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Georg BoeselagerGerman officer, colonel
Date of Birth: 25.08.1915
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Military Career and Honors
- Early Life and Education
- World War II
- Assassination Attempt on Hitler
- Final Days
Military Career and Honors
Philipp Freiherr von Boeselager, a German officer, served as a Colonel (posthumously) in World War II. He was decorated with the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords for his exceptional bravery and leadership.
Early Life and Education
Von Boeselager commenced his military career in 1934 as a cadet in a cavalry regiment. By 1939, he had risen through the ranks to the position of platoon commander in a reconnaissance battalion. He earned the Iron Cross 2nd Class for his service in the Invasion of Poland.
World War II
During the German-Soviet War, von Boeselager commanded a squadron in the reconnaissance battalion. For his actions in the French Campaign, he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class and the Knight's Cross in 1941. He earned the Oak Leaves for his actions in the Battle of Rzhev in 1941.
From 1942, von Boeselager served as an instructor in a military academy. During this time, he reportedly came into contact with anti-Nazi conspirators. He later became the commander of the von Boeselager Cavalry Detachment, later expanded into the Center Cavalry Regiment.
Assassination Attempt on Hitler
Von Boeselager is known for his involvement in the "20th July Plot," an assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler. He was tasked with leading a detachment that would secure the Führer's headquarters. However, due to poor communication, the plot failed.
Final Days
In August 1944, von Boeselager was killed in action on the Narew River. He was posthumously awarded the Swords to his Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and promoted to the rank of Colonel. Von Boeselager is remembered as a brave and principled officer who risked his life to oppose tyranny.
