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Otto KnobelsdorffGerman officer, general of tank troops
Date of Birth: 31.03.1886
Country:  Germany |
Content:
Early Life and Military Career
Born in Germany in 1885, Hans-Karl von Knobelsdorff joined the military in 1905 as a cadet in an infantry regiment. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a lieutenant in 1906.
World War I
During World War I, von Knobelsdorff initially served in an infantry regiment before becoming a company commander. He was heavily wounded in 1915 but returned to the battlefield, commanding a battalion in 1916. Severely wounded again in 1918, he spent the remainder of the war in a hospital. Despite his injuries, he earned several awards, including the Iron Cross First and Second Class.
Interwar Years
After the war, von Knobelsdorff remained in the army, eventually rising to the rank of major general by the outbreak of World War II.
World War II
Von Knobelsdorff participated in the Polish and French campaigns before having his division converted into a tank division in 1940. He received the Knight's Cross in 1941 for his leadership in the invasion of the Soviet Union. After illness forced him to return to Germany, he commanded various army corps before being promoted to General of Panzer Troops in 1942.
He led the 24th Panzer Corps at Stalingrad and later the 48th Panzer Corps before becoming seriously ill again in 1943. He received the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross for his actions at Belgorod.
In 1944, he commanded the 1st Army on the Western Front and was awarded the Swords to the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves. He remained in command until December 1944, when he was taken prisoner by the Americans.
Post-War Years
Von Knobelsdorff was released from captivity in 1947. He died in 1952 at the age of 66.
Awards
- Iron Cross First and Second Class- Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords
- German Cross in Gold
- Various other German and foreign military awards
