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Ehrenfried BoegeGerman officer, infantry general
Date of Birth: 11.11.1889
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- World War I
- Interwar Period
- World War II
- Invasion of the Soviet Union
- Commanding Officer
- Army Corps and Army Commander
- Capture and Release
Early Life and Military Career
In September 1913, the young officer entered the military as a Fahnenjunker (officer candidate) in an infantry regiment. By August 6, 1914, he had risen to the rank of Lieutenant and commanded an infantry platoon.
World War I
Throughout his service during World War I, he held various leadership positions, including commander of an assault machine gun group (January 1916) and a machine gun company (November 1916). By April 1918, he had become a Senior Lieutenant and was awarded the Iron Cross of both degrees for his bravery in combat.
Interwar Period
Following the war, he served in Silesia on the German-Polish border and received the Order of the Eagle for his actions against Polish insurgents. He continued his military career in the Reichswehr.
World War II
Invasion of FranceBy the outbreak of World War II, he had risen to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was a course leader at a military academy. In December 1939, he took command of an infantry regiment. As a Colonel, he participated in the French campaign of 1940, earning him the Iron Cross with clasps in both degrees.
Invasion of the Soviet Union
On June 22, 1941, he embarked on the German-Soviet war as the commander of a regiment in the 28th Infantry Division. He fought in Belarus, Smolensk, and Moscow. In December 1941, he was awarded the Knight's Cross.
Commanding Officer
From February 1942, he led the 197th Infantry Division and was promoted to Major General in April 1942. He saw action around Rzhev and received the German Gold Cross in January 1943. He was promoted to Lieutenant General and spent several months in the command reserve.
Army Corps and Army Commander
In March 1944, he assumed command of the 43rd Army Corps. He fought in Estonia and Latvia. In June 1944, he became a General of the Infantry. In September 1944, he received the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross. From September 1944, he led the 18th Army in the Courland Pocket.
Capture and Release
On May 9, 1945, he was taken prisoner of war by the Soviet Army after the capitulation of Germany. He was released from Soviet captivity in October 1955 and returned to West Germany.
