Heinrich Bleichrodt German submarine officer during World War II Date of Birth: 21.10.1909 Country: Germany

1. Biography of Heinrich Bleichrodt
2. Combat Achievements
3. Awards and Decorations
4. Mentions in the Wehrmachtbericht

Biography of Heinrich Bleichrodt

Heinrich Bleichrodt was a German submarine officer during World War II. He achieved the rank of Korvettenkapitän and was one of the most successful submarine commanders of the war.

Combat Achievements

Bleichrodt was responsible for the sinking of 27 enemy vessels, totaling 158,923 gross register tons, and damaging 3 ships (11,594 gross register tons). His successful attacks made him one of the most effective submarine commanders of the war.

Awards and Decorations

Bleichrodt was awarded several prestigious honors for his service. He received the Iron Cross, 2nd Class on July 25, 1940, and the Iron Cross, 1st Class on September 25, 1940. He was also awarded the Submarine Badge on September 24, 1940, and the Submarine Badge with Diamonds in October 1942. Bleichrodt was honored with the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on October 24, 1940, and subsequently received the Oak Leaves (No. 125) on September 23, 1942. Additionally, he was awarded the Cross of Military Merit, 2nd Class with Swords on January 1, 1945.

Mentions in the Wehrmachtbericht

Bleichrodt's exceptional actions were recognized and mentioned three times in the Wehrmachtbericht, the official daily report of the German armed forces. He was commended on September 21, October 18, and October 21, 1940, for his remarkable achievements as a submarine commander.