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Max SachsenheimerGerman officer, participant in World War II, major general
Date of Birth: 05.12.1909
Country:  Germany |
Content:
Early Life and Military Career
In April 1928, a young German officer named Sachsenheimer enlisted as a private in the Reichswehr, the German armed forces. By 1932, he had risen to the rank of Unteroffizier and became a Leutnant in April 1934. On the eve of World War II, he served as a senior lieutenant commanding an infantry company.
World War II
Sachsenheimer fought in the French campaign, earning both the Iron Cross first and second class. He became a captain in January 1941. On June 22, 1941, he deployed to the Eastern Front with Army Group Center and assumed command of an infantry battalion on July 20. He suffered a wound during the fighting.
In the battles of the Demyansk Pocket in 1942, Sachsenheimer distinguished himself and was awarded the Knight's Cross in April 1942. Promoted to major in December 1942, he commanded a regiment of the 5th Jäger Division in 1943, earning the Golden German Cross and a promotion to lieutenant colonel.
Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords
For his actions in the battles near Kovel in May 1944, Sachsenheimer was bestowed with the Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross. In September 1944, he became a colonel and took command of the 17th Infantry Division, fighting in Poland. He was promoted to general-major in December 1944.
During the Soviet offensive in January 1945, Sachsenheimer's division was surrounded but managed to break out under his leadership. In February 1945, he was awarded the Swords to his Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves (No. 132). The 17th Infantry Division was encircled again in Breslau, but Sachsenheimer once more led his troops out of the cauldron. They fought their way to the Sudetenland where they surrendered to American forces on May 8, 1945.
Post-War
Sachsenheimer was released from American captivity in April 1947. From 1967 to 1973, he headed a public organization advocating for the release of Rudolf Hess.
Awards
Iron Cross, first and second classWound Badge in Silver
Infantry Assault Badge in Silver
German Cross in Gold (February 3, 1944)
Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords
Knight's Cross (April 5, 1942)
Oak Leaves (No. 472) (May 14, 1944)
Swords (No. 132) (February 6, 1945)
