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Johannes BlockGerman officer, infantry general
Date of Birth: 17.11.1894
Country:  Germany |
Content:
German Officer and General
Early CareerOn August 13, 1914, he joined the military as a candidate officer in an artillery regiment. In October 1914, he went to the front and was severely wounded in April 1915. In May 1916, he was promoted to lieutenant and commanded an infantry platoon. In May 1917, he led an assault squad and was again severely wounded in July 1917. From June 1918, he was an instructor in the Turkish army. During the war, he received both classes of the Iron Cross, as well as Turkish and Bulgarian orders.
Interwar Years
After the war, he continued to serve in the Reichswehr. On May 31, 1924, he was dismissed from military service with the rank of lieutenant for participating in the Nazi putsch in Munich (November 9, 1923). He returned to military service on July 1, 1934, and was promoted to captain on the same day. By the outbreak of World War II, he was a lieutenant colonel and commander of an infantry battalion.
World War II
From September to October 1939, he participated in the Polish campaign. He was awarded the clasps to both classes of the Iron Cross (a second award). From March 1940, he commanded an infantry regiment. From May to June 1940, he participated in the French campaign. From June 22, 1941, he fought in the German-Soviet war in Ukraine. In August 1941, he was promoted to colonel. In December 1941, he was awarded the Knight's Cross.
From May 15, 1942, he commanded the 294th Infantry Division (near the Don River). In September 1942, he became major general. From January 21, 1943, he was lieutenant general. He fought at the Mius River and in eastern Ukraine. In November 1943, he was awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross.
From January to March 1944, he was a command reserve. In the first half of April 1944, he temporarily commanded the 8th Army Corps, then the headquarters of Army Group "Northern Ukraine", and temporarily commanded the 13th Army Corps. From June 15, 1944, he commanded the 56th Panzer Corps (in Poland). From August 20, 1944, he held the rank of general of infantry.
