevel,
Russia, two days later and has no known grave.

3457. Leutnant Wilhelm KNAUTH
Knauth was born on 29 January 1916 in Salchendorf. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in November 1940. Knauth
was a company commander in Heavy Panzer Battalion 505 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 November 1943. He was also awarded the
Wound Badge in Gold. Knauth was killed in action on 25 April 1945 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Row 3, Grave 19, Grimburg, RhinelandPalatinate.

3458. Leutnant Hans KUPKA
Kupka was a born on 1 July 1921 in Nuremberg. He was a company
commander in Motorised Grenadier Regiment 20 when he died of wounds on
15 October 1943 and is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Kiev, Ukraine. Kupka was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 November 1943.

3459. Leutnant Walther WALLOWITZ
Wallowitz was born on 7 October 1904 in Königsberg. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 82 when he was killed in action near
Gomel, Russia, on 20 October 1943 and has no known grave. Wallowitz was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 November 1943.

3460. Oberleutnant Wolfgang SCHNEEWEIS
Schneeweis was born on 24 October 1919 in Rodach. He was a pilot in Night
Fighter Group 6 when he was posted missing near Vitebsk, Russia, on 28 July
1943 and has no known grave. Schneeweis was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
15 November 1943.

3461. Oberst Arthur FINGER

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Finger was born on 18 January 1898 in Thorn. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Finger was
commander of Artillery Regiment 306 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 16 November 1943. He was killed in action near Częstochowa
(German: Tschenstochau), Poland, on 27 January 1945 and has no known
grave.

3462. Major Hermann LAMPE
Lampe was born on 11 January 1891 in Ihme. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 419 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16
November 1943. Lampe died on 20 April 1982 in Pattensen, Lower Saxony.

3463. Major Ernst REHM
Rehm was born on 22 December 1913 in Tilsit. He was commander of Panzer
Reconnaissance Battalion 14 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16
November 1943. Rehm died on 4 May 1970 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof,
Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3464. Hauptmann Ernst BUNGE
Bunge was born on 29 May 1914 in Zerbst. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 121, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 16 November 1943. Bunge was killed in action on 12 May 1944 and is
buried at Sebastopol; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war
cemetery.

3465. Hauptmann Werner PIETSCH
Pietsch was born on 21 September 1912 in Berlin. He was a company
commander in Panzer Regiment 39 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 16 November 1943. Pietsch died on 8 February 1956 in EngelbrechtschenWildnis, Schleswig-Holstein.

3466. Oberleutnant Freidrich ARNOLD
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Arnold was born on 10 May 1919 in Karlsruhe. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in August 1941. Arnold was a
platoon leader in Assault-Gun Battalion 237 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 16 November 1943. He died on 1 September 2006 in
Gaienhofen, Baden-Württemberg.

3467. Oberleutnant Heinz KÜNNECKE
Künnecke was born on 14 October 1916 in Berlin. He was a company
commander in Infantry Battalion 500 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 16 November 1943. Künnecke died on 26 January 1969 and is
buried in Blankenese Friedhof, Hamburg.

3468. Oberleutnant Helmuth OTT
Ott was a born on 5 December 1915 in Esch. He was company commander in
Grenadier Regiment 97 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16
November 1943. Ott was killed in action near Brünn on 24 April 1945 and
has no known grave.

3469. Oberleutnant Werner PETERS
Peters was born on 27 December 1914 in Burscheid. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 587, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 16 November 1943. Peters was posted missing near Lemberg, Poland, on
24 August 1944.

3470. Oberleutnant Ernst ZELLER
Zeller was born on 21 October 1918 in Stuttgart. He was a company
commander in Artillery Regiment 114 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 16 November 1943. Zeller was killed in action near Iaşi, Romania,
on 12 August 1944 and has no known grave.

3471. Generalmajor Kurt RÖPKE

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Röpke was born on 29 November 1896 in Solingen. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). He was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) in July 1941. Röpke was
commander of 46th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 17 November 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 14 April 1945. He
died on 21 July 1966 and is buried in Militair Friedhof, Kassel, Hesse.

3472. Hauptmann Engelbert BOCKHOFF
Bockhoff was born on 17 May 1913 in Stadtlohn. He was commander of
Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 9 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 18 November 1943. Bockhoff died on 26 January 2010 in Cologne, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

3473. Hauptmann Johann MUNZ
Munz was born on 12 September 1910 in Ulm. He was commander of Pioneer
Battalion 387 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18 November
1943. Munz died on 23 February 1994 and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Senden,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

3474. Hauptmann Rudolf ROGGE
Rogge was born on 23 March 1915 in Berlin. He was commander of I
Battalion, Artillery Regiment 122, when he was killed in action near Nevel,
Russia, on 28 September 1943 and has no known grave. Rogge was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 18 November 1943.

3475. Hauptmann Herbert SEIDENSTÜCKER
Seidenstücker was born on 6 April 1914 in Bärwalde. He was commander of
II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 428, when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 18 November 1944. Seidenstücker was killed in action at Piteşti,
Romania, on 25 August 1944 and has no known grave.

3476. Feldwebel Heinrich STROTMANN
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Strotmann was born on 29 March 1915 in Beelen. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 371 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18
November 1943. Strotmann was killed in action near Calfa, Russia, on 27
April 1944 and has no known grave.

3477. Unteroffizier Hans BURBACH
Burbach was born on 28 October 1918 in Lüdenscheid. He was severing in
Panzer Jäger Battalion 41 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 18
November 1943. Burbach died on 26 January 1977 and is buried in
Oberrahmede Friedhof, Lüdenscheid, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3478. Obergefreiter Johann WINDISCH
Windisch was born on 12 January 1910 in Sulzbach-Rosenberg. He was a
section leader in Grenadier Regiment 519 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 18 November 1943. Windisch died on 2 February 1990 in SulzbachRosenberg, Bavaria.

3479. Oberst Hartwich HAELLMIGK
Haellmigk was born on 6 October 1900 in Ressen. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 301 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
November 1943. Haellmigk died on 26 January 1972 in Frankfurt am Main.

3480. Kapitänleutnant Egon-Reiner Freiherr von
SCHLIPPENBACH
Freiherr von Schlippenbach was born on 10 April 1914 in Cologne. He was
watch officer on U-18, U-101, and U-121 before taking over U-453. In the
Mediterranean on 13 December 1941, he sank the 4,202-ton Spanish tanker
Badalona. In April, he torpedoed the 9,716-ton Somersetshire, which was a
hospital ship—although it was not showing any signs of this at the time. In
January 1943, he attacked four ships and three explosions were heard, but
only the 5,849-ton Jean Jadot was confirmed.

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On 20 March, he torpedoed three ships in a convoy but only one sank.
The 5,454-ton Shahjeban was sunk on 6 July 1943. He torpedoed two
destroyers in August but neither sank. He did, however, sink the British
minesweeper Hebe. On his return, he handed his boat over to a new
commander and joined the OKM. Von Schlippenbach was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 19 November 1943. He died on 11 May 1979 and is buried
Südfriedhof, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein.

3481. Obergefreiter Isidor MAYER
Mayer was born on 21 October 1921 in Bergen. He was a section leader in
Mountain Jäger Regiment 91 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
November 1943. Mayer was killed in action on 19 September 1944 and is
buried at Reghin, Romania; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German car
cemetery.

3482. Vizeadmiral Gustav KIESERITZKY
Kieseritzky was born on 22 September 1893 in Rendsburg. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Kieseritzky was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in January and the
1st Class in May 1941. He was commander of the Black Seas Fleet when he
was killed in action on 19 November 1943 and is buried at Kamysch, Ukraine;
his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. Kieseritzky was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 November 1943.

3483. Major Sylvester von SALDERN-BRALLENTIN
Von Saldern-Brallentin was born on 7 February 1908 in Kiel. He was awarded
the Iron Cross 2nd Class in November 1941 and the 1st Claas in April 1942.
Von Saldern-Brallentin was commander of II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment
65, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 21 November 1943. He died
on 27 August 1967 and is believed to be buried in Osterholz Friedhof,
Bremen.

3484. Generalmajor Hermann PLOCHER
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Plocher was born on 5 January 1901 in Stuttgart. He fought in the Spanish
Civil War with the Condor Legion. Plocher was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd
Class in May and the 1st Class in June 1940. Plocher was commander of 4th
Flieger Division when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 November
1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 8 May 1945 (this award was made in
accordance with the Dönitz-Decree). He died on 8 December 1980 and is
buried in Murrhardt Friedhof, Baden-Württemberg.

3485. Oberstleutnant Hugo LAUBEREAU
Laubereau was born on 20 January 1904 in Offenburg. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in May 1940.
Laubereau was commander of Grenadier Regiment 61 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 22 November 1943. He was also awarded the Wound
Badge in Gold. Laubereau died on 18 November 1997 in Regensburg,
Bavaria.

3486. Major Helmut FUHRHOP
Fuhrhop was born on 7 October 1913 in Rettmer. He was a group
commander in Bomber Wing 6 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
22 November 1943. Fuhrhop was killed in action on 29 February 1944 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 59, Grave 448, Kattenbos N746,
Lommel, Belgium.

3487. Major Friedrich-Karl GROSSKREUTZ
Grosskreutz was born on 9 July 1901 in Berlin. He was commander of
Assault-Gun Battalion 244 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
November 1943. Grosskreutz died on 11 May 1969 and is believed to be
buried in Waldfriedhof, Dorsten, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3488. Major Helmut STÖRCHEL
Störchel was born on 18 January 1913 in Gross Schönau. He was a group
commander in Bomber Wing 30 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on

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22 November 1943. Störchel died on 5 February 2004 and is buried in
Nordfriedhof, Ingolstadt, Bavaria.

3489. Hauptmann Emil BADORREK
Badorrek was born on 6 May 1910 in Opaleniec. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in July 1941. Badorrek was a
squadron leader in Reconnaissance Group 11 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 22 November 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 18
November 1944. He was killed in action on 26 December 1944 and is
believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (Rakowicki Cemetery) (as
unknown), Krakow, Poland.

3490. Hauptmann Adolf BORCHERS
Borchers was born on 10 February 1913 in Wendhausen. He fought in the
Spanish Civil War with the Condor Legion. Borchers took part in the Polish
and French campaigns as well as the Battle of Britain, shooting down five
aircraft in the West. By the end of 1941, he had shot down a further eighteen
Russian aircraft.
At the end of 1942, his score stood at thirty-eight. Borchers was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 22 November 1943 with seventy-eight victories to his
credit. At the war’s end, with 132 victories, Borchers and his comrades
surrendered to US forces only to be turned over to the Russians. He died on 9
February 1996 in Oberstaufen-Steibis, Bavaria. His brothers, Hermann and
Walter, were also awarded the Knight’s Cross.

3491. Hauptmann Günter HITZ
Hitz was born on 17 July 1916 in Kohlfurt. He was a squadron leader in Dive
Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 November
1943. Hitz was killed in action on 11 April 1944 and is buried at
Chodaczkow, Ukraine; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war
cemetery.

3492. Hauptmann Helmut WALDECKER
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Waldecker was born on 3 September 1914 in Heidelberg. He was a squadron
leader in Bomber Wing 6 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
November 1943. Waldecker died on 25 April 1966 and is buried in Bruchsal
Friedhof, Baden-Württemberg.

3493. Oberleutnant Herbert BARTELS
Bartels was born on 15 August 1917 in Fuhlendorf. He was a company
commander in Motorised Flak Regiment 293 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 22 November 1943. Bartels died on 1 July 2009 in Landau,
Rhineland-Palatinate.

3494. Oberleutnant Joachim BRENDEL
Brendel was born on 27 April 1921 in Urichshalben. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July 1941 and the 1st Class in April 1942. By February
1943, he had shot down twenty enemy aircraft, and on 9 July, he scored his
fiftieth aerial victory. Brendel was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
November 1943 with ninety-five victories to his credit and the Oak Leaves on
14 January 1945 with 156 victories. His final score was 158, including ninety
Sturmoviks. Brendel died on 7 July 1921 and is buried in Ostfriedhof,
Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3495. Oberleutnant Emil LANG—‘Bully’
Lang was born on 14 January 1909 in Thalheim. He shot down his first three
enemy aircraft in March 1943. Lang was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in
June and the 1st Class in August 1943. During a three-week period between
October and November, he shot down seventy-two aircraft, including ten on
13th, twelve on 21 October, and eighteen on 3 November. Lang was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 22 November 1943.
Awarded the Oak Leaves on 11 April 1944 with 144 victories, Lang was
transferred to the defence of the Reich. In June 1944, he shot down fifteen
aircraft, including four P-51s each on the 20th and the 24th, and on the 28th,
he claimed three Spitfires but records show no losses for this day. Lang shot
down three Spritfires on 26 August 1944 to bring his score to 173. He was

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killed in action on 3 September 1944 and is buried in the German War
Cemetery (as unknown), Kattenbos N746, Lommel, Belgium.

3496. Oberleutnant Maximillian MAYERL
Mayerl was born on 28 May 1917 in Aigen, Austria-Hungary. He was a
squadron leader in Fighter Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 22 November 1943. Mayerl is credited with shooting down seventy-six
enemy aircraft. He died on 11 February 2010 in Nimes, France.

3497. Leutnant Johann MUHR
Muhr was born on 25 March 1910 in Mähr, Austria-Hungary. He was
commander of an anti-aircraft train in Flak Battalion 505 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 November 1943. Muhr died on 29 October
1977 and is buried in Zentralfriedhof, Vienna.

3498. Leutnant Willy KIENTSCH
Kientsch was born on 12 May 1921 in Kisslegg. He was a pilot in Fighter
Wing 27 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22 November 1943.
Kientsch was killed on 29 January 1944 when he became disorientated in low
clouds and crashed. He was credited with fifty-three victories and awarded the
Oak Leaves on 20 July 1944. Kientsch is buried in Neu Ulm Friedhof, Abt 44,
Bavaria.

3499. Leutnant Werner PERGANDE
Pergande was born on 2 February 1912 in Baldekow. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 108 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 22 November 1943. Pergande died on 14 April 1994 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Goslar, Lower Saxony.

3500. Leutnant Johannes ROMPZICK
Rompzick was born on 30 September 1920 in Danzig. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 18 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
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November 1943. Rompzick died on 13 March 1970 and is believed to be
buried in Gartenfriedhof, Marienstrasse, Hanover.

3501. Oberfeldwebel Albin WOLF
Wolf was born on 28 October 1920 in Naila. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in October 1942 and the 1st Class in January 1943. Wolf was a
pilot in Fighter Wing 54 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 22
November 1943 with 117 victories to his credit. He was killed in action near
Pskov, Russia, when he was shot down by anti-aircraft fire on 2 April 1944
and has no known grave. Wolf’s final score was 144 victories. He was
awarded the Oak Leaves on 27 April 1944.

3502. Obergefreiter Siegfried AMERKAMP
Amerkamp was born on 25 March 1920 in Duisburg-Hochfeld. He was a
machine-gunner in Grenadier Regiment 459 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 22 November 1943. Amerkamp died on 3 September 1995
and is buried in Parkfriedhof, Prinzenstrasse 84, Duisburg, North RhineWestphalia.

3503. Oberst Friedrich-Erdmann von HAKE
Von Hake was born on 14 August 1898 in Detmold. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Von
Hake was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in September 1939 and
the 1st Class in May 1940. He was commander of Panzer Regiment 4 when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23 November 1943. Von Hake died on 22
March 1982 and is believed to be buried in Bensberg Friedhof, Bergisch
Gladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3504. Hauptmann Theo KROJ
Kroj was born on 1 September 1918 in Langenschwalbach. He was
commander of II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 87, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 24 November 1943. Kroj died on 3 April 2012 and is
believed to be buried in Parkfriedhof, Eichhofstrasse, Krailling, Bavaria.
652

3505. Hauptmann Erwin KUNSCH
Kunsch was born on 30 October 1915 in Posen. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 232, when he died of wounds near Kiev,
Russia, on 28 September 1943 and has no known grave. Kunsch was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 24 November 1943.

3506. Oberleutnant Kurt HAUDE
Haude was born on 13 January 1910 in Olbersdorf. He was a company
commander in Panzergrenadier Regiment 112 when he was killed in action on
18 October 1943 and is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Schatkowo, Belarus. Haude was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 24 November
1943.

3507. Obergefreiter Otto GREESE
Greese was born on 3 May 1920 in Negenborn. He was a machine-gunner in
Grenadier Regiment 487 when he was killed in action near Kritschew, Russia,
on 2 November 1943 and has no known grave. Greese was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 24 November 1943.

3508. Oberfeldwebel Erwin HENTSCHEL
Hentschel was born on 29 October 1917 in Niederthalheim. He was radio
operator/rear gunner to Hans-Ulrich Rudel in Dive Bomber Wing 2 when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 25 November 1944. Hentschel was
drowned in the Dniester River, Russia, on 20 March 1944 and has no known
grave.

3509. Oberleutnant zur See Horst-Arno FENSKI
Fenski was born in Königsberg on 3 November 1918. He was watch officer on
U-752 before taking command of U-410, and he achieved his first success on 6
March 1943. During his next patrol, he received orders to sail for the
Mediterranean Sea, where his boat was attacked and damaged but he got
through. In August and September, U-410 scored several successes against US
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ships, which were followed by two more successes in October. In February
1944, Fenski was deployed against the Allied landings at Anzio; after sinking a
7,000-ton Liberty ship, he attacked a British cruiser on 18 February, and after
two attacks, the Penelope was sunk. On 26 November 1943, Fenski was
awarded the Knight’s Cross. On 11 March 1944, U-410 was sunk in a British
air raid on Toulon. Fenski then took over command of U-371, and on his first
patrol, he torpedoed and damaged the destroyers Menges and Senegalais.
However, following this fight, the U-boat was damaged and incapable of
diving, so she was scuttled; most of the crew were captured, including Fenski.
He died on 10 February 1965 and is buried in Wandsbek Friedhof, Hamburg.

3510. Generalmajor Maximillian FELZMANN
Felzmann was born on 22 April 1894 in Zwittau, Austria-Hungary. He fought
in the First World War. Felzmann was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class
(1939) in May and the 1st Class in July 1940. He was commander of 251st
Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 November
1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 3 November 1944. Felzmann died on 8
June 1962 in Zurich, Switzerland.

3511. Oberst Hermann HOHN
Hohn was born on 11 October 1897 in Renchen. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Hohn was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in June and the 1st Class in July
1940.
He was deputy commander of 72nd Infantry Division when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 November 1943. The Oak Leaves followed
on 1 March 1944 and the Swords on 31 October 1944. Hohn died on 13
November 1968 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof (along the wall), Ladenburg,
Baden-Württemberg.

3512. Major Heinrich DÖRNEMANN
Dörnemann was born on 19 September 1910 in Bergkamen. He was
commander of Reconnaissance Battalion 16 when he was awarded the

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Knight’s Cross on 28 November 1943. Dörnemann died on 17 December
2001 and is buried in Westfriedhof, Gummersbach, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3513. Major Richard HILSHEIMER
Hilsheimer was born on 29 November 1895 in Dosenheim. He was
commander of I Battalion, Motorised Artillery Regiment 20, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 November 1943. Hilsheimer died on 20
May 1964 in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg.

3514. Major Erwin KOOPMANN
Koopmann was born on 1 January 1900 in Oldenburg. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). Koopmann
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in May and the 1st Class in
June 1940. He was commander of Grenadier Regiment 76 when he was killed
in action on 11 November 1943 and is buried at Uijaschha/Ulijschka, Ukraine;
his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. Koopmann was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 November 1943.

3515. Major Georg NAGENGAST
Nagengast was born on 3 January 1909 in Weigelshofen. He was commander
of II Battalion, Motorised Grenadier Regiment 119, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 28 November 1943. Nagengast was killed in action near
Minsk, Russia, on 4 July 1944 and has no known grave.

3516. Major Walter STEIN
Stein was born on 10 February 1915 in Kork. He was commander of III
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 485, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 28 November 1943. Stein died on 8 September 1994 in Seelbach, BadenBaden, Baden-Württemberg.

3517. Hauptmann Herbert DOHLE

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Dohle was born on 27 March 1909 in Ebersbach. He was commander of II
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 317, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 28 November 1943. Dohle died of wounds in Prague on 14 April 1945 and
has no known grave.

3518. Hauptmann Werner MÖLLER
Möller was born on 7 January 1919 in Kassel. He fought in Poland in 1939,
but missed the French campaign. Möller fought in Russia, was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class, and was wounded outside of Moscow. During the
winter fighting, he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class and had been
wounded twice more by April 1942. Möller spent three months on antipartisan duties before taking part in the Battle of Kursk in July 1943.
He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 November 1943 for his
leadership. Möller was also awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold and the
Wound Badge in Gold. Wounded the same day he was given the Knight’s
Cross, he did not return to the front until February 1944. In July, Möller was
hospitalised due to either malaria or dysentery, and he spent the remainder of
the war on the staff. He died on 22 September 1982 in Haardt-Neustadt,
Rhineland-Palatinate. Twenty-three Knight’s Cross recipients attended his
funeral.

3519. Oberleutnant Alfred MARTENS
Martens was born on 21 October 1910 in Neuhaus. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 586, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 28 November 1943. Martins was killed in action at Gura Gallbină, Russia,
on 20 August 1944 and has no known grave.

3520. Unteroffizier Artur GORSKI
Gorski was born on 15 November 1915 in Berlin. He was a section leader in
Motorised Grenadier Regiment 30 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 28 November 1943. Gorski died on 5 June 1979 in Berlin.

3521. Unteroffizier Martin VELDKAMP
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Veldkamp was born on 3 March 1913 in Völlenerwehrdeich. He was a section
leader in Motorised Grenadier Regiment 76 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 28 November 1943. Veldkamp died on 19 December 1974
in Delmenhorst, Lower Saxony.

3522. Generalleutnant Martin GAREIS
Gareis was born on 6 October 1891 in Berlin. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Gareis was
commander of 98th Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 29 November 1943. He died on 26 February 1976 and is buried in
Ringfriedhof, Abt A, Row 1, Grave 7, Kreuth, Bavaria.

3523. Kapitänleutnant Heinz FRANKE
Franke was born in Berlin on 30 November 1915. After several tours as watch
officer, he took command of U-262 and fired his first torpedo on 11
November 1942 at a steamer in convoy ONS144. Explosions were heard no
ship was reported lost, but the next day he sank the corvette Montbretia.
Franke attacked convoy SC 118, sinking a ship, and in October 1943, he
sank another from convoy SL138. On 28 November 1943, he attacked convoy
SL140, and although three explosions were heard, no ships were reported lost.
Franke was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 November 1943—the only Uboat commander to be awarded it that year. His last command was U-2502,
which he handed over to the British in 1945 as part of Operation Deadlight.
Franke died on 5 April 2003 and is buried in Sasbach Friedhof, BadenWürttemberg.

3524. Major Deert REEDER
Reeder was born on 29 November 1895 in Poppenbüll-Bockshörn. He was
commander of II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 254, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 30 November 1943. Reeder was killed in action near
Minsk, Russia, on 7 July 1944 and has no known grave.

3525. Hauptmann Friedrich RASS
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Rass was born on 27 June 1916 in Munich. He was commander of I Battalion,
Panzergrenadier Regiment 11, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30
November 1943. Rass died on 14 February 1994 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Ravensburg, Baden-Württemberg.

3526. Hauptmann Kurt WOLFF
Wolff was born on 14 February 1920 in Berlin. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 415, when he was killed in action at
Saporoshje, Russia, on 12 October 1943 and has no known grave. Wolff was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 November 1943.

3527. Oberleutnant Ulrich ROGGENBAU
Roggenbau was born on 15 February 1913 in Hamburg. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 254 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 30 November 1943. Roggenbau was killed in action near Minsk,
Russia, on 7 July 1944 and has no known grave.

3528. Leutnant Walter OBST
Obst was born on 24 May 1920 in Magdeburg. He was a company
commander in Panzergrenadier Regiment 66 when he died of wounds on 10
October 1943 and is believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as
unknown), Kirovohrad, Ukraine. Obst was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30
November 1943.

3529. Obergefreiter Kurt NÖBEL
Nöbel was born on 15 February 1917 in Chemnitz. He was a section leader in
Reconnaissance Battalion 7 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30
November 1943. Nöbel was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. He died
on 3 February 2000 in Voigtsdorf, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

3530. SS-Sturmbannführer Werner HÖRNICKE

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Hörnicke was born on 9 March 1907 in Dresden. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in November 1941 and the 1st Class in December 1942.
Hörnicke was commander of I Battalion, SS-Motorised Grenadier Regiment
10, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 1 December 1943. He was
also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. Hörnicke died on 30 April 1982 in
Nuremberg.

3531. SS-Obersturmführer Wolfgang RÖHDER
Röhder was born on 17 August 1911 in Wuppertal. He a company
commander in SS-Assault-Gun Battalion 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 1 December 1943 for holding an important bridge over the River
Worskla. Röhder was posted missing at Prague on 16 May 1945.

3532. SS-Untersturmführer Bruno HINZ
Hinz was born in Petersdorf on 25 August 1915. He fought in Poland and
France, being awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in June 1940, but was badly
wounded. Hinz did not see front-line service again until October 1941 in
Russia. He was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class in December 1941 and
fought through the winter battles. Hinz was wounded several times in the
fighting around Kharkov, spending May to July 1943 with a mechanised
infantry training battalion.
On his return to the front, his company were defending the village of
Buskij, where he held out for hours under heavy infantry and tank attack until
he was wounded by a bullet through the lung. Hinz was flown back to
Germany and while there was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 December
1943 for his action at Buskij. Returned to the front in February 1944, Hinz
commanded a panzergrenadier regiment, which was sent to Normandy in June
1944. Cut off, he led 100 men out of a pocket and got them back to the
German lines. For this, he was awarded the Oak Leaves on 23 August 1944.
Wounded for the ninth time, he was sent home, but in February 1945, he was
back at the front. He was also awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold and
the Wound Badge in Gold. Hinz surrendered to US forces in May 1945. He
never really recovered from his lung wound and died on 28 February 1968; he
is buried in Waldfriedhof, Feld 48, Row 6, Grave 29 (headstone removed),
Munich.
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3533. SS-Hauptscharführer Gustav SCHREIBER
Schreiber was born in Selm on 25 December 1916. He fought in Poland and
France, being awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. He took part in the invasion
of Russia, on the southern front, and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class in
August 1941. In 1942, his unit moved into the Caucasus to capture the oil
fields. After a long and hard fight, the attack ground to a halt and another
long winter retreat followed. During 1943, he fought at Kiev and Kharkov
and was wounded for the third time. He carried out a successful counterattack
along the Kharkov–Poltava railway line, for which he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 2 December 1943. Schreiber was also awarded the Close
Combat Clasp in Gold.
In January 1945, Schreiber was caught up in the Tscherkassy Pocket and
was part of the rearguard. Overrun, he surrendered on 18 February 1944.
Schreiber was not released until 1950. He died on 5 March 1995 in Schwelm,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

3534. SS-Hauptscharführer Erich ZEPPER
Zepper was born on 27 November 1915 in Sebnitz. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in August and the 1st Class in December 1941. Zepper was a
company commander in SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment ‘Westland’ when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 2 December 1943 for leading an attack on his
own initiative, which prevented the Russians from getting a foothold in a
bridgehead. He died on 28 July 2005 and is buried in Beilstein Friedhof,
Rhineland-Palatinate.

3535. SS-Oberscharführer Alfred SIEGLING
Siegling was born on 15 March 1918 in Erlau. He fought in Poland and
France, where he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Siegling was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class on the Russian Front in April 1943.
Ordered to carry out a reconnaissance of an enemy village, Siegling spotted
a Russian armoured vehicle parked among the buildings; unable to retreat, his
two armoured cars rushed through the village before the enemy could react.
While on his way back to his own lines, they came across a Russian column,
and once again Siegling ordered his driver to drive past them; as they did so,
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Siegling just waved them out of his way. The information brought back was
invaluable in stopping the next Russian attack, and for this, he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 2 December 1943. He also fought in Normandy and the
Ardennes Offensive before surrendering to US forces in May 1945. Siegling
died on 5 September 1984 in Röllfeld, Bavaria.

3536. Major Hans-Heinrich KRÜGER
Krüger was born on 17 June 1915 in Schwerin. He was commander of a
Kampfgruppe from 321st Infantry Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 3 December 1943. Krüger died on 23 February 1976 and is believed
to be buried in Hauptfriedhof, Bad Dürkheim, Rhineland-Palatinate.

3537. Hauptmann Josef SCHMIDT
Schmidt was born on 22 April 1914 in Hagen. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 159, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 3 December 1943. Schmidt died on 30 August 1956 in Augsburg, Bavaria.

3538. Hauptmann Otto VINCON
Vincon was born on 23 January 1906 in Perouse. He missed the Polish
campaign, managed to be awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class during the
‘Phoney War’, and then took part in the French campaign. In August 1941, he
was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class while in Russia and he fought through
the winter battles outside of Moscow in 1942.
Throughout 1943, he showed great leadership, and in December, his unit
stopped a large Russian attack; Vincon then counterattacked, penetrating into
the enemy’s main lines and blowing up a number of dugouts. For this, he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 December 1943. Caught up in the pocket at
Minsk in 1944, he somehow managed to escape with a handful of men and
find his way to the German lines. For this, he was awarded the Oak Leaves on
5 February 1945. Vincon was also awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold.
Moved to the West in October 1944, Vincon found himself in the Black
Forest, and on 13 April 1945, he led a patrol to check the terrain, when near
Dobel he ran into a firefight with US forces and was never seen again.

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3539. Oberleutant Werner SCHRAUTH
Schrauth was born on 6 October 1914 in Darmstadt. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 80 when he was killed in action near
Poltava, Russia, on 14 September 1943 and has no known grave. Schrauth
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3 December 1943.

3540. Leutnant Helmut KÖRNER
Körner was born on 1 May 1920 in Terpitz. He was a platoon leader in
Panzer Jäger Regiment 656 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 3
December 1943. Körner was killed in action on 22 April 1945 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Block 4, Row 2, Grave 337, Halbe, Brandenburg.

3541. Generalleutnant Erich BUSCHENHAGEN
Buschenhagen was born on 8 December 1895 in Strassburg. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Buschenhagen was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) in
September 1939. He was commander of 15th Infantry Division when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 December 1943. The Oak Leaves followed
on 4 July 1944. Buschenhagen was captured by the Russians in August 1944
and held until 1955. He died on 13 September 1994 and is buried in
Stadtfriedhof, Feld 24, Row 2, Grave 8–9, Oberstdorf, Bavaria.

3542. Oberst Rolf MAEMPEL
Maempel was born on 23 May 1895 in Greussen. He was commander of
Panzergrenadier Regiment 125 (or 140) when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 5 December 1943. Maempel died on 15 February 1955 and is buried
in Hauptfriedhof, Braunschweig, Lower Saxony.

3543. Hauptmann Hans AUSTEN
Austen was born on 27 July 1918 in Münster. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in July 1940 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Austen was commander
of II Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 487, when he was awarded the Knight’s
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Cross on 5 December 1943. He died on 24 January 1994 in Wuppertal, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

3544. Hauptmann Jürgen HARDER
Harder was born on 11 June 1918 in Swinemünde. He was a squadron leader
in Fighter Wing 53 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 December
1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 1 February 1945. Harder shot down sixtyfour enemy aircraft, including nine four-engined bombers. He was killed on 17
February 1945 when his fighter suffered engine failure and his cockpit was
filled with toxic fumes; he is buried in the German War Cemetery (St Martin
Friedhof), Block 10, Row 6, Grave 6, Strausberg, Brandenburg. His two
brothers were also killed in action during the war.

3545. Hauptmann Walther HEIM
Heim was born on 7 December 1919 in Schweinfurt. He was commander of
Motorised Panzer Jäger Battalion 10 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 5 December 1943. Heim died on 23 May 1975 in Düsseldorf.

3546. Hauptmann Josef RETTEMEIER
Rettemeier was born on 17 September 1914 in Niederdollendorf, near Bonn.
He fought in France and the Low Countries. Moved to the Western Desert,
Rettemeier fought there as a panzer commander until May 1943. He then
fought in Russia at Vitebsk and Rogashev, and for these actions, he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 December 1943. Before leaving Russia for
Normandy, Rettemeier was awarded the Oak Leaves on 13 March 1944.
He fought in Normandy with the Panzer Lahr Division but was transferred
to a staff post at a training school, which he held until the end of the war.
Rettemeier died on 19 December 1997 and is believed to be buried in Bad
Nauheim Friedhof, Hesse.

3547. Oberleutnant Hans-Joachim BRAND
Brand was born on 16 May 1916 in Lüneburg. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in November 1939 and the 1st Class in July 1940. Brand was
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a squadron leader in Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 5 December 1943. He was killed in action near Cottbus when he was
shot down by anti-aircraft fire on 18 April 1945 and has no known grave.

3548. Oberleutnant Wolfgang BRÜCKNER
Brückner was born on 26 May 1920 in Dresden. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in May 1940. Brückner
was a squadron leader in Bomber Wing 1 when he was killed in action on 14
July 1943 and is buried at Noto, Siracusa, Ossario, Italy; his remains are
awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. Brückner was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 5 December 1943.

3549. Oberleutnant Ferdinand FRECH
Frech was born on 4 March 1920 in Königsheim. He was a company
commander in Jäger Battalion 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5
December 1943. Frech was posted missing at Zalesie on 25 January 1945.

3550. Leutnant Harry FREY
Frey was born on 21 January 1914 in Breslau. He was a squadron leader in
Bomber Wing 6 when he was killed in action over Silesia on 11 July 1943 and
has no known grave. Frey was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 December
1943.

3551. Leutnant Heinz FRITZLER
Fritzler was born on 7 January 1915 in Regnit. He was a company
commander in Divisions Fusilier Battalion 110 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 5 December 1943. Fritzler died on 25 March 1992 and is
believed to be buried in Manfort Friedhof, Leverkusen, North RhineWestphalia.

3552. Leutnant Josef JENNEWEIN—‘Pepi’

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Jennewein was born on 21 November 1919 in St Anton, Austria. He shot
down his first three enemy aircraft on 20 September 1941. After shooting
down two more Spitfires on 15 October, he was transferred to the Russian
Front. Jennewein spent some time away from the front, training new pilots
before returning in late 1942.
In a series of multiple victories, he brought down four aircraft on 18
January 1943, five on 23 February, and seven the next day. His forty-fifth
victory came on 10 March, and on 6 May, he shot down five Sturmoviks.
Jennewein then shot down twenty-three aircraft in July, including five on the
21st. He was posted missing after a forced landing near Orel, Russia, on 26
July 1943. His final total was eighty-six aerial victories, including twenty-nine
Sturmoviks. Jennewein was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 December 1943.

3553. Leutnant Günther SCHEEL
Scheel was born on 23 November 1921 in Dannenberg. He shot down his first
two enemy aircraft on 9 February 1943. Multiple victories seemed to come
easy to him. On 30 May, Scheel shot down four, followed by four more on 21
June. In July, he shot down forty-one aircraft in sixteen days, including eight
on 5 July, seven on the 7th, five on the 10th, and another seven on the 13th.
Then, on 16 July 1943, he shot down two fighters for his seventieth and
seventy-first victories, but collided he with the wreckage and crashed near
Orel, Russia.
His fate remains unknown; he was reportedly seen in a POW camp in
1946 and as having medical treatment in a camp at Solny in 1948, but he is
officially listed as missing to his day. Scheel was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 5 December 1943. He is unique in that he shot down seventy-one aircraft
in seventy missions, making him the only man to shoot down more aircraft
than missions he flew.

3554. Oberfeldwebel Hans HORMANN
Hormann was born on 11 December 1913 in Hamburg. He was an observer
in Bomber Wing 100 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 December
1943. Hormann died on 9 December 2004 and is believed to be buried in
Ohlsdorf Friedhof, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg.

665

3555. Oberfeldwebel Alois HÜBNER
Hübner was born on 19 September 1914 in Hankau, China. He was a platoon
leader in Panzergrenadier Regiment 129 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 5 December 1943. Hübner was killed in action on 23 September
1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 4, Row 4, Grave
1973, Dahn, Rhineland-Palatinate.

3556. Oberfeldwebel Helmut STEFFEN
Steffen was born on 31 October 1915 in Berthelsdorf. He was a pilot in
Reconnaissance Group 122 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5
December 1943. Steffen died on 14 November 2006 in Wesel, North RhineWestphalia.

3557. Oberfeldwebel Heinrich STERR—‘Bazi’
Sterr was born on 24 September 1919 in Ortenburg. He shot down his first
enemy aircraft on 19 July 1942, and by the end of March 1943, his tally was
in excess of thirty. Having passed the 100 mark in November 1943, Sterr was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 December 1943. With 127 victories to his
credit (including twenty-one Sturmoviks), Sterr was moved to the defence of
the Reich. He shot down three aircraft before he was shot down himself by a
US P-51 on 26 November 1944. Sterr survived the crash but was killed when
he was strafed on the ground; he has no known grave. He was recommended
for the Oak Leaves, but this was never awarded.

3558. Oberfeldwebel Kurt TANZER
Tanzer was born on 1 November 1920 in Moscow. He was a pilot in Fighter
Wing 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5 December 1943 with
thirty-five enemy aircraft to his credit. Tanzer’s final score was 128. He died in
a flying accident over the Balearic Islands on 25 June 1960 and has no known
grave.

3559. Feldwebel Osmar GRIEBEL
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Griebel was born on 21 November 1919 in Nuremberg. He was a pilot in
Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 5
December 1943. Griebel was killed in action near Porochnja, Russia, on 9
March 1944 and has no known grave.

3560. Major Willi ECKARDT
Eckardt was born on 5 August 1915 in Coburg. He was commander of III
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 521, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 7 December 1943. Eckardt died on 19 March 1966 and is buried in
Glockenberg Friedhof, Coburg, Bavaria.

3561. Major Rudolf GEISLER
Geisler was born on 29 March 1911 in Hennersdorf. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in September 1939 and the 1st Class in August 1941.
Geisler was commander of Pioneer Battalion 662 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 7 December 1943. He died of wounds at Kovel, Ukraine, on
13 April 1944 and has no known grave. Geisler was awarded the Oak Leaves
on the day he died.

3562. Leutnant Martin HACKL
Hackl was born on 6 January 1920 in Gmünd am Tegernsee. He fought in
Poland and France, where he saved the life of a wounded French officer,
during which Hackl was wounded in the hand. This wound gave him
problems for the rest of his life. He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. He
also took part in the Balkans campaign and the invasion of Russia.
Commissioned Leutnant in February 1942, Hackl was awarded the Iron Cross
1st Class.
He fought in the Caucasus where he was wounded again. During the
evacuation of the Kuban position, Hackl led his men in a rearguard action and
time and again was able to hold back Russian forces far superior in numbers.
For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 7 December 1943. Hackl was
also awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold. In 1944, he fought in the
Carpathian Mountains and in Hungary. Wounded in the head, he was sent
home to train new recruits. Hackl did return to the front in February 1945
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and was captured by the Russians, but he escaped. He died on 22 September
2006 and is buried in Tegernsee Friedhof, Seestrasse, Bavaria.

3563. Leutnant Helmut WEYRAUCH
Weyrauch was born on 21 April 1919 in Landwehr. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 81 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 7 December 1943. Weyrauch was killed in action near Kišinóv,
Russia, on 9 April 1944 and has no known grave.

3564. Obergefreiter Albert RADESINSKY
Radesinsky was born on 7 October 1913 in Vienna. He was a machine-gunner
in Mountain Regiment 138 when he died of wounds near Melitopol, Russia,
on 7 November 1943 and has no known grave. Radesinsky was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 7 December 1943.

3565. Oberst Ulrich DINKELAKER
Dinkelaker was born on 1 November 1904 in Rohrau. He was commander of
Motorised Artillery Regiment 36 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
9 December 1943. Dinkelaker died on 17 October 1997 and is buried in
Stadtfriedhof, Gmelinstrasse 20, Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg.

3566. Hauptmann Herbert ELTRICH
Eltrich was born on 19 May 1913 in Landsberg am Lech. He was commander
of Motorised Pioneer Battalion 52 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 9 December 1943. Eltrich was killed in action on 12 August 1944 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), La Cambe, Normandy,
France.

3567. Hauptmann Ernst-August HÜBNER
Hübner was born on 17 May 1920 in Greifenhagen. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 122 when he was killed in action at

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Perekop, Russia, on 7 November 1943 and has no known grave. Hübner was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 December 1943.

3568. Oberleutnant Gustav MEIERKORD
Meierkord was born on 15 October 1916 in Hamm. He was a company
commander in Panzergrenadier Regiment 64 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 9 December 1943. Meierkord died on 24 December 1977 in
Bamberg, Bavaria.

3569. Oberleutnant Wilhelm WOLFF
Wolff was born on 26 March 1915 in Hanover. He was a company
commander in Panzer Regiment 36 when he died of wounds on 31 October
1943 and is believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Kirovohrad, Ukraine. Wolff was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 9 December
1943.

3570. Oberst Otto ALBERTS
Alberts was born on 22 February 1893 in Wesel. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Alberts was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in June and 1st Class in July 1940.
He was commander of III Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 501, when he was
killed in action on 10 December 1943 and is buried in the German War
Cemetery, Block 11 (as unknown), Sebesh, Russia. Alberts was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on the day he died.

3571. SS-Sturmbannführer Helmut KÄMPFE
Kämpfe was born in Jena on 31 July 1909. He first saw action in the
campaign in the West in 1940. Kämpfe took part in the invasion of Russia and
was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class by the end of November 1941.
His unit was moved to France due to heavy casualties in late 1942. He took
part in the recapture of Kharkov in 1943, during which he was wounded
twice. Kämpfe also fought at the great tank battle at Kursk.

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During fighting at the Dnieper River, he attacked with his battalion into a
gap in the line; during this fighting, Kämpfe was wounded for the tenth time.
For this action, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 December 1943. He
was also awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold and the Wound Badge in
Gold. His division was once again moved to France in 1944 and used to stop
the Allied invasion of Europe. Kämpfe was captured by French partisans and
executed on 10 June 1944 as revenge for the massacre at Oradour-sur-Glane.
He is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 1, Row 6, Grave 176,
Berneuil, near Saintes, Aquitaine, France.

3572. SS-Hauptsturmführer Fritz BIERMEIER
Biermeier was born on 19 May 1913 in Augsburg. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in October 1941. Biermeier
was commander of II Battalion, SS-Panzer Regiment 3, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 10 December 1943. He died of wounds on 11 October
1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Modlin, near Warsaw,
Poland. Biermeier was awarded the Oak Leaves on 26 December 1944.

3573. SS-Hauptsturmführer Friedrich HOLZER
Holzer was born on 13 May 1912 in Waldegg, Austria-Hungary. He fought in
France and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in June 1940. Holzer also
took part in the Balkan campaign before being sent to Russia where he was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class in July 1941. At his own request, Holzer
transferred to the panzer troops and commanded a tank company in June
1942.
During late 1943, his company knocked out twenty-eight Russian tanks at
Kolmak. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 December 1943.
Holzer was also awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold. Later, during the
winter when almost surrounded, his tanks held back the Russians, and when
the fuel ran out, he formed tank hunter groups from the crews. Holzer
personally attacked tanks in this manner. In April 1945, he was sent to train
NCOs. Holzer’s last action was against US forces. He died on 9 November
1984 in Arnsberg, North Rhine-Westphalia.

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3574. SS-Hauptsturmführer Alfred LEX
Lex was born on 10 June 1913 in Fohnsdorf, Austria-Hungary. He fought in
France in 1940 and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class. Lex fought
in Russia and was wounded several times during the early stages, but he never
left his men. Wounded again, he did not rejoin his regiment until the summer
of 1942 in Russia. At Kharkov, he was wounded a number of times and was
awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. He also knocked-out an enemy tank.
At Kursk, Lex fought with great bravery, and his men stopped an enemy
counterattack and captured the commander of a Russian unit. For this, he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 December 1943. Lex was also awarded the
Close Combat Clasp in Gold and two Tank Destruction Badges. He was killed
in action on 11 March 1944 and is buried at Khmelnitsky, Ukraine; Lex’s
remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery.

3575. SS-Obersturmführer Heinrich SONNE
Sonne was born on 23 February 1917 in Riga, Latvia. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in January and the 1st Class in June 1943. Sonne was
commander of the motorcycle company of 1st Motorised Infantry Brigade
when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 December 1943.
His unit was made up of former concentration camp guards for use against
partisans on the Russian Front and to fill in gaps for front-line units. Sonne is
one of the very few former members of the Waffen-SS to be allowed to join the
Bundeswehr. This can only be attributed to an unblemished record. He died
on 3 December 2011.

3576. Oberfeldwebel Gerhard SCHEIBE
Scheibe was born on 6 April 1917 in Zerbst. He was a radio operator in Night
Fighter Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 10 December
1943. Scheibe was killed in action on the night of 21 January 1944 with his
pilot Manfred Meurer (also awarded the Knight’s Cross) when their Heinkel
219 collided with a bomber they were attacking. Scheibe is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Row 406, Zerbst, Saxony.

3577. Major Robert KÄSTNER
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Kästner was born on 27 October 1913 in Frankfurt am Main. He was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in April
1941. Kästner was commander of Grenadier Regiment 105 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 11 December 1943. The Oak Leaves followed
on 21 February 1944. He died on 18 November 1990 and is believed to be
buried in Gemeindefriedhof, Seeshaupt, Bavaria.

3578. Hauptmann Johannes BÖWE
Böwe was born on 16 January 1912 in Bismark. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 397 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 11 December 1943. Böwe died on 8 September 1969 in Bismark,
Saxony-Anhalt.

3579. Oberleutnant Paul SCHUMACHER
Schumacher was born on 26 January 1914 in Waldbröl. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 427 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 11 December 1943. Schumacher died on 8 June 1987 in Waldbröl,
North Rhine-Westphalia.

3580. Leutnant Heinrich NIEDERMEIER
Niedermeier was born on 4 December 1922 in Munich. He was a platoon
leader in Mountain Jäger Regiment 94. Niedermeier died of wounds on 7
November 1943 and is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown),
Sebastopol, Ukraine. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 11 December
1943.

3581. Oberfeldwebel Martin HRUSTAK
Hrustak was born on 17 October 1913 in Bohemia. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in September 1941 and the 1st Class in January 1943.
Hrustak was a platoon leader in Grenadier Regiment 162 when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 11 December 1943. The Oak Leaves followed
on 14 May 1944. He was killed in action on 18 August 1944 and is buried in

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the German War Cemetery (Forest Cemetery/Waldfriedhof) (as unknown),
Riga, Latvia.

3582. Obergefreiter Johann BENEDIKT
Benedikt was born on 17 September 1918 in Andritz. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in November 1941 and the 1st Class in October 1943.
Benedikt was company HQ messenger in Mountain Jäger Regiment 138 when
he was posted missing near Kalinovka, Russia, on 22 October 1943. He was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 11 December 1943.

3583. Obergefreiter Wilhelm SCHLEEF
Schleef was born on 28 January 1910 in Stendal. He was a machine-gunner in
Panzergrenadier Regiment 66 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 11
December 1943. Schleef died on 27 September 1977 and is buried in
Tangermünde Friedhof, Saxony-Anhalt.

3584. Oberleutnant zur See Karl-Friedrich KÜNZEL
Künzel was born on 11 September 1918 in Magdeburg. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in August 1941. Künzel was
commander of S-28 in S-Boat Flotilla 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 12 December 1943. He died on 25 December 1998 and is believed to
be buried in Parkfriedhof, Eichhofstrasse 56, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein.

3585. Kapitänleutnant Albert MÜLLER
Müller was born on 3 April 1913 in Beesenstedt. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in April 1940 and the 1st Class in March 1941. Müller was
commander of S-59 in S-Boat Flotilla 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 13 December 1943. He died on 3 April 2005 and is believed to be
buried in Dahn Friedhof, Rhineland-Palatinate.

3586. Hauptmann Hermann KLOOS

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Kloos was born on 21 September 1910 in Mannheim. He was a company
commander in Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 8 when he died of wounds on
10 December 1943 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Zhitomir,
Ukraine. Kloos was awarded the Knight’s Cross three days later.

3587. Oberstleutnant Friedrich VOGELSANG
Vogelsang was born on 27 November 1897 in Minden. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 505 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14
December 1943. Vogelsang died on 22 August 1973 in Landshut, Bavaria.

3588. Major Otto LAUDENBACH
Laudenbach was born on 25 February 1913 in Bad Homburg. He was
commander of III Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 88, when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 14 December 1943. Laudenbach died of wounds on 2
February 1944 and is buried at Krivoy Rog, Ukraine; his remains are awaiting
transfer to a German war cemetery.

3589. Hauptmann Fritz SCHERER
Scherer was born on 26 August 1910 in Mannheim. He was a company
commander in Assault-Gun Battalion 236 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 14 December 1943. Scherer died on 8 May 1998 and is buried in
Adenau Friedhof, Rhineland-Palatinate.

3590. Oberleutnant Rudolf GÖTTINGER
Göttinger was born on 29 March 1919 in Kempten. He was a company
commander in Mountain Jäger Regiment 91 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 14 December 1943. Göttinger died on 26 January 2009 and
is believed to be buried in Waldfriedhof, Munich.

3591. Oberfeldwebel Karl GROS
Gros was born on 10 November 1911 in Oberneisen. He was a platoon leader
in Panzer Regiment 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14
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December 1943. Gros died on 21 March 1992 and is buried in Waldfriedhof,
Salzgitter, Lower Saxony.

3592. Oberfeldwebel Josef RAMPEL
Rampel was born on 5 April 1915 in Witzmannsberg. He was serving in
Panzer Regiment ‘GD’ when he was killed in action on 17 November 1943
and is buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Kirovohrad,
Ukraine. Rampel was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 December 1943.

3593. Unteroffizier Johann EGGERS
Eggers was born on 16 April 1923 in Sievern. He was a gunner in Panzer
Regiment 6 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 14 December 1944.
Eggers died on 5 February 1974 and is buried in Sievern Friedhof, Langen,
Lower Saxony.

3594. Generalmajor Hermann FLÖRKE
Flörke was born on 23 October 1893 in Hanover. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Flörke
was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in October 1939 and the 1st
Class in May 1940. He was commander of 14th Infantry Division when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 15 December 1943. The Oak Leaves
followed on 2 September 1944. Flörke died on 19 August 1979 and is buried
in Alter Friedhof, Giessen, Hesse.

3595. Oberstleutnant Ernst-Joachim BRADEL
Bradel was born on 28 August 1909 in Gleiwitz. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in August 1941. Bradel
was commander of Panzergrenadier Regiment 113 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 15 December 1943. He died on 9 October 1994 in Bad
Münster, Rhineland-Palatinate.

3596. Hauptmann Alois EISELE
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Eisele was born in Salach on 22 February 1914. He fought in Belgium and
France, being awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Eisele also fought in the
Balkans campaign, before taking part in the invasion of Russia, and was
awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class. He was wounded in July 1942. After
recovering and while waiting to return to his own unit in October, his train
was attacked and Eisele formed a group of men to fight off the enemy. He
fought at Kursk and was wounded in July and August. Eisele was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 15 December 1943.
Wounded again in the summer of 1944, Eisele was sent on a course to
become an aide-de-camp after recovering. It was while there that he was
awarded the Oak Leaves on 12 January 1945. He was also awarded the Close
Combat Clasp in Gold and the Wound Badge in Gold. Eisele was taken
prisoner by US forces in May 1945. He died on 4 December 2008 and is
buried in Eislingen Friedhof, Baden-Württemberg.

3597. SS-Sturmbannführer Waldemar FEGELEIN (later
changed to Axel FEGELEIN)
Fegelein was born on 9 January 1912 in Ansbach. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in December 1940 and the 1st Class in July 1941. Like his
brother, he took part in anti-partisan warfare in Russia and is said to have
ordered the execution of twenty-one Jews in August 1941. Fegelein was
commander of SS-Cavalry Regiment 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 16 December 1943. He was never brought to trial for his actions.
Fegelein died on 20 November 2000 and is buried in Neuer Friedhof, Tomb
11, Oberwinter, Rhineland-Palatinate. His brother, Hermann, was awarded
the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.

3598. SS-Sturmbannführer Herbert SCHULZE
Schulze was born on 1 April 1914 in Leipzig. He fought in France and was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Schulze also fought in the Balkans and
took part in the invasion of Russia, where he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st
Class outside of Moscow. In January 1942, his regiment was almost wiped-out
and Schulze was badly wounded, not returning to the front until April 1942.
Schultze was made a regimental adjutant and, in early 1943, took part in
the recapture of Kharkov. He also fought at Kursk in August; during the
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retreat, with just thirty-five men, he captured the village of Kasawerowsk and
held it against counterattacks. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
16 December 1943. Schulze was also awarded the Close Combat Clasp in
Gold. Another severe wound put him out of the action and Schultze was sent
home to train new recruits. He died on 2 February 1992 in Borken, North
Rhine-Westphalia.

3599. SS-Obersturmführer Karl-Heinz BOSKA
Boska was born on 18 October 1920 in Kiel. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in August 1941 and the 1st Class in February 1943. Boska was a
company commander in II Battalion, SS-Panzer Regiment 2, when on the
morning of 13 November 1943, near the Bolschaja Grab the Russians
mounted a large-scale infantry attack. Boska led five tanks in a counterattack,
which broke through the enemy rear, destroying fourteen guns and killing
more than 380 Russians. For this, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16
December 1943. Boska died on 22 October 2004 in Raisdorf, SchleswigHolstein.

3600. SS-Hauptscharführer Willy SIMKE
Simke was born on 26 January 1914 in Belgern. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in February and the 1st Class in May 1942. Simke was a
platoon leader in SS-Panzer Regiment 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 16 December 1943 for his part in a counterattack, during which
seventeen out of twenty Russian T-34 tanks were destroyed. He died on 20
August 1964 in Ennigerloh, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3601. SS-Unterscharführer Felix PRZEDWOJEWSKI
Przedwojewski was born on 7 December 1920 in Meyenburg. He was an
assault-gun commander in Assault-Gun Battalion 3 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 16 December 1943 for knocking-out forty-five enemy tanks.
Przedwojewski died on 15 June 1986 and is buried in Beiertheim Friedhof,
Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg.

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3602. SS-Rottenführer Lothar SWIERZINSKI
Swierzinski was born on 18 July 1922 in Gelsenkirchen. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in November 1942 and the 1st Class in November 1943.
Swierzinski was a platoon leader in SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 5 when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 16 December 1943 for holding off a
number of Russian attacks and re-establishing the front line. He was killed in
action on 29 October 1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery,
Modlin, near Warsaw, Poland.

3603. Generalleutnant Friedrich SIXT
Sixt was born on 28 October 1895 in Munich. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Sixt was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in September 1939 and the 1st Class
in June 1941. He was commander of 50th Infantry Division when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 December 1943. The Oak Leaves followed
on 11 March 1945. Sixt died on 4 August 1976 and is buried in the village
cemetery, Icking, Bavaria.

3604. Generalmajor Erpo Freiherr von BODENHAUSEN
Freiherr von Bodenhausen was born on 12 April 1897 in Arnstein. He fought
in the First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1914). Von Bodenhausen was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
(1939) in September 1939. He was commander of 12th Panzer Division when
he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17 December 1943. He was also
awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. Von Bodenhausen killed himself on 9
May 1945 at Grobin, Latvia, inside the Courland Pocket and has no known
grave.

3605. Oberst Ernst MEINERS
Meiners was born on 13 June 1893 in Berlin. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Meiners was
commander of Grenadier Regiment 161 when he was awarded the Knight’s

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Cross on 17 December 1943. He died on 11 June 1959 and is believed to be
buried in the Invaliden Friedhof, Scharnhorstrasse, Berlin.

3606. Hauptmann Ernst REDLICH
Redlich was born on 17 June 1897 in Karge. He was a company commander
in Pioneer Battalion 134 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17
December 1943. Redlich was posted missing at Vienna during March 1945.

3607. Oberleutnant Siegfried LEYCK
Leyck was born on 4 August 1915 in Rosenberg. He was commander of III
Battalion, Panzer Fusilier Regiment ‘GD’, when he died of wounds on 7 July
1943 and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 10, Row 32, Grave
3767, Kharkov, Ukraine. Leyck was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17
December 1943.

3608. Oberleutnant Rolf TRUXA (born Rolf von SANTA
TRUXA)
Truxa was born on 6 June 1921 in Berlin. He was a company commander in
Assault-Gun Battalion 190 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17
December 1943. Truxa died on 3 Febraury 1983 and is buried in Reimsbach
Friedhof, Beckingen, Saarland.

3609. Leutnant Karl-Günther KNÜPPEL
Knüppel was born on 6 October 1918 in Heinsdorf. He was a platoon leader
in Motorised Grenadier Regiment 51 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 17 December 1943. Knüppel died on 16 December 2006 in Landshut,
Bavaria.

3610. Leutnant Franz KRETSCHMER
Kretschmer was born on 5 October 1918 in Eulau. He was a platoon leader in
Heavy Panzer Jäger Battalion 656 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
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17 December 1943. Kretschmer died on 28 May 1987 in Essen, North RhineWestphalia.

3611. Leutnant Hermann KUNZ
Kunz was born on 12 December 1919 in Augsburg. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in May 1940 and the 1st Class in November 1941. Kunz was
a platoon leader in Panzer Jäger Battalion 37 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 17 December 1943. He was also awarded the Wound Badge
in Gold. Kunz died on 18 March 2012 and is buried in Neuer Ostfriedhof,
Augsburg, Bavaria.

3612. Stabsfeldwebel Ernst PREUSS
Preuss was born on 5 April 1911 in Steinsdorf. He was aide-de-camp in III
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 53 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
17 December 1943. Preuss died on 12 September 1984 in Soest, North RhineWestphalia.

3613. Oberfeldwebel Ludwig FLEISCHMANN
Fleischmann was born on 14 March 1915 in Prünst. He was a platoon leader
in Jäger Regiment 207 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 17
December 1943. Fleischmann died on 30 June 2005 and is believed to be
buried in St Jakob Friedhof, Freising, Bavaria.

3614. Oberst Karl FAULHABER
Faulhaber was born on 11 January 1896 in Gerolzhofen. He was commander
of Grenadier Regiment 282 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
December 1943. Faulhaber died on 11 March 1972 and is believed to be
buried in Waldfriedhof, Munich.

3615. Major Wolfgang LAMPP
Lampp was born on 16 September 1916 in Berlin. He was commander of
Field Replacement Battalion 104 when he was killed in action near Gomel,
680

Russia, on 23 October 1943 and is buried at Nadwin, Belarus; Lampp’s
remains are awaiting transfer to a German war cemetery. He was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 19 December 1943.

3616. General de Brigadă Leonard MOCIULSCHI
(Romanian Army)
Mociulschi was born on 25 March 1889 in Siminicea, Romania. He was
commander of 3rd Romanian Mountain Division when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 19 December 1943. He died on 15 April 1979 and his ashes
were scattered in the Postavarul Mountains, Romania.

3617. Kapitänleutnant Max-Martin TEICHERT
Teichert was born in Kiel on 31 January 1915. He commissioned U-456 on 18
September 1941 and sunk his first ship of nearly 4,000 tons in February 1942.
On 30 April, he torpedoed the British cruiser Edinburgh; while under tow, she
was torpedoed again by a German destroyer and sunk. His next action saw
him sink the 6,977-ton Honomu on 5 July. On 2 November 1942, he sank the
7,177-ton Jeremiah van Rensselear, followed twenty-four hours later by the
9,456-ton tanker Inverilen. On 23 March 1943, he sank a 700-ton steamer,
and on 11 May, he attacked convoy HX237, sinking the 7,138-ton Fort
Concord.
On 12 May 1943, U-456 was depth-charged by the British frigate Lapan
and the corvette Drumheller, forcing her to the surface where she was bombed
and sunk by aircraft; there were no survivors. Teichert was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 19 December 1943.

3618. Hauptmann Karl PABST
Pabst was born on 25 November 1914 in Lichtenfels. He was a company
commander in Pioneer Battalion 296 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 19 December 1943. Pabst was posted missing near Bobruisk, Russia,
during June 1944.

3619. Hauptmann Alfred PANDEL
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Pandel was born on 13 July 1918 in Oppeln. He was a company commander
in Grenadier Regiment 84 when he was killed in action near Kiev, Russia, on
20 October 1943 and has no known grave. Pandel was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 19 December 1943.

3620. Hauptmann Robert Freiherr von PROCHAZKA
Freiherr von Prochazka was born on 6 December 1916 in Bozen, AustriaHungary. He was commander of III Battalion, Werfer Regiment 55, when he
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19 December 1943. Von Prochazka died
on 20 February 2014 and is believed to be buried in Zentralfriedhof, Vienna.

3621. Oberleutnant Hans BARTHLE
Barthle was born on 5 February 1914 in Waldstetten. He was a company
commander in Grenadier Regiment 119 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross 19 December 1943. Barthle died on 27 April 1987 and is buried in Alter
Friedhof, Tettnang, Baden-Württemberg.

3622. Oberleutnant Günther KONOPACKI
Konopacki was born on 10 October 1921 in Gross-Bösitz. He fought in
France and the invasion of Russia where, in front of Moscow, he was awarded
the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class in 1941. In the spring of 1942, his unit
moved south into the Ukraine where Konopacki was wounded. He fought
along the Don River and at Kursk in 1943. During one attack, his unit was cut
off but held their ground, knocking out ten enemy tanks, later rejoining his
division. For this action, Konopacki was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
December 1943.
In the spring of 1944, his unit was sent to Poland for rest and refitting but
was back at the front by April. In January 1945, he commanded a
Kampfgruppe with which he broke-through to Mühlhausen, eliminating the
HQ unit of a Russian guard formation and taking some high-ranking officers
prisoner. For this, Konopacki was awarded the Oak Leaves on 23 March
1945. He was also awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold. Konopacki died
on 23 June 1987 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof, Baden-Baden, BadenWürttemberg.
682

3623. Leutnant Franz BEGEMANN
Begemann was born on 21 April 1919 in Bentrop. He was a company
commander in Panzer Regiment 21 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 19 December 1943. Begemann was killed in action on 29 June 1944 and is
buried at Bobruisk, Belarus; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German
war cemetery.

3624. Unteroffizier Friedrich GAEB
Gaeb was born on 25 March 1921 in Oedekoven. He was a platoon leader in
Reconnaissance Battalion 97 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
December 1943. Gaeb died on 15 April 1979 in Oedekoven, North RhineWestphalia.

3625. Obergefreiter Rudolf ALBUST
Albust was born on 28 June 1913 in Crimmitschau. He was a gunner in
Panzer Jäger Battalion 129 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 19
December 1943. Albust died of wounds in Saalfeld, Thuringia, on 4
September 1945 and has no known grave.

3626. Generalmajor Richard JOHN
John was born on 21 June 1896 in Wilhelmshaven. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). John
was commander of 292nd Infantry Division when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 20 December 1943. He died on 20 February 1965 and is
buried in Stadtfriedhof, Abt III, Feld II, Row 1, Grave 11–12, GarmischPartenkirchen, Bavaria.

3627. Oberst Johannes BRUHN
Bruhn was born on 10 July 1898 in Neumünster. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). Bruhn was Artillery
Commander 149 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 December

683

1943. He died on 20 November 1954 and is buried in Burgtor Friedhof,
Lubeck, Schleswig-Holstein.

3628. Oberst Gottfried FRÖHLICH (or FRÖLICH)
Fröhlich was born on 3 June 1894 in Dresden. He fought in the First World
War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Fröhlich was
commander of 8th Panzer Division when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 20 December 1943. He died on 30 July 1959 and is buried in
Waldfriedhof, Heidenheim, Baden-Württemberg.

3629. SS-Obersturmbannführer Georg SCHÖNBERGER
Schönberger was born on 21 February 1911 in Munich. He was commander
of SS-Panzer Regiment 1 when he was killed in action near Brusilov, Ukraine,
on 20 November 1943 and has no known grave. Schönberger was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 20 December 1943.

3630. Major Berndt von MITZLAFF
Von Mitzlaff was born on 5 August 1914 in Schkopau. He was commander of
Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 8 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 20 December 1943. Von Mitzlaff died on 20 March 2003 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate.

3631. SS-Hauptsturmführer Karl RETTLINGER
Rettlinger was born on 8 February 1913 in Gunzenhausen. He was a company
commander in SS-Assault-Gun Battalion 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 20 December 1943 for destroying thirty Russian tanks. Rettlinger
was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. He died on 14 June 1990 and is
buried in Cronheim Friedhof, Gunzenhausen, Bavaria.

3632. SS-Hauptsturmführer Emil WIESEMANN (or
WIESMANN)

684

Wiesemann was born on 11 September 1914 in Berlin. He was a company
commander in SS-Assault-Gun Battalion 1 when he was killed in action near
Kornin, Russia, on 14 November 1943 and has no known grave. Wiesemann
was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20 December 1943.

3633. Oberleutnant Kurt FLAD
Flad was born on 3 March 1915 in Karlsruhe. He was a battery commander
in Artillery Regiment 219 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 20
December 1943. Flad died on 29 January 1996 in Sulzbach, Bavaria.

3634. Oberleutnant Günther HELLMICH
Hellmich was born on 26 December 1917 in Breslau. He was a company
commander in Assault-Gun Battalion 270 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 20 December 1943. Hellmich died on 7 July 1985 and is believed to
be buried in Osterholz Friedhof, Bremen.

3635. Leutnant Wolfgang EICHLER
Eichler was born on 17 August 1914 in Lüderitzbucht. He was a company
commander in Panzer Regiment 29 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 20 December 1943. Eichler was killed in action near Minsk, Russia, on 4
July 1944 and has no known grave.

3636. Leutnant Karl REINHART
Reinhart was born on 12 August 1920 in Heilbronn. He was a company
commander in Assault Regiment 215 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 20 December 1943. Reinhart was killed in action at Novoje-Selo, Russia,
on 10 March 1944 and has no known grave.

3637. SS-Rottenführer Alfred SCHNEIDEREIT
Schneidereit was born on 29 October 1919 in Insterburg, Russia. He missed
the Polish and French campaigns, but saw action in the Balkans. Schneideit
took part in the invasion of Russia, where he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st
685

and 2nd Class. In late 1943 at the village of Kotscherewo, Schneidereit’s
platoon lay in wait for the Russians. During the next two days of fighting, he
knocked-out four tanks, was wounded twice, lost some fingers, and personally
led two counterattacks to restore the position. For this, he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 20 December 1943.
Schneidereit fought in Normandy but ended the war on the Russian Front.
He died on 22 February 1999 in Nördlingen, Bavaria.

3638. Kapitänleutnant Helmut KLASSMANN
Klassmann was born on 15 May 1914 in Frankfurt am Main. He was
awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in February and the 1st Class in August
1940. Klassmann was commander of R-Boat Flotilla 3 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 22 December 1943. He died on 25 January 1984 in
Hamburg.

3639. Oberleutnant zur See Klaus-Degenhard SCHMIDT
Schmidt was born on 3 January 1918 in Kiel. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in June 1940 and the 1st Class in December 1941. Schmidt was
commander of S-54 in S-Boat Flotilla 10 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 22 December 1943. He was killed in action in the English Channel
on 22 December 1944 and has no known grave.

3640. Generalleutnant Ralph Graf von ORIOLA
Graf von Oriola was born on 9 August 1895 in Hirschberg. He fought in the
First World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914).
Von Oriola was commander of 299th Infantry Division when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 23 December 1943. He died on 28 April 1970 in
Nuremberg.

3641. Oberst Erich DETHLEFFSEN
Dethleffsen was born on 2 August 1904 in Kiel. He was Chief of the General
Staff of XXXIX Panzer Corps when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23
December 1943. Dethleffsen died on 4 July 1980 and is buried in
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Waldfriedhof (new section), Feld 460, Row 3, Grave 246, Munich. His fatherin-law, Nikolaus von Falkenhorst, was also awarded the Knight’s Cross.

3642. Korvettenkapitän Günther BRANDT
Brandt was born on 1 October 1898 in Kiel. He fought in the First World War
and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914). Brandt was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class (1939) in January and the 1st Class in August 1940. He
was commander of U-Jägd-Flotilla 21 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 23 December 1943. Brandt died on 4 July 1973 in Bayreuth,
Bavaria.

3643. Oberstleutnant Wilhelm HINERASKY
Hinerasky was born on 18 April 1902 in Giersdorf. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 528 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23
December 1943. Hinerasky was posted missing at Vitebsk, Russia, on 22 June
1944.

3644. Hauptmann Jakob RINGHOF
Ringhof was born on 6 July 1911 in Viernheim. He was commander of
Divisions Fusilier Battalion 215 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
23 December 1943. Ringhof died on 27 August 1993 and is buried in
Weinsberg Friedhof, Baden-Württemberg.

3645. Oberleutnant Hans-Georg BORCK
Borck was born on 24 September 1921 in Hagen. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in July 1941 and the 1st Class in July 1942. Borck was a
company commander in Panzer Pioneer Battalion 209 when he was awarded
the Knight’s Cross on 23 December 1943. He was also awarded the Wound
Badge in Gold and four Tank Destruction Badges. Borck died on 8 May 2011
and is buried in Waldfriedhof, Knippschildstrasse, Hagen, North RhineWestphalia.

687

3646. Stabsarzt Hans-Joachim SCHULZ-MERKEL
Schulz-Merkel was born on 6 April 1913 in Oppeln. He was a doctor in I
Battalion, Panzer Regiment 35, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
23 December 1943. Schulz-Merkel died on 2 September 2000 in
Marktoberdorf, Bavaria.

3647. Oberfeldwebel Otto REICHHOLD
Reichhold was born on 15 February 1916 in Chemnitz. He was a platoon
leader in Grenadier Regiment 448 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
23 December 1943. Reichhold died on 11 November 1999 and is believed to
be buried in Chemnitz Friedhof, Saxony.

3648. Fahnenjunker-Feldwebel Wilhelm SANDER
Sander was born on 12 November 1917 in Pussade. He was a platoon leader
in Panzer Jäger Battalion 370 when he was posted missing near Melitopol,
Russia, on 24 October 1943 and was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23
December 1943.

3649. Unteroffizier Benno WEBER
Weber was born on 13 June 1920 in Osterwieck. He was a section leader in
Grenadier Regiment 467 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 23
December 1943. Weber was killed in action near Augustów, Russia, on 8
August 1944 and has no known grave.

3650. Major Werner FRIEDRICH
Friedrich was born on 7 November 1909 in Bebra. He was commander of
Grenadier Regiment 503 when he was killed in action on 23 December 1943
and is buried in the German War Cemetery, Block 11 (as unknown), Sebesh,
Russia. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26 December 1943.

3651. Hauptmann Hubert MICKLEY
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Mickley was born on 11 April 1918 in Schönlanke. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in June 1940. Mickley was
commander of I Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 4, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 26 December 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 4 August
1944. He was also awarded the Wound Badge in Gold. Mickley died of
wounds on 30 December 1944 and is buried in the German War Cemetery,
Block 3, Row 2, Grave 50, on the B-6600, Recogne (Bastogne), Belgium.

3652. Oberleutnant Wilhelm LOER
Loer was born on 14 April 1912 in Iserlohn. He was commander of I
Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 311, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 26 December 1943. Loer was killed in action near Poreby on 25 August
1944 and has no known grave.

3653. Oberfeldwebel Heinrich LENZ
Lenz was born on 20 August 1914 in Bochum. He was a platoon leader in
Grenadier Regiment 159 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26
December 1943. Lenz died on 15 May 1990 and is buried in Hauptfriedhof,
Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3654. Obergefreiter Martin JACOBS
Jacobs was born on 24 December 1922 in Hülm. He was a section leader in
Grenadier Regiment 431 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 26
December 1943. Jacobs died on 17 May 1987 in Goch, North RhineWestphalia.

3655. SS-Obersturmführer Karl RUBATSCHER
Rubatscher was born on 23 December 1912 in Vienna. He was adjutant in I
Battalion, Motorised SS-Grenadier Regiment 8, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 27 December 1943. Rubatscher died on 3 August 1997 and
is buried in Zentralfriedhof, Vienna.

689

3656. Generalmajor Mortimer von KESSEL
Von Kessel was born on 25 May 1893 in Arnswalde. He fought in the First
World War and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1914). Von
Kessel was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (1939) in July 1943. He
was commander of 20th Panzer Division when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 28 December 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 16 October 1944.
Von Kessel died on 8 January 1981 and is buried in Stadtfriedhof,
Hildesheimerstrasse, Goslar, Lower Saxony.

3657. Major Hans KLOTZSCHE
Klotzsche was born on 22 November 1914 in Niedershönbrunn. He was
commander of I Battalion, Panzer Artillery Regiment 80, when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 December 1943. Klotzsche was killed in
action near Neustettin during January 1945 and has no known grave.

3658. Hauptmann Valentin JUNG
Jung was born on 14 February 1911 in Eitelsbach. He was commander of
Field Replacement Battalion 92 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
28 December 1943. Jung was posted missing near Bobruisk, Russia, on 30
June 1944.

3659. Hauptmann Werner STRECK
Streck was born on 4 November 1913 in Tschirma. He was commander of
Field Replacement Battalion 81 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
28 December 1943. Streck died on 10 August 2002 in Bischofsheim,
Rhineland-Palatinate.

3660. Oberleutnant Gerhard FISCHER
Fischer was born on 4 December 1915 in Görlitz. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1940. Fischer was
a company commander in Panzer Regiment 23 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 28 December 1943. He died on 9 August 2014 and is
690

believed to be buried in Ofenerdiek Friedhof, Schafjückenweg, Oldenburg,
Lower Saxony.

3661. Oberfeldwebel Fritz HEDDERICH
Hedderich was born on 22 March 1915 in Obernkirchen. He was a section
leader in Grenadier Regiment 487 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
28 December 1943. Hedderich died of wounds on 8 March 1945 and is buried
at Gdynia, Poland; his remains are awaiting transfer to a German war
cemetery.

3662. Obergefreiter Gottlob SCHILL
Schill was born on 28 December 1919 in Upfingen. He was an anti-tank
gunner in Grenadier Regiment 107 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 28 December 1943. Schill died on 12 November 1992 and is buried in
Hauptfriedhof, Reutlingen, Baden-Württemberg.

3663. Oberst Martin BERG
Berg was born on 4 April 1905 in Arensberg. He was awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class in October 1939 and the 1st Class in June 1940. Berg was
commander of Grenadier Regiment 166 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 30 December 1943. He died on 2 April 1969 in Bahrendorf, SaxonyAnhalt.

3664. Oberst Albert LATZ
Latz was born on 4 July 1896 in Hamburg. He was commander of
Kampfgruppe ‘Latz’ when he was killed in action on 6 November 1943 and is
buried at Kopatschi, Ukraine; Latz’s remains are awaiting transfer to a
German war cemetery. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30 December
1943.

3665. Oberstleutnant Gerhard KLEIN

691

Klein was born on 2 January 1903 in Mainz. He was commander of Army
Weapons School AOK 9 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30
December 1943. Klein died on 20 December 1988 in Bonn.

3666. Major Hellmuth SCHWING
Schwing was born on 23 May 1908 in Crossen. He was commander of Panzer
Pioneer Battalion 39 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30
December 1943. Schwing died on 21 April 1992 and is believed to be buried
in Stadtfriedhof, Bad Pyrmont, Lower Saxony.

3667. Hauptmann Valentin DIETZ
Dietz was born on 15 November 1912 in Obernburg. He was commander of I
Battalion, Jäger Regiment 204, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30
December 1943. Dietz died on 6 July 1989 and is buried in Planegg Friedhof,
Munich.

3668. Hauptmann Friedrich KERN
Kern was born on 21 August 1912 in Rottweil. He was commander of III
Battalion, Artillery Regiment 198, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 30 December 1943. Kern was killed in action on 2 April 1945 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery (Waldfriedhof), Block 7, Grave 22, Auf
der Batterie, Gemünden, Bavaria.

3669. Hauptmann Hans-Oskar RICKERT
Rickert was born on 17 November 1916 in Neuruppin. He was commander of
I Battalion, Artillery Regiment 320, when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 30 December 1943. Rickert was killed in action on 13 April 1944 and is
believed to be buried in the German War Cemetery (as unknown), Chisinau,
Moldova.

3670. Hauptmann Paul SCHULZE

692

Schulze was born on 6 January 1913 in Brakel. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in July 1940. Schulze was
commander of II Battalion, Panzer Regiment 21, when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 30 December 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 28 July
1944. He died on 28 July 1980 in Brakel, North Rhine-Westphalia.

3671. Oberleutnant Friedrich BRINCKMANN
Brinckmann was born on 28 July 1920 in Einbeck. He was a pilot in
Reconnaissance Group 122 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 30
December 1943. Still living at time of going to publication.

3672. Oberleutnant Horst HEINRICH
Heinrich was born on 2 May 1918 in Weißstein. He was a company
commander in Mountain Pioneer Battalion 83 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 30 December 1943. Heinrich died on 5 August 1996 in
Düsseldorf.

3673. Hauptmann Alfred ENSSLE
Enssle was born on 18 June 1912 in Minischtal, Austria-Hungary. He was a
squadron leader in Bomber Wing 76 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 31 December 1943. Enssle died on 26 May 1989 and is believed to be
buried in Konstanz Friedhof, Baden-Württemberg.

3674. Hauptmann Johannes GEHRMANN
Gehrmann was born on 19 November 1920 in Bornstedt. He was a squadron
leader in Close Support Wing 1 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
31 December 1943. Gehrmann was killed in action at Zoziv, Russia, on 27
January 1944 and has no known grave.

3675. Hauptmann Ernst von WEYRAUCH
Von Weyrauch was born on 16 January 1918 in Marburg. He was a squadron
leader in Reconnaissance Group 14 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
693

on 31 December 1943. Von Weyrauch was killed in action over Tours, France,
on 17 March 1944 and has no known grave.

3676. Hauptmann Heinrich WOHLERS
Wohlers was born on 16 March 1912 in Altkloster. He was a group
commander in Night Fighter Wing 6 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross
on 31 December 1943. Wohlers was killed in action on 15 March 1944 and is
buried in the German War Cemetery (Ohlsdorf Friedhof), Block BN, Row 53,
Grave 714, Fuhlsbüttler Strasse, Hamburg. He shot down twenty-nine
aircraft, all at night.

3677. Hauptmann Heinrich ZWIPF
Zwipf was born on 13 January 1914 in Pirmasens. He was a squadron leader
in Dive Bomber Wing 77 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31
December 1943. Zwipf was killed in action on 7 April 1944 and is buried in
the German War Cemetery, Block B, Grave 474, Pomezia, Italy.

3678. Oberleutnant Herbert BAUER
Bauer was born on 16 April 1919 in Innsbruck, Austria. He was awarded the
Iron Cross 2nd Class in July and the 1st Class in October 1941. Bauer was a
squadron leader in Dive Bomber Wing 2 when he was awarded the Knight’s
Cross on 31 December 1943. The Oak Leaves followed on 30 September
1944. He completed 1,071 missions. Bauer died on 24 March 1997 and is
buried in La Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

3679. Oberleutnant Werner NADOLSKI
Nadolski was born on 2 October 1908 in Königsberg. He was a company
commander in Motorised Flak Regiment 61 when he was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 31 December 1943. Nadolski died on 8 November 1982
and is believed to be buried in Kaarster Friedhof, Kaarst, North RhineWestphalia.

694

3680. Oberleutnant Heinz-Wolfgang SCHNAUFER—‘The
Night Ghost’
Schnaufer was born on 16 February 1922 in Stuttgart. He was a night fighter
pilot flying the Bf 110; his first mission was in February 1942 during the
‘Channel Dash’. Schnaufer’s first victory came on 2 June 1942 when he shot
down an RAF Halifax bomber over Belgium, being awarded the Iron Cross
2nd Class. By the end of the year, his tally was at seven, and three of these
were shot down on 1 August 1942—the Iron Cross 1st Class followed.
By July 1943, he had raised his score to seventeen, and when he was
awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31 December 1943, he was credited with fortythree victories. On 24 June 1944, with his total at eighty-four, Schnaufer was
awarded the Oak Leaves. Then, on 30 July 1944, he was awarded the Swords
with his score at eighty-nine; two of his crew, radar operator Fritz
Rumpelhardt and gunner Wilhelm Gänsler, were awarded the Knight’s Cross.
On 9 October 1944, Schnaufer scored his 100th victory, which brought
him the Diamonds on 16 October; he was only the second night fighter pilot
to be awarded them. He shot down eleven four-engined bombers on the night
of 21–22 February 1945, although one of these was only confirmed after the
war, bringing his final score to 126. It was no wonder the British called him
‘The Night Ghost’. Schnaufer was involved in a car accident on 13 July 1950
while in France; he died two days later at just twenty-eight years old. He is
buried in the family plot at Calwer Friedhof, Calw, Baden-Württemberg.

3681. Oberleutnant Heinz SEIFFERT
Seiffert was born on 18 December 1920 in Krietern. He was a squadron leader
in Bomber Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31 December
1943. Seiffert was killed in action on 13 January 1945 and is buried in the
German War Cemetery, Block Q, Row 2, Grave 32, Timmermansweg,
Ysselsteyn, the Netherlands.

3682. Oberleutnant Helmut SINN
Sinn was born on 26 May 1915 in Öhringen. He was an observer in
Reconnaissance Group 22 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31

695

December 1943. Sinn died on 13 June 1988 and is buried in Öhringen
Friedhof, Baden-Württemberg.

3683. Oberfeldwebel Günter GLASNER
Glasner was born on 26 August 1917 in Drehnow. He was awarded the Iron
Cross 2nd Class in May and the 1st Class in September 1940. Glasner was a
gunner in Bomber Wing 6 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 31
December 1943. He was a member of Hermann Hogeback’s crew who were
unique in that they were all awarded the Knight’s Cross. The others being
Wilhelm Dipberger and Willy Lehnert. Glasner died on 22 June 2012 in
Berlin.

3684. Oberfeldwebel Walter KUBISCH
Kubisch was born on 7 September 1918 in Helbigsdorf. He was a radio
operator in Night Fighter Wing 3 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on
31 December 1943. Kubisch was Helmut Lent’s (Knight’s Cross, Oak Leaves,
Swords and Diamonds) radio operator and they were flying to Nordborchen
on 5 October 1944; on arrival, they found the main runway bomb cratered,
and as Lent brought the aircraft into land on an emergency runway, one of his
engines failed and the aircraft burst into flames. Kubisch died the next day and
is buried in the German War Cemetery (Alter Garnison Friedhof), Stade,
Lower Saxony. Lent died a few days later while having both his legs
amputated and is buried in the same cemetery.

3685. Fahnenjunker-Oberfeldwebel Werner QUAST
—‘Quax’
Quast was born on 21 June 1920 in Thale. He was a pilot in Fighter Wing 52
when, on 7 August 1943, he rammed a Sturmovik and was forced to bale out.
Quast was captured by the Russians and held until 1947. He was awarded the
Knight’s Cross on 31 December 1943, with eighty-four victories to his credit.
Quast died in a helicopter crash on 12 July 1962 in Mittenwald, Bavaria.

696

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697

Kershaw, R., ‘It Never Snows in September’ (UK, The Crowood Press 1990)
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1957 (UK, Blandford Press, 1984)

698

Index of Knight’s Cross Holders (1942–43)
Each entry starts with the recipient’s rank (at time of the award), and then
their name, all surnames are in CAPITALS and will always start a new line. If
there are two or more men with the same name, then they are listed in the
order they were awarded the Knight’s Cross. Then their numbered position in
the chronological list (in brackets) and finally the page number in the text.
A
ABEL, Major Adolf (3248) 467
ABRAHAM, Oberst Erich (2075) 208
ACHILLES, Kapitänleutnant Albrecht (2302) 258
ADAM, Major Paul (2690) 344
ADAM, Oberst Wilhelm (2160) 227
ADEMEIT, Leutnant Horst (2682) 342
AHNERT, Oberfeldwebel Heinrich-Wilhelm (1764) 136
AHRENS, Oberfeldwebel Albert (2937) 401
ALBER, Hauptmann Robert (3158) 448
ALBERS, Hauptmann Hans-Wilhelm (2772) 362
ALBERTS, Oberst Otto (3570) 537
ALBRECHT (aka ALBRECHT-LEMKE), Oberleutnant Egon (2813) 373
ALBUST, Obergefreiter Rudolf (3625) 550
ALPERS, Major Friedrich (aka Fritz) (1985) 189
AMELUNG, Hauptmann Heinz-Günter (1656) 111
AMELUNG, Leutnant Günter (2294) 256
AMERKAMP, Obergefreiter Siegfried (3502) 521
AMLING, Wachtmeister Fritz (2153) 225
AMMANN, Leutnant Franz (3075) 430
AMMER, Oberleutnant Hermann (3317) 481
ANDERS, Oberfeldwebel Friedrich (3023) 419
ANDERSEN, Oberst Kurt (2200) 236
ANGELIS, Generalleutnant Maximilian de (1361) 38
ANTRUP, Hauptmann Wilhelm (2078) 209
APITZSCH, Oberleutnant Karl-Arthur (3407) 501
699

ARENT, Oberfeldwebel Peter (2129) 220
ARNDT, Obergefreiter Fritz (2587) 321
ARNDT, Oberst Karl (1319) 28
ARNING, Oberst Karl (3308) 479
ARNOLD, Oberleutnant Freidrich (3466) 513
ASSMANN, Obergefreiter Alois (1878) 165
AUDORFF, Oberstleutnant Paul (2785) 365
AULOCK, Oberst Andreas von (3416) 503
AUSTEN, Hauptmann Hans (3543) 531
B
BAADE, Oberst Ernst-Günther (1621) 102
BAASCH, Oberleutnant Johannes (1537) 82
BAASNER, Oberleutnant Hans (2485) 299
BACHEM, Leutnant Erich (1274) 18
BACHERER, Oberst Rudolf (3390) 498
BÄCKER, Sanitäts-Feldwebel Rudolf (3222) 462
BADE, Unteroffizier Kurt (3094) 434
BADER, Hauptmann Josef (3071) 429
BADORREK, Hauptmann Emil (3489) 518
BADUM, Leutnant Johann (1995) 191
BAHNS, Oberleutnant Kurt (2080) 209
BÄKE, Major Franz (2285) 254
BALLASKO, Oberleutnant Otto Edler von (1729) 128
BANACH, Feldwebel Friedrich (2121) 219
BANZE, Oberwachtmeister Karl-Heinrich (1589) 94
BARANEK, Oberleutnant Ewald (2436) 287
BARDE, Oberst Konrad (2269) 251
BÄRENFÄNGER, Oberleutnant Erich (1642) 107
BARGEN, Oberleutnant Hans von (1882) 166
BARGSTEN, Kapitänleutnant Klaus (2737) 354
BARKHORN, Oberleutnant Gerhard (1761) 135
BARNBECK, Oberst Hermann (2030) 198
BARTELS, Oberleutnant Herbert (3493) 519
BARTELS, Unteroffizier Heinrich (2085) 211
BARTH, Hauptmann Joachim (2168) 229
BARTH, Hauptmann Siegfried (1929) 177
700

BARTH, Oberleutnant Eitel-Albert (2532) 308
BARTH, Oberst Otto (2758) 359
BARTH, Stabsfeldwebel Ludwig (1754) 134
BARTHLE, Oberleutnant Hans (3621) 549
BARTKOWIAK, Leutnant Hans (3356) 489
BARTL, Major Leopold (3420) 504
BARTSCH, Unteroffizier Günter (3442) 508
BÄTCHER, Hauptmann Hansgeorg (2188) 233
BÄTGE, Kapitänleutnant Niels (1268) 15
BAUER, Hauptmann Freidrich (3188) 454
BAUER, Kapitänleutnant Ernst (1449) 60
BAUER, Major Michael (1339) 34
BAUER, Oberjäger Johann (1625) 103
BAUER, Oberleutnant Herbert (3678) 560
BAUER, SS-Oberscharführer Helmut (3186) 453
BAUHAUS, Hauptmann Gerhard (1580) 91
BAUM, Oberleutnant Adolf (2189) 234
BAUM, SS-Sturmbannführer Otto (1550) 84
BAUMANN, Oberfeldwebel Paul (3133) 442
BAUMGARTEN-CRUSIUS, Oberleutnant Werner (1365) 39
BAUMGARTL, Oberleutnant Erich (2956) 405
BAUR, Major Eugen (1340) 34
BAYER, Oberfeldwebel Anton (3284) 474
BAYERLEIN, Oberstleutnant Fritz (1236)
BEAULIEU-MARCONNAY, Oberst Sigurt-Horstmar Freiherr von (2313) 261
BECHER, Oberwachtmeister Karl (3357) 490
BECK, Major Karl (2591) 322
BECK, SS-Obersturmführer Wilhelm (2567) 316
BECKER, Generalmajor Fritz (2628) 330
BECKER, Oberfeldwebel Heinrich (2516) 305
BECKER, Obergefreiter Paul (2028) 198
BECKER, Oberleutnant Karl-Heinz (1331) 32
BECKER, Oberleutnant Ludwig (or Robert-Ludwig) (1633) 105
BECKER, Oberst Carl (2031) 199
BECKER, Oberst Felix (2364) 271
BECKER, SS-Hauptsturmführer Hans (2566) 316
BECKER, SS-Standartenführer Hellmuth (3156) 447
701

BECKMANN, Obergefreiter Josef (3165) 449
BECKMANN, Oberst Theodor (2201) 236
BECKMANN, Oberstleutnant Ludwig (2493) 300
BECKMANN, Oberwachtmeister Ludwig (3364) 491
BEGEMANN, Leutnant Franz (3623) 550
BEGEMANN, Oberstleutnant Hermann (2179) 231
BEHNKE, Hauptmann Gerhard (2405) 281
BEHNKEN, Hauptmann Hans (2185) 232
BEHR, Hauptmann Rudolf (2367) 272
BEHRENS, Oberst Wilhelm (1474) 66
BEISSWENGER, Leutnant Hans (1557) 86
BELOW, Oberst Gerd-Paul von (2458) 292
BELSER, Hauptmann Helmut (1830) 154
BELZ, Oberleutnant Josef (2214) 239
BENDERT, Oberfeldwebel Karl-Heinz (2252) 247
BENEDIKT, Obergefreiter Johann (3582) 540
BENNEMANN, Hauptmann Helmut (1930) 177
BENZ, Hauptmann Kurt (2528) 308
BERG, Oberst Martin (3663) 558
BERGELT, Korvettenkapitän Karl (1702) 122
BERGER, Feldwebel Rudolf (2507) 303
BERGER, Oberleutnant Heinz (2609) 326
BERGMANN, Obergefreiter Gustav (1948) 181
BERNER, Gefreiter Emil (2060) 205
BERRES, Oberleutnant Heinz-Edger (3232) 464
BESCHWITZ, Major Werner Freiherr von (1680) 117
BESLER, Rittmeister Erwin (2241) 244
BETZ, Hauptmann Karl (1435) 56
BETZ, Unteroffizier Franz-Eugen (or Franz-Xaver) (1786) 142
BEUTLER, Oberwachtmeister Walter (3006) 416
BEVERNIS, Oberfeldwebel Heinz (1888) 167
BEYER, Oberleutnant Reinhard (2006) 193
BIBRA, Major Ernst Freiherr von (2205) 237
BIEBER, Oberst Martin (2939) 401
BIECKER, Hauptmann Albert (1451) 61
BIEG, Hauptmann Karl (3213) 460
BIEHL, Feldwebel Johann (1691) 120
702

BIELIG, Kapitänleutnant Gerhard (2429)
BIERMANN, Oberleutnant Fritz (3125) 440
BIERMEIER, SS-Hauptsturmführer Fritz (3572) 538
BINGEMER, Oberst Fritz (2645) 334
BIRNKRAUT, Oberleutnant Paul (2776) 363
BISCHOFF, Oberleutnant Otto (1538) 82
BISCHOFFSHAUSEN, Oberst Lothar von (1944) 180
BITSCH, Oberleutnant Emil (3117) 438
BITTL, Oberfeldwebel Xaver (3409) 501
BITTLINGMAIER, Oberleutnant Georg (1674) 116
BITTNER, Gefreiter Rudolf (2118) 218
BLADT, Oberleutnant Wilhelm (2199) 236
BLECHSCHMIDT, Major Joachim (2519) 305
BLECKL, Oberleutnant Karl (2053) 204
BLOCK, Unteroffizier Josef (2841) 380
BLUME, Leutnant Werner (1636) 106
BLUMENTHAL, Oberleutnant Carl-Ludwig (1873) 164
BLÜMKE, Oberst Friedrich (3417) 503
BOCHMANN, SS-Hauptsturmführer Georg (1532) 80
BOCK, Hauptmann Karl (1533) 81
BÖCK, Oberst Wilhelm (2314) 261
BOCK, SS-Obersturmbannführer Friedrich-Wilhelm (2563) 315
BOCKHOFF, Hauptmann Engelbert (3472) 514
BODENHAUSEN, Generalmajor Erpo Freiherr von (3604) 545
BOECKMANN, Major Rudolf (1663) 113
BOEHMER, Rittmeister Hans (3170) 450
BOELSEN, Oberst Hans (3210) 459
BOETTCHER, Major Kurt (2454) 291
BOGATSCH, General Rudolf (1465) 64
BÖGEL, Leutnant zur See Hermann (1983) 189
BOHLENS, Oberleutnant Helmut (2874) 387
BÖHLKE, Oberst Hellmuth (1898) 170
BÖHM, Hauptmann Ernst (2868) 386
BOHNENKAMP, Major Hans (2339) 267
BÖHRENDT, Oberleutnant Max (2412) 282
BOIGK, Oberjäger Heinrich (2757) 358
BOJE, Oberst Arthur (1354) 37
703

BOLDT, Oberleutnant Gerhard (2692) 345
BONERTZ, Hauptmann Hans (1476) 67
BONIN, Major Hubertus von (2187) 233
BONK, Obergefreiter Georg (3043) 423
BOOS, Oberfeldwebel Johann (3307) 479
BORCHARDT, Unteroffizier Helmut (2745) 356
BORCHERS, Haupmann Adolf (3490) 518
BORCHERT, Hauptmann Wilhelm (2484) 298
BORCK, Oberleutnant Hans-Georg (3645) 554
BOREMSKI, Oberfeldwebel Eberhard von (1545) 83
BORNHOF, Leutnant Rudolf (1543) 83
BORNSCHEIN, Oberleutnant Walter (1903) 171
BORRIES, Oberstleutnant Hermann von (1527) 79
BORRMANN, Hauptmann Joachim (3322) 482
BOSKA, SS-Obersturmführer Karl-Heinz (3599) 544
BOTH, Feldwebel Paul (2225) 241
BÖTTCHER, Oberleutnant Walther-Hans (2413) 282
BÖWE, Hauptmann Johannes (3578) 539
BÖWING-TREUDING, Oberleutnant Wolfgang (2533) 308
BRACHER, Oberst Hermann (3067) 428
BRADEL, Oberstleutnant Ernst-Joachim (3595) 543
BRAMBRINK, Oberleutnant Bernhard (3131) 442
BRAMESFELD, Kapitän zur See Heinrich (2331) 265
BRAND, Oberleutnant Hans-Joachim (3547) 532
BRANDI, Kapitänleutnant Albrecht (2329) 264
BRÄNDLE, Hauptmann Kurt (or Kurt-Werner) (1631) 104
BRANDT, Korvettenkapitän Günther (3642) 553
BRANDT, Oberfeldwebel Walter (2542) 311
BRANDT, Oberleutnant Friedrich (1749) 133
BRANDT, Oberstleutnant Hans-Georg (2334) 266
BRASCHE, Obergefreiter Rudi (2074) 208
BRAUN von STUMM, Rittmeister Hans-Günther (1660) 112
BRAUN, Major Wilhelm (2318) 262
BRECHT, Major Eugen (3280) 473
BREDEMEIER, Feldwebel Wilhelm (2072) 208
BREDEMEYER, Feldwebel Franz (3078) 431
BREGENZER, Hauptmann Josef (2704) 347
704

BREGER, Stabsfeldwebel Claus (3153) 446
BREHME, Oberfeldwebel Gerhard (3076) 430
BREHMER, Oberstleutnant Rudolf (1401) 48
BREMM, Leutnant Josef (1387) 44
BRENDEL, Oberleutnant Joachim (3494) 519
BRENDEL, Oberst Albert (2315) 261
BRENDEL, Oberst Hans (2131) 221
BRENNECKE, General Kurt (1652) 110
BRENNER, Leutnant Harro (2683) 343
BRESE (later changed to WITTCHOW von BRESE-WINIARY), Hauptmann
Heinz von (2788) 366
BRETSCHNEIDER, Oberwachtmeister Heinz (2396) 278
BREU, Hauptmann Peter (1931) 177
BRIEL, Major Georg (1664) 113
BRINCKMANN, Oberleutnant Friedrich (3671) 559
BRITZLEMAYR, Oberstleutnant Karl (1336) 33
BROCKDORFF-AHLEFELDT, Rittmeister Ernst-Albrecht Graf von (2233)
243
BROCKE, Leutnant Jürgen (2140) 223
BROEFFEL, Hauptmann Wilhelm (3455) 511
BROENNLE, Oberfeldwebel Herbert (2503) 302
BROGSITTER, Oberleutnant Eduard (2534) 309
BROICH, Oberfeldwebel Peter (1911) 173
BROICH, Oberst Freidrich Freiherr von (1781) 141
BRÖKELMANN, Korvettenkapitän Jost (1607) 99
BROMEN, Leutnant Wilhelm (2684) 343
BRONSART von SCHELLENDORFF, Oberst Heinrich-Walter (3167) 449
BROSOW, SS-Hauptsturmführer Siegfried (3450) 510
BRUCHMANN, Unteroffizier Gerhard (2986) 412
BRUCKER, Hauptmann Walter (2672) 340
BRÜCKNER, Oberleutnant Wolfgang (3548) 532
BRUER, Oberst Alfred (1690) 120
BRÜHL, Hauptmann Friedrich-August Graf von (2050) 203
BRUHN, Oberleutnant Hans (2243) 245
BRUHN, Oberst Johannes (3627) 550
BRÜNING, Leutnant Walter (1288) 20
BRUNNER, Oberfeldwebel Albert (2887) 390
705

BRUNS, Major Arthur (2601) 324
BRUNS, Major Diedrich (1716) 125
BRUNS, Oberleutnant Axel (3118) 439
BRUNS, Oberstleutnant Gustav-Adolf (1989) 190
BRUTSCHER, Leutnant Fritz (2346) 268
BUCHLER, Hauptmann Helmut-Wolfgang (1270) 16
BÜCHTING, Kapitänleutnant Hermann (2716) 350
BUCK, Oberstleutnant Wilhelm (2952) 405
BUHR, Major Martin (3181) 452
BUHR, Unteroffizier Rudolf de (3277) 473
BUHSE, Oberstleutnant Rudolf (1733) 129
BÜLOW, Kapitänleutnant Otto von (2010) 194
BÜNAU, Hauptmann Rudolf von (2994) 414
BUNGE, Hauptmann Ernst (3464) 513
BUNZEL, Oberfeldwebel Hans (2432) 286
BURBACH, Unteroffizier Hans (3477) 515
BURCKHARDT, Leutnant Ludwig-Wilhelm (1996) 191
BURG, Leutnant Jörg (2467) 294
BÜRGER, Hauptmann Thomas (1426) 54
BÜRGERHOFF, Oberfeldwebel Wilhelm (2753) 358
BURGSDORFF, Major Curt von (2592) 322
BÜRKER, Oberstleutnant Ulrich (2304) 259
BUSCH, Leutnant Walter (3329) 484
BUSCHE, Oberst Karl (2459) 292
BUSCHENHAGEN, Generalleutnant Erich (3541) 530
BUSCHHAUSEN, Major Freidrich-Wilhelm (2766) 360
BÜSEN, Hauptmann Nikolaus (1812) 149
BÜSING, Oberstleutnant Otto (2099) 214
BÜSSECKE (or BÜSSECKER), Unteroffizier Arthur (2228) 242
C
CARL, Oberleutnant Freidrich (1555) 85
CAROLIS (Italian Army), Generale di Brigada Ugo de (1362) 39
CAVALLERO (Chief of the Italian Supreme Command), Generale di Corpo
Ugo (1375) 41
CHARPENTIER, SS-Hauptsturmführer Hans-Georg von (2242) 245
CHEVALLERIE, Generalmajor Hellmut von der (2734) 353
706

CHILL, Generalleutnant Kurt (3352) 488
CHOWANETZ, Feldwebel Otto (3000) 415
CHRIST, Oberstleutnant Torsten (2012) 195
CHRISTEL, Hauptmann Kurt (1427) 54
CHRISTL, Hauptmann Georg (1452) 61
CHRISTOFZIK, Oberleutnant Kurt (3059) 427
CHRZONSZ (later changed to CARSTEN), Oberwachtmeister Günter (3435)
507
CILIAX, Vizeadmiral Otto (1470) 65
CIPA, Unteroffizier Oskar (2086) 211
CLAAS, Major Paul (2494) 300
CLAASSEN, Oberstleutnant Richard (2383) 275
CLAUSEN, Kapitänleutnant Nicolai (1443) 58
CLAUSEN, Oberleutnant Erwin (1576) 90
CONRADY, Oberstleutnant Alexander (2004) 193
CORDES, Leutnant Udo (2853) 382
CORSSEN, Hauptmann Günter (2406) 281
CRANTZ, Oberleutnant Friedrich (2466) 294
CREMER, Kapitänleutnant Peter-Erich (1598) 96
CRINIUS, Feldwebel Wilhelm (1897) 169
CRUSIUS, Oberleutnant Heinz (1539) 82
CUNO, Oberst Kurt (1306) 25
CZEKAY, Hauptmann Richard (2246) 246
D
DAHLKE, DSS-Oberscharführer Herrmann (2468) 294
DAMM, Oberfeldwebel Otto (2982) 411
DAMMERS, Feldwebel Hans (1765) 137
DANHAUSER, Oberst Paul (1366) 39
DANIEL, Oberstleutnant Richard (1671) 115
DANIELS, Generalmajor Alexander Edler von (2176) 231
DARGIES, Hauptmann Walter (2286) 255
DARIUS, Hauptmann Wolfgang (3055) 426
DARJES, Major Paul-Freidrich (1986) 189
DARNEDDE, Hauptmann Erich (2407) 281
DAVID, Obergefreiter Ernst (3035) 422
DEBOI, Generalmajor Heinrich-Anton (1840) 156
707

DEEGENER, Oberstleutnant Johannes (3054) 426
DEHMEL, SS-Hauptsturmführer Ernst (3030) 421
DEICHEN, Hauptmann Kurt (3171) 450
DEISENHOFER, SS-Sturmbannführer Eduard (1551) 85
DEMME, Oberst Rudolf (3010) 417
DENK, Oberleutnant Gustav (2497) 301
DENNINGER, Oberleutnant Rudolf (3132) 442
DEPPE, Oberleutnant Hans-Werner (3020) 419
DETHLEFFSEN, Oberst Erich (3641) 553
DEVENTER, Unteroffizier Hugo (2951) 404
DEVERS, Oberleutnant Hans-Werner (2830) 378
DEWITZ, Leutnant Eckhardt von (1738) 130
DICKE, Obergefreiter Anton (2456) 292
DICKFELD, Leutnant Adolf (1460) 63
DIDDENS, Leutnant Diddo (1455) 62
DIECKMANN, SS-Sturmbannführer August (1522) 78
DIEKWISCH, Leutnant Erwin (1997) 191
DIEM, Wachtmeister Otto (3252) 468
DIESING, Major Ulrich (1829) 153
DIETRICH, Hauptmann Johann (2210) 238
DIETRICH, SS-Hauptsturmführer Wilhelm (1991) 190
DIETSCHE, SS-Sturmbannführer Bernhard (2907) 395
DIETZ, Hauptmann Valentin (3667) 558
DILLEY, Hauptmann Bruno (1595) 95
DINGER, Leutnant Fritz (or Friedrich) (2217) 239
DINKELAKER, Oberst Ulrich (3565) 536
DIRKMORFELD, Obergefreiter Josef (2492) 300
DITTMER, Hauptmann Joachim (2603) 324
DIX, Feldwebel Kurt (2584) 320
DÖBRICH, Feldwebel Hans (3239) 465
DOFFl, Gefreiter Franz (1661) 112
DOHLE, Hauptmann Herbert (3517) 524
DOMASCHK, Hauptmann Erich (2051) 203
DOMASCHK, Oberleutnant Joachim (3318) 481
DOMMERATZKY, Oberfeldwebel Otto (2276) 252
DOMMES, Kapitänleutnant Wilhelm (2123) 219
DOMRICH, Hauptmann Otto (2995) 414
708

DONAT, Oberleutnant Gottfried (2725) 351
DONNHAUSER, Hauptmann Anton (2912) 396
DÖRFEL, Oberfeldwebel Josef (1429) 54
DÖRING, Leutnant Wilhelm (2446) 290
DORMANN, Hauptmann Hermann (2264) 250
DÖRNEMANN, Major Heinrich (3512) 523
DÖRNER, SS-Sturmbannführer Helmut (1566) 88
DOROW, Oberstleutnant Otto (1488) 70
DORR, SS-Hauptsturmführer Hans (1923) 175
DOSER, Oberjäger Otto (2510) 304
DOWERK, Oberleutnant Paul (1295) 22
DRAGALINA (Romanian Army), General de divizie Corneliu (1704) 123
DREBBER, Oberst Moritz von (1630) 104
DRESSEL, Feldwebel Albert (1984) 189
DREWES, Hauptmann Wilhelm (3371) 493
DREWES, Major Heinrich (2723) 351
DREXEL, SS-Obersturmführer Hans (3327) 483
DREXEL, Unteroffizier Johann (3080) 431
DREXLER, Major Hans (3013) 417
DRÖSSIGER, Gefreiter Kurt (1374) 41
DRUFFNER, Oberstleutnant Alfred (2630) 330
DUMITRACHE (Romanian Army), Major-General Ioan (2102) 214
DUMITRESCU, General de armată Petre (Romanian Army) (1787) 142
DUNCKER, Leutnant Christoph (2105) 215
DÜNSER, Oberleutnant Lothar (3086) 432
DURCHDENWALD, Oberleutnant Wilhelm (2081) 210
DÜRRWANGER, Hauptmann Alfred (1650) 110
DÜSKOW, Hauptmann Alwin (1471) 66
E
EBEL, Unteroffizier Paul (2441) 289
EBENER, Feldwebel Kurt (2641) 333
EBERHARDT, SS-Sturmbannführer Georg (2975) 410
EBINGER, Oberfeldwebel Edwin (3410) 502
ECKARDT, Major Willi (3560) 535
ECKERT, Feldwebel Alois (1703) 123
ECKHARDT (or ECKARDT), Oberst Johann-Heinrich (1575) 90
709

ECKHARDT, Major Alfons (1950) 181
ECKHOLT, Oberst Oskar (2646) 334
EDING, Oberleutnant Alois (3319) 482
EGGEMANN, Leutnant Walter (2696) 346
EGGEMANN, Major Wilhelm (2702) 347
EGGERS, Hauptmann Hermann (1757) 134
EGGERS, Oberleutnant Walter (3119) 439
EGGERS, Oberleutnant Wilhelm (1450) 60
EGGERS, Unteroffizier Johann (3593) 542
EHINGER, Oberjäger Josef (3066) 428
EHLE, Major Walter (3110) 437
EHRLER, Leutnant Heinrich (1819) 150
EHRT, Hauptmann Günther (1534) 81
EICHERT, Oberfeldwebel Robert (2710) 348
EICHHORN, SS-Hauptsturmführer Hugo (2289) 255
EICHLER, Leutnant Wolfgang (3635) 552
EICHLER, Oberstleutnant Richard (2384) 276
EICHSTEDT, Oberst Werner von (1740) 131
EIDEL, Hauptmann Alfred (1901) 170
EIDEN, Oberfeldwebel Karl (2470) 296
EINEM (born von ROTHMALER), Leutnant Friedrich-Wilhelm von (2128)
220
EINHOFF, Oberleutnant Georg (2839) 379
EISELE, Hauptmann Alois (3596) 543
EISERMANN, Oberst Johannes (1769) 138
EISGRUBER, Feldwebel Johann (3127) 441
EITNER, Hauptmann Volkhard (2848) 381
ELBL, Oberst Josef (3053) 426
ELFLEIN, Oberleutnant Walter (3291) 476
ELTRICH, Hauptmann Herbert (3566) 536
EMMERMANN, Kapitänleutnant Carl (2113) 216
ENDRES, Hauptmann Hans (3017) 418
ENDRISS, Hauptmann August (3018) 418
ENGEL, Unteroffizier Heinrich (3403) 500
ENGELHARDT, Oberst Günter (2647) 334
ENGFER, Feldwebel Siegfried (1941) 180
ENGFER, Hauptmann Alfred (1849) 158
710

ENSSLE, Hauptmann Alfred (3673) 559
ERDMANN, Hauptmann Hans (2145) 224
ERDMANN, Oberleutnant Armin (2258) 248
ERDMANNSDORFF, Oberst Gottfried von (1466) 64
ERDMANNSDORFF, Oberst Werner von (1417) 51
ERLER, Oberst Rudolf (2511) 304
ESCHENBACHER, Oberfeldwebel Georg (3254) 469
ESSLINGER, SS-Hauptscharführer Willi (2865) 385
ETTEL, Leutnant Wolf-Udo (2827) 377
EVERTH, Hauptmann Wolfgang- Dieter (1644) 108
EWALD, Major Wolfgang (2134) 222
EWERT, Oberst Herbert (1741) 131
EYMER, Oberleutnant Herbert (2693) 345
F
FABIAN, Oberleutnant Heinz-Otto (2514) 304
FACH, Hauptmann Ernst (3138) 443
FACKLER, Hauptmann Siegfried (3400) 500
FAHRENHOLZ, Oberwachtmeister Alfred (2754) 358
FALKENHAYN, Leutnant Günter von (2109) 216
FANDERL, Feldwebel Georg (1328) 31
FASEL, Feldwebel Walter (3128) 441
FATH, Major Fridolin (2206) 237
FAULHABER, Oberst Karl (3614) 547
FAULHABER, SS-Obersturmführer Markus (2232) 243
FAULMÜLLER, Oberleutnant Klaus (2880) 388
FAUST, Obergefreiter Fritz (1756) 134
FECHNER, Major Fritz (3286) 475
FECHT, Hauptmann Karl-August von der (2247) 246
FECIA DI COSSATO (Italian Navy), Capitano di Fregata Carlo Luigi Nobile
(2526) 307
FEGELEIN (later changed to Axel FEGELEIN), SS-Sturmbannführer
Waldemar (3597) 543
FEGELEIN, SS-Standartenführer Hermann (1423) 53
FEHRE, Leutnant Siegfried (2157) 226
FELDMANN, Hauptmann Alfred (1746) 132
FELGENHAUER, Oberleutnant Waldemar (1293) 22
711

FELLGIEBEL, Oberleutnant Walther-Peer (3162) 448
FELLMANN, Hauptmann Erich (2633) 331
FELZMANN, Generalmajor Maximillian (3510) 523
FENSKI, Oberleutnant zur See Horst-Arno (3509) 522
FEUERER, Oberleutnant Alois (1332) 32
FEUKER, Major Gerhard (2207) 237
FICK, Hauptmann Ernst (1879) 165
FICK, SS-Sturmbannführer Jakob (3068) 429
FIEDERER, Leutnant Wilhelm (1860) 160
FINGER, Oberst Arthur (3461) 512
FINK, Leutnant Karl-Heinrich (2452) 291
FINK, Oberleutnant Günter (2498) 301
FISCHER, Hauptmann Heinz (2107) 215
FISCHER, Korvettenkapitän Walther (2759) 359
FISCHER, Leutnant Erich (2581) 320
FISCHER, Major Josef (2985) 412
FISCHER, Oberleutnant Gerhard (3660) 557
FISCHER, Oberleutnant Michael (2643) 333
FISCHER, Oberstleutnant Otto (3097) 434
FISCHER, Steuermannsmaat Karl-Heinz (2748) 357
FITZ, Hauptmann Josef-August (2152) 225
FITZEK, Feldwebel Josef (2862) 384
FITZNER, Leutnant Karl (2115) 217
FLACHS, Hauptmann Bernhard (2042) 201
FLACK, Oberleutnant Werner (3060) 427
FLAD, Oberleutnant Kurt (3633) 552
FLECHNER, Hauptmann Willi (1726) 128
FLEISCHER, Oberfeldwebel Hermann (2038) 200
FLEISCHMANN, Major Josef (1485) 69
FLEISCHMANN, Oberfeldwebel Ludwig (3613) 547
FLEX, Unteroffizier Hermann (2490) 300
FLINZER, Oberstleutnant Rudolf (2631) 330
FLORIN, Hauptmann Gerhard (1342) 34
FLÖRKE, Generalmajor Hermann (3594) 542
FLÜGEL, Steuermannsmaat Otto (2749) 357
FLUHS, Oberfeldwebel Friedrich (3411) 502
FOELKERSAM, Leutnant Adrian Freiherr von (1861) 161
712

FOLDENAUER, Obergefreiter Richard (3446) 509
FOLKERS, Kapitänleutnant Ulrich (2560) 314
FORST, Generalleutnant Werner (3106) 536
FÖRSTER, General Helmuth (1396) 47
FÖRSTER, Oberst Otto-Lutz (2202) 236
FORSTNER, Kapitänleutnant Siegfried Freiherr von (2423) 284
FORTUN, Hauptmann Horst (2988) 412
FRANK, Hauptmann Hans-Dieter (2869) 386
FRANK, Major Otto (3333) 484
FRANK, Oberleutnant Heinz (1801) 146
FRANKE, Hauptmann Herbert (3283) 474
FRANKE, Kapitänleutnant Heinz (3523) 525
FRANKE, Oberfeldwebel Alfred (2039) 201
FRANKE, SS-Hauptscharführer Kurt (3282) 474
FRANKEN, Kapitänleutnant Wilhelm (2738) 354
FRANKEN, Oberleutnant Werner (2535) 309
FRANTZ, Generalleutnant Gotthard (2794) 368
FRANTZ, Oberleutnant Peter (1596) 95
FRANZ, Hauptmann Ludwig (3289) 475
FRAPS, Obergefreiter Ernst (1574) 90
FRECH, Oberleutnant Ferdinand (3549) 532
FREDEBOLD, Major Reinhard (1785) 142
FREMEREY, Generalmajor Max (1681) 117
FRENZEL, Feldwebel Günther (2226) 241
FREUTSMIEDL, Feldwebel Simon (3091) 433
FREUWÖRTH, Feldwebel Wilhelm (2277) 252
FREWER, Major Karl (3423) 504
FREY, Leutnant Harry (3550) 532
FREY, SS-Sturmbannführer Albert (2463) 293
FREYER, Wachtmeister Siegfried (1669) 115
FREYTAG, Oberleutnant Siegfried (1643) 108
FRICKE, Admiral Kurt (1926) 176
FRICKE, Oberleutnant Ernst-August (1302) 24
FRIEBEL, Oberfeldwebel Herbert (2363) 271
FRIEDMANN, Oberst Friedrich (2433) 287
FRIEDRICH, Hauptmann Gerhard (2634) 331
FRIEDRICH, Hauptmann Kurt (3189) 454
713

FRIEDRICH, Major Werner (3650) 555
FRIES, Oberst Walter (2158) 226
FRIESSNER, General Johannes (2923) 398
FRIKER, Oberst August (3147) 445
FRINK, Hauptmann Helmut (3345) 487
FRITSCHE, Hauptmann Hans (born Hans-Martin) (2481) 298
FRITZLER, Leutnant Heinz (3551) 532
FRITZSCHE, Oberleutnant Immo (2675) 341
FRÖHLICH (or FRÖLICH), Oberst Gottfried (3628) 551
FRÖHLICH, Feldwebel Bruno (2352) 269
FRÖHLICH, Oberleutnant Karl (3264) 470
FROST, Oberfeldwebel Willi (3255) 469
FUCHS, Oberfeldwebel Rudolf (3089) 433
FUHRHOP, Major Helmut (3486) 517
FUHRMANN, Major Georg (2900) 393
FÜLLGRABE, Oberfeldwebel Heinrich (1939) 179
FULLRIEDE, Oberstleutnant Fritz (2652) 335
FURBACH, Oberst Heinz (2061) 206
FÜRGUTH (or FÜRGUT), Oberst Helmut (1682) 117
FÜRGUTH (or FÜRGUT), Wachtmeister Benedikt (3253) 468
FUSS, Leutnant Hans (1762) 136
G
GAEB, Unteroffizier Friedrich (3624) 550
GAEDCKENS, Oberfeldwebel Ernst (2594) 322
GAILLINGER, Oberleutnant Otto (3292) 476
GALLAND, Hauptmann Wilhelm-Ferdinand (2797) 369
GALLE, Wachtmeister Josef (2376) 274
GALLOWITSCH, Leutnant Bernd (1325) 30
GAMBIETZ, Obergefreiter Richard (1591) 94
GAMER, Hauptmann Berthold (2368) 272
GAPP, Oberfeldwebel Franz (3220) 461
GAREIS, Generalleutnant Martin (3522) 525
GARIBOLDI (Italian Army), Generale di Corpo Italo (2589) 321
GARTENFELD, Hauptmann Karl-Edmund (2394) 278
GARZ, Feldwebel Walter (2159) 227
GASSMANN, Hauptmann Peter (1581) 91
714

GATH, Stabsfeldwebel Heinrich (3313) 480
GAZEN (aka von GAZA), Oberleutnant Waldemar von (1874) 164
GAZZANA-PRIAROGGIA (Italian Navy), Capitano di Corvetta Gianfranco
(2823) 375
GEBHARDT, Hauptmann Georg (2789) 367
GEHRKE, Oberstleutnant Kurt (2401) 280
GEHRMANN, Hauptmann Johannes (3674) 560
GEIGER, Oberleutnant August (2814) 373
GEISLER, Hauptmann Kurt (2359) 270
GEISLER, Major Rudolf (3561) 535
GEISMANN, Leutnant Johannes (2191) 234
GEISSLER, Oberst Erich (1687) 119
GELHAUS, Kapitänleutnant Harald (2549) 312
GEMÜNDEN, Wachtmeister Otto (1981) 188
GENRICH, Oberleutnant Oskar (2054) 204
GEPPERT, Oberleutnant Erich (2663) 338
GERKE, Leutnant Siegfried (2124) 219
GERL, Oberfeldwebel Franz (2762) 360
GERLACH, Hauptmann Heinrich (3227) 463
GERLACH, Hauptmann Julius (1372) 41
GERTH, SS-Obersturmführer Walter (2568) 317
GERTLER, Oberfeldwebel Gerhard (3221) 461
GESSNER, Leutnant Harald (3195) 456
GEY, Oberleutnant Joachim (2875) 387
GIDION, Hauptmann Hans (1710) 124
GIEHRL, Oberleutnant Walter (1693) 120
GIESEKE, SS-Standartenführer Otto (1924) 175
GILLE, SS-Oberführer Herbert (1971) 186
GILOW, Oberleutnant Peter (or Peter-Ekhard) (1857) 160
GIORGIO (also spelt DEGIORGIS) (Italian Army), Generale di Divisions
Fedele di (1276) 18
GLAESEMER, Oberst Wolfgang (2434) 287
GLAESER, Major Erich (1744) 132
GLASER, Obergefreiter Friedrich (3404) 500
GLÄSER, Oberleutnant Alexander (2443) 289
GLASER, Oberleutnant Wilhelm (3040) 423
GLASL, Oberleutnant Anton (3312) 480
715

GLASNER, Oberfeldwebel Günter (3683) 562
GLETTENBERG, Major Ludger (1900) 170
GLOGER, Major Paul (2366) 272
GLUNZ, Oberfeldwebel Adolf (3122) 440
GÖBEL, Major Karl (1841) 157
GÖBEL, Oberleutnant Siegfried (2395) 278
GODEN, Oberfeldwebel Emil (3090) 433
GOERITZ, Generalleutnant Werner (3414) 503
GOETTLER, Feldwebel Waldemar (2969) 408
GÖHLER, SS-Obersturmführer Johannes (3214) 460
GOLDAMMER, Hauptmann Friedrich (3056) 426
GOLDBERG, Gefreiter Heinz (3262) 470
GOLINSKI, Unteroffizier Heinz (2254) 247
GOLL, Rittmeister Eitel (1850) 158
GÖLLER, Oberst Wilhelm (2234) 243
GOLLERT-HANSEN, Oberleutnant Hans-Detlef (2957) 406
GOLLNICK, Generalmajor Hans (2098) 213
GOLLWITZER, Generalleutnant Friedrich (2398) 279
GOLTZ, Major Albert Graf von der (1548) 84
GOMILLE, Hauptmann Herbert (2023) 197
GORIANY, Major Wilhelm (von?) (2911) 396
GÖRSCH, Oberfeldwebel Ewald (2517) 305
GORSKI, Unteroffizier Artur (3520) 525
GÖTTERT, Obergefreiter Oswin (3166) 449
GÖTTINGER, Oberleutnant Rudolf (3590) 542
GÖTTLER, Oberfeldwebel Johann (3134) 442
GÖTZ, Oberleutnant Franz (1814) 149
GÖTZ, Oberleutnant Hans (2215) 239
GÖTZ, Oberstleutnant Heinrich (1528) 79
GRABER, Leutnant Heinz (1613) 100
GRAEBER, Oberfeldwebel Heinz (3270) 471
GRAF, Leutnant Hermann (1326) 30
GRAFFEN, Generalmajor Karl von (1724) 127
GRANDES (Spanish Blue Division), Generalleutnant Agustin Muñoz (1441)
58
GRANSEE, Feldwebel Georg (3240) 465
GRASCHER, SS-Unterscharführer Simon (3026) 420
716

GRASEMANN, Oberleutnant Walter (3301) 478
GRASSMANN, Major Josef (2071) 208
GRASSMUCK, Oberfeldwebel Berthold (1889) 167
GRATZ, Unteroffizier Karl (1640) 107
GRAUBNER, Hauptmann Reinhard (3139) 443
GREESE, Obergefreiter Otto (3507) 522
GREIM, Oberstleutnant Alfred (1594) 95
GREVE, Hauptmann Karl (1573) 90
GREVE, Leutnant Carl-Heinz (1965) 184
GRIEBEL, Feldwebel Osmar (3559) 534
GRIEME, SS-Obersturmführer Willy (3215) 460
GRIESBACH, Major Franz (1446) 59
GRIESE, SS-Sturmbannführer Bernhard (1531) 80
GRIESSBAUER, Rittmeister Hans-Christoph (3456) 511
GRISLAWSKI, Feldwebel Alfred (1638) 106
GROMEIKE, Obergefreiter Gustav (1617) 101
GROS, Oberfeldwebel Karl (3591) 542
GROSS, Major Helmut (3124) 440
GROSS, SS-Sturmbannführer Martin (2918) 397
GROSSI (Italian Navy), Capitano di Fregata Enzo (1957) 183
GROSSKREUTZ, Major Friedrich-Karl (3487) 517
GROTHEER, Oberstleutnant Siegfried (3419) 503
GRÖZINGER, Hauptmann Ludwig (2108) 215
GRUBER, Major Rupert (3014) 418
GRUBER, Oberleutnant Helmut (2290) 256
GRÜN, Hauptmann Werner (2408) 281
GRUND, Hauptmann Julius (3392) 498
GRÜNERT, Oberleutnant Anton (2515) 304
GUCKENBERGER, Hauptmann Rudolf (1747) 132
GUDELIUS, Major Alfred (1370) 40
GUGGANIG, Feldwebel Alois (2621) 328
GUHR, Oberleutnant Hans (1845) 157
GUMPRICH, Kapitän zur See Günther (2255) 247
GÜNTHER, Feldwebel Wilhelm (2182) 232
GÜNTHER, SS-Oberscharführer Alfred (2469) 295
GÜRKE, Major Ernst (2049) 203
GUSCHKER, Hauptmann Ernst (2971) 409
717

GUTMANN, Oberstleutnant Joachim (1870) 163
GÜTSCHOW, Leutnant Hans (2025) 197
GUTZSCHHAHN, Hauptmann Helmut (2761) 359
H
HAARHAUS, Major Walter (1335) 33
HAAS, Oberst Josef (3451) 510
HAASE, Major Alfred (1487) 69
HAASE, Oberfeldwebel Heinz-Georg (3136) 443
HÄBERLEN, Hauptmann Klaus (2870) 386
HACCIUS, Generalleutnant Ernst (2590) 322
HACHFELD, Hauptmann Wilhelm (2033) 199
HACHTEL, Oberfeldwebel August (1275) 18
HACHTEL, Oberst Georg (2735) 353
HACKBARTH, Gefreiter Willi (2700) 346
HACKL, Leutnant Martin (3562) 535
HACKL, Oberleutnant Anton (1582) 92
HAELLMIGK, Oberst Hartwich (3479) 515
HAEN, Hauptmann Rudolf (2180) 213
HAFNER, Feldwebel Anton (1766) 137
HAFNER, Hauptmann Otto (3251) 468
HÄFNER, Leutnant Ludwig (2192) 234
HAGEN, Hauptmann Wilhelm von (1790) 143
HAHNE, Oberst Hans (1367) 40
HAIZMANN, Oberstleutnant Richard (2377) 274
HAKE, Oberst Friedrich-Erdmann von (3503) 521
HALLENSLEBEN, Major Rudolf (3413) 502
HALM, Grenadier Günter (1689) 119
HAMESTER, Hauptmann Bernhard (1797) 145
HAMMER, Leutnant Ludwig (3385) 495
HAMMERL, Oberfeldwebel Karl (1890) 167
HAMPL, Oberleutnant Josef (3174) 541
HANNAK, Leutnant Günther (1637) 106
HANNE, Leutnant Erich (1730) 128
HANNIG, Leutnant Horst (1558) 86
HANSEN, SS-Sturmbannführer Max (2564) 315
HANSTEIN, Oberst Jobst von (3187) 453
718

HARDEGEN, Kapitänleutnant Reinhard (1322) 29
HARDER, Hauptmann Jürgen (3544) 531
HARMEL, SS-Obersturmbannführer Heinz (2572) 318
HARNACK, Oberleutnant Helmut von (1303) 24
HARRENDORF, Hauptmann Hermann (1382) 43
HARRIES, Oberleutnant Friedrich (2536) 309
HARSCHEIDT, Fahnenjunker-Oberfeldwebel Kaspar (3126) 441
HART, Leutnant Rolf (1998) 192
HARTENSTEIN, Korvettenkapitän Werner (1868) 162
HARTH, Unteroffizier Helmuth (2353) 269
HARTIG, Oberleutnant Walter (1346) 35
HARTMANN, Feldwebel Alfred (2489) 299
HARTMANN, Feldwebel Hermann (3129) 441
HARTMANN, Generalmajor Alexander von (1969) 185
HARTMANN, Leutnant Erich (3386) 135, 496
HASCHBERGER, Oberfähnrich Max (3102) 435
HASELBACH, Leutnant Hans (3432) 506
HASENBECK, Oberleutnant Günter (3087) 432
HASSEL, Major Kurt (2863) 384
HAUDE, Oberleutnant Kurt (3506) 522
HAUFFE, Generalleutnant Arthur (2932) 400
HAUGK, Oberfeldwebel Helmut (2193) 234
HAUPT, Oberfeldwebel Karl (2397) 279
HAUPTMANN, Hauptmann Hans (2513) 304
HAUPTMANN, Hauptmann Heinrich (2097) 213
HAUSER, Hauptmann Hansjörg (3038) 422
HAUSER, Hauptmann Hellmuth (2211) 238
HAUSER, Hauptmann Paul Freiherr von (2369) 272
HAUSMANN, Oberfeldwebel Karl (1569) 89
HÄUSSLER, SS-Sturmbannführer Ernst (3028) 420
HAUT, Hauptmann Erich (2773) 363
HAXTER, Oberfeldwebel Wilhelm (3024) 419
HECHT, Leutnant Dietrich (3376) 494
HECHT, Major May (1436) 56
HECKMANN, Oberfeldwebel Alfred (1891) 168
HEDDERICH, Oberfeldwebel Fritz (3661) 557
HEFTER, Oberfeldwebel Balthasar (3294) 477
719

HEGER, Oberleutnant Rudolf (2323) 263
HEHMEYER, Hauptmann Hermann (2146) 224
HEIDKÄMPER, Oberst Otto (2400) 279
HEIDTMANN, Kapitänleutnant Hans (2655) 336
HEIGL, Oberstleutnant Hubert-Maria Ritter von (1291) 21
HEILAND, Hauptmann Karl (3372) 493
HEILBRONN, Hauptmann Gerhard (1508) 75
HEIM, Generalmajor Ferdinand (1783) 141
HEIM, Hauptmann Walther (3545) 531
HEINDL, Hauptmann Josef (2425) 285
HEINDORFF, Oberleutnant Hans (2014) 195
HEINE, Major Werner (2747) 357
HEINER, Oberfeldwebel Engelbert (2142) 223
HEINRICH, Oberleutnant Horst (3672) 559
HEINRICHS, Feldwebel Josef (2852) 382
HEINTZ, Hauptmann Kurt (2005) 193
HEINTZE, Unteroffizier Erich (1439) 57
HEINZE, Oberfeldwebel Otto (2070) 207
HEINZMANN, Oberfeldwebel Georg (1546) 84
HEISE, Hauptmann Hanns (1798) 145
HEITMANN, Hauptmann Hermann (1992) 190
HELD, Leutnant Felix (2616) 327
HELL, General Ernst-Eberhard (2393) 278
HELLER, Hauptmann Siegfried (1672) 115
HELLERMANN, Oberstleutnant Vollrath von (2100) 214
HELLMICH, Oberleutnant Günther (3634) 552
HELMER, Leutnant Karl (2064) 206
HELMLING, Hauptmann Hans (3190) 454
HELMS, Major Götz (1853) 159
HEMMER, Hauptmann Wilhelm (2913) 396
HEMMER, Leutnant Hermann (1887) 167
HEMPEL, Hauptmann Adolf (2248) 246
HENDRICKS, Unteroffizier Heinrich (2556) 313
HENKE, Oberleutnant Werner (2170) 229
HENKE, Oberst Karl (2973) 409
HENLE, Hauptmann Hermann (3228) 463
HENNE, Hauptmann Rudolf (1509) 75
720

HENNEMANN, Leutnant Konrad (1807) 147
HENNING, Oberfeldwebel Horst (1579) 91
HENNINGS, Hauptmann Eberhard (1564) 88
HENRICH, Oberstleutnant Walter (2402) 280
HENRICI, Hauptmann Friedrich-Karl (2660) 337
HENTSCHEL, Feldwebel Otto (1876) 164
HENTSCHEL, Oberfeldwebel Erwin (3508) 15, 522
HENZE, Major Richard (1928) 177
HENZE, Oberleutnant Karl (1658) 112
HERB, Hauptmann Wilhelm (1842) 157
HERBST, Oberleutnant Josef (3268) 471
HERFURTH, Oberst Otto (1852) 159
HERGET, Hauptmann Wilhelm (2871) 386
HERKELMANN, Oberleutnant Rudolf (2740) 355
HERLING, Oberleutnant Wilfred (2626) 329
HERMANN, Oberst Alfred (1899) 170
HERRMANN, Oberleutnant Benno (1611) 100
HERWIG, Oberleutnant Hans-Erich (2372) 273
HESSLER, Oberst Hermann (3211) 459
HEUSS, Hauptmann Conrad (1477) 67
HEUTLING, Unteroffizier Helmut (3065) 428
HEYDEMANN, Kapitänleutnant Günther (2886) 389
HEYER, Leutnant Hans-Joachim (2110) 216
HEYNE, Oberst Hans-Walter (2668) 339
HEYROWSKY, Rittmeister Herbert (1855) 159
HEYSE, Kapitänleutnant Ulrich (2330) 265
HIEBER, Hauptmann Karl (1394) 46
HILGEMANN, Oberleutnant Klaus (1975) 187
HILGERS, Leutnant Wilhelm (2958) 406
HILPERT, General Carl (3051) 425
HILSHEIMER, Major Richard (3513) 523
HILT, Oberleutnant Günther (1858) 160
HIMMELSKAMP, Obergefreiter Bernhard (3200) 457
HINERASKY, Oberstleutnant Wilhelm (3643) 554
HINRICHS, Oberleutnant Ernst (1675) 116
HINZ, SS-Untersturmführer Bruno (3532) 527
HIPPEL, Oberst Ferdinand (3349) 488
721

HIRNING, SS-Rottenführer Hans (2022) 197
HIRSCHMANN, Leutnant Ludwig (2308) 260
HISSMANN, Major Josef (2786) 366
HITZ, Hauptmann Günter (3491) 518
HLAUSCHKA, Unteroffizier Johann (2623) 329
HOCHBAUM, Generalleutnant Friedrich (3052) 425
HÖCKER, Generalleutnant Hanskurt (2656) 336
HOEFELD, Oberleutnant Robert (2800) 370
HOFBAUER, Hauptmann Karl (1711) 124
HÖFEMEIER, Oberfeldwebel Heinrich (1499) 73
HÖFER, Hauptmann Heinrich (3140) 443
HOFER, Unteroffizier Karl (3366) 492
HOFFMANN von WALDAU, Generalleutnant Otto (1627) 103
HOFFMANN, Kapitän zur See Kurt-Caesar (1472) 66
HOFFMANN, Major Heinz-Joachim (1513) 76
HOFFMANN, Obergefreiter Albert (2624) 329
HOFFMANN, Oberleutnant Otto (1694) 121
HOFFMEISTER, Generalmajor Edmund (3285) 475
HOFMANN, Major Bernhard (1919) 174
HOGREBE, Oberleutnant Heinrich (1737) 130
HOHENHAUSEN, Oberleutnant Richard (1562) 88
HOHN, Oberst Hermann (3511) 523
HÖHNE, Hauptmann Friedrich (1535) 81
HÖKE, Oberstleutnant Stefan-Heinrich (2940) 402
HOLLAENDER, Oberstleutnant Walter (2910) 395
HOLLE, Oberleutnant Georg (2610) 326
HOLLE, Oberst Alexander (2245) 245
HOLLEKAMP, Obergefreiter Josef (2926) 399
HOLLENWEGER, Oberleutnant Heinrich (2045) 202
HOLST, Korvettenkapitän Waldemar (2125) 220
HOLSTE, Oberst Rudolf (1502) 73
HOLZ, Rittmeister Günther (2635) 332
HOLZAPFEL, Hauptmann Karl-Heinz (3182) 452
HOLZAPFEL, Oberleutnant Egon (3021) 419
HOLZER, SS-Hauptsturmführer Friedrich (3573) 538
HOMEYER, Rittmeister Friedrich von (1645) 109
HOPF (or HOPFE) (2300) 257
722

HOPPE, Oberstleutnant Johannes (3360) 490
HORAK, Oberfeldwebel Erich (3256) 469
HORMANN, Oberfeldwebel Hans (3554) 533
HÖRNER, Leutnant Willi (2778) 364
HÖRNICKE, SS-Sturmbannführer Werner (3530) 527
HÖRNING, Hauptmann Reinhard (3057) 426
HORTEN, Leutnant Herbert (3135) 442
HÖSSLIN, Hauptmann Roland von (1667) 114
HOYER, Oberleutnant Adolf (3293) 475
HRISTEA (Romanian Army), Colonel Ioan L. (2562) 315
HRUSTAK, Oberfeldwebel Martin (3581) 540
HÜBBE, Hauptmann Karl (2576) 319
HUBER, Oberfeldwebel Siegfried (2619) 328
HÜBNER, Hauptmann Ernst-August (3567) 536
HÜBNER, Leutnant Ekhard (1544) 83
HÜBNER, Oberfeldwebel Alois (3555) 534
HÜCKEL, Hauptmann Ernst-Albrecht (3259) 469
HUDEL, Hauptmann Helmut (1586) 93
HUEBNER, Gefreiter Arnold (1440) 57
HUFENBACH, Oberstleutnant Helmuth (3391) 498
HUFFMANN, Generalleutnant Helmuth (3266) 471
HUFFMANN, Major Heinz (2657) 336
HUHN, Hauptmann Kurt (2521) 306
HÜHNER, Generalleutnant Werner (2687) 344
HÜLSMANN, Unteroffizier Bernhard (2354) 270
HÜLST, Major Hans-Franz von (2424) 285
HUNDERT, Leutnant Joachim (2295) 257
HÜNEMÖRDER, Unteroffizier Otto (2685) 343
HÜNERSDORFF, Oberst Walther von (2198) 235
HÜTTNER, Oberst Hartmut (2512) 304
I
IFFLAND, Oberst Ulrich (3279) 473
ILK, Oberleutnant Iro (2015) 195
INFANTES, Generalleutnant Emilio Esteban (3278) 473
IPPISCH, Feldwebel Josef (2782) 365
ISACHSEN, Oberfeldwebel Herbert (3145) 444
723

ITES, Oberleutnant zur See Otto (1481) 68
IVERS, Oberleutnant Hans-Henning (2007) 193
J
JACOB, Oberleutnant Paul (2482) 298
JACOBI von WANGELIN, Oberleutnant Hans- Joachim (1883) 166
JACOBS, Obergefreiter Martin (3654) 556
JACOBY Oberleutnant Fritz (2611) 326
JAECKEL, Leutnant Egbert (1565) 88
JAEGER, Feldwebel Gerhard (1412) 50
JAEGER, Leutnant Karl-Heinz (2981) 411
JAENECKE, Generalleutnant Erwin (1977) 187
JAHN, Kapitänleutnant Gunter (2739) 355
JÄHNERT, Leutnant Erhard (2804) 371
JAHR, Generalleutnant Arno (2197) 235
JAKOB, Hauptmann Friedrich (1428) 54
JAKOB, Oberleutnant Georg (1523) 78
JAKOB, Unteroffizier Willy (1431) 55
JANDER, Major Arthur (2858) 383
JANKE, Hauptmann Karl (2088) 211
JÁNY (Hungarian Army), Altábornagy Gusztáv Vitéz (2571) 318
JAROSCH, Leutnant Alfred (1909) 172
JASIEK, Unteroffizier Franz (2721) 350
JAUERNIK, Stabsfeldwebel Georg (2116) 217
JECKSTAT, Feldwebel Erich (2508) 303
JENNEWEIN, Leutnant Josef (3552) 533
JENTE, Oberleutnant Heinz (3383) 495
JESSER, Oberst Curt von (1307) 25
JOCHEMS, Oberfeldwebel Hermann (1810) 148
JOCHIMS, Hauptmann Hermann-Gustav (3229) 463
JOHANNESSON, Kapitän zur See Rolf (2132)221
JOHANNMEYER, Oberleutnant Willy (sometimes misspelt Willi) (1571) 89
JOHN, Generalmajor Richard (3626) 550
JOHNE, Oberleutnant Max (3394) 499
JOKISCH, Feldwebel Fritz (2945) 403
JORDAN, Hauptmann Hermann (3031) 421
JORDAN, Major Adolf (1585) 93
724

JÖRSS, Bootsmannsmaat Karl (2442) 289
JOST, Oberst Walter (1484) 69
JUCHEM, SS-Hauptsturmführer Hans (3184) 453
JUNG, Hauptmann Heinrich (3425) 505
JUNG, Hauptmann Valentin (3658) 557
JUNGCLAUSEN, Oberleutnant Heinz (3302) 478
JUNGKLAUS, Hauptmann Siegfried (3141) 444
JURA, Stabsfeldwebel Georg (2730) 352
JURSA, Unteroffizier Franz (2970) 409
JUSCHKAT, Feldwebel Franz (2440) 288
K
KADENBACH, Feldwebel Herbert (1867) 162
KAEHNE, Hauptmann Edgar-Karl (1343) 35
KAETHER, Oberstleutnant Ernst (2144) 223
KAGENECK, Hauptmann Clemens-Heinrich Graf von (2976) 410
KAHL, Hauptmann Bruno (2409) 282
KAHL, Hauptmann Konrad (1727) 128
KAHLER, Major Hans-Joachim (2658) 337
KAHSNITZ, Oberst Erich (2902) 394
KAISER, Oberfeldwebel Herbert (2504) 302
KAISER, Oberleutnant Erich (1416) 51
KAISER, Oberleutnant Wilhelm (1347) 35
KAISER, SS-Hauptsturmführer Vinzenz (2636) 332
KÄLLNER, Oberst Hans (1525) 79
KALS, Korvettenkapitän Ernst (1788) 143
KAMECKE, Generalleutnant Hans (3368) 492
KAMINSKY, Oberfeldwebel Emil (2000) 192
KÄMPFE, SS-Sturmbannführer Helmut (3571) 537
KARCHER, Oberleutnant zur See Karl-Ehrhart (3005) 416
KARCK, SS-Obersturmführer Georg (2972) 409
KARG, Oberjäger Ulrich (2892) 391
KARL, Unteroffizier Josef (3095) 434
KARST, Oberst Friedrich (1779) 140
KÄS, Oberfeldwebel Josef (2915) 397
KÄSTNER, Major Robert (3577) 539
KASTNER, Oberjäger Josef (2837) 379
725

KAUBISCH, Hauptmann Horst (2089) 212
KAUP, Obergefreiter Heinrich (3242) 466
KAUTZ, Oberleutnant Oskar (2944) 402
KAZMEIER, Hauptmann Paul (3361) 490
KECHT, Oberleutnant Franz (3338) 486
KEIL, Oberleutnant Max (2707) 348
KEIPP, Feldwebel Willy (3396) 499
KEISER, Oberst Paul (3418) 503
KELBCH, Oberfeldwebel Albert (3436) 507
KELBLING, Kapitänleutnant Gerd (3044) 424
KEMETHMÜLLER, Feldwebel Heinz (1942) 180
KEMNADE, Kapitänleutnant Friedrich (1665) 114
KEMPF, Oberfeldwebel Karl (1352) 36
KENNEL, Hauptmann Karl (3230) 463
KEPPLER, Major Hans (1745) 132
KERN, Hauptmann Friedrich (3668) 558
KESSEL, Generalmajor Mortimer von (3656) 556
KESSLER, Oberst Hermann (3212) 460
KESTEN, SS-Hauptsturmführer Dieter (3426) 505
KETTERER, Oberfeldwebel Karl (2543) 311
KETTERL, Oberleutnant Franz (1285) 20
KIEFER (later changed to Tilman KIWE), Hauptmann Eduard (2798) 369
KIEHL, Hauptmann Rudolf (1646) 109
KIEL, Oberleutnant Johannes (1453) 61
KIENTSCH, Leutnant Willy (3498) 520
KIESER, Major Wilhelm (3207) 458
KIESERITZKY, Vizeadmiral Gustav (3482) 516
KIESLICH, Oberleutnant Franz (2274) 252
KIESLING, Hauptmann Helmut (3130) 442
KIESLING, Major Heinrich (2847) 381
KILIAN, Hauptmann Gustav (1567) 89
KIMMICH, Major Friedrich (2151) 225
KINDLER, Hauptmann Alfred (1902) 171
KINZEL, Oberst Eberhard (2203) 237
KIPFMÜLLER, Hauptmann Walter (3382) 495
KIRCHNER, Wachtmeister Kurt (1395) 46
KIRSCHE, Oberleutnant Heinz (1982) 188
726

KIRSCHENMANN, Unteroffizier Wilhelm (2491) 300
KIRSCHNER, Leutnant Joachim (2218) 239
KIRSCHNER, Major Ludwig (1309) 26
KITTEL, Oberfeldwebel Otto (3388) 497
KLAIBER, Leutnant Hans (1679) 117
KLAPPICH, Oberleutnant Günter (1695) 121
KLAR, Wachtmeister Eduard (2864) 385
KLÄRMANN, Hauptmann Hans (1838) 156
KLASSMANN, Kapitänleutnant Helmut (3638) 553
KLATT, Oberst Paul (2263) 249
KLAUSGRABER, Hauptmann Franz (1444) 59
KLAWE, Hauptmann Erich (1653) 111
KLEFFEL, Generalleutnant Philipp (1386) 44
KLEFFNER, SS-Sturmbannführer Franz (1390) 45
KLEIN, Feldwebel Georg (3103) 435
KLEIN, Hauptmann Heinrich (2849) 381
KLEIN, Oberstleutnant Gerhard (3665) 558
KLEINHEISTERKAMP, SS-Brigadeführer Matthias (1483) 69
KLEINMANN, Hauptmann Alfons (3019) 419
KLEINSCHMIDT, Leutnant Ernst (3269) 471
KLEMM, Unteroffizier Hans (2149) 224
KLIMA, Leutnant Robert (3003) 415
KLINGER, Oberleutnant Kurt (2307) 260
KLITSCH, Oberleutnant Franz (2344) 268
KLOOS, Hauptmann Hermann (3586) 541
KLÖPPER, Oberfeldwebel Heinrich (1822) 152
KLÖPPING, Obergefreiter Wilhelm (2791) 367
KLOSE, Unteroffizier Friedrich (1755) 134
KLOSKOWSKI, SS-Hauptsturmführer Karl (2897) 392
KLOSSEK, Oberleutnant Ernst (1410) 50
KLOTZSCHE, Major Hans (3657) 556
KLÜBER, Oberleutnant Wilhelm (2676) 341
KLUGE, Generalleutnant Wolfgang von (3107) 436
KLUGE, Major Waldemar (2966) 408
KLÜMPER, Major Werner (3111) 437
KLÜVER, Hauptmann Max (3316) 481
KNAACK, Oberleutnant Kurt (2063) 206
727

KNAAK, Oberleutnant Hans-Wilhelm (2055) 204
KNABE, Hauptmann Konrad (2673) 340
KNACKE, Oberleutnant Reinhold (1634) 105
KNAPPE, Unteroffizier Kurt (2059) 205
KNAUTH, Leutnant Wilhelm (3457) 511
KNEMEYER, Major Siegfried (3112) 437
KNETSCH, Major Wilhelm (1972) 186
KNIEP, SS-Sturmbannführer Walter (3015) 418
KNOESPEL, Hauptmann Walter (1301) 24
KNOOP, Major Waldemar von (2550) 312
KNOP, Hauptmann Albert (3039) 423
KNÜPPEL, Leutnant Karl-Günther (3609) 546
KNÜPPEL, Major Heinrich (1707) 123
KNUST, Oberstleutnant Friedrich-Karl (1529) 80
KOCH, Feldwebel Dietrich (1413) 50
KOCH, Major Erwin (2825) 376
KOCHANOWSKI, Oberwachtmeister Johann (1999) 192
KOCHENDÖRFER, Unteroffizier Karl (1877) 165
KÖCHLE, SS-Oberscharführer Ludwig (1419) 52
KÖCHLING, Generalmajor Friedrich (1692) 120
KOCIOK, Oberfeldwebel Josef (2960) 406
KOEDITZ, Leutnant Alfred (2219) 240
KOEHNE, Hauptmann Hans-Günther (2052) 203
KOENEN, Hauptmann Friedrich von (3204) 458
KOEPPEL, Unteroffizier Walter (2437) 287
KOESTER, Oberst Alfred (2770) 362
KOHLA, Oberfeldwebel Helmut (3032) 421
KOHLAUF, Korvettenkapitän Franz (3378) 494
KOHLER, Hauptmann Wilhelm (2147) 224
KÖHLER, Leutnant Georg (2261) 249
KOHLERMANN, Oberst Otto (1399) 47
KOHLHAAS, Oberstleutnant Ludwig (2101) 213
KÖHNKE, Hauptmann Otto (1700) 122
KOHNZ, Oberfeldwebel Bruno (2172) 230
KOLB, Major Werner (1622) 102
KOLBECK, Oberstleutnant Rudolf (2701) 347
KÖLBEL, Obergefreiter Otto (2828) 377
728

KOLLAK, Oberfeldwebel Reinhard (3123) 440
KOLLBERG, Oberstleutnant Botho (1828) 153
KOLLER, Oberleutnant Albert (2082) 210
KOLLER, Oberst Karl (1505) 74
KÖNIG, Feldwebel Georg (3197) 456
KÖNIG, Feldwebel Rudolf (2174) 230
KÖNIG, Hauptmann Christian (2272) 251
KÖNIG, Major Ernst (3202) 457
KÖNIG, Major Eugen (1699) 122
KÖNIG, Oberleutnant Wilhelm (3175) 541
KONOPACKI, Oberleutnant Günther (3622) 549
KONOPKA, Oberleutnant Gerhard (3120) 439
KONRAD, General Rudolf (1697) 121
KONRAD, Oberwachtmeister Alfred (2997) 414
KOOPMANN, Major Erwin (3514) 523
KOPP, Hauptmann Walter (2069) 207
KOPP, Oberleutnant Helmut (1593) 95
KORFES, Generalmajor Otto (2333) 266
KORNE (Romanian Army), Colonel Radu (2177) 231
KÖRNER, Leutnant Friedrich (1834) 155
KÖRNER, Leutnant Helmut (3540) 530
KÖRNER, Oberleutnant Martin (2499) 302
KORNMEYER, Major Hans (1553) 85
KÖRTE, Oberst Peter (3258) 469
KORTHALS, Hauptmann Gerhard (3275) 472
KORTS, Leutnant Berthold (3121) 439
KOSSMALA, Oberst Georg (1442) 58
KÖSTER, Oberfeldwebel Alfons (2040) 201
KOSTKA, Obergefreiter Franz (2784) 365
KÖTHER, Oberleutnant Wilhelm (1587) 93
KOTZ, Oberst Richard (3343) 487
KRAAS, SS-Sturmbannführer Hugo (2565) 316
KRAEMER, Oberstleutnant Fritz (2162) 227
KRAFFT, Oberleutnant Heinrich (1454) 61
KRAFT, Major Karl (1310) 26
KRAFT, Unteroffizier Alfred (2355) 270
KRAH, Major Hans (3309) 480
729

KRAISS, Generalmajor Dietrich (1662) 113
KRALEMANN, Oberfeldwebel Friedrich (3389) 497
KRANENBROCK, Hauptmann Wolfgang van (1916) 173
KRAUS, Kapitänleutnant Hans-Werner (1609) 99
KRAUS, Oberfeldwebel Adolf (2111) 216
KRAUS, Oberleutnant Eduard (2373) 274
KRAUSE, Generalmajor Walther (2846) 381
KRAUSE, Oberst Fritz (2527) 307
KRÄUSSEL, Feldwebel Oskar (2230) 242
KREBS, Hauptmann Erich (1383) 44
KRECH, Kapitänleutnant Günther (1869) 163
KREINER, Hauptmann Herbert (2380) 275
KREITMAIR, Hauptmann Rudolf (2577) 319
KREMS, Leutnant Gerhard (1583) 92
KRETSCHMER, Leutnant Franz (3610) 547
KRETZSCHMAR, Major Wolfgang (2787) 366
KREUZER, Unteroffizier Franz (2299) 257
KREY, Leutnant Heinz (3152) 446
KRIEGER, Hauptmann Friedrich-Wilhelm (3159) 448
KRIENING, Feldwebel Herbert (3077) 431
KROGMANN, Unteroffizier Otto (2073) 208
KROHN, Gefreiter Hans (1504) 74
KROHN, Oberfeldwebel Ernst (3377) 494
KROJ, Hauptmann Theo (3504) 521
KROLL, Oberfeldwebel Hermann (1500) 73
KRON, SS-Hauptsturmführer Otto (1629) 104
KRONER, Hauptmann Max-Georg (3331) 484
KROSEBERG, Hauptmann Heinz (1604) 98
KROSIGK, Hauptmann Dedo von (1568) 89
KRÜGER, Major Hans-Heinrich (3536) 529
KRÜGER, Oberstleutnant Walther (3098) 434
KRÜGER, Oberwachtmeister Kurt (2961) 407
KRUMMINGA, Leutnant Hans (3236) 465
KRUPINSKI, Leutnant Walter (2034)199
KRUSE, Oberfeldwebel Ernst (1954) 182
KRUTEMEIER, Oberfeldwebel Gustav (1943) 180
KSIAG, Feldwebel Johann (2298) 257
730

KUBISCH, Oberfeldwebel Walter (3684) 562
KUESTER, Oberleutnant Ferdinand (3374) 493
KUFFNER, Oberleutnant Andreas (2677) 341
KÜHL, Oberst Ernst (2003) 193
KUHLMEY, Hauptmann Kurt (1657) 112
KUHN, Obergefreiter Walter (3081) 431
KUHN, Oberleutnant Otto (2474) 296
KUHNA, Oberleutnant Bernhard (1286) 20
KULLMER, Generalleutnant Arthur (3369) 492
KULOT, Obergefreiter Josef (1914) 173
KULT, Leutnant Josef (1966) 185
KUMM, SS-Obersturmbannführer Otto (1380) 43
KUMMER, Feldwebel Gotthard (2486) 299
KUNERT, Obergefreiter Gerhard (3208) 459
KÜNNECKE, Oberleutnant Heinz (3467) 513
KÜNSBERG-WEIDENBERG, Oberst Heino Reichsführer von (3201) 457
KUNSCH, Hauptmann Erwin (3505) 522
KUNTZ, Leutnant Herbert (2500) 302
KUNZ, Leutnant Hermann (3611) 547
KUNZ, Oberleutnant Rudolf (2850) 382
KUNZE, Oberfeldwebel Erhard (1405) 49
KÜNZEL, Oberleutnant zur See Karl-Friedrich (3584) 541
KUPKA, Leutnant Hans (3458) 511
KUPSCH, Oberleutnant Gottfried (1802) 146
KUROWSKI, Oberst Eberhard von (1320) 29
KUSATZ, Major Franz (2106) 215
KÜSTER, Leutnant Heinz (2905) 394
KÜSTER, Oberleutnant Wilhelm (2801) 370
KUTSCHA, Leutnant Herbert (1910) 172
KUZMANY, Oberstleutnant Alfred (1337) 33
L
LAENGENFELDER, Oberstleutnant Hanns (3344) 487
LAINER, SS-Oberscharführer Josef (3295) 477
LAMPE, Major Hermann (3462) 512
LAMPP, Major Wolfgang (3615) 548
LAMPRECHT, Hauptmann Herbert (2341) 267
731

LANCKEN, Major Dietrich von der (2032) 199
LANDFERMANN, Oberleutnant Carl-August (3375) 493
LANDGRAF, Leutnant Paul (2347) 268
LANG, Oberleutnant Emil (3495) 519
LANG, Oberst Joachim-Friedrich (3148) 445
LANGBEHN, Hauptmann Joachim (2529) 308
LANGE, Hauptmann Erwin (3290) 476
LANGE, Oberleutnant Erhard (2291) 256
LANGE, Oberstleutnant Walter (2428) 286
LANGESEE, Hauptmann Karl (1719) 126
LANGFELDT, Oberleutnant Kay (2802) 370
LANGGUTH, Leutnant Alfred (2582) 320
LANGHART, Oberleutnant Theodor (2345) 268
LANGKEIT, Major Willy (2135) 222
LANGKOPF, Oberfeldwebel Paul (2447) 290
LARISCH, Feldwebel Anton (1415) 51
LASCĂR (Romanian Army), General de Brigadă Mihail (1304) 24
LASSE, Oberleutnant Kurt (1540) 82
LASSEN, Oberleutnant zur See Georg (1720) 126
LATZ, Oberst Albert (3664) 558
LAU, Leutnant Werner (2141) 223
LAU, Major Heinrich (2771) 362
LAUBEREAU, Oberstleutnant Hugo (3485) 517
LAUCH, Oberfeldwebel Karl (2755) 358
LAUDENBACH, Major Otto (3588) 541
LAUNER, SS-Sturmbannführer Kurt (3029) 421
LAWALL, Major Erich (2062) 206
LECHL, Oberfeldwebel Franz (3025) 420
LECHTENBÖRGER, Oberleutnant Willi (3151) 446

732

LEHMANN, Oberleutnant Kurt (2444) 289
LEHMANN, Oberleutnant Paul (1495) 72
LEHNER, Feldwebel Franz (2816) 374
LEHNER, Feldwebel Wilhelm (2861) 384
LEHRKINDER, Feldwebel Alois (2622) 328
LEHWESS-LITZMANN, Oberstleutnant Walter (3379) 494
LEICHT, Hauptmann Helmut (1799) 145
LEINHOS, Oberleutnant Ludwig (1356) 37
LEMKE, Feldwebel Gerhard (2731) 353
LEMKE, Leutnant Wilhelm (1848) 158
LEMM, Hauptmann Heinz-Georg (2661) 337
LENZ, Oberfeldwebel Heinrich (3653) 556
LENZ, Oberstleutnant Hermann (2422) 284
LEOPOLDSBERGER, Feldwebel Josef (1448) 60
LEPPER, Oberst Richard (2161) 227
LERSNER, Oberst Karl Freiherr von (2488) 299
LESTMANN, Hauptmann Karl (2370) 273
LEUPERT, Oberfeldwebel Otto (2349) 269
LEX, Oberleutnant Hans (3176) 541
LEX, SS-Hauptsturmführer Alfred (3574) 538
LEYCK, Oberleutnant Siegfried (3607) 546
LEYSER, Oberst Hans-Georg (1526) 79
LIEBENSTEIN, Fregattenkapitän Gustav Freiherr von (3137) 443
LIEBENSTEIN, Generalmajor Kurt Freiherr von (2769) 361
LIEHL, Unteroffizier Leopold (2586) 321
LIENAU, Hauptmann Detlef (2767) 361
LIESE, Hauptmann Kurt-Günther (2674) 340
LIESE, Wachtmeister Heinrich (2666) 338
LIESENDAHL, Hauptmann Frank (1813) 149
LIETHMANN, Hauptmann Günter (3362) 491
LILIENHOFF-ZWOWITZKI, Oberst Helmut von (3011) 417
LILIENTHAL, Unteroffizier Diedrich (2596) 323
LINDEMANN, Oberst Gerhard (2365) 272
LINDENBERG, Oberleutnant Friedrich (2388) 276
LINDER, Oberfeldwebel Hermann (2866) 385
LINDINGER, Feldwebel Eduard (2143) 223
LINDNER, Major Otto (1458) 62
733

LINDNER, Unteroffizier Herbert (2946) 402
LINKE, Oberleutnant Lothar (3233) 464
LION, Oberleutnant Karl-Hermann (1597) 96
LIPP, Oberfeldwebel Karl (2094) 213
LIPPE-WEISSENFELD, Oberleutnant Prinz Egmont zur (1516) 76
LIPPOLT, Feldwebel Walter (1430) 55
LIST, Hauptmann Franz (2464) 294
LITJENS, Oberfeldwebel Stefan (2877) 388
LODTKA, Oberfeldwebel Heinrich (3261) 470
LOEBENSTEIN von AIGENHORST, Oberleutnant Gottfried Freiherr von
(2741) 355
LOEFFLER, Hauptmann Rolf (1856) 160
LOER, Oberleutnant Wilhelm (3652) 555
LÖFFELBEIN, Oberleutnant Günther (3234) 464
LÖFFLER, Hauptmann Erich (1958) 183
LÖFFLER, Oberfeldwebel Emil (3437) 507
LÖFFLER, Unteroffizier Alfred (2714) 349
LOMBARD, SS-Obersturmbannführer Gustav (2478) 297
LOOS, Oberleutnant Walter (2579) 319
LOOSE, Unteroffizier Otto (3412) 502
LORCH, Major Herbert (2271) 251
LORENZ, Hauptmann Friedrich (2953) 405
LORENZ, Major Erich (3452) 510
LORENZ, Major Karl (2164) 228
LORENZ, Oberst Wilhelm (2237) 243
LORENZEN, Hauptmann Bernhard (2604) 324
LÖSECKE, Hauptmann Hans von (2410) 282
LÖSER, Hauptmann Hans-Joachim (2320) 262
LOTSE (or LOTZE), Oberleutnant Christian (1348) 36
LOTTNER, Oberst Kurt (3325) 483
LÜBBE, Generalleutnant Vollrath (2906) 394
LUCAS, Feldwebel Werner (1893) 168
LUCHT, Generalleutnant Walther (2386) 276
LÜCKEN, Oberleutnant Theodor von (1424) 53
LUCKMANN, Obergefreiter Erich (2196) 235
LÜDCKE, Leutnant Hugo (2426) 285
LÜDECKE, Generalmajor Otto-Joachim (2991) 413
734

LUDWIG, Oberleutnant Jürgen (2451) 290
LUITJENS, Oberleutnant Walter (3142) 444
LUMPP, Oberleutnant Karl-Willi (2914) 396
LUTHARDT, Leutnant Hans (2959) 406
LÜTJE, Hauptmann Herbert (2826) 376
LUTSCH, Oberleutnant Waldemar (3235) 464
LÜTTWITZ, Oberst Heinrich Freiherr von (1584) 92
LÜTTWITZ, Oberst Smilo Freiherr von (1292) 21
LUTZ, Hauptmann Waldemar (1932) 178
LUTZE, Oberfeldwebel Helmut (1940) 179
LUXENBURGER, Oberleutnant Josef (2612) 326
LYHME, Hauptmann Konrad (1978) 188
M
MACHER, SS-Untersturmführer Heinz (2617) 327
MADER, Major Anton (1666) 114
MÄDER, Major Hellmuth (1490) 70
MADER, Oberleutnant Hans (1803) 146
MAEK, Oberleutnant Hermann (1468) 65
MAEMPEL, Oberst Rolf (3542) 530
MAERZ, Oberfeldwebel Xaver (1590) 94
MAGERFLEISCH, Gefreiter Friedrich-Wilhelm (2328) 264
MAGOLD, Oberleutnant Hanns (2613) 326
MAHN, Oberfeldwebel Werner (2418) 283
MAHNKEN, Rittmeister Heinrich (1493) 71
MAIER, Oberleutnant Kurt (2091) 212
MAISEL (or MEISEL), Oberfeldwebel Eberhard (2924) 399
MAISEL, Oberst Ernst (1503) 74
MALACHOWSKI, Oberleutnant Wilhelm von (1334) 33
MALAPERT (aka von NEUFVILLE), Oberleutnant Robert-Georg Freiherr
von (1272) 16
MALÁR (Slovak Division), Generálmajor Augustín (1318) 28
MALGUTH, Oberleutnant Einhart (1563) 88
MALOTKI, Oberleutnant Wolfgang von (2475) 296
MANITIUS, Oberstleutnant Johannes (1489) 70
MANOLIU (Romanian Army), General de diviszie Gheorghe (1782) 141
MARBACH, Major Paul (2449) 290
735

MARCKS, Oberstleutnant Werner (1338) 33
MARIENFELD, Major Willy (1735) 129
MARKGRAF, Oberleutnant Paul (2259) 249
MARKWORTH, Kapitänleutnant Friedrich (2894) 391
MARSEILLE, Leutnant Hans-Joachim (1404) 48, 134, 487
MARTENS, Oberleutnant Alfred (3519) 525
MARTIN, Hauptmann Christian (2321) 262
MARTIN, Oberfeldwebel Wolfgang (2253) 247
MARTINAT (Staff Officer, Italian Alpini-Corps), Generale di Brigata Giulio
(2600) 324
MASANRIE (or MASARIÉ), SS-Hauptsturmführer Arzelino (2605) 325
MATERN, Hauptmann Karl-Heinrich (3299) 478
MATERN, Major Kurt (1854) 159
MATERN, Oberfeldwebel Alfred (3154) 447
MAURER, Korvettenkapitän Otto (2885) 389
MAURER, Oberfeldwebel Stefan (3033) 422
MAUS, Kapitänleutnant August (3243) 466
MAY, Oberleutnant Johann (2374) 274
MAYER, Leutnant Hermann (2664) 338
MAYER, Obergefreiter Isidor (3481) 516
MAYERL, Oberleutnant Maximillian (3496) 520
MAYR, Oberleutnant Rudolf (2803) 370
MECKE, Kapitän zur See Karl-Conrad (2653) 335
MEDICUS, Major Franz (2670) 339
MEIERDREES (aka Erwin MEIERDRESS), SS-Obersturmführer HubertErwin (1445) 59
MEIERKORD, Oberleutnant Gustav (3568) 537
MEINEKE, Major Bruno (1610) 98
MEINERS, Major Otto (1402) 48
MEINERS, Oberst Ernst (3605) 546
MEINHOLD, Oberleutnant Wolfgang (2790) 367
MEINICKE, Leutnant Johannes (2640) 333
MEINIGKE, Major Alfred (2574) 318
MEISEL, Oberleutnant Martin (2190) 234
MEISSNER, Generalleutnant Robert (2818) 374
MEISSNER, Hauptmann Siegfried (1917) 174
MEISSNER, Oberwachtmeister Herbert (2998) 414
736

MELCHIOR, Stabsfeldwebel Ulrich (1360) 38
MELTZER, Oberleutnant Walter (2216) 239
MENAPACE, Leutnant Josef (1752) 133
MENTZ, Major Franz von (3244) 466
MERKEL, Hauptmann Herbert-Dietrich (or Herbert-Rudolf) (2996) 414
MERSMANN, Hauptmann Ernst (2212) 238
MERTEN, Korvettenkapitän Karl-Friedrich (1606) 98
MERTEN, Oberfeldwebel Peter (2001) 192
MERTENS, Hauptmann Ewald (1403) 48
MERTENS, Oberleutnant Helmut (1815) 149
MESSE (Italian Expeditionary Corps, Russia), Generale di Corpo Giovanni
(1317) 27
METELMANN, Hauptmann Ernst (3058) 427
METTE, Obergefreiter Fritz (2278) 252
METZ, Generalmajor Eduard (2268) 250
METZGER, Major Richard (3315) 481
MEURER, Oberleutnant Manfred (2678) 341
MEVISSEN, Feldwebel Kurt (1894) 169
MEYER, Generalmajor Fritz (2629) 330
MEYER, Leutnant Elimar (3216) 460
MEYER, Oberleutnant Heinrich (1994) 191
MEYER, Oberstleutnant Constantin (1549) 84
MEYER, Rittmeister Jochen (2578) 319
MEYER-RABINGEN, Generalleutnant Hermann (1282) 19
MICHAEL, Hauptmann Hermann (3300) 478
MICHAEL, Oberst Ernst (1572) 90
MICHAELIS, Major Hans (3263) 470
MICHAELIS, Oberst Herbert (2235) 243
MICHALSKI, Oberleutnant Gerhard (1816) 149
MICKLEY, Hauptmann Hubert (3651) 555
MIETH, General Friedrich (3398) 499
MIETHIG, Leutnant Rudolf (2035) 200
MIKUS, Leutnant Bernhard (3088) 433
MILBRADT, Leutnant Gerhard (3273) 472
MILDEBRATH, Oberstleutnant Werner (1721) 126
MILOVAN (or Berndt LUBICH von MILOVAN), SS-Obersturmführer
Berndtlubich von (3328) 483
737

MINK, Oberfeldwebel Wilhelm (1462) 63
MINTERT, Obergefreiter Franz (1862) 161
MIRAU, Gefreiter Harry (2087) 211
MISCHKE, Leutnant Gerd (2805) 371
MISERA, Major Walter (3069) 429
MITZLAFF, Major Berndt von (3630) 551
MIX, Oberleutnant Walter (2181) 232
MOCH, Hauptmann Friedrich (1478) 67
MOCIULSCHI (Romanian Army), Major-General Leonard (3616) 548
MÖCKEL, Oberstleutnant Alexander (1357) 38
MOCKEN, Hauptmann Aloys (2941) 402
MÖHLE, Oberleutnant Artur (1618) 101
MÖHLMANN, Kapitänleutnant Helmut (2671) 340
MOHR, Kapitänleutnant Johann (1475) 67
MOHR, Oberfeldwebel Walter (3265) 470
MÖHRING, Oberst Kurt (2909) 395
MÖLLER, Hauptmann Emil (3363) 491
MÖLLER, Hauptmann Werner (3518) 524
MÖLLER, Oberleutnant Lorenz (1349) 36
MÖLLER, Unteroffizier Hans-Walter (1835) 155
MOLTKE, Rittmeister Helmut von (3245) 467
MONTREAL, Oberfeldwebel Zeslaus (3422) 504
MOOYMAN, SS-Sturmmann Gerardes (2453) 291
MORAWIETZ, Oberleutnant Johannes (2281) 253
MORITZ, Rittmeister Georg-Friedrich (2729) 352
MORZIK, Oberst Friedrich-Wilhelm (1514) 76
MÖSE, Oberjäger Walter (2487) 299
MOSEL, Oberst Hans von der (1714) 125
MOSLER, Gefreiter Franz (1560) 87
MOSSDORF, Oberleutnant Martin (1804) 146
MOSSGRABER, Oberleutnant Hans-Theo (3384) 495
MOTHES, Hauptmann Heinz (3334) 485
MÖWS, Oberleutnant Gerhard (2046) 202
MROUSEK (or MRUSEK), Stabsfeldwebel Ewald (2311) 260
MÜCKE, Oberleutnant Johannes (1373) 41
MUENZNER, Hauptmann Eberhard (3072) 430
MÜHLEN, Oberstleutnant Kurt-Hermann Freiherr von (2065) 206
738

MÜHLENKAMP, SS-Sturmbannführer Johannes-Rudolf (1796) 145
MUHR, Leutnant Johann (3497) 520
MÜLLER (-REINDERS added later), Oberwachtmeister Eduard (2375) 274
MÜLLER, Feldwebel Alfred (2765) 360
MÜLLER, Feldwebel Rudolf (1616) 101
MÜLLER, Generalleutnant Ludwig (3353) 489
MÜLLER, Generalleutnant Richard (2471) 296
MÜLLER, Generalmajor Gottlob (2844) 380
MÜLLER, Hauptmann Alfred (2450) 290
MÜLLER, Hauptmann Fritz (1771) 138
MÜLLER, Hauptmann Hans (1311) 26
MÜLLER, Hauptmann Philipp (2593) 322
MÜLLER, Hauptmann Rudolf (1632) 105
MÜLLER, Kapitänleutnant Albert (3585) 541
MÜLLER, Kapitänleutnant Karl (2895) 392
MÜLLER, Leutnant Günther (3306) 479
MÜLLER, Major Gerhard (2480) 298
MÜLLER, Major Klaus (or Claus) (1491) 71
MÜLLER, Major Walter (2013) 195
MÜLLER, Oberfeldwebel Friedrich (3101) 435
MÜLLER, Oberfeldwebel Karl (2002) 192
MÜLLER, Oberfeldwebel Martin (2026) 197
MÜLLER, Oberleutnant Georg (1717) 125
MÜLLER, Oberleutnant Horst (1541) 83
MÜLLER, Oberleutnant Klaus (or Claus) (1961) 184
MÜLLER, Oberleutnant Peter (2614) 327
MÜLLER, Oberst Gerhard (1837) 155
MÜLLER, Oberstleutnant Dietrich von (1530) 80
MÜLLER, SS-Hauptsturmführer Albert (2977) 410
MÜLLER-GEBHARD, Generalleutnant Philipp (1792) 144
MÜLLER-STÖCKHEIM, Kapitänleutnant Günther (2114) 217
MULZER, Major Josef-Georg (3157) 447
MUMMERT, Major Werner (1736) 130
MUND, Leutnant Dieter (3237) 465
MUNSER, Hauptmann Rudolf (2649) 335
MÜNSTER, Feldwebel Leopold (2194) 235
MUNZ, Hauptmann Johann (3473) 514
739

MUSCULUS, Major Friedrich-Heinrich (2439) 288
MYLIUS, Hauptmann Wilhelm (2606) 325
N
NÄDELE, Major Wilhelm (3405) 501
NADOLSKI, Oberleutnant Werner (3679) 561
NAGENGAST, Major Georg (3515) 524
NASEBAND, Hauptmann Werner (2381) 275
NATZMER, Oberst Oldwig von (3149) 445
NAUMANN, Hauptmann Hans-Jörg (3427) 505
NAUMANN, Unteroffizier Horst (2267) 250
NEBEL, Oberleutnant Peter (1479) 68
NECHANSKY, Oberleutnant Leonhard (2324) 264
NEIBECKER, Oberst Franz (1379) 43
NEITZEL, Hauptmann Walter (2829) 377
NEITZEL, Korvettenkapitän Karl (2559) 314
NEMECEK, Oberleutnant Ludwig (1884) 166
NEMITZ, Oberfeldwebel Willi (2544) 311
NEMNICH, Hauptmann Gerhart (or Gerhard) (2903) 394
NENTWIG, Major Günther (1314) 27
NESTLE, Feldwebel Karl (3042) 423
NEUFELD, Oberfeldwebel Ernst (2262) 249
NEUFFER, Generalmajor Georg (2964) 407
NEUHOFF, Leutnant Hermann (1608) 99
NEULING, Generalleutnant Ferdinand (1418) 52
NIEDERLÄNDER, Hauptmann Horst (2430) 286
NIEDERMEIER, Leutnant Heinrich (3580) 540
NIEDZWETZKI, Feldwebel Hans (3063) 428
NIEMANN, Leutnant Heinrich (2743) 356
NIEMECK, Feldwebel Gerhard (2509) 303
NIEMIETZ, Hauptfeldwebel Josef (2931) 400
NIGGEMEYER, Leutnant Wilhelm (1875) 164
NITSCH, Oberfeldwebel Alfred (2878) 388
NITTLER, Leutnant Robert (2326) 263
NOACK, Oberleutnant Karl (2726) 351
NÖBEL, Obergefreiter Kurt (3529) 527
NOBIS, Hauptmann Ernst (1315) 27
740

NOCKEN, Major Klaus (3380) 495
NOELDECHEN, Generalmajor Ferdinand (2843) 380
NOLTE, Hauptmann Kurt (1831) 154
NOWAK, SS-Oberscharführer Alfred (3397) 499
NOWOTNY, Leutnant Walter (1820) 151
NÜRNBERGER, Feldwebel Erich (2130) 221
O
OBERGETHMANN, Oberstleutnant Eduard (2358) 270
OBERKIRCHER, Oberjäger Karl (3321) 492
OBERLÄNDER, Oberleutnant Werner (or Hans-Werner) (2537) 309
OBERLOSKAMP, Leutnant Walther (2779) 364
OBST, Leutnant Walter (3528) 527
OCHS, Oberfeldwebel Heinrich (2833) 387
OEHL, Leutnant Heinz (2935) 401
OEHMICHEN, Oberstleutnant Hermann (2236) 243
OEKENPÖHLER, Oberfeldwebel Johann-Peter (2834) 378
OESTERWITZ, Oberleutnant Karl-Heinz (2742) 355
OFENLOCH, Unteroffizier Heinrich (2899) 393
OKRENT, Obergefreiter Wilhelm (2597) 323
OMERT, Leutnant Emil (1461) 63
OPPELN-BRONIKOWSKI, Oberst Hermann von (2256) 248
OPPENLÄNDER, Generalmajor Kurt (1670) 115
OPPERMANN, Feldwebel Walter (2756) 358
ORIOLA, Generalleutnant Ralph Graf von (3640) 553
ORLOWSKI, Major Helmuth (3225) 462
ORTH, Oberfeldwebel Heinrich (1457) 62
OSTER, Oberleutnant Dieter (2138) 222
OSTERMANN, Hauptmann Felix (3085) 432
ÖSTERREICHER, Gefreiter Karl (2183) 232
OTT, General Eugen (2231) 242
OTT, Oberleutnant Helmuth (3468) 513
OTTAWA, Hauptmann Norbert (3160) 448
OTTE, Oberleutnant Maximilian (1496) 72
OTTE, Oberst Friedrich-Wilhelm (2076) 209
OTTO, Hauptmann Ernst (2431)
OVEN, Generalleutnant Karl von (1277) 18
741

OVERHOFF, Oberleutnant Gerold (2148) 224
P
PABST, Hauptmann Karl (3406) 501
PABST, Hauptmann Karl (3618) 548
PAETOW, Oberfeldwebel Heinz (2173) 230
PĂLĂGHIŢĂ (Romanian Army), Major Ioan (2639) 333
PAMPUS, Oberleutnant Ferdinand (1384) 44
PANDEL, Hauptmann Alfred (3619) 549
PANKNIN, Kapitänleutnant Herbert (3150) 445
PANKOW, Obergefreiter Georg (2588) 321
PANNIER, Major Rudolf (1561) 87
PANTEL, Hauptmann Kurt (1712) 124
PANTZLAFF, Major Karl (2992) 413
PANZENHAGEN, Oberstleutnant Albert (1927) 176
PAPE, Hauptmann Kurt-Albert (2872) 387
PAPE, Major Günther (1371) 41
PASSEGGER, Unteroffizier Hans (3104) 436
PASTERNAK, Oberleutnant Arthur (2538) 309
PATUSCHKA, Hauptmann Horst (2774) 363
PAULUS, General Friedrich (1777) 140
PAULUS, Leutnant Walter (1486) 69
PAULUSSEN, Hauptmann Heinz (3218) 461
PAUSINGER, Oberstleutnant Joseph (1381) 43
PEIPER, SS-Sturmbannführer Joachim (or Jochen) (2477) 296
PELZER, Gefreiter Jakob (1297) 23
PERGANDE, Leutnant Werner (3499) 520
PESCH, Hauptmann Erwin (2948) 404
PETEANI, Oberleutnant Josef (2016) 196
PETER, Unteroffizier Erich (2921) 398
PETERBURS, Oberfeldwebel Hans (2112) 216
PETEREIT, Oberleutnant Max-Eugen (1962) 184
PETERMANN, Oberfeldwebel Erich (1739) 130
PETERS, Oberleutnant Werner (3469) 513
PETERSDORFF, Major Manfred von (1364) 39
PETERSEN, Hauptmann Carl-August (1437) 56
PETERSEN, Hauptmann Heinrich (1359) 38
742

PETERSEN, SS-Obersturmbannführer Heinrich (3448) 509
PETERSEN, Wachtmeister Fritz (2095) 213
PETERSHAGEN, Oberstleutnant Rudolf (1659) 112
PETZOLD, Hauptmann Joachim (2799) 370
PFAFFENDORF, Oberleutnant Armin (1577) 91
PFALZGRAF, Unteroffizier Oskar (1968) 185
PFEIFFER, Generalleutnant Georg (2287) 255
PFEIFFER, Hauptmann Hellmut (1880) 165
PFEIFFER, Leutnant Hans (1329) 31
PFEUFFER, Rittmeister Arno (2989) 413
PFITZNER, Oberleutnant Heinz (2292) 256
PFÖRTNER, SS-Untersturmführer Helmut (1313) 27
PFREUDTNER, Oberwachtmeister Karl (1847) 158
PFUHLSTEIN, Oberst Alexander von (1732) 129
PHLEPS, SS-Obergruppenführer Arthur (2889) 390
PICKERT, Generalmajor Wolfgang (2284) 254
PIECHULLA, Gefreiter Alois (2654) 336
PIENING, Kapitänleutnant Adolf (1725) 127
PIEPER, Oberfeldwebel Heinz (2327) 263
PIEPER, Sanitäts-Unteroffizier Willi (2644) 334
PIEPER, Unteroffizier Heinz (3217) 461
PIETSCH, Hauptmann Werner (3465) 513
PILARSKI, Oberfeldwebel Hubert (2983) 411
PILAT, Major Karl (3453) 510
PILZ, Feldwebel Walter (2546) 311
PINTSCHOVIUS, Hauptmann Johannes (1547) 84
PIRCH, Hauptmann Wilhelm (3191) 454
PIRNER, Feldwebel Karl (2812) 373
PLACZEK, Oberfeldwebel Franz (2620) 328
PLATZER, Oberleutnant Friedrich (1497) 72
PLENZAT, Oberfeldwebel Kurt (3238) 465
PLESCH, Leutnant Hans (1473) 66
PLOCHER, Generalmajor Hermann (3484) 517
PLÜMER, Hauptmann Friedrich-Hans (2382) 275
POERSCHKE, Hauptmann Fritz (1778) 140
POETTER, Hauptmann Joachim (1515) 76
POHL, Major Eberhard (2165) 228
743

POHLMANN, Hauptmann Wilhelm (2496) 301
POLACK, Oberst Fritz (3096) 434
POLEWACZ, SS-Sturmbannführer Harry (2208) 238
POLL, Obergefreiter Matthias (3001) 415
POLLMANN, Leutnant zur See Otto (2807) 372
POLLMANN, Major Othmar (or Ottmar) (3099) 435
POLLOW, Oberleutnant Herbert (2965) 407
POMMER, Oberleutnant Hellmut (2934) 401
POPPINGA, Oberstleutnant Hinrich (1355) 37
PORT, Feldwebel Johann (1774) 139
POSCHUSTA, Unteroffizier Leopold (3443) 508
POSKE, Korvettenkapitän Hans-Georg (2066) 207
PÖSSL, Major Walter (2703) 347
POSTEL, Oberst Georg-Wilhelm (1715) 125
PRAUN, Generalleutnant Albert (3370) 492
PRCHAL, Unteroffizier Johann (3444) 508
PREINFALK, Unteroffizier Alexander (1988) 190
PREISS, Oberleutnant Armin (3401) 500
PRENTL, Oberleutnant Josef (2017) 196
PRESSLER, Hauptmann Gustav (1344) 35
PREUSS, Stabsfeldwebel Ernst (3612) 547
PRIEM, Oberleutnant Otto (2679) 342
PRIESS, SS-Oberführer Hermann (2728) 352
PRIMOZIC, Wachtmeister Hugo (1895) 169
PRITZEL, Hauptmann Klaus (1993) 191
PROBST (also spelt PROST), Oberfeldwebel Theodor (2711) 349
PROCHASKA, Leutnant Ernst (1864) 161
PROCHAZKA, Hauptmann Robert Freiherr von (3620) 549
PRÖHL, Hauptmann Günther (1281) 19
PRÖLL, Hauptmann Karl (2387) 276
PROSKE, Oberleutnant Friedrich-Wilhelm (1510) 75
PRÜGER, Oberleutnant Walter (2275) 252
PRÜMM, Oberleutnant Karl (2811) 372
PRZEDWOJEWSKI, SS-Unterscharführer Felix (3601) 545
PUCHINGER, Oberleutnant Rudolf (2360) 271
PÜLTZ, Leutnant Theodor (3004) 416
PUTTFARKEN, Oberleutnant Dietrich (1963) 184
744

PUTZ, Oberleutnant Helmut (1885) 166
PUTZKA, Hauptmann Erich (2136) 222
Q
QUASSOWSKI, Hauptmann Joachim (3335) 485
QUAST, Fahnenjunker-Oberfeldwebel Werner (3685) 562
QUEDNAU, Oberleutnant Horst (1805) 147
QUENTIN, Major Friedrich (2403) 280
R
RAB, Oberleutnant Johann (2851) 382
RADESINSKY, Obergefreiter Albert (3564) 536
RADOWSKI, Oberstleutnant Eduard (1743) 132
RADUSCH, Major Günther (3113) 438
RAHLENBECK, Gefreiter Robert (3083) 432
RALL, Oberleutnant Carl (2389) 277
RALL, Oberleutnant Günther (1806) 147
RAMBOW, Unteroffizier Richard (1896) 169
RAMPEL, Oberfeldwebel Josef (3592) 542
RANTZAU, Generalleutnant Heino von (3108) 436
RAPRÄGER, Oberleutnant Ernst-Wilhelm (2777) 363
RĂSCĂNESCU (Romanian Army), Maior Gheorghe (2127) 220
RASCH, Kapitänleutnant Hermann (2240) 244
RASS, Hauptmann Friedrich (3525) 526
RATH, Oberst Hans-Joachim (1552) 85
RAUSCH, Gefreiter Werner (2557) 314
RAUSCHENBUSCH, Major Hermann (2551) 312
REBHOLZ, Hauptmann Robert (2967) 408
RECHE, Kapitänleutnant Reinhart (2520) 305
RECHEL, Fregattenkapitän Curt (2760) 359
RECKE, Generalleutnant Heinrich (3146) 445
RECKTENWALD, Oberleutnant Wolf (2819) 374
REDER, SS-Hauptsturmführer Walter (2607) 325
REDLICH, Hauptmann Ernst (3606) 546
REEDER, Major Deert (3524) 526
REHLE, Oberleutnant Siegfried (2445) 289
REHM, Major Ernst (3463) 512
REHNITZ, Leutnant Konrad (1723) 127
745

REICH, Oberleutnant Werner (2694) 345
REICHEL, SS-Sturmbannführer Erwin (2460) 293
REICHHOLD, Oberfeldwebel Otto (3647) 554
REICHWALD, Leutnant Gerhard (1701) 122
REIMANN, Generalmajor Richard (2599) 323
REIMAR, Hauptmann Gustav (2942) 402
REIMLING, SS-Oberscharführer Hans (2462) 293
REINECK, Oberleutnant Rudi (1469) 65
REINECKE, Leutnant Gerhard (2220) 240
REINERT, Unteroffizier Ernst-Wilhelm (1641) 107
REINHARDT, Gefreiter Arnold (3257) 469
REINHARDT, Oberfeldwebel Wilhelm (1406) 49
REINHART, Leutnant Karl (3636) 552
REINHART, Oberleutnant Heinz (3041) 423
REINKE, Major Friedrich-Wilhelm (3298) 478
REINKE, Oberfeldwebel Heinrich (1279) 19
REISIG, Oberfeldwebel Josef (1296) 22
REISSINGER, Oberstleutnant Walter (2163) 228
REISSMANN, Hauptmann Werner (1683) 117 509
REITZENSTEIN, SS-Obersturmbannführer Albin Freiherr von (3449)
REMER, Major Otto-Ernst (2796) 368
RENDL, Unteroffizier Otto (1686) 118
RENDULIC, Generalleutnant Lothar (1433) 55
RENOLDNER, Oberleutnant Karl (3177) 541
RENTSCHLER, Hauptmann Emil (3336) 485
RESCH, Hauptmann Rudolf (1832) 154
RETTEMEIER, Hauptmann Josef (3546) 531
RETTLINGER, SS-Hauptsturmführer Karl (3631) 551
REUSCH, Oberleutnant Ernst-Christian (2056) 204
REUSS, Generalmajor Richard-Heinrich von (2356) 270
REUTER, Oberleutnant Alfred (2455) 291
REUTER, Oberstleutnant Erich (1734) 129
REVERCHON, Leutnant Heinz (1865) 162
RHEIN, Oberst Karl (1434) 56
RIBBENTROP, SS-Obersturmführer Rudolf von (2904) 394
RICHTER, Hauptmann Heinz (3231) 464
RICHTER, Major Friedrich (3037) 422
746

RICHTER, Major Rudolf (1708) 124
RICHTER, SS-Obersturmführer Wilfred (1520) 77
RICHTER, Unteroffizier Emil (1775) 139
RICK, Hauptmann Kurt (2608) 325
RICKERT, Hauptmann Hans-Oskar (3669) 559
RICKMERS, Oberst Boy (2547) 311
RIECHERS, Oberfeldwebel Karl (2999) 415
RIECHERT, Leutnant Hans-Georg (1278) 18
RIEDEL, Hauptmann Willy (1973) 186
RIEDEL, Leutnant Walter (2665) 338
RIEDESEL Freiherr zu Eisenbach, Hauptmann Volprecht (1959) 183
RIEFKOGEL, SS-Obersturmführer Waldemar (2898) 393
RIEGER, Oberleutnant Joachim (1459) 63
RIEPOLD, Oberleutnant Josef-Otto (1688) 119
RIESS (also spelt RICHS), Obergefreiter Otto (3314) 481
RIESS, Hauptmann Karl (3100) 435
RIETSCHER, Gefreiter Georg (1626) 103
RINGHOF, Hauptmann Jakob (3644) 554
RINKE, Oberleutnant Karl-Eberhard (2718) 350
RITTERSHAUSEN, Hauptmann Walter (1414) 51
RITTNER, Hauptmann Arthur (2024) 197
ROCHOLL, Oberleutnant Rolf (1684) 118
ROCHOW, Major Hans von (2319) 262
RODENBURG, Generalmajor Carl (1970) 185
RÖDER, Obergefreiter Josef (2312) 260
ROEHRIG, Leutnant Hans (1938) 179
ROELL, Hauptmann Werner (2820) 374
ROESNER, Hauptmann Rudolf (2691) 345
ROEWER, Oberfeldwebel Herbert (2888) 390
ROGALLA von BIEBERSTEIN, Major Konstantin (2929) 400
ROGGE, Hauptmann Rudolf (3474) 514
ROGGENBAU, Oberleutnant Ulrich (3527) 526
ROHDE, Feldwebel Walter (3246) 467
RÖHDER, SS-Obersturmführer Wolfgang (3531) 527
ROHWEDER, Kapitänleutnant Hellmut (3454) 511
ROKA, Oberleutnant Franz (3303) 478
ROLSER, Unteroffizier Otto (2715) 349
747

ROMAN, Generalmajor Rudolf Freiherr von (1388) 45
ROMEIKE, Oberleutnant Hans-Georg (3143) 444
ROMOTT, Oberfeldwebel Hans (2698) 346
ROMPZICK, Leutnant Johannes (3500) 520
ROOS, Gefreiter Ferdinand (3036) 422
ROOS, Hauptmann Fritz (2047) 202
ROOS, Hauptmann Hugo (1851) 159
RÖPKE, Generalmajor Kurt (3471) 514
ROSENBAUM, Kapitänleutnant Helmut (1722) 127
ROSKE, Oberst Fritz (2316) 261
ROSSBACH, Feldwebel Karl-Heinz (2840) 380
ROSSBACH, Hauptmann Heinrich (2154) 226
ROSSHART, Obergefreiter Emil (2625) 329
ROSSMANN, Feldwebel Edmund (1464) 64
ROSTIN, Kapitänleutnant Erwin (1628) 104
ROTH, Generalmajor Ernst-August (3415) 503
ROTHE, Feldwebel Gerhard (3440) 508
ROTHHARDT, Unteroffizier Heinz (3271) 472
RÖTHKE, Oberleutnant Siegfried (2831) 387
ROTSMANN, Major Fritz-Joachim Freiherr von (2392) 277
ROTTER, Oberfeldwebel Josef (3002) 415
ROWOHL, Oberfeldwebel Willi (1655) 111
RÜBELL, Leutnant Günther (2501) 302
RUDAT, Oberleutnant Horst (2539) 310
RUDEL, Oberleutnant Hans-Ulrich (1273) 11, 17, 522
RUDOLPH, Feldwebel Walter (2836) 379
RÜFFLER, Oberfeldwebel Helmut (2223) 241
RUGE, Hauptmann Gerd (3161) 448
RUHNKE, Unteroffizier Herbert (2420) 284
RUNGE, Leutnant Fritz (3402) 500
RÜNGELER, Hauptmann Wilhelm (3310) 480
RUPP, Generalleutnant Ernst (2472) 296
RUPP, Leutnant Friedrich (2361) 271
RUPPERT, Leutnant Hermann (1289) 21
RUPPRECHT, Oberleutnant Siegfried (3178) 452
S
748

SACHA, Oberleutnant Friedrich (2325) 263
SACHSENHEIMER, Hauptmann Max (1494) 71
SALDERN-BRALLENTIN, Major Sylvester von (3483) 516
SALENGRE-DRABBE, Oberst Hans de (1400) 47
SALISCH, Hauptmann Wilhelm von (2705) 347
SALM-HORSTMAR, Rittmeister Karl-Walrad Prince zu (1392) 46
SALTZWEDEL, Korvettenkapitän Martin (2857) 383
SALZMANN, Oberleutnant Walter (1623) 102
SAMETREITER, SS-Oberscharführer Kurt (2962) 407
SANDER, Fahnenjunker-Feldwebel Wilhelm (3648) 555
SANDER, Generalmajor Erwin (1794) 144
SANDER, Oberstleutnant Joachim (3224) 462
SANDIG, SS-Sturmbannführer Rudolf (2751) 357
SANNE, Generalmajor Werner (1398) 47
SASS, Oberstleutnant Eduard Freiherr von (2184) 232
SASSEN, Feldwebel Bruno (1408) 49
SATTIG, Hauptmann Carl (1881) 165
SATTLER, Oberleutnant Hans-Karl (1385) 44
SAUCKEN, Generalmajor Dietrich von (1269) 15
SAUER, Wachtmeister Konrad (1920) 174
SAUERBRUCH, Hauptmann Peter (2265) 250
SAUL, Unteroffizier Konrad (2650) 335
SÄUMENICHT, SS-Hauptsturmführer Rudolf (3323) 482
SAUVANT, Major Bernhard (2120) 218
SAYN-WITTGENSTEIN-SAYN, Hauptmann Prinz Heinrich zu (1933) 178
SCHACHT, Korvettenkapitän Harro (2283) 254
SCHACHT, Leutnant Heinz (2309) 260
SCHACK, Leutnant Günther (3387) 496
SCHAEFER, Major Eduard (3070) 429
SCHÄFER, Feldwebel Georg (or Johann Georg) (2175) 230
SCHÄFER, Hauptmann Kurt (2385) 276
SCHÄFER, SS-Obersturmbannführer Max (2435) 287
SCHÄFER, SS-Sturmbannführer Ernst (3326) 483
SCHAFFNER, Obergefreiter Willi (3367) 492
SCHÄGGER, Major Peter (3203) 458
SCHALANDA, Oberleutnant Hans (2615) 327
SCHALDACH, Obergefreiter Kurt (1718) 125
749

SCHALLES, Oberfeldwebel Walter (1512) 76
SCHAREINA, Oberfeldwebel Emil (2781) 365
SCHARFF, Oberleutnant Heinrich (3073) 430
SCHARNAGEL, Hauptmann Hermann (3288) 475
SCHAUB, Oberleutnant Oskar (2719) 350
SCHAUER, Oberleutnant Georg (3347) 488
SCHEEL, Leutnant Günther (3553) 533
SCHEFFEL, Leutnant Rudolf (2036) 200
SCHEFFOLD, Oberleutnant Konrad (2695) 345
SCHEIBE, Oberfeldwebel Gerhard (3576) 539
SCHEIBIG, Oberfeldwebel Erich (2296) 257
SCHEID, Oberfeldwebel Johannes (2879) 388
SCHEIDIG, Leutnant Albert (1517) 77
SCHELHORN, Oberfeldwebel Fritz (1823) 152
SCHELLER, Generalleutnant Walther (2598) 323
SCHELLHASE, Leutnant Walter (3395) 499
SCHEMMEL, Major Günther (1951) 182
SCHERENBERG, Oberst Rolf (2548) 312
SCHERER, Generalmajor Theodor (1393) 46
SCHERER, Hauptmann Fritz (3589) 542
SCHEUERPFLUG, Oberst Paul (1827) 153
SCHIEMANN, Obergefreiter Alfred (2732) 353
SCHIESS, Oberleutnant Franz (2876) 387
SCHILL, Obergefreiter Gottlob (3662) 557
SCHILLE, Hauptmann Kurt (or Curt) (1772) 139
SCHILLER, Leutnant Friedrich (1298) 23
SCHILLING, Generalleutnant Walter (2938) 401
SCHILLING, Leutnant Johannes (2555) 313
SCHILLING, Oberfeldwebel Wilhelm (1980) 188
SCHIMMEL, Hauptmann Hugo (1323) 30
SCHIMPFF, Oberst Herbert (2928) 399
SCHIRMER, Leutnant Konrad (1696) 121
SCHLAMELCHER, SS-Sturmbannführer Karl (1420) 52
SCHLANG, Feldwebel Wilhelm (3064) 428
SCHLECHT, Oberfeldwebel Wilhelm (2925) 399
SCHLEE, Oberst Joachim (2669) 339
SCHLEEF, Feldwebel Hans (1559) 87
750

SCHLEEF, Obergefreiter Wilhelm (3583) 540
SCHLEINITZ, Generalleutnant Siegmund Freiherr von (3009) 417
SCHLEMMER, Generalmajor Hans (1519) 77
SCHLIEBEN, Oberst Karl-Wilhelm von (2518) 305
SCHLIPPENBACH, Kapitänleutnant Egon-Reiner Freiherr von (3480) 516
SCHLOSSER, Leutnant Walter (1866) 162
SCHLOTTMANN, Major Carl (3226) 462
SCHMAHL, Leutnant Adolf (1648) 109
SCHMALZ, Leutnant Alfons (1498) 72
SCHMID, Generalmajor Joseph (2808) 372
SCHMID, Leutnant Franz (3348) 488
SCHMID, Leutnant Georg (2832) 378
SCHMID, Leutnant Günther (2221) 240
SCHMID, Leutnant Karl (3048) 425
SCHMIDHUBER, Oberst Gerhard (3332) 484
SCHMIDT, Generalmajor Arthur (2279) 253
SCHMIDT, Hauptmann Friedrich (1974) 187
SCHMIDT, Hauptmann Hellmut (3205) 458
SCHMIDT, Hauptmann Hermann (2882) 389
SCHMIDT, Hauptmann Johann (1312) 26
SCHMIDT, Hauptmann Josef (3537) 529
SCHMIDT, Hauptmann Otto (1800) 146
SCHMIDT, Hauptmann Rudolf (1934) 178
SCHMIDT, Leutnant Heinz (1763) 136
SCHMIDT, Leutnant Paul (3144) 444
SCHMIDT, Major Burkhard (2068) 207
SCHMIDT, Major Hans Ritter von (1768) 138
SCHMIDT, Oberleutnant Franz (3047) 424
SCHMIDT, Oberleutnant Konrad (3074) 430
SCHMIDT, Oberleutnant zur See Klaus-Degenhard (3639) 553
SCHMIDT, Oberst Josef (2391) 277
SCHMIDT, Oberstleutnant Erich-Otto (2974) 410
SCHMIDT, Oberstleutnant Johannes (1990) 190
SCHMIDT, Oberstleutnant Jürgen (2746) 356
SCHMIDT, Oberstleutnant Richard (2067) 207
SCHMIDT, SS-Hauptsturmführer Walter (2978) 410
SCHMIDT-OTT, Oberstleutnant Gustav-Albrecht (1956) 183
751

SCHMISCHKE, Hauptmann Helmut (2919) 398
SCHMITT, Generalmajor Artur (1353) 37
SCHMITT, Oberfeldwebel Erich (1892) 168
SCHMITT, Obergefreiter Erich (3297) 477
SCHMITTER, Oberleutnant Wilhelm (1886) 167
SCHMITZ, Oberleutnant Wilfried (1759) 135
SCHMITZ, Sanitäts-Unteroffizier Franz (3199) 457
SCHMITZER, Obergefreiter Franz (1921) 174
SCHMÖLZER, Oberwachtmeister Johann (1912) 173
SCHNATZ, Oberleutnant Helmut (2008) 194
SCHNAUFER, Oberleutnant Heinz-Wolfgang (3680) 561
SCHNECKENBURGER, Generalleutnant Wilhelm (1698) 121
SCHNEEWEIS, Oberleutnant Wolfgang (3460) 512
SCHNEIDER, Generalmajor Erich (2750) 357
SCHNEIDER, Hauptmann Albert (2213) 239
SCHNEIDER, Hauptmann Friedrich (2457) 292
SCHNEIDER, Hauptmann Kurt (3183) 453
SCHNEIDER, Kapitänleutnant Herbert (2303) 258
SCHNEIDER, Leutnant Alfred (1602) 97
SCHNEIDER, Oberfeldwebel Josef (1624) 103
SCHNEIDER, Oberleutnant Eckhard (2930) 400
SCHNEIDER, Oberleutnant Rudolf (1946) 181
SCHNEIDEREIT, SS-Rottenführer Alfred (3637) 552
SCHNEIDERMANN, Feldwebel Willy (2884) 389
SCHNITGER, Oberfeldwebel Albrecht (or SCHNITTGER) (1967) 185
SCHOEFBECK, Oberfeldwebel Hans (2505) 303
SCHOENERT, Oberleutnant Rudolf (1676) 115
SCHOLLEN, Feldwebel Heinrich (3441) 508
SCHÖLSS, Hauptmann Josef (2821) 375
SCHOLZ EDLER von RARANCZE, SS-Oberführer Fritz von (1305) 25
SCHOLZ, Hauptmann Siegfried (2530) 308
SCHOLZE, Oberst Georg (2438) 288
SCHOMANN, Major Karl-Heinz (3381) 495
SCHÖNBERGER, SS-Obersturmbannführer Georg (3629) 551
SCHONDER, Kapitänleutnant Heinrich (1742) 131
SCHÖNEBOOM, Oberleutnant zur See Dietrich (3342) 486
SCHÖNFELD, Oberleutnant Gerhard (1773) 139
752

SCHOPPER, Generalleutnant Erich (2733) 353
SCHRADER, Admiral Otto von (3045) 424
SCHRADER, Oberstleutnant Oskar (1836) 155
SCHRAMM, Oberwachtmeister Richard (2224) 241
SCHRAUTH, Oberleutnant Werner (3539) 530
SCHREIBER, Feldwebel Josef (2585) 321
SCHREIBER, Hauptmann Kurt (2873) 387
SCHREIBER, Oberfeldwebel Alfred (2712) 349
SCHREIBER, Oberleutnant Hans-Jürgen (2260) 249
SCHREIBER, SS-Hauptscharführer Gustav (3533) 523
SCHREIBER, SS-Hauptsturmführer Helmuth (2949) 404
SCHREPFER, Oberleutnant Karl (1612) 100
SCHRÖDER, Oberleutnant Heinz (3408) 501
SCHRÖDER, Oberstleutnant Kurt (1389) 45
SCHROER, Leutnant Werner (2011) 195
SCHRÖTER, Oberleutnant Fritz (1904) 171
SCHUBACH, SS-Sturmbannführer Joachim (2602) 324
SCHUBERT, Leutnant Carl-Heinz (2697) 346
SCHUBERT, Oberfeldwebel Gustav (2815) 373
SCHULDT, SS-Obersturmbannführer Hinrich (1492) 71
SCHULENBURG, Major Wolf-Werner Graf von der (2867) 385
SCHÜLER, Hauptmann Heinrich (1872) 163
SCHULLER, Unteroffizier Sebastian (2963) 407
SCHULTE, Feldwebel Franz (1913) 173
SCHULTE, Obergefreiter Ernst (1620) 101
SCHULTE-HEUTHAUS, Oberstleutnant Hermann (1321) 29
SCHULTZ, Oberfeldwebel Otto (2506) 303
SCHULTZ, Oberst Paul (1795) 144
SCHULTZE, Kapitänleutnant Heinz-Otto (1649) 110
SCHULZ, Major Artur (1709) 124
SCHULZ, Major Karl (1871) 163
SCHULZ, Oberfeldwebel Otto (1407) 49
SCHULZ, Oberst Friedrich (1482) 68
SCHULZ, Oberst Johannes (3223) 462
SCHULZE, Hauptmann Paul (3670) 559
SCHULZE, Leutnant Otto (1614) 100
SCHULZE, Major Werner (1421) 52
753

SCHULZE, SS-Sturmbannführer Herbert (3598) 544
SCHULZE, Stabsfeldwebel Heinrich (3022) 418
SCHULZE-DICKOW, Oberleutnant Fritz (1438) 57
SCHULZE-HINRICHS, Kapitän zur See Alfred (2859) 384
SCHULZ-LEPEL, Oberleutnant Karl-Heinz (3193) 456
SCHULZ-MERKEL, Stabsarzt Hans-Joachim (3646) 554
SCHUMACHER, Oberleutnant Paul (3579) 540
SCHUMANN, Hauptmann Heinz (2525) 307
SCHÜMERS, SS-Sturmbannführer Karl (1925) 176
SCHURIG, Oberstleutnant Hans (2378) 275
SCHUSS, Obergefreiter Joseph (1826) 153
SCHÜSSLER, Feldwebel Josef (2856) 383
SCHÜTT, Hauptmann Fritz (2552) 313
SCHÜTZE, Leutnant Rudolf (2502) 302
SCHWABENBERGER, Feldwebel Josef (3180) 452
SCHWAIGER, Unteroffizier Franz (2041) 201
SCHWAMBERGER, Hauptmann Richard (2706) 348
SCHWARZ, Obergefreiter Heinrich (2301) 258
SCHWARZER, Hauptmann Otto (1952) 182
SCHWEICKHARDT, Oberleutnant Heinrich (1350) 36
SCHWEIGER, Oberleutnant Franz (1377) 42
SCHWEIZER, Hauptmann Heinz (2883) 389
SCHWENDER, Major Herbert (2483) 298
SCHWERDFEGER, Feldwebel Johann (2793) 368
SCHWERIN, Oberst Gerhard Graf von (1299) 23
SCHWERTHERR, Unteroffizier Josef (1955) 182
SCHWIEGER, Major Hans-Gunnar (3250) 468
SCHWING, Major Hellmuth (3666) 558
SCOTTI, Generalleutnant Friedrich von (2842) 380
SEELA, SS-Hauptsturmführer Max (1536) 82
SEHRINGER, Oberleutnant Hans (2139) 223
SEIB, Oberleutnant Robert (3304) 479
SEIBICKE, Kapitänleutnant Günther (2561) 315
SEIDEMANN, Oberst Hans (1467) 65
SEIDENSTICKER, Major August (2908) 395
SEIDENSTÜCKER, Hauptmann Herbert (3475) 515
SEIFERT, Hauptmann Johannes (1600) 97
754

SEIFFERT, Oberleutnant Heinz (3681) 561
SEILER, Leutnant Herbert (3163) 449
SEITZ, Oberstleutnant Hermann (1507) 74
SEITZ, SS-Unterscharführer Rudolf (2019) 196
SELHORST, Oberleutnant Eugen (1953) 182
SELLE, Hauptmann Erich (2137) 222
SEMELKA, Leutnant Waldemar (1821) 152
SEMRAU, Hauptmann Paul (1960) 183
SENGER und ETTERLIN, Generalmajor Fridolin von (2399) 279
SENGSCHMIDT, Oberleutnant Fritz (1905) 171
SEYFFARDT, Oberst Paul (1300) 23
SIEGLER, Feldwebel Peter (2057) 204
SIEGLING, SS-Oberscharführer Alfred (3535) 529
SIEVERS, Hauptmann Walther (2186) 233
SIEVERT, Oberleutnant Hans-Carl (2250) 246
SIGMUND, Hauptmann Rudolf (2968) 408
SILZNER, Oberleutnant Franz (2018) 196
SIMKE, SS-Hauptscharführer Willy (3600) 544
SIMONS, Major Arnold (1425) 54
SIMSCH, Oberleutnant Siegfried (1635) 105
SINN, Oberleutnant Helmut (3682) 562
SINZINGER, Oberst Adolf (1363) 39
SIRY, Generalmajor Maximilian (1605) 98
SITTER, SS-Hauptsturmführer Günther (3185) 453
SIXT, Generalleutnant Friedrich (3603) 545
SKORZENY, SS-Hauptsturmführer Otto (3192) 161, 454
SKRZIPEK, Oberleutnant Eduard (2680) 342
SMIDT, Kapitän zur See Alfred-Karl (2860) 384
SÖCHTING, Gefreiter Fritz (2686) 343
SONNE, SS-Obersturmführer Heinrich (3575) 539
SONNTAG, Leutnant Paul (2310) 260
SOWADA, Leutnant Bernhard (3320) 482
SPAETER, Rittmeister Helmuth (2943) 402
SPANDAU, Hauptmann Hermann (1839) 156
SPANGENBERG, Oberstleutnant Hans-Christoph von (2335) 266
SPARBIER, Oberleutnant Heinz (2009) 194
SPECKENHEIER, Oberleutnant Helmut (1964) 184
755

SPIEGEL, Hauptmann Joachim (2305) 259
SPIELMANN, Oberleutnant Johann (1480) 68
SPIETH, Oberfeldwebel Albert (2545) 311
SPITÄLLER, Major Friedrich (2933) 400
SPRANZ, Oberleutnant Bodo (3281) 474
SPRINGER, SS-Hauptsturmführer Heindrich (1283) 19
SPRUNG, Leutnant Helmuth (3433) 506
STAAR, Leutnant August (3061) 427
STAATS, Kapitänleutnant Georg (2901) 393
STADLER, SS-Sturmbannführer Sylvester (2632) 331
STAEDKE, Oberst Helmut (3012) 417
STAHEL, Oberstleutnant Rainer (1308) 25
STAHL, Leutnant Hendrik (2222) 240
STAHL, Oberfeldwebel Erhard (1518) 77
STAHLSCHMIDT, Leutnant Hans-Arnold (1753) 133
STAMP, Oberleutnant Gerhard (2540) 310
STAMPFER, Hauptmann Otto (1668) 114
STANNEK, Fahnenjunker-Oberfeldwebel Friedrich (3439) 507
STAROSTA, Oberfeldwebel Otto (2763) 360
STATHER, Major Heribert (2993) 413
STAUBACH, Unteroffizier Alfred (3105) 436
STAUDEGGER, SS-Unterscharführer Franz (2896) 392
STÄUDLE, SS-Oberscharführer Ernst (1506) 74
STEFFEN, Feldwebel Karl (1639) 107
STEFFEN, Oberfeldwebel Helmut (3556) 534
STEGER, Feldwebel Wilhelm (2713) 349
STEGLICH, Hauptmann Martin (2371) 273
STEIDLE, Oberstleutnant Luitpold (2336) 266
STEIN, Feldwebel Werner (3050) 425
STEIN, Major Walter (3516) 524
STEINBACH, Leutnant Heinz (3260) 470
STEINBATZ, Feldwebel Leopold (1378) 42
STEINFÜHRER, Oberfeldwebel Gerhard (2764) 360
STEINHAUSEN, Feldwebel Günter (2058) 205
STEINKELLER, Oberstleutnant Friedrich-Carl von (2573) 318
STELLMANN, Obergefreiter Wilhelm (2096) 213
STEPP, Oberleutnant Hans-Karl (1351) 36
756

STERNBACH, Hauptmann Franz Reichsführer von (3428) 505
STERR, Oberfeldwebel Heinrich (3557) 534
STETTNER Ritter von GRABENHOFEN, Oberst Walter (2722) 351
STEUER, Major Friedrich-Wilhelm (3084) 432
STIEFELMAYER, Oberleutnant Otto (1654) 111
STIER, Oberleutnant Paul (1976) 187
STIER, Unteroffizier Gottwald (3007) 416
STIFTER, Leutnant Kurt (2348) 268
STIGLER, Oberleutnant Josef (1651) 110
STILLGER, Leutnant Fritz (2855) 383
STIMPEL, Oberleutnant Walter (1601) 97
STOCK, Leutnant Hans-Christian (3062) 427
STOCK, Major Ernst (3424) 505
STOESSEL von der HEYDE, Oberstleutnant Arno (1784) 142
STOFFLETH, Oberleutnant Horst (1750) 133
STOFFREGEN, Hauptmann Erich (1728) 128
STOLLE, Hauptmann Bruno (2522) 306
STOLLNBERGER, Leutnant Hans (1987) 189
STOLZ, Feldwebel Edwin (2419) 284
STOLZ, Oberstleutnant Harald (1780) 141
STÖRCHEL, Major Helmut (3488) 518
STÖRL, Hauptmann Johannes (3172) 450
STOTZ, Oberfeldwebel Max (1615) 100
STRACKE, Oberleutnant Walter (2104) 215
STRAEHLER-POHL, Hauptmann Günther (2775) 363
STRAHAMMER, Oberstleutnant Martin (1333) 32
STRAKELJAHN, Hauptmann Friedrich-Wilhelm (3046) 424
STRASSL, Oberfeldwebel Hubert (3438) 507
STRASSMAIR, Leutnant Hannes (2618) 328
STRATEMANN, Hauptmann Hinrich (3276) 472
STRAUBE, Oberfeldwebel Georg (2835) 379
STRAUSS, Oberfeldwebel Gustav (2027) 198
STRECK, Hauptmann Werner (3659) 557
STREIT, Feldwebel Karl (3092) 433
STREIT, Hauptmann Werner (2662) 338
STREIT, Oberleutnant Ludwig (3179) 452
STRELOW, Kapitänleutnant Siegfried (2029) 198
757

STRELOW, Leutnant Hans (1456) 62
STRICKER, Hauptmann Karl-Heinz (1935) 178
STRIPPEL, Oberfeldwebel Hans (2350) 269
STROTMANN, Feldwebel Heinrich (3476) 515
STRUCKMANN, Oberleutnant Rudolf (1316) 27
STRÜNING, Leutnant Heinz (2037) 200
STRY, Oberleutnant Herbert (1906) 171
STUBENRAUCH, Hauptmann Karl (2717) 350
STÜCK, Wachtmeister Adolf (3365) 491
STÜHMER, Feldwebel Gustav (2244) 245
STUMPE, Oberleutnant Erich (2524) 307
STUMPF, Oberfeldwebel Werner (1731) 129
STÜNZNER, Hauptmann Ewald von (1843) 157
STÜNZNER, Oberstleutnant Georg von (3169) 450
STUPPI, Major Joseph (1341) 34
STÜRBER, Oberstleutnant Vitus (2239) 244
STURM, Feldwebel Simon (2744) 356
STURM, Gefreiter Hans (1922) 175
SUMPF, Oberleutnant Hans (1751) 133
SÜRIG, Oberleutnant Rudolf (2414) 283
SÜSS, Oberfeldwebel Ernst (1824) 152
SWIERZINSKI, SS-Rottenführer Lothar (3602) 545
SY, Oberleutnant Erwin (1578) 91
T
TADJE, Leutnant Fritz (2020) 196
TAEGER, Oberleutnant Erich (1937) 179
TANGE, Oberfeldwebel Otto (1463) 64
TANK, Oberleutnant Walter (1907) 172
TANZER, Oberfeldwebel Kurt (3558) 534
TĂTĂRANU (Romanian Army), General de divizie Nicolae (2166) 228
TAUBERT, Hauptmann Richard (2090) 212
TAULIEN, Oberleutnant Arno (3339) 486
TECH, Hauptmann Harry (2465) 294
TEICHERT, Kapitänleutnant Max-Martin (3617) 548
TEIGE, Oberfeldwebel Waldemar (1603) 97
TENNER, Hauptmann Hans (or Hans-Joachim) (2724) 351
758

TEODORINI (Romanian Army), Colonel Corneliu (2893) 391
TERIETE, Leutnant Heinrich (2920) 398
TETTAU, Generalleutnant Hans von (1793) 144
THALER, SS-Unterscharführer Johann (3027) 420
THEILEN, Leutnant Hans (2720) 350
THEILEN, Obergefreiter Heinrich (2984) 412
THIEL, Oberleutnant Edwin (2681) 342
THIEL, Rittmeister Gerhard (2322) 262
THIELE, Oberleutnant Arno (1908) 172
THIEME, Hauptmann Karl (often misspelt Carl) (3393) 498
THOMA, Oberleutnant Helmut (1542) 83
THOMALE, Oberstleutnant Wolfgang (1368) 40
THOMASCHKI, Generalmajor Siegfried (2044) 202
THOREY, Oberleutnant Andreas (1859) 160
THULKE, Oberleutnant Willi (2282) 252
THUMANN, Hauptmann Jakob (3116) 438
THUMBECK, Obergefreiter Georg (3447) 509
THÜNGEN, Generalleutnant Karl Freiherr von (2627) 329
THURMANN, Korvettenkapitän Karl (1767)
TIEMANN, Generalleutnant Otto (2727) 351
TIESENHAUSEN, Kapitänleutnant Hans-Diedrich Freiherr von (1330) 32
TILEBEIN, Oberleutnant Bruno (3305) 479
TILLMANN, Leutnant Johannes (2257) 248
TONNE, Oberleutnant Wolfgang (1833) 154
TRABANDT, SS-Hauptscharführer Paul (3330) 484
TRÄGNER, Wachtmeister Josef (3079) 431
TRATT, Oberleutnant Eduard (1511) 75
TRENKEL, Oberfeldwebel Rudolf (3049) 425
TRENN, Oberleutnant Rudolf (2822) 375
TRIBUKAIT, Major Günther (2404) 280
TRIERENBERG, Generalleutnant Wolf-Günther (2768) 361
TRIPPENSEE, Oberfeldwebel Kurt (2595) 323
TRITSCH, Feldwebel Willy (2227) 241
TROJER, Oberleutnant zur See Hanns-Hartwig (2541) 310
TRONNIER, Oberst Louis (2117) 218
TROST, Hauptmann Ewald-Günther (3429) 505
TRUXA (born Rolf von SANTA TRUXA), Oberleutnant Rolf (3608) 546
759

TURANEC (Slovak Division), Generálmajor Jozef (1706) 123
TÜRKE (or TRÜKE), Oberleutnant Gerhard (2171) 230
TYCHSEN, SS-Sturmbannführer Christian (2575) 319
TYROLLER, Oberstleutnant Georg (2204) 237
U
UDE, Oberwachtmeister Otto (2297) 257
UHDE, Oberleutnant Hans (2293) 256
UHL (2342) 267
ULICH, Oberst Max (3399) 500
ULLRICH, SS-Sturmbannführer Karl (1391) 45
UNFRIED, Gefreiter Willibald (1432) 55
UNREIN, Oberst Martin (3168) 450
V
VAHL, SS-Oberführer Herbert-Ernst (2570) 317
VELDKAMP, Unteroffizier Martin (3521) 525
VERNHOLD, Unteroffizier Josef (1409) 50
VERSOCK, Oberst Kurt (1770) 138
VIAL, Oberst Alexander (2178) 231
VICINIUS, Hauptmann Hermann (3206) 458
VIEDEBANTT, Oberleutnant Helmut (2251) 246
VIELHAUER, Major Ernst (2809) 372
VINCON, Hauptmann Otto (3538) 529
VINKE, Feldwebel Heinz (3241) 466
VIRKUS, Oberfeldwebel Gerhard (3164) 449
VOCKE, Hauptmann Helmut (2553) 313
VOGEL, Feldwebel Robert (3093) 433
VOGEL, Generalleutnant Emil (2987) 412
VOGEL, Major Walter (3114) 438
VOGELSANG, Oberfeldwebel Friedrich (1825) 153
VOGELSANG, Oberstleutnant Friedrich (3587) 541
VOGT, Oberschirrmeister Emil (2558) 314
VOLCKENS, Hauptmann Hennecke (2169) 229
VÖLCKERS, Generalleutnant Paul (2150) 225
VOLK, Unteroffizier Kurt (2783) 365
VÖLKEL, Feldwebel Helmut (2084) 211
VOLKER, Hauptmann Heinrich (2306) 259
760

VOLKMANN, Leutnant Heinz (2417) 283
VOLLMER, Oberleutnant Günter (2708) 348
VONHOFF, Oberleutnant Heinrich (1918) 174
VOORMANN, Oberleutnant Klaus (1846) 158
VOSS, Oberleutnant Johann-Joachim (1588) 94
VOSS, Oberstleutnant Ernst (2689) 344
W
WACHOWIAK, Unteroffizier Friedrich (1501) 73
WAGENFELD, Hauptmann Ludwig (2531) 308
WAGNER, Leutnant Heinz (2362) 271
WAGNER, Leutnant Helmut (1327) 31
WAGNER, Obergefreiter Erich (3082) 432
WAGNER, Oberleutnant Klaus (1817) 150
WAGNER, Oberst Hans (2688) 344
WAGNER, Oberwachtmeister Willi (2792) 367
WAGNER, SS-Oberführer Jürgen (2927) 399
WAHL, Hauptmann Wolfgang (1271) 16
WAHL, Major Dietmar (3115) 438
WALDECKER, Hauptmann Helmut (3492) 519
WALDHAUSER, Oberleutnant Johann (1324) 30
WALDOW, Oberleutnant Hermann (2390) 277
WALLOWITZ, Leutnant Walther (3459) 512
WALTER, Hauptmann Kurt (2554) 313
WALTER, Major Kurt (1915) 173
WALTER, Oberfeldwebel Domenikus (2229) 242
WALTER, Oberstleutnant Karl (2337) 266
WALTERBACH, Unteroffizier Bernhard (3247) 467
WANDEL, Hauptmann Friedrich-Wilhelm (3373) 493
WANDEL, Hauptmann Joachim (1758) 135
WANDERSLEB, Hauptmann Martin (2954) 405
WANKE, Oberstleutnant Artur (3355) 489
WARNECKE, Major Fritz (2340) 267
WARNHOFF, Major Karl (3267) 471
WARSCHNAUER, Oberleutnant Horst (2155) 226
WARTENBERG, Major Guido von (3287) 475
WARWEL, Stabsfeldwebel Friedrich-Karl (3196) 456
761

WÄTJEN, Major Rudolf (2659) 337
WAWROK, Oberfeldwebel Ernst (2427) 285
WEBER, Feldwebel Jakob (3034) 422
WEBER, Leutnant Paul (2936) 401
WEBER, Oberleutnant Horst (2891) 391
WEBER, Oberleutnant Karl-Heinz (3431) 506
WEBER, Oberleutnant Paul-Friedel (or Paul-Friedrich) (1979) 188
WEBER, Oberleutnant Siegfried (2043) 202
WEBER, Oberst Gerhard (3359) 490
WEBER, SS-Hauptscharführer Alois (2950) 404
WEBER, Unteroffizier Benno (3649) 555
WECHSUNG, Oberleutnant Willi (3272) 742
WEDDIG, Leutnant Ernst (2709) 348
WEDEL, Oberst Busso von (2795) 368
WEDEL, Oberst Hermann von (2845) 381
WEGENER, Wachtmeister Paul (3340) 486
WEGERER, Unteroffizier Ferdinand (3296) 477
WEGNER, Oberwachtmeister Wilhelm (2854) 382
WEHMEYER, Oberleutnant Alfred (1818) 150
WEIDENBRÜCK, Oberleutnant Wilhelm (1863) 161
WEIDLING, Generalmajor Helmuth (2288) 255
WEIGEL, Stabsfeldwebel Rudolf (1524) 79
WEIHRAUCH, Oberfeldwebel Werner (2448) 290
WEINBUCH, Oberwachtmeister Georg (1685) 118
WEINELT, Leutnant Rudolf (3434) 506
WEINREICH, Oberleutnant Helmut (2332) 265
WEISER, SS-Obersturmführer Hermann (2569) 317
WEISMANN, Leutnant Ernst (1760) 135
WEISS, Hauptmann Christian (2651) 335
WEISS, Hauptmann Herbert (2280) 253
WEISS, Obergefreiter Paul (3209) 459
WEISS, SS-Hauptsturmführer Hans (2637) 332
WEISS, Unteroffizier Friedrich (2195) 235
WEISS, Unteroffizier Georg (3445) 509
WEISSENBERGER, Leutnant Theodor (2083) 210
WEISSMÜLLER, Hauptmann Ludwig (3311) 480
WELLMANN, Oberstleutnant Ernst (1789) 143
762

WENCK, Oberst Walther (2238) 244
WENGLER, Oberstleutnant Maximilian (1949) 181
WERLIN, Hauptmann Wilhelm (2249) 246
WERMTER, Hauptmann Rudolf (2156) 226
WERNER, Hauptmann Ernst (1844) 157
WERNER, Oberleutnant Gerhard (1411) 50
WERNIG, Feldwebel Emil (2881) 288
WESCHE, Major Willy (2648) 334
WESSLING, Oberfeldwebel Otto (1811) 148
WESTENBERGER, Hauptmann Walter (3430) 506
WESTHOFEN, Oberleutnant Heinrich (1422) 53
WESTHOVEN, Generalleutnant Franz (3354) 489
WESTPHAL, Oberst Siegfried (2119) 219
WETZEL, General Wilhelm (1705) 123
WEYRAUCH, Hauptmann Ernst von (3675) 560
WEYRAUCH, Leutnant Helmut (3563) 536
WICHERT, Hauptmann Willy (3421) 504
WICKE, Oberleutnant Wolfhart (2415) 283
WIEDEMANN, Hauptmann Wolfgang (3173) 541
WIEGAND, Oberleutnant Karl (1556) 86
WIENKE, Hauptmann Hans (3324) 483
WIENKE, Hauptmann Walter (1748) 133
WIERSCHIN, Stabsfeldwebel Helmuth (or Helmut) (1290) 21
WIESE, Hauptmann Johannes (2273) 251
WIESE, Oberst Friedrich (1376) 42
WIESEMANN (or WIESMANN), SS-Hauptsturmführer Emil (3632) 551
WIETERSHEIM, Oberstleutnant Wend von (1369) 40
WILCKE, Oberarzt Horst (1677) 115
WILDSCHÜTZ, Hauptmann Waldemar (1936) 179
WILFLING, Leutnant Günther (2752) 358
WILHELM, Oberleutnant Karl-Heinz (2580) 320
WILL, Feldwebel Fritz (2817) 374
WILLIG, Hauptmann Karl (1673) 115
WILLING, Major Gerhard (2473) 296
WINCKLER, Hauptmann Rainer (3346) 487
WINDBIEL, Hauptmann Anton (2103) 214
WINDISCH, Obergefreiter Johann (3478) 515
763

WINDSCHÜTTL, Unteroffizier Peter (2922) 398
WINNERL, Oberfeldwebel Rudolf (2699) 346
WINTER, Kapitänleutnant Werner (1599) 96
WINTERFELD, Oberstleutnant Hild-Wilfried von (2338) 266
WINTERSHOFF, Unteroffizier Eduard (1776) 139
WINZER, Oberst Willy (2048) 203
WIPFLER, Feldwebel Franz (1570) 89
WIPPERMANN, Oberleutnant Max (2092) 212
WIRTH, Feldwebel Georg (3351) 488
WISLICENY, SS-Sturmbannführer Günther-Eberhard (2947) 403
WISSEMANN, Hauptmann Hans-Joachim (2411) 282
WITSCH, Leutnant Rudolf (1808) 148
WITSCHEL, Oberfeldwebel Kurt (2266) 250
WITT, Kapitänleutnant Hans (2167) 228
WITTE, Kapitänleutnant Helmut (2021) 196
WITTE, Obergefreiter Heinrich (2806) 371
WITTGENSTEIN, Hauptmann Leo-Volkhard Freiherr von (2638) 332
WITTHOLZ, Leutnant Karl-Friedrich (2133) 221
WITTKAMP, Feldwebel Kaspar (3341) 486
WITZLEBEN, Major Henning von (1358) 38
WOELFEL, Oberstleutnant Erich (2379) 275
WÖHLER, General Otto (3008) 416
WOHLERS, Hauptmann Heinrich (3676) 560
WOHLFAHRT (or WOHLFARTH), Oberst Helmut (3109) 437
WOHLFEIL, Hauptmann Otto (3155) 447
WOLF, Oberfeldwebel Albin (3501) 521
WOLF, Oberstleutnant Richard (2317) 262
WOLF, Stabsfeldwebel Wilhelm (1713) 124
WOLFF, Hauptmann Hans (1284) 20
WOLFF, Hauptmann Kurt (3526) 526
WOLFF, Oberleutnant Hans (or Hanns) (2416) 283
WOLFF, Oberleutnant Wilhelm (3569) 537
WOLFF, Oberst Gottlieb (2270) 251
WOLFF, Oberst Wilhelm (2357) 270
WOLFF, SS-Untersturmführer Werner (2990) 413
WOLFRAM, Hauptmann Eberhard (2079) 209
WOLKEWITZ, Oberst Erich (2736) 354
764

WOLLSCHLAEGER, Leutnant Herbert (3350) 488
WOLLSCHLÄGER, Oberleutnant Artur (1287) 20
WOLZ, Oberst Alwin (2838) 379
WONTORRA, Hauptmann Kurt (2917) 397
WORTHMANN, SS-Hauptscharführer Karl-Heinz (2583) 320
WRANGEL, Gefreiter Werner (2421) 284
WREDE, Generalleutnant Theodor Freiherr von (1397) 47
WRIEDT, Oberfeldwebel Walter (3358) 490
WULF, Major Rudolf (2077) 209
WUNDERLICH, Korvettenkapitän Friedrich (2126) 220
WÜNSCHE, SS-Sturmbannführer Max (2461) 293
WURDAK, Feldwebel Franz (3198) 457
WÜRDEMANN, Kapitänleutnant Erich (2495) 301
WÜSTENHAGEN, Oberst Albrecht (2122) 219
WUTKA, Oberleutnant Bernhard (2093) 212
WYCZISK, Obergefreiter Georg (1791) 143
Y
YAMAMOTO (born Isoroku TAKANO) (Commander-in-Chief, Combined
Japanese Fleet), Fleet Admiral Isoroku (2824) 375
Z
ZACHARIAE-LINGENTHAL (later changed to Edel LINGENTHAL),
Hauptmann Edel-Heinrich (3219) 461
ZAHN, Hauptmann Alfred (2523) 306
ZAHN, Major Lothar (3274) 472
ZAHN, Oberfeldwebel Willi (2916) 397
ZÄHR, Major Erich (2209) 238
ZANGEN, Oberst Gustav-Adolf von (1294) 22
ZAPP, Korvettenkapitän Robert-Richard (1521) 78
ZECHERLE (later changed to RITTMEYER), Leutnant Konrad (2780) 364
ZEHENDER, SS-Obersturmbannführer August (2479) 297
ZEHNDER, Oberjäger Eugen (2476) 296
ZEIDLER, Major Markus (1554) 85
ZEJDLIK, Major Franz (1945) 180
ZELLER, Oberleutnant Ernst (3470) 514
ZELLOT, Leutnant Walter (1809) 148
ZEMSKY, Hauptmann Johann (1345) 35
765

ZEPPER, SS-Hauptscharführer Erich (3534) 528
ZERNIN, Oberleutnant Erich (3194) 456
ZETTLER, Hauptmann Rudolf (3337) 486
ZICKWOLFF, Generalleutnant Friedrich (1592) 94
ZIEGLER, Generalleutnant Heinz (2667) 339
ZIEGLER, Major Karl (2642) 333
ZILGER, Hauptmann Erwin (2979) 411
ZIMMERMANN, Hauptmann Ernst (2810) 372
ZIMMERMANN, Hauptmann Hans (2343) 267
ZIMMERMANN, Hauptmann Jakob (2955) 405
ZINGEL, SS-Unterscharführer August (1947) 181
ZINTL, Oberleutnant Franz (1647) 109
ZITZEN, Oberleutnant Kurt (2980) 411
ZÜHLSDORFF, Oberfeldwebel Hermann (1280) 19
ZWEIGART, Oberfeldwebel Eugen-Ludwig (2351) 269
ZWERNEMANN, Oberfeldwebel Josef (1619) 101
ZWIPF, Hauptmann Heinrich (3677) 560

766

目录
Title Page

Dedication

Contents

Plates Section

Glossary

Introduction

A Short History of the Medal

100

1 1942

102

2 1943

358

Bibliography

697

Index of Knight’s Cross Holders (1942–43)

699

767