kids encyclopedia robot

August Wittmann facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
August Wittmann
Born 20 July 1895
Died 29 March 1977(1977-03-29) (aged 81)
Allegiance  Nazi Germany
Service/branch 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.
kids search engine
August Wittmann Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.