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Erich BarenfangerGerman officer, participant in World War II, major general of the Wehrmacht
Date of Birth: 12.01.1915
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Outbreak of World War II
- Eastern Front
- Battalion Commander and Knight's Cross
- Oak Leaves and Swords
- Reserve and Commandant of Berlin
- Death
- Awards and Honors
- - Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
Early Life and Military Career
Günther Bahrenfänger was a German Wehrmacht general and a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. Born in 1910, he began his military service in October 1936 in an infantry regiment.
Outbreak of World War II
At the onset of World War II in 1939, Bahrenfänger was a lieutenant in the 123rd Infantry Regiment, which later participated in the French Campaign in 1940. Bahrenfänger was wounded in June and spent time in hospital, but he was awarded both classes of the Iron Cross during this period.
Eastern Front
In January 1941, Bahrenfänger's regiment was deployed to Romania and later fought in the invasion of the Soviet Union. He was wounded several times and decorated multiple times, including with the Silver and Gold Wound Badges and the German Cross in Gold.
Battalion Commander and Knight's Cross
In late 1941, Bahrenfänger became a battalion commander and fought in the Battle of Sevastopol. He was awarded the Knight's Cross in August 1942 for his leadership and bravery in combat.
Oak Leaves and Swords
Bahrenfänger continued to command in the Caucasus Mountains and received the Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross in May 1943. In January 1944, he was awarded the Swords to his Oak Leaves for his defense of Crimea.
Reserve and Commandant of Berlin
After a brief stint as a reserve officer, Bahrenfänger was appointed Inspector of Youth Training Camps by the Hitler Youth in June 1944. As the war reached its end, he was appointed Military Commandant of the Berlin Defense Zone in April 1945.
Death
On May 2, 1945, Bahrenfänger, along with his wife and brother-in-law, committed suicide as Soviet troops closed in on Berlin.
Awards and Honors
In addition to the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, Bahrenfänger also received the following awards:
- Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class
- Infantry Assault Badge in Silver- Wound Badge in Black, Silver, and Gold
- Crimean Shield
- Order of the Crown (Romania)
- Order of Bravery (Bulgaria)
