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Erich BrandenbergerGerman officer, participant in the First and Second World Wars, general of tank troops
Date of Birth: 15.07.1892
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- A Distinguished Military Career
- Early Military Service and World War I
- Between the World Wars
- World War II and Distinguished Service
- Honors and Recognition
- Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914)
A Distinguished Military Career
Hermann Felix, a renowned German officer, served with distinction in both World Wars. He rose through the ranks, culminating in his appointment as a General of Panzer Troops. His exceptional leadership and combat prowess earned him the coveted Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves.
Early Military Service and World War I
Felix commenced his military career in August 1911, joining the 6th Bavarian Artillery Regiment as a cadet officer. By October 1913, he had become a Lieutenant. From the outset of World War I, he served on the Western Front, holding various staff positions at battalion and regimental levels. His outstanding performance led to his promotion to Senior Lieutenant in January 1917 and Battery Commander in December 1917. In August 1918, he assumed command of an artillery battalion.
Between the World Wars
After the war, Felix continued his service in the Reichswehr. By the outbreak of World War II, he had attained the rank of Colonel and held the position of Chief of Staff of the 23rd Army Corps on the German western border.
World War II and Distinguished Service
During the invasion of France in May and June 1940, Felix played a significant role. In August 1940, he was promoted to Major General. From February 1941, he led the 8th Panzer Division, participating in the invasion of Yugoslavia in April 1941.
On June 22, 1941, Germany launched Operation Barbarossa, and Felix was part of Army Group North, fighting in the Baltics. His bravery and leadership were recognized with the award of the Knight's Cross (No. 357) in July 1941. He then commanded forces in the battles around Leningrad.
In August 1942, Felix was promoted to Lieutenant General. From January to March 1943, he commanded the 59th Army Corps in the Velikiye Luki area. In May 1943, he assumed command of the 29th Army Corps in Ukraine, fighting in the Krivoi Rog region and later on the Dnieper River. In August 1943, he received the rank of General of Panzer Troops. His outstanding achievements were further honored with the award of the Oak Leaves (No. 324) to his Knight's Cross in November 1943.
From September 1944, Felix commanded the 7th Army on the Western Front. In March 1945, he took over command of the 19th Army. On May 6, 1945, he was captured by American forces and remained in captivity until 1948.
Honors and Recognition
Throughout his military career, Felix was decorated with numerous awards, including:
Iron Cross 2nd Class (1914)
Iron Cross 1st Class (1916)Order of Military Merit 4th Class with Crown and Swords (Bavaria)
Wound Badge in Black (1918)
Honor Cross of the World War 1914/1918 with Swords (1934)
Medal in Memory of 13 March 1938
Medal for the Construction of the Atlantic Wall (1940)
Clasps to the Iron Cross 2nd and 1st Class (1939, 1940)
Medal for the Winter Campaign in the East 1941/42 (1942)
Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
Knight's Cross (1941)
Oak Leaves (1943)
Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht (1944)
