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Karl BurkSS-Brigadeführer, commander of the 15th SS Division at the end of the war
Date of Birth: 14.03.1898
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Nazi Party and SS Membership
- Command Positions
- Eastern Front Service
- Later Career
- Awards and Decorations
- Iron Cross 2nd Class (World War I)
Early Life and Military Career
Kurt Burgsmüller was born into a farming family and joined the army in 1913. He served in the infantry during World War I, earning the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class. After the war, he continued his military service in the Reichswehr until 1927.
Nazi Party and SS Membership
On May 1, 1933, Burgsmüller joined the Nazi Party (#1,848,222). He also became a member of the SS, initially as an Untersturmführer on April 20, 1935. He rose through the SS ranks, becoming Oberführer on November 9, 1944, and Brigadeführer and Major General in the Waffen-SS on April 20, 1945.
Command Positions
Burgsmüller held numerous command positions within the SS. He served as commander of the 70th SS Standard from 1936 to 1939, the 8th SS Standard from 1939 to 1941, and the 2nd Battalion of the 5th SS "Totenkopf" Standarte from November 1939 to May 1940. He also commanded the 2nd Battalion of the 12th SS "Totenkopf" Standarte from November 1939 to May 1940 and the "Kampfgruppe Burck" until June 1942.
Eastern Front Service
Burgsmüller saw extensive action on the Eastern Front during World War II. He served as commander of the AA Division "Ost" from May 1941 to September 1942 and later as commander of the FG. In November 1943, he was assigned to the SS Main Operational Office.
Later Career
In 1944, Burgsmüller became the liaison officer for the SS with the armed forces of the Committee for the Liberation of the Peoples of Russia (KONR) under General Andrei Vlasov. From February 15, 1945, to May 2, 1945, he commanded the 15th (Latvian) SS Division.
Awards and Decorations
Burgsmüller received numerous awards and decorations during his military career, including:
Iron Cross 2nd Class (World War I)
Iron Cross 1st Class (World War I)Iron Cross 2nd Class Buckle (1941)
Iron Cross 1st Class Buckle (1941)
Infantry Assault Badge
Eastern Medal
German Cross in Gold (November 5, 1942)
War Merit Cross 1st Class
War Merit Cross 2nd Class
