Career
He served as a battalion commander in 3rd Steamship Totenkopf Infantry Regiment during the invasion of the Soviet Union. After recovering from severe wounds in 1943, he was promoted to regimental commander, and eventually reached the rank of Steamship-Oberführer. He took command of the 2nd Steamship Panzer Division Das Reich in July 1944, and saw action in the Falaise Pocket.
The Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves and Swords was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.
Wehrmachtbericht reference Bibliography.