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Karl DeckerGerman officer, general of tank troops
Date of Birth: 30.11.1897
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- World War II
- Eastern Front
- Senior Positions
- Further Honors and Commands
- Western Front and Death
- Posthumous Honor
Early Life and Military Career
Hermann Decker was born in Germany and served in the German military during World War I as a Lieutenant. He was awarded the Iron Cross of both classes and the Hanseatic Cross for his bravery. After the war, he continued serving in the Reichswehr, primarily in the cavalry from 1923 to 1936.
World War II
Early CampaignsAt the start of World War II, Decker was a Lieutenant Colonel in command of an anti-tank battalion. He participated in the Polish Campaign in 1939, earning bars for his Iron Crosses. In 1940, he became a tank battalion commander and fought in the Greek Campaign, earning the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (No. 306).
Eastern Front
From October 1941, Decker fought on the Eastern Front. He participated in battles near Vyazma, Moscow, and Rzhev. In August 1942, he received the German Cross in Gold.
Senior Positions
In 1943, Decker served in the Führer Reserve and Tank Troops Inspectorate before becoming commander of the 21st Panzer Brigade. In September, he became commander of the 5th Panzer Division and fought in the Bely, Bryansk, and Gomel areas. He was promoted to Major General in December 1943.
Further Honors and Commands
In May 1944, Decker earned the Oak Leaves (No. 466) to his Knight's Cross. He was promoted to Lieutenant General in June. From October 1944, he commanded the 39th Panzer Corps and earned the rank of General of Panzer Troops in December.
Western Front and Death
In January 1945, Decker's corps was transferred to the Western Front. They fought in the Ardennes and later in the Ruhr Pocket. On April 21, 1945, General of Panzer Troops Decker committed suicide to avoid capture by American forces.
Posthumous Honor
On April 26, 1945, Decker was posthumously awarded the Swords (No. 149) to his Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves. He is remembered as a highly decorated and capable German tank commander during World War II.
