Willibald Utz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Willibald Utz
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Grave in Bad Reichenhall
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| Born | 20 January 1893 Furth im Wald |
| Died | 20 April 1954 (aged 61) Bad Reichenhall |
| Allegiance |  German Empire Weimar Republic Nazi Germany |
| Service/ |
 German Army |
| Years of service | 1913–1945 |
| Rank | Generalleutnant |
| Commands held | 100th Jäger Division 2nd Mountain Division |
| Battles/wars | World War I
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| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross |
Willibald Utz (born January 20, 1893 – died April 20, 1954) was a German general who led different army groups during World War II. He was given a special award called the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his bravery.
Contents
Who Was Willibald Utz?
Willibald Utz was born in a place called Furth im Wald in Bavaria, Germany. This happened on January 20, 1893. When he was 20 years old, in 1913, he joined the Bavarian Army. He started as a young officer-in-training, known as an ensign. By September 1914, he had become a lieutenant.
Utz's Role in World War I
After serving in World War I, he joined the German army during the time between the two big wars. This army was called the Reichswehr.
Starting World War II as a Commander
When World War II began in 1939, Willibald Utz was in charge of the 100th Mountain Regiment. These soldiers were special mountain troops called Gebirgsjäger. He received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross award in 1941. He earned it for his great leadership during the Battle of Crete, which took place in May and June 1941.
Leading Divisions in World War II
In April 1943, Utz was given command of the 100th Jäger Division. This division had been badly damaged in the Battle of Stalingrad and was being rebuilt.
Promotions and Eastern Front Service
He was promoted to major general on July 1, 1943. He led his division on the Eastern Front from March to December 1944. This was a very tough part of the war.
Commanding the 2nd Mountain Division
By February 9, 1945, he was a lieutenant general. He took over the 2nd Mountain Division. The previous commander had been hurt. This division had been very strong earlier in the war. However, by 1945, it was much weaker and had fewer soldiers.
End of the War
His division fought on the Western Front in an area called the Saar-Moselle Triangle. The war ended for his division in Württemberg, Germany. There, General Utz surrendered his troops to the Western Allies.
Awards and Honors
Willibald Utz received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. This was a very important military award. He got it on June 21, 1941. At that time, he was a colonel and led the Gebirgs-Jäger-Regiment 100 during the Battle of Crete.
