 |
Erich WaltherGerman officer, participant in World War II, major general
Date of Birth: 05.08.1903
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- World War II
- Commander of 4th Parachute Regiment
- Leadership on the Western and Eastern Fronts
- Highest Honors and Capture
Early Life and Career
Walter was born in Germany in 1906. He joined the police force in 1924 and rose to the rank of Senior Lieutenant by 1933. In 1935, he transitioned to military service, enlisting in the Paratroopers as a Captain.
World War II
At the outbreak of World War II, Walter commanded a paratroop company. He participated in the Norwegian Campaign in 1940, earning Iron Crosses of both degrees. He also played a role in the airborne assault on the Netherlands, for which he received the Knight's Cross and was promoted to Major.
In May 1941, Walter led a paratroop landing on Crete. He then fought on the Eastern Front under Leningrad from September 1941 onwards. By January 1942, he had become a Lieutenant Colonel and was awarded the German Cross in Gold in April 1942.
Commander of 4th Parachute Regiment
In September 1942, Walter became the commander of the 4th Parachute Regiment, rising to the rank of Colonel. He fought in Sicily and Italy, earning the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross in March 1944 for his actions at Monte Cassino.
Leadership on the Western and Eastern Fronts
In September 1944, Walter led the "Walter" combat group on the Western Front at Arnhem. From late September 1944, he commanded the 2nd Parachute Panzer Grenadier Division "Hermann Göring" on the Eastern Front in East Prussia.
Highest Honors and Capture
In January 1945, Walter was promoted to Major General and awarded the Swords (No. 131) to the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves. After Germany's surrender in May 1945, he was taken prisoner by the Soviets and died in the Buchenwald concentration camp.
