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Ulrich KleemannGerman officer, participant in the First and Second World Wars, general of tank forces
Date of Birth: 23.03.1892
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Biography of Ulrich Kleemann
- Continued Service and Second World War
- German-Soviet War and Later Career
- Later Years
Biography of Ulrich Kleemann
Early Life and Military CareerUlrich Kleemann was a German officer and participant in both the First and Second World Wars. He served as a general of tank forces and was awarded the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves. In October 1911, he began his military service as a Fahnenjunker (officer candidate) in a dragoon regiment. He fought in the dragoon regiment and was twice wounded. By June 1916, he had risen to the rank of senior lieutenant and was decorated with the Iron Cross of both classes for his service during the war.
Continued Service and Second World War
Ulrich Kleemann continued his military career in the Reichswehr. By the beginning of the Second World War, he had become the commander of an infantry regiment, holding the rank of colonel. In September-October 1939, he participated in the Polish Campaign and was awarded additional clasps to his Iron Crosses. From December 1939, he commanded the 3rd Infantry Brigade. In May-June 1940, he took part in the French Campaign.
German-Soviet War and Later Career
On June 22, 1941, Ulrich Kleemann participated in the German-Soviet War, fighting in Belarus. In October 1941, he was awarded the Knight's Cross. From November 1941, he held the rank of major general. In January-March 1942, he was in the reserve, but from April 1942, he served as the commander of the 90th Light Division in Africa. From November 1942 to May 1943, he returned to the reserve, and from May 28, 1943, he led the assault division "Rodos" on the island of Rhodes in the Aegean Sea. In June 1943, he was promoted to lieutenant general, and in September 1943, he was awarded Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross.
Later Years
From October 1944, Ulrich Kleemann commanded the 4th Tank Corps in Hungary and was promoted to the rank of general of tank forces. On November 28, 1944, the corps was renamed the Tank Corps "Feldherrnhalle." On May 8, 1945, he was captured by the Americans.
