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Gunther-Eberhardt WislicenyGerman officer, participant in World War II, SS Obersturmbannführer
Date of Birth: 05.09.1912
Country:  Germany |
Content:
Biography of Gunter Eberhardt Wisliceny
Gunter Eberhardt Wisliceny was a German officer and participant in World War II. He held the rank of Obersturmbannführer in the SS and was awarded the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.
Early Military Career
In 1933, Wisliceny joined the SS, serving in the Leibstandarte "Adolf Hitler". By July 1935, he had attained the rank of Untersturmführer (lieutenant), and in November 1938, he was promoted to Obersturmführer (senior lieutenant).
World War II
Wisliceny took part in the invasion of Yugoslavia in April 1941, serving as the commander of an infantry company in the SS Division "Das Reich". From June 22, 1941, he participated in the German-Soviet war, fighting in battles in Belarus, Smolensk, and near Moscow. He was wounded in August and December and was awarded the Iron Cross of both classes.
In 1942, Wisliceny fought in the Rzhev area and was promoted to Hauptsturmführer (captain) in June, subsequently being appointed as the commander of an infantry battalion. He participated in battles near Kharkov in March 1943 and was awarded the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves in April, as well as being promoted to Sturmbannführer (major).
In July 1943, Wisliceny fought in the southern sector of the Kursk salient, including the Battle of Prokhorovka. He was awarded the Knight's Cross and continued to serve in various battles in Ukraine in early 1944. In March 1944, he was severely wounded and, upon recovery, became the commander of a grenadier regiment. In April 1944, he was promoted to Obersturmbannführer (lieutenant colonel).
Later Years and Trial
From June 1944, Wisliceny fought in Normandy against the Allied forces that had landed. In December 1944, he was awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross. In 1945, he participated in the fighting in Hungary against the Soviet forces and was severely wounded in March.
On May 6, 1945, Wisliceny was awarded the Swords (No. 151) to the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves. He retreated with the remaining German troops to Austria, where he surrendered to American captivity after Germany's surrender. He was transferred from American captivity to France, where he stood trial for his alleged involvement in the massacre of civilians in Oradour-sur-Glane and Tulle. He was acquitted of all charges and released in 1951.
