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Bernhard RamkeGerman airborne general during World War II.
Date of Birth: 24.01.1889
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Alfred Sturm
- World War I and Beyond
- Service in the Reichswehr and Luftwaffe
- World War II as a Paratrooper General
- Later Career and Legacy
Alfred Sturm
Early Life and Military CareerAlfred Sturm was born in April 1905 and joined the German Navy as a young sailor in April 1912. He served on cruisers, rising through the ranks until being sent to officer school in June 1914.
With the outbreak of World War I, Sturm returned to active duty on the heavy cruiser "Prinz Adalbert." He was promoted and assigned to the 1st Marine Division before becoming a candidate for officer training in November 1915. In January 1916, he was severely wounded and spent the next year and a half in the hospital.
World War I and Beyond
During his recovery, Sturm received the Iron Cross 2nd Class (April 1916) and 1st Class (January 1917). In July 1917, he returned to combat as a platoon commander in the Marine Corps "Flandern." He was awarded the Golden Cross for Military Merit (April 1918) and was commissioned as a lieutenant in July 1918. Sturm was wounded again in October 1918, ending his active duty in the war.
After the war, Sturm commanded a company in the von Brandis Volunteer Corps in the Baltics. He was wounded again in April 1919 and awarded the Baltic Crosses 1st and 2nd Class and the Golden Wound Badge in November 1919.
Service in the Reichswehr and Luftwaffe
In November 1919, Sturm joined the Reichswehr infantry. He rose steadily through the ranks, becoming a company commander in January 1921 and a battalion commander (major) in October 1934. From 1936 to January 1940, he served as a lieutenant colonel in various training centers.
In January 1940, Sturm took command of an infantry regiment. In August 1940, he transferred to the Luftwaffe paratroopers.
World War II as a Paratrooper General
Sturm played a key role in the German invasion of Crete in May 1941. He was promoted to major general in July 1941 after earning the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. From April 1942, he commanded the 1st Parachute Brigade in Africa.
In November 1942, Sturm received the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross. Promoted to lieutenant general in December 1942, he commanded the 2nd Parachute Division from February to September 1943. After a period of illness, Sturm returned to lead the 2nd Parachute Division.
Later Career and Legacy
In August-September 1944, Sturm commanded German forces in Brest, France. On September 14, 1944, he was promoted to general of paratroopers. He received the Swords and Diamonds to the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves on September 19, 1944.
Sturm was captured by the Americans and handed over to the French in December 1946. He was released from prison in June 1951.
