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Josef BremmGerman officer, participant in World War II, lieutenant colonel
Date of Birth: 03.05.1914
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- World War II: Eastern Front and Knight's Cross
- 1941-1942: German-Soviet War and Heroism at Volkhov
- 1942-1943: Dementyansk and Oak Leaves
- Western Front and High Command
- 1944: Normandy and Ardennes Offensive
- End of the War and Recognition
Early Life and Military Career
1935-1938: Military Enlistment and Officer TrainingIn 1935, the young German joined the military, enlisting in an infantry regiment. By 1937, he had risen through the ranks to become a non-commissioned officer. A year later, he received his commission as a lieutenant.
World War II: Eastern Front and Knight's Cross
1940: French Campaign and Iron CrossesDuring the French Campaign in May-June 1940, the officer distinguished himself in battle and was awarded both classes of the Iron Cross.
1941-1942: German-Soviet War and Heroism at Volkhov
From June 1941, he fought on the Eastern Front, leading an infantry platoon in the northern sector. Injured in July 1941, he returned to command an infantry company in August, earning promotion to senior lieutenant in October. His valor in the fighting near Volkhov in February 1942 earned him the prestigious Knight's Cross.
1942-1943: Dementyansk and Oak Leaves
In July 1942, the officer became a captain and took command of an infantry battalion. During heavy fighting in the Dementyansk area, he was awarded the Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross in December 1942.
Western Front and High Command
1943-1944: Recovery and Instructor RoleSeverely wounded in January 1943, the officer was promoted to major in February. After a period of hospitalization, he was assigned as an instructor at a military academy.
1944: Normandy and Ardennes Offensive
In March 1944, he returned to active duty as an infantry battalion commander in France. He fought against the Western Allied forces that had landed in Normandy. In August 1944, he became an infantry regiment commander and a lieutenant colonel in November 1944. On December 16, 1944, the first day of the German Ardennes offensive, he was wounded again but remained with his regiment.
End of the War and Recognition
1945: Defensive Battles and Swords to the Knight's CrossIn the final months of the war, the officer led defensive battles in western Germany. After Germany's capitulation, he was taken prisoner by the Americans. On May 9, 1945, he was awarded the Swords to his Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, one of the highest military decorations in the Third Reich.
