Career
The Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Wöhler fought in World War I as a lieutenant and served in the post-war Reichswehr. A seasoned general staff officer, he had caught the attention of Field Marshal Erich von Manstein, who made him his chief of staff when Manstein was appointed to command 11th Army.
Wöhler served with Manstein until April 1942 when he was assigned as chief of staff for Army Group Center under Field Marshal Günther von Kluge.
Wöhler’s first combat command was I. which he led from April to August 1943, before being given command of 8th Army on 22 August 1943. Field Marshal von Manstein, whose Army Group South included 8th Army, was very pleased with this appointment as Wöhler had fought with distinction and skill during the summer and fall of 1943.
His cool-headedness was considered a crucial asset at that stage and later on the Eastern Front. He was tried by a United States. Military Tribunal at Nuremberg ("OKW Case" Number XII) and then sentenced to 8 years imprisonment in October 1948.
He was released in autumn 1950.
Until his death Wöhler participated in civic organizations in his home community of Burgwedel. He also created a charitable foundation that inherited his estate. Wehrmachtbericht references.