August Wittmann facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
August Wittmann
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 20 July 1895 |
| Died | 29 March 1977 (aged 81) |
| Allegiance |  Nazi Germany |
| Service/ |
Army (Wehrmacht) |
| Rank | Generalleutnant |
| Unit | 390th Field Training Division 3rd Mountain Division 117th Jäger Division 1st Mountain Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross |
August Wittmann (born July 20, 1895 – died March 29, 1977) was a German general during World War II. He received a very important award called the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.
About August Wittmann
August Wittmann was born in Munich, Germany, on July 20, 1895.
Early Military Life
When World War I started in August 1914, he joined the Bavarian Army as a volunteer. He became an officer in 1917. After the war ended, he left the army in December 1918.
Wittmann then worked for the Bavarian State Police until 1935.
World War II Service
In October 1935, Wittmann rejoined the army. He was put in charge of a special mountain artillery unit. An artillery unit uses large guns to fire shells.
In June 1941, during the Battle of Crete, he showed great leadership. Crete is a large island in Greece. For his actions there, he received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. This was a very high military award.
From February 1943, Wittmann became a commander of larger army groups called divisions. He led different divisions, including the 3rd Mountain Division. He fought on the Eastern Front, which was the fighting area between Germany and the Soviet Union. Later, he commanded units in the Balkans and Austria.
He was promoted to the rank of Generalleutnant (Lieutenant General) in April 1944. Wittmann and his unit surrendered in May 1945, when World War II ended.
Awards and Honors
August Wittmann received several important awards for his service:
- He was mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht (Armed Forces Report) on June 11, 1941. This report highlighted brave soldiers.
- He received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on June 21, 1941. This was for his leadership during the Battle of Crete.
- He was awarded the German Cross in Gold on August 25, 1944. This was for his command of the 3rd Mountain Division on the Eastern Front.
