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Ernst SielerGerman officer, lieutenant general
Date of Birth: 22.08.1893
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- World War I
- Interwar Period and Outbreak of WWII
- Western Front and Invasion of the Soviet Union
- Battles on the Eastern Front
- Awards and Recognition
- Final Battles and Capture
- Post-War and Release
Early Life and Military Career
In March 1913, the aspiring German officer entered the infantry regiment as a fanen-junker (officer candidate). He received his commission as a lieutenant in June 1914.
World War I
During the First World War, he commanded an infantry platoon and later a company. By October 1917, he had risen to the rank of senior lieutenant and earned both the Iron Cross First and Second Class for his valor.
Interwar Period and Outbreak of WWII
After the war, the officer continued his military service in the Reichswehr. By the outbreak of World War II, he had become a colonel and commander of an infantry regiment.
Western Front and Invasion of the Soviet Union
In the May-June 1940 French Campaign, he earned bars for his Iron Crosses. On June 22, 1941, he participated in the invasion of the Soviet Union. By September 1941, he had been awarded the Knight's Cross for his actions.
Battles on the Eastern Front
He led his troops in the battles around Demyansk. In November 1942, he assumed command of the 304th Infantry Division. Promoted to major general in January 1943, he fought on the Mius River. By July 1943, he had reached the rank of lieutenant general.
Awards and Recognition
In February 1944, he received the German Cross in Gold. In June 1944, he was awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross for his actions in the Odessa region.
Final Battles and Capture
In February 1945, he became commander of the 59th Army Corps, fighting on the Oder. After Germany's surrender on May 9, 1945, he was taken prisoner by the Soviets.
