Heinrich Borgmann facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Heinrich Borgmann
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Hitler visiting Heinrich Borgmann in hospital after the failed 20 July bomb, 1944
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| Born | 15 August 1912 Angermünde |
| Died | 5 April 1945 (aged 32) Magdeburg, Free State of Prussia, Nazi Germany |
| Buried |
Waldfriedhof Dahlem
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| Allegiance |  Weimar Republic Nazi Germany |
| Service/ |
Army |
| Years of service | 1932–45 |
| Rank | Oberst im Generalstab |
| Commands held | Volksgrenadier-Division "Scharnhorst" |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves |
Heinrich Borgmann (born August 15, 1912 – died April 5, 1945) was a German army officer during World War II. He is known for being seriously injured in a bomb attack meant to kill Adolf Hitler. This event, called the 20 July plot, happened at Hitler's headquarters, the Wolf's Lair.
Contents
Early Military Career
Heinrich Borgmann joined the German army in 1932. When World War II began in 1939, he was a captain (Hauptmann).
He took part in the invasions of Poland in 1939 and France in 1940. For his actions in France, he received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. This was a very important military award.
Service in World War II
Borgmann was then sent to the Eastern Front. This was where Germany fought against the Soviet Union. He received another high award, the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross, in February 1942.
In October 1943, he was promoted to major. He was then assigned to Adolf Hitler's headquarters as an adjutant. An adjutant is an assistant who helps a high-ranking officer with their duties. He was later promoted again to lieutenant colonel (Oberstleutnant).
The 20 July Plot
On July 20, 1944, Borgmann was at a meeting at the Wolf's Lair. This was Hitler's military headquarters. A bomb was planted there by Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg.
Borgmann was standing very close to the bomb when it exploded. Several people around him were killed, but he survived with serious injuries. After he recovered, he was promoted to colonel (Oberst). He was given command of a special infantry division called "Scharnhorst."
Death
Heinrich Borgmann was killed in April 1945. His staff car was attacked by low-flying aircraft. This happened just before the end of World War II.
Awards and Recognition
Heinrich Borgmann received several military awards for his service:
- Iron Cross (1939)
- 2nd Class (September 14, 1939)
- 1st Class (October 28, 1939)
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
- Knight's Cross (July 19, 1940) as a first lieutenant (Oberleutnant)
- Oak Leaves (February 11, 1942) as a captain (Hauptmann)
- Wound Badge (July 20, 1944) for his injuries in the bomb plot.
