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Hans KreysingGerman mountain general
Date of Birth: 17.08.1890
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- World War I
- Interwar Period
- World War II
- Eastern Front and Promotion
- Battles of the East
- Promotion to General of Mountain Troops
- Commander of the 8th Army
- Post-War Life
Early Life and Military Career
In February 1909, Lieutenant General Dietmar Kraising embarked on his military journey as a Fahnen-junker (officer candidate) in an Jäger battalion. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in September 1910.
World War I
During World War I, Kraising served on the Western Front. By April 1915, he had ascended to the rank of senior lieutenant and commanded a machine gun company. However, in May 1916, he sustained severe injuries at Verdun, confining him to a hospital until October 1918. For his bravery, he received the Knight's Cross of the Hohenzollern House Order, Iron Crosses of both classes, and three additional medals.
Interwar Period
After the war, Kraising joined the Freikorps, commanding a company. He subsequently served in the Reichswehr. In October 1936, he assumed command of an infantry regiment as a colonel.
World War II
Poland and FranceKraising participated in the Polish Campaign, earning Iron Cross awards. For his role in the French Campaign, he was bestowed with the Knight's Cross.
Eastern Front and Promotion
From October 1940, Kraising commanded the 3rd Mountain Division in Norway as a major general. In June 1941, he engaged in combat on the Murmansk front. Kraising's military prowess earned him a promotion to lieutenant general in July 1942.
Battles of the East
In October 1942, his division was deployed to Leningrad. From December 1942 onwards, they fought on the Don River. In January 1943, Kraising was awarded the Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross.
Promotion to General of Mountain Troops
In November 1943, Kraising was appointed commander of the 17th Army Corps, becoming a General of Mountain Troops. His forces fought on the Dnieper, in Moldova, and the Carpathians. In April 1944, he was decorated with the Swords to his Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves.
Commander of the 8th Army
From December 1944, Kraising commanded the 8th Army in Hungary and later Austria.
Post-War Life
Following Germany's capitulation on May 8, 1945, Kraising managed to return to Germany, where he was captured by British forces in June 1945. He was released from captivity in 1948.
