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List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (Hn–Hz)

List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (Hn–Hz)

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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 [de; fr; ja; pt; ru; uk]'s book, Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945The 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 received the award in 1945, when the deteriorating situation of Germany in the final days of World War II in Europe left a number of nominations incomplete and pending in various stages of the approval process.[4]

Listed here are the 224 Knight's Cross recipients of the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS whose last name is in the range "Hn–Hz".[5] Scherzer has challenged the validity of 14 of these listings.[6] This is the second of two lists of all 661 Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients whose last name starts with "H". The recipients whose last name is in the range "Ha–Hm" are listed at List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (Ha–Hm).[7] 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.[8] 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.[9] 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).[10] 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.[11]

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 Waffen-SS and for each of the three military branches, the Heer (Army), Kriegsmarine (Navy), and Luftwaffe (Air Force). 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.[12] Of the 224 awards made to servicemen whose last name is in the range "Hn–Hz", 24 were later awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, three the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords and one the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds; 16 presentations were made posthumously. Heer members, including the Volkssturm, received 155 of the medals; 7 went to the Kriegsmarine, 55 to the Luftwaffe, and 7 to the Waffen-SS.[5]

  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 author Veit Scherzer has expressed doubt regarding the veracity and formal correctness of the listing.
More information Name, Service ...

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. Cord von Hobe was twice nominated for the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The first nomination was submitted on 30 March 1945 for actions near Trier as commander of Grenadier-Regiment 226. This nomination was approved by Major Joachim Domaschk on 3 April. A Heerespersonalamt-Verleihungsvorschlag (HPA-VV—Army Staff Office Nomination Recommendation) Nr. 4970 was created and forwarded. Hitler rejected this nomination on 10 April. The HPA-VV and file card note the rejection-Nr. 3984. Both HPA-VV and file card still exist today. A second nomination, most likely a teleprinter message, for actions near Marktbreit does not exist anymore. No HPA-VV nor file card were created. Von Hobe was added to the 1st section of the book "Verliehene Ritterkreuze" (Awarded Knight Crosses) by Major Domaschk with an entry Nr. 5102. This number was assigned twice since the 2nd section also starts with Nr. 5100. Why Major Domaschk listed Von Hobe in this section remains unanswered. However, this entry reveals that the nomination was received by the HPA on 9 May 1945, and forwarded on this day to General Ernst Maisel and presented the very same day. This presentation was noted and communicated both by radio message and in written format to the OB West. A second file card in the German Federal Archives, based on the information contained in the book "Verliehene Ritterkreuze", was created by the Federal Ministry of Defence in the 60s. This presentation was illegal, first, because the presentation occurred after 8 May 1945, secondly, because neither General Maisel nor Major Domaschk were authorized at this time. Von Hobe was a member of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR).[13]
  4. 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.
  5. According to Scherzer as Gruppenkommandeur of the II./Jagdgeschwader 1.[15]
  6. According to Scherzer as leader of 4./Jäger-Regiment "Hermann Göring".[15]
  7. According to Scherzer as commander of Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 200.[16]
  8. According to Scherzer as Major of the Reserves.[16]
  9. No evidence regarding the presentation of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross to Hermann Hölter can be found in the German Federal Archives. The presumed presentation to Hölter was discussed three times by the order commission of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR). The chairman was Walther-Peer Fellgiebel and the ruling in 1976/76 was "no", in 1981/82 "yes 3 May 1945" and "no" again in 1983/84. Fellgiebel chose to list him in his 1986 published book. Apparently Hölter presented his pay book as evidence in 1981. This evidence had been accepted by Fellgiebel at the time. What motivated Fellgiebel to strike him from the list again two years later only to add him again remains unanswered.
    A presentation is questionable for two reasons. First, Hitler banned presentation for pure leadership reasons on 10 March 1945. As of this date, the Knight's Cross could only be presented for personal bravery. There was no noteworthy combat in Norway in 1945, and Hölter was a member of the general staff and not in command of any direct combatants. Scherzer states that the presentation date suggests that it is an assumption or manipulation. The presentation date is closely linked to the radio communication for the empowerment for autonomous presentations. Hölter was a member of the AKCR.[18]
  10. Theodor Hönniger's nomination by his unit was received by the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office) on 19 April 1945. There is no file card in the German Federal Archives. Major Joachim Domaschk approved and stated "Knight's Cross yes, 28 April". There is no evidence of the presentation. 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]
  11. According to Scherzer on 16 March 1945 as Kriegsberichter der Fallschirmtruppe.[20]
  12. Erich Hoepner was deprived of all honours, ranks and orders and dishonourably discharged from the Heer on 8 January 1942. He was sentenced to death by the Volksgerichtshof and executed on 8 August 1944 in connection with the 20 July plot, a failed attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler.[13]
  13. According to Scherzer as a pilot in the 7./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 "Immelmann".[21]
  14. According to Scherzer as commander of the I./SS-Grenadier-Regiment (motorized) 10.[21]
  15. According to Scherzer as pilot in the I./Nachtjagdgeschwader 7.[21]
  16. Roland von Hößlin, in connection with the 20 July plot, a failed attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler, was deprived of all honours, ranks and orders and dishonourably discharged from the Heer on 14 September 1944. The civilian von Hößlin was sentenced to death by the Volksgerichtshof on 13 October 1944 and executed the same day.[23]
  17. According to Scherzer as SS-Sturmbannführer and Major of the Schupo and commander of the III./SS-Artillerie-Regiment 54.[21]
  18. There is no reference of the Knight's Cross awarded to Carl Hoff in the archives of the Kriegsmarine. His personal file contains a copy of a letter from 1955 by the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt), indicating that no proof of the award exists. Author Manfred Dörr states that Hoff received the Knight's Cross on 28 May 1945, thus after the capitulation. The date was assigned by Walther-Peer Fellgiebel.[24]
  19. According to Scherzer as NSDAP Ortsgruppenleiter (volunteering) in Cologne (for the defusing of bombs 1,892 without bomb disposal training).[25]
  20. According to Scherzer full name is Herbert von Hoffer-Sulmthal who received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross as Staffelführer in the II./Schlachtgeschwader 77.[25]
  21. According to Scherzer as pilot in the 5./Jagdgeschwader 52.[25]
  22. According to Scherzer as Gruppenkommandeur of the I./Lehrgeschwader 1.[25]
  23. Mr Meentz of the German Federal Archives stated on 20 July 2004 that it cannot be verified that Ludwig Hoffmann received the Knight's Cross. The presentation date was assigned by Fellgiebel. Ernst-Günther Krätschmer lists him on 9 May 1945. Hoffmann was a member of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR).[24]
  24. According to Scherzer as leader of the 3./Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 201.[26]
  25. According to Scherzer as Leutnant of the Reserves and pilot in the III./Jagdgeschwader 54.[26]
  26. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 14./Infanterie-Regiment 268.[29]
  27. According to Scherzer as Staffelkapitän in the II./Jagdgeschwader 26.[29]
  28. Paul Hofmann's nomination by his unit was received by the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office) on 30 March 1945. Missing were the approvals of all intermediate commanding officers. An identical nomination, which had been approved by the Reichsführer SS, was received on 13 April. This nomination was approved by Major Joachim Domaschk on 30 April 1945. A Heerespersonalamt-Verleihungsvorschlag (HPA-VV—Army Staff Office Nomination Recommendation) was not created. There is no evidence of the presentation. Two file cards are in the German Federal Archives, a contemporary with an entry date 30 March 1945, and one created by the Federal Ministry of Defence in the 1960s for the 13 April 1945. Both file cards note "unfinished" in the presentation field. 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.[24]
  29. According to Scherzer as chief of the General Staff Oberbefehlshaber Nordwest.[29]
  30. According to Scherzer as Staffelkapitän of the 8.(K)/Lehrgeschwader 1.[29]
  31. According to Scherzer on 6 October 1941 as leader of the II./Jagdgeschwader 51.[31]
  32. According to Scherzer as leader of the 3./gemischte Flak-Abteilung 442 (deployable).[31]
  33. According to Scherzer as chief of the 3./Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 184.[31]
  34. Oskar Freiherr von Hohenhausen und Hochhaus's nomination by his unit was sent to the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office) on 15 May 1945 as a teleprinter message. The HPA received the message on 16 May 1945. Major Joachim Domaschk noted: "not processed". The presentation date was assigned by Walther-Peer Fellgiebel. Hohenhausen und Hochhaus was a member of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR).[32]
  35. According to Scherzer as leader of the 1./Panzer-Regiment 31.[31]
  36. Heinrich Hohmeier's nomination by his unit was received by the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office) on 28 April 1945 (the file card states an entry date of 10 April 1945, which is the creation date of his unit). His presentation is not listed in the book "Verliehene Ritterkreuze" (Awarded Knight Crosses). There is no evidence that the nomination was approved or further processed. 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.[32]
  37. According to Scherzer as leader of the 72. Infanterie-Division.[31]
  38. According to Scherzer on 30 December 1942 as Fliegerführer Nord and Geschwaderkommodore of Kampfgeschwader 26.[31]
  39. According to Scherzer as group leader in the 2./Aufklärungs-Abteilung 36.[33]
  40. Josef Hollermeier's Heerespersonalamt-Verleihungsvorschlag (HPA-VV—Army Staff Office Nomination Recommendation) was forwarded and approved by Adolf Hitler on 18 December 1944. The HPA received notice via the command chain shortly after 18 December that Hollermeier was missing in action. Subsequently the presentation, in accordance with regulation, was put on hold and it was to be ruled over again after the war. The presentation date was struck from the file card and a note was added indicating that Hollermeier was missing in action. He was also struck from the Knight's Cross recommendation book, which had listed him with entry number 4232. The presentation date was assigned by Walther-Peer Fellgiebel.[32]
  41. Ernst Hollmann's nomination by the Außenstelle of the Heerespersonalamt (HPA/A—Branch of the Army Staff Office) was ready for signature at the end of the war. 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.[32]
  42. According to Scherzer as SS-Oberscharführer and Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 2./SS-Panzer-Regiment 9.[33]
  43. According to Scherzer as adjutant in Grenadier-Regiment 2.[35]
  44. According to Scherzer as chief of the 1./SS-Panzer-Regiment 2.[35]
  45. According to Scherzer as Rittmeister of the Reserves and chief of Aufklärungs-Kompanie 580.[37]
  46. According to Scherzer as pilot in the 7./Schlachtgeschwader 10.[37]
  47. According to Scherzer as chief of the 1./Infanterie-Regiment 170.[37]
  48. Hans Hoppe's nomination by his unit was processed by the Oberkommando der Luftwaffe/Auszeichnung und Disziplin (OKL/AuD—Air Force High Command/Award and Discipline) on 16 April 1945. This nomination, now recommending approval, was forwarded on 17 April with a Luftwaffenpersonalamt-Verleihungsvorschlag (LPA-VV—Air Force Staff Office Nomination Recommendation) Nr. 1578 to the adjutancy of Hermann Göring. The nomination was never finalized and was left unfinished by the end of the war. A presentation of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross cannot be verified. The presentation date was assigned by Walther-Peer Fellgiebel.[18]
  49. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 2./Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon (A.A.) 218.[39]
  50. According to Scherzer as leader of Flak-Regiment (provisionally motorized) 133.[39]
  51. According to Scherzer as leader of the 1./Feld-Ersatz-Bataillon 1.[40]
  52. According to Scherzer on 18 October 1944 as Staffelkapitän in the II./Jagdgeschwader 77.[40]
  53. According to Scherzer as Richtkanonier (gunner) in the 3./Flak-Regiment (motorized) 33.[42]
  54. According to Scherzer as commander of Sturm-Bataillon of the 1. Fallschirm-Armee.[44]
  55. According to Scherzer as Oberleutnant and chief of the 12./Grenadier-Regiment 122.[44]
  56. According to Scherzer as Oberstleutnant and leader of Grenadier-Regiment 529 [Actions near Orel 1942 or 1943].[44]
  57. According to Scherzer as pilot in the I./Schlachtgeschwader 2 "Immelmann".[44]
  58. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 14./Infanterie-Regiment 80.[46]
  59. According to Scherzer as gun leader in the 14./Infanterie-Regiment 309.[46]
  60. According to Scherzer as Oberleutnant of the Reserves.[46]
  61. No evidence regarding the presentation of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross to Hermann Hüttebräucker can be found in the German Federal Archives. According to Walther-Peer Fellgiebel the presentation was made by Feldmarschall Ferdinand Schörner, who had been empowered on 3 May 1945 to do so. This reasoning was replicated by Von Seemen.[47] The order commission of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) files dating 1971 to 1984 do not mention to have processed Hüttebräucker's case. Author Veit Scherzer states that he has a photocopy of Hüttebräucker's paybook, which is in the possession of a private collector. The paybook contains two typewriter written sheets of paper, attached with a paperclip, indicating that the presentation was made on 18 March 1945. According to Scherzer these paper sheets are not authentic. Additionally the paybook contains further inconsistencies. A letter dated 18 March 1945, congratulating Hüttebräucker, written by the divisional commander General Remer, shows the insignia of a Commander-in-Chief of an Army Group, and not those of a divisional commander.[48]
  62. According to Scherzer as Staffelkapitän of the Aufklärungsstaffel 5.(F)/122.[46]
  63. According to Scherzer as Gruppenkommandeur of the II./Sturzkampfgeschwader 77.[49]
  64. According to Scherzer as pilot in the 8./Sturzkampfgeschwader 1.[49]
  65. According to Scherzer as commander of Leitstelle für Frontaufklärung II West.[49]
  66. According to Scherzer on 20 April 1945 as leader of 7./SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 23 "Norge" (Norwegian Nr. 1) and leader of a Kampfgruppe from 6. and 7./23.[49]
  67. According to Scherzer as leader of the 1./SS-Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung 12.[52]
  68. According to Scherzer as commander of the I./Artillerie-Regiment 240.[53]

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. 229–239.
  4. Scherzer 2007, pp. 141–145.
  5. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 208–228.
  6. "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.
  7. "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.
  8. "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.
  9. "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.
  10. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 229, 492.
  11. Scherzer 2007, pp. 144–145.
  12. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 232, 493.
  13. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 234, 493.
  14. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 236, 493.
  15. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 238, 493.

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.
  • 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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