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List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (R)

List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (R)

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The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (German: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) and its variants were the highest awards in the military and paramilitary forces of Nazi Germany during World War II. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded for a wide range of reasons and across all ranks, from a senior commander for skilled leadership of his troops in battle to a low-ranking soldier for a single act of extreme gallantry.[1] A total of 7,321 awards were made between its first presentation on 30 September 1939 and its last bestowal on 17 June 1945.[Note 1] This number is based on the analysis and acceptance of the order commission of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR). Presentations were made to members of the three military branches of the Wehrmacht—the Heer (Army), Kriegsmarine (Navy) and Luftwaffe (Air Force)—as well as the Waffen-SS, the Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD—Reich Labour Service) and the Volkssturm (German national militia). There were also 43 recipients in the military forces of allies of the Third Reich.[3]

These recipients are listed in the 1986 edition of Walther-Peer Fellgiebel's book, Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945 [The Bearers of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939–1945]. Fellgiebel was the former chairman and head of the order commission of the AKCR. In 1996, the second edition of this book was published with an addendum delisting 11 of these original recipients. Author Veit Scherzer has cast doubt on a further 193 of these listings. The majority of the disputed recipients had been nominated for the award in 1945, when the deteriorating situation of Germany during the final days of World War II left a number of nominations incomplete and pending in various stages of the approval process.[4]

Listed here are the 448 Knight's Cross recipients of the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS whose last name starts with "R". The AKCR named 447 recipients.[5] Scherzer has challenged the validity of 11 of these listings but also identified one additional legitimate recipient, Siegfried Rieger.[6] The recipients are initially ordered alphabetically by last name. The rank listed is the recipient's rank at the time the Knight's Cross was awarded.

Background

The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grades were based on four separate enactments. The first enactment, Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 1573 of 1 September 1939 instituted the Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz), the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross (Großkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). Article 2 of the enactment mandated that the award of a higher class be preceded by the award of all preceding classes.[7] As the war progressed, some of the recipients of the Knight's Cross distinguished themselves further and a higher grade, the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub), was instituted. The Oak Leaves, as they were commonly referred to, were based on the enactment Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 849 of 3 June 1940.[8] In 1941, two higher grades of the Knight's Cross were instituted. The enactment Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 613 of 28 September 1941 introduced the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern) and the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten).[9] At the end of 1944 the final grade, the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit goldenem Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten), based on the enactment Reichsgesetzblatt 1945 I S. 11 of 29 December 1944, became the final variant of the Knight's Cross authorized.[10]

Recipients

More information Service, Number of presentations ...

The Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (Supreme Command of the Armed Forces) kept separate Knight's Cross lists for the Heer (Army), Kriegsmarine (Navy), Luftwaffe (Air Force) and Waffen-SS. Within each of these lists a unique sequential number was assigned to each recipient. The same numbering paradigm was applied to the higher grades of the Knight's Cross, one list per grade.[11] Of the 448 awards made to servicemen whose last name starts with "R", 46 were later awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, eight the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, two the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds and one the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds; 41 presentations were made posthumously. Heer members received 295 of the medals, including the additional recipient identified by Scherzer; 16 went to the Kriegsmarine, 98 to the Luftwaffe, and 39 to the Waffen-SS.[5][12] The sequential numbers greater than 843 for the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves are unofficial and were assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) and are therefore denoted in parentheses.[13]

  This along with the + (plus) indicates that a higher grade of Knight's Cross was awarded as well.
  This along with the * (asterisk) indicates that the Knight's Cross was awarded posthumously.
  This along with the ? (question mark) indicates that historian Veit Scherzer has expressed doubt regarding the veracity and formal correctness of the listing.
More information Name, Service ...

Siegfried Rieger

Siegfried Rieger is not listed by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR). According to Veit Scherzer Rieger received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 18 April 1945, as Oberfeldwebel in the Heer and Sprengkommando of the Luftwaffe I/III in Luftgaukommando Berlin.[12]

Notes

  1. Großadmiral and President of Germany Karl Dönitz, Hitler's successor as Head of State (Staatsoberhaupt) and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, had ordered the cessation of all promotions and awards as of 11 May 1945 (Dönitz-decree). Consequently the last Knight's Cross awarded to Oberleutnant zur See of the Reserves Georg-Wolfgang Feller on 17 June 1945 must therefore be considered a de facto but not de jure hand-out.[2]
  2. For an explanation of the various naming schemes used by the Luftwaffe, Heer, Kriegsmarine and Waffen-SS refer to nomenclature used by the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS.
  3. According to Scherzer as Leutnant.[14]
  4. According to Scherzer as pilot in the I./Schlachtgeschwader 77.[14]
  5. According to Scherzer his name is Emil Rademann.[17]
  6. According to Scherzer later named Waldemar Radener-Blaschke.[17]
  7. Helmut Radochla's nomination by the troop was received by Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office) on 21 March 1945. The nomination had been submitted by the 212. Volksgrenadier Division, to which the 2./Festungs-Infanterie-Bataillon had been subordinated at the time, via the Heeresgruppe B. Radochla is listed with a sequential Nr. 5156 in the book "Verliehene Ritterkreuze" (Awarded Knight Crosses). However only the entry date of 21 March along with Major Joachim Domaschk's recommendation "Knight's Cross yes" was noted. No further proof that the presentation was made can be found in the archives. A file card for the list of approved or rejected nominations had been created. The 212. Volksgrenadier Division, and thus the 2./Festungs-Infanterie-Bataillon, had been encircled and taken prisoner of war in the vicinity of Baumholder by American forces at the time of the presentation. The commanding general of the 212. Volksgrenadier Division, Generalleutnant Franz Sensfuß, who had been nominated for the Oak Leaves at the same time, was postponed by Major Domaschk in accordance with AHA 44 Ziff. 572. Veit Scherzer argues that with a very high probability Major Domaschk, without noting, also deferred the decision on Radochla. According to the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) the award was presented in accordance with the Dönitz-decree. This is illegal according to the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) and lacks legal justification. The presentation date was assigned by Walther-Peer Fellgiebel.[18]
  8. Joseph von Radowitz nomination for the Oak Leaves was received by the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office) from the troop on 30 April 1945 and approved by all intermittent commanding officers. Major Joachim Domaschk ruled that the nomination was insufficient and disapproved on 1 May and recommended "Decision by Chief of OKW". The file contains no indication whether this decision was ever taken. A teleprinter message was sent on 2 May to the nominating unit, the cavalry corps, and further messages to the commanding officers of the Panzer AOK 2 and Heeresgruppe Süd: "...was disapproved because ... the Führer criteria for the presentation guidelines have not been met. I.A. signed Maisel" The sequential number "882" was assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR), the presentation date by Walther-Peer Fellgiebel.[18]
  9. Georg Radziej's teleprinter nomination, without the compulsory reasoning, by the troop was received by the at the time relocating 1st echelon of the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office) on 20 April 1945. More detail regarding the nomination was promised in the teleprinter message which was never sent or was lost. Radziej was not listed in the nomination book nor was a file card created. A presentation cannot be verified According to the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) the award was presented in accordance with the Dönitz-decree. This is illegal according to the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) and lacks legal justification. The presentation date was assigned by Walther-Peer Fellgiebel.[19]
  10. The brackets around the doctor title [Dr.] denotes that the academic title was attained after the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded.
  11. According to Scherzer as commander of the II./Panzer-Regiment 3.[20]
  12. According to Scherzer as Staffelkapitän of the 4./Nachtjagdgeschwader 3.[20]
  13. According to Scherzer in Feldersatz-Bataillon 4 (L).[20]
  14. According to Scherzer on 4 September 1942 as pilot in the III./Jagdgeschwader 52.[22]
  15. According to Scherzer as Hauptmann of the Reserves.[22]
  16. According to Scherzer as Generalmajor and commander of the Ergänzenden Einheiten und Schulen des XI. Fliegerkorps (auxiliary units and schools of the 11th Air Corps) and leader of the Luftlande-Sturm-Regiment 1.[22]
  17. According to Scherzer on 24 October 1944.[22]
  18. According to Scherzer on 11 June 1944 as leader of the regimental pioneer platoon in Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 3.[22]
  19. According to Scherzer he was killed in action on 16 November 1943.[22]
  20. According to Scherzer as leader of the II.(self-motorized)/Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment "Großdeutschland".[23]
  21. According to Scherzer as commander of the 2. Flak-Division.[23]
  22. According to Scherzer as leader of a Kampfgruppe in the III./Luftwaffen-Regiment "Barenthin".[23]
  23. According to Scherzer as chief of the 2./Gebirgs-Pionier-Bataillon 85.[25]
  24. According to Scherzer as commander of Flak-Regiment (motorized) 41.[25]
  25. According to Scherzer as Oberleutnant of the Reserves and squadron chief in Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon (A.A.) 256.[25]
  26. According to Scherzer as Major.[26]
  27. According to Scherzer as commander of the Ost-Bataillon (estn.) 658 in the Kampfgruppe Speth (28. Jäger-Division).[26]
  28. Alfons Rebane received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 23 February 1944 as Major and commander of the estnisches Freiwilligen-Bataillon 658 in the 28. Jäger-Division, at the time a Wehrmacht division and not part of the Waffen-SS. His nomination of the Oak Leaves was submitted to the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office) on 12 April 1945. The German Federal Archives only hold a copy of the nomination. There is no indication or remark that the nomination was processed. The nomination list for the higher grade of the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves dates the nomination on 2 April 1945. This list also gives no indication that the nomination had been processed. The Order Commission of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) processed this case in 1974 and decided: 875th Oak Leaves on 8 May 1945. The sequential number "875" was assigned by the AKCR, the date was later changed by Fellgiebel to 9 May 1945. Rebane was member of the AKCR.[19]
  29. No evidence of the award can be found in the German Federal Archives. According to Krätschmer (letter to Von Seemen dated 7 August 1980) the award was presented together with the Oak Leaves to Matthias Kleinheisterkamp. Presumably the announcement was made via radio transmission on 28 April 1945 from the Führer Headquarters in Berlin to the 9. Armee (9th Army) in the Halbe pocket. The radio transmissions received by the AOK 9 (Armeeoberkommando 9 — high command of the 9th army) in April 1945 were not retained. All communication to the Führerbunker in Berlin were out of order as of 5AM on 28 April. The order commission of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) processed the case in 1981 and decided: "Knight's Cross yes, 28 April 1945", Gustav-Peter Reber was a member of the AKCR.[19]
  30. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 2./SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 10.[26]
  31. Later named Recktenwald-Wendel.
  32. According to Scherzer as commander of the I./SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 1 "Totenkopf".[28]
  33. According to Scherzer as leader of the 1./Pionier-Bataillon 134.[28]
  34. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 7./SS-Panzer-Regiment 2.[28]
  35. According to Scherzer as commander Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon 126.[30]
  36. According to Scherzer as Oberstleutnant.[30]
  37. According to Scherzer on 3 November 1944.[32]
  38. According to Scherzer name is spelled Otto Reichold who received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross as leader of the regimental pioneer platoon of Grenadier-Regiment 448.[32]
  39. According to Scherzer as machine gunner in the 8./Jäger-Regiment 459 (L).[32]
  40. According to Scherzer as radio troop leader in the Stab I./Grenadier-Regiment 358.[34]
  41. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 4./Grenadier-Regiment 44.[34]
  42. According to Scherzer as Oberleutnant.[34]
  43. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 2./SS-Panzer-Regiment "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler".[34]
  44. According to Scherzer as Ia (operations officer)/Commander Fester Platz Kowel.[34]
  45. According to Scherzer killed in action on 16 January 1945.[34]
  46. According to Scherzer as pilot in the Stab/Fernaufklärungs-Gruppe 3.[34]
  47. According to Scherzer as Leutnant of the Reserves.[34]
  48. According to Scherzer name is spelled Ewald Reineke.[37]
  49. According to Scherzer as pilot in the Aufklärungsstaffel 1.(F)/121.[37]
  50. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 14./Infanterie-Regiment 337.[37]
  51. According to Scherzer as chief of the 3./Flak-Regiment 36.[37]
  52. According to Scherzer the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross were awarded on 5 October 1942.[37]
  53. According to Scherzer as commander of the II./SS-Panzer-Regiment 10.[38]
  54. Voldemars Reinholds' nomination by the troop was received by Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office) on 25 March 1945. The HPA created a nomination numbered 4940 on 30 March 1945. A file card listing the same information is filed among the rejected nominations. The column verliehen (Awarded) in the book "Verliehene Ritterkreuze" (Awarded Knight Crosses) is blank. No proof exists that the Knight's Cross was awarded. The presentation date was assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR).[40]
  55. According to Scherzer in the 2./Panzer-Regiment 6 [not a group leader].[38]
  56. According to Scherzer for service in the Battle of Stalingrad.[38]
  57. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 14./Infanterie-Regiment 89.[38]
  58. According to Scherzer as Oberst of the Reserves and commander of Regiment "Reinkober"/Division Stab z.b.V. 609 (fortress Breslau).[38]
  59. According to Scherzer as leader of Panzergrenadier-Bataillon 2101.[38]
  60. According to Scherzer as leader of the 4./SS-Kavallerie-Regiment 17.[42]
  61. According to Scherzer as leader of Stabskompanie/SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 21.[42]
  62. According to Scherzer as commander of SS-Panzer-Regiment 2.[42]
  63. According to Scherzer on 29 February 1944 as pilot in the Aufklärungsstaffel 2.(F)/11.[42]
  64. According to Scherzer as commander of the I./Grenadier-Regiment (motorized) "Großdeutschland".[42]
  65. According to Scherzer as commander of fortress Schneidemühl.[42]
  66. According to Scherzer as leader of the II./Grenadier-Regiment 464.[44]
  67. According to Scherzer as Oberleutnant and killed in action on 16 August 1943.[44]
  68. According to Scherzer as commander of (Kosaken) Festungs-Grenadier-Regiment 360.[44]
  69. According to Scherzer as chief of the 2./SS-Flak-Abteilung SS-Division "Reich".[45]
  70. According to Scherzer as pilot in the 1./Kampfgeschwader 26.[45]
  71. According to Scherzer as SS-Hauptsturmführer of the Reserves and commander of SS-Schützen-Bataillon 6.[45]
  72. According to Scherzer as Staffelkapitän of the 6./Jagdgeschwader 52.[45]
  73. No evidence of the award can be found in the German Federal Archives. Presumably the award was presented by SS-Oberstgruppenführer Sepp Dietrich which would make it an unlawful presentation. The author was denied access to files, which could help clarify the case, of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) on the grounds of the Bundesarchivgesetz (German Archive Law). The presentation date 6 May 1945 was assigned by Fellgiebel. Scherzer questions whether this was done to place Rudolf Rettberg among the Sepp Dietrich awards. Krätschmer and Von Seemen state the 1 May 1945.[48][49]
  74. According to Scherzer as SS-Hauptsturmführer of the Reserves and chief of the 3./SS-Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 1.[45]
  75. According to Scherzer as Staffelkapitän of the 5./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2.[50]
  76. According to Scherzer his name is Rudolf Reußner who received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross as pilot in the III./Schlachtgeschwader 2 "Immelmann".[50]
  77. According to Scherzer as Leutnant of the Reserves.[50]
  78. According to Scherzer as commander of the 13. Feld-Division (L).[52]
  79. According to Scherzer on 17 July 1943.[52]
  80. According to Scherzer as leader of Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon (A.A.) 24.[52]
  81. The nomination by the troop via teleprinter message was sent on 25 March 1945, according to file card on 28 March 1945, according to the book "Verliehene Ritterkreuze" (Awarded Knight Crosses) on 5 April 1945. The nomination was returned to the HPA/P5a (Army personnel office) by SS-Obersturmbannführer Wilhelm Kment, the adjutant of Heinrich Himmler and liaison officer to the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office), with the approval of Himmler on 29 April 1945. Retained by the German Federal Archives are four identical copies listing the approval of Friedrich Richter's divisional commander Heinz Harmel and the Reichsführer SS, as well as three almost finished nominations by the HPA. Missing is the confirmation of the commander-in-chief of the 9. Armee and Army Group Vistula. The nomination of the HPA Nr. 4729 is listed in the book "Verliehene Ritterkreuze" (Awarded Knight Crosses), however lacks reference to this number and remained unfinished by the end of the war. The order commission of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) processed this case in 1977 and decided "Knight's Cross yes, 6 May 1945". Fellgiebel later changed this date again. Krätschmer lists the 9 May 1945. Richter was a member of the AKCR.[48][56]
  82. According to Scherzer as commander of Fallschirm-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 2 "Hermann Göring".[55]
  83. According to Scherzer as Major.[55]
  84. According to Scherzer as commander of the SS-Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 5.[55]
  85. According to Scherzer on 24 January 1945 as pilot and observer in the Nahaufklärungsstaffel 13(H)/14.[55]
  86. According to Scherzer on 18 May 1940.[57]
  87. According to Scherzer as Oberleutnant.[57]
  88. According to Scherzer as Leutnant of the Reserves.[57]
  89. According to Scherzer as chief of the 7./SS-Panzer-Regiment 10.[59]
  90. Gerd Riedel's Knight's Cross nomination was submitted by the troop via teleprinter message on 6 March 1945. A stamp indicated an entry date of 8 March 1945. The written nomination was sent on 24 March and was received by the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office) on 28 April. A day later Major Joachim Domaschk processed this request and noted: "By no means sufficient for the Knight's Cross!" General Ernst Maisel disapproved the nomination on 30 April—he had been authorized to do so at this time. The troop was probably not informed of this decision. The IIa (Adjutant) of commander-in-chief North had entered Riedel's "pending" nomination on a list for approval by Großadmiral Karl Dönitz shortly before the German surrender. In parallel the HPA was informed and Oberst Goecke created an Heerespersonalamt-Außenstelle-Verleihungsvorschlag (HPA/A-VV—Branch of the Army Staff Office Nomination Recommendation). He had approved the nomination and backdated the nomination to 28 April. Neither the list nor the recommendation was signed. A presentation was never made and a legally binding disapproval was made by General Maisel. The presentation date was assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR). Riedel was a member of the AKCR.[61]
  91. According to Scherzer as leader of the 3./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 73.[59]
  92. According to Scherzer on 8 December 1942.[59]
  93. According to Scherzer on 18 February 1945 as latoon leader in the 4./Jagd-Panzer-Abteilung 2 [Panzer-Jäger-Brigade 104].[59]
  94. According to Scherzer as leader of the 1./SS-Panzer-Regiment 3.[59]
  95. No evidence regarding the presentation of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross to Fritz Rieflin can be found in the German Federal Archives. Walther-Peer Fellgiebel also had no evidence and wrote on 11 July 1983 to Mr. Eichhorn: "I have to rely on Krätschmer in Rieflin's case...". Unlawful presentation by SS-Oberstgruppenführer Sepp Dietrich. The date is taken from the announcement made by the 6. SS-Panzerarmee. Rieflin was a member of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR).[62]
  96. According to Scherzer as Staffelkapitän in the II./Schlachtgeschwader 3.[59]
  97. According to Scherzer as messenger in the I./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 59.[59]
  98. According to Walther-Peer Fellgiebel name is spelled Otto Rieß.[63]
  99. According to Scherzer on 17 March 1945.[12]
  100. According to Scherzer as leader of the I./SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 40.[12]
  101. According to Scherzer as chief of the 5./Panzer-Regiment 5.[12]
  102. According to Scherzer name is spelled Karl Rihsle.[12]
  103. According to Scherzer as leader of the 5./SS-Artillerie-Regiment 54.[12]
  104. According to Scherzer as Richtschütze (gunner) in the 14./Infanterie-Regiment 513.[12]
  105. According to Scherzer as commander of Waffen-Grenadier-Regiment der SS 45 (estn. Nr. 1).[12]
  106. According to Scherzer as Leutnant of the Reserves.[66]
  107. According to Scherzer as Oberleutnant of the Reserves, killed in action on 15 April 1945.[66]
  108. The brackets around the professor and doctor title [Prof. Dr.] denotes that the academic title was attained after the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded.
  109. According to Scherzer as chief of the 3./Infanterie-Regiment 36.[67]
  110. According to Scherzer as commander of Räumboot R-23.[69]
  111. Heinrich Rodemich's nomination by the troop was received by Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office) on 16 April 1945. Major Joachim Domaschk decided: "By no means sufficient". The HPA-VV file card Nr. 5084a (rejected) was forwarded on 19 April. No further notes or comments were made. The presentation date was assumed by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR). Rodemich is a member of the AKCR.[62]
  112. According to Scherzer as Major of the Reserves.[71]
  113. According to Scherzer on 24 June 1941.[71]
  114. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 1./Füsilier-Regiment "Großdeutschland".[71]
  115. According to Scherzer as chief of the 3./SS-Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 2.[71]
  116. According to Scherzer as Oberst and commander of Flak-Sturm-Regiment (motorized) 4.[71]
  117. According to Scherzer as pilot in the III./Jagdgeschwader 53.[71]
  118. According to Scherzer as messenger squad leader in the III./SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 5.[74]
  119. According to Scherzer as Staffelkapitän in the III./Kampfgeschwader 51.[74]
  120. According to Scherzer as Hauptmann of the Reserves.[74]
  121. According to Scherzer on 28 October 1944.[74]
  122. No evidence regarding the presentation of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross to Erwin Franz Roestel can be found in the German Federal Archives. Walther-Peer Fellgiebel states about Roestel: "Presentation Heeresgruppe Mitte before 3 May 1945",[77] thus making it unlawful. Fellgiebel certified, as head of the order commission of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR), in a letter dated 11 June 1974 to Roestel that the AKCR has accepted him as a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron, legitimized by the Dönitz-decree.[62]
    The files of the AKCR reveal the following facts: Roestel assumed that Ferdinand Schörner had nominated him for the Knight's Cross in April 1945 because Schörner had said he would do so: " ... Schörner and I were standing with the famous test pilot Hanna Reitsch ... at a street in Marklissa ... Schörner then asked me ... Why don't you have the Knight's Cross already?... I answered: Because I am an assault artillerist. ... But this time ... you will definitely get the Knight's Cross, because I will take care of it!", so Schörner. Roestel therefore strongly believes that Schörner had nominated him. To the question, why the presentation was not made before the war ended, Roestel answered: "I can only assume that his nomination for my Knight's Cross was lost." Roestel sent an affidavit 24 years later to Schörner asking him for confirmation. Schörner answered: "Even though I cannot remember every detail I can confirm the factual content ... in all relevant points. The presentation to Roestel, based on my nomination, was the last honor bestowed by the 10th SS Panzer Division Frundsberg."[78]
    Veit Scherzer concluded: Schörner did not confirm that he made the presentation to Roestel. He claimed to have made a nomination. Therefore it cannot be a direct presentation by Schörner himself. This leaves two alternatives, a presentation via the command chain or a direct presentation by Hitler. A nomination by the troop via the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office) is not verifiable. A presentation via the command chain must therefore be ruled out. Roestel's reference to Hanna Reitsch, who managed to evacuate Feldmarschall Robert Ritter von Greim from Berlin on 28 April 1945, indicates that the meeting of Roestel, Reitsch and Schörner could only have taken place after 28 April. This however rules out a direct presentation by Hitler. All the radio connection to the Führerbunker were down since 5:00 on 28 April 1945. According to the AKCR the award was presented in accordance with the Dönitz-decree. This is illegal according to the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) and lacks legal justification. The presentation date "3 May 1945" was assigned by Fellgiebel. Roestel was a member of the AKCR.[79]
  123. According to Scherzer his name is Johannes Rötche.[74]
  124. According to Scherzer missing in action since 11 May 1943.[80]
  125. According to Scherzer on 13 July 1943.[80]
  126. According to Scherzer as leader in Sturm-Bataillon AOK 8.[80]
  127. Only a copy of the teleprinter message submitted nomination by the troop to the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office) was retained. There is not a single comment or indication on this copy indicating that the nomination was further processed. A file card listing the same information is filed among the rejected nominations. According to the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) the award was presented in accordance with the Dönitz-decree. This is illegal according to the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) and lacks legal justification. The presentation date was copied by Fellgiebel and Krätschmer.[79]
  128. According to Scherzer on 15 October 1943.[80]
  129. According to Scherzer as leader of Pionier-Ersatz and Ausbildungs Bataillon 213 in the fortress Glogau.[80]
  130. According to Scherzer as Leutnant of the Reserves.[82]
  131. According to Scherzer as leader 2nd platoon/3rd battery/Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 245.[82]
  132. According to Scherzer as leader of Aufklärungs-Lehr-Abteilung 1.[82]
  133. According to Scherzer as pilot in the Stab I./Jagdgeschwader 3.[82]
  134. According to Scherzer as Staffelführer of the 6./Sturzkampfgeschwader 1.[82]
  135. According to Scherzer on 5 April 1944 as pilot in the 5./Jagdgeschwader 53.[82]
  136. According to Scherzer as pilot in the I./Jagdgeschwader 51 "Mölders".[84]
  137. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 4./Grenadier-Regiment 4.[84]
  138. According to Scherzer on 4 November 1942.[84]
  139. According to Scherzer on 11 September 1942.[84]
  140. According to Ernst-Günther Krätschmer and Veit Scherzer, Erich Rossner died on 30 July 1941, however Walther-Peer Fellgiebel states he died of wounds sustained in the defensive battle at Yelnya on 12 September 1941.[85][88][89]
  141. According to Scherzer as Fliegerführer Nord (Ost).[88]
  142. According to Scherzer name is spelled Heinz Rothhardt.[91]
  143. According to Scherzer as Leutnant of the Reserves and leader of the 3./Grenadier-Regiment 544.[91]
  144. According to Scherzer on 18 February 1945.[91]
  145. According to Scherzer as chief of the 1./SS-Panzer-Abteilung 11 "Hermann von Salza".[92]
  146. According to Scherzer as Oberleutnant of the Reserves.[92]
  147. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 1./SS-Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung 12.[92]
  148. According to Scherzer as shock troops leader in the 2./Pionier-Bataillon 49.[92]
  149. According to Scherzer as adjutant in the I./SS-Grenadier-Regiment (motorized) 39.[92]
  150. According to Scherzer as commander of gemischte Flak-Abteilung 303 (deployable).[92]
  151. According to Scherzer as Oberstleutnant im Generalstab (in the General Staff).[92]
  152. According to Scherzer as pilot and technical officer in the III./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 "Immelmann"[95]
  153. According to Scherzer as leader of the regimental pioneer platoon/Grenadier-Regiment 45.[95]
  154. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the SS-Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung 12.[95]
  155. According to Scherzer as pilot in the II./Jagdgeschwader 51 "Mölders".[97]
  156. According to Scherzer as pilot in the I./Jagdgeschwader 3 "Udet".[97]
  157. The brackets around the professor [Prof.] denotes that the academic title was attained after the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded.
  158. According to Scherzer as leader of the I./SS-Freiwilligen Panzergrenadier-Regiment 48 "General Seyffardt" (niederl. Nr. 1).[97]
  159. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 3./SS-Panzer-Regiment 5.[97]
  160. According to Scherzer as commander of SS-Artillerie-Regiment 8.[98]
  161. According to Scherzer on 8 August 1944.[98]
  162. According to Scherzer as leader of the II./Grenadier-Regiment 532.[100]
  163. According to Scherzer as Generalmajor.[100]
  164. According to Scherzer as adjutant of Grenadier-Regiment 11.[100]
  165. According to Scherzer as commander of Füsilier-Bataillon 126.[100]

References

Citations

  1. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 113–460, 483, 485–487, 492, 494, 498–499, 501, 503, 509.
  2. Scherzer 2007, pp. 117–186.
  3. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 347–368, 501.
  4. Scherzer 2007, pp. 164–168, 630.
  5. "Reichsgesetzblatt Teil I S. 1573; 1 September 1939" (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (in German). Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). Retrieved 21 February 2008.
  6. "Reichsgesetzblatt Teil I S. 849; 3 June 1940" (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (in German). Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). Retrieved 21 February 2008.
  7. "Reichsgesetzblatt Teil I S. 613; 28 September 1941" (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (in German). Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). Retrieved 21 February 2008.
  8. "Reichsgesetzblatt 1945 I S. 11; 29 December 1944" (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (in German). Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). Retrieved 21 February 2008.
  9. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 102–111.
  10. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 351, 500.
  11. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 352, 500.
  12. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 353, 500.
  13. Scherzer 2007, pp. 165–166.
  14. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 354, 500.
  15. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 355, 501.
  16. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 356, 501.
  17. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 357, 501.
  18. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 358, 501.
  19. Scherzer 2007, pp. 166–167.
  20. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 359, 501.
  21. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 360, 501.
  22. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 361, 501.
  23. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 362, 501.
  24. Scherzer 2007, pp. 167–168.
  25. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 363, 501.
  26. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 364, 501.
  27. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 366, 502.

Bibliography

  • Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer [in German] (2000). Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945 — Die Inhaber der höchsten Auszeichnung des Zweiten Weltkrieges aller Wehrmachtteile [The Bearers of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939–1945 — The Owners of the Highest Award of the Second World War of all Wehrmacht Branches] (in German). Friedberg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 978-3-7909-0284-6.
  • Krätschmer, Ernst-Günther (1999). Die Ritterkreuzträger der Waffen-SS [The Knight's Cross Bearers of the Waffen-SS] (in German). Coburg, Germany: Nation Europa Verlag. ISBN 978-3-920677-43-9.
  • Scherzer, Veit (2007). Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives [The Knight's Cross Bearers 1939–1945 The Holders of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 by Army, Air Force, Navy, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm and Allied Forces with Germany According to the Documents of the Federal Archives] (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2.
  • Von Seemen, Gerhard (1976). Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 : die Ritterkreuzträger sämtlicher Wehrmachtteile, Brillanten-, Schwerter- und Eichenlaubträger in der Reihenfolge der Verleihung : Anhang mit Verleihungsbestimmungen und weiteren Angaben [The Knight's Cross Bearers 1939–1945 : The Knight's Cross Bearers of All the Armed Services, Diamonds, Swords and Oak Leaves Bearers in the Order of Presentation: Appendix with Further Information and Presentation Requirements] (in German). Friedberg, Germany: Podzun-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-7909-0051-4.
  • Williamson, Gordon; Bujeiro, Ramiro (2004). Knight's Cross and Oak Leaves Recipients 1939–40. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84176-641-6.

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