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Wilhelm WegenerGerman officer, participant in the First and Second World Wars, infantry general
Date of Birth: 29.04.1895
Country:  Germany |
Content:
Early Life and Military Career
Born into a military family, Karl Wegener entered the Imperial German Army as a volunteer in 1914. He fought in the First World War as a fanen-junker, an officer candidate, in an infantry regiment. In 1915, he was commissioned as a lieutenant and earned both Iron Crosses for his bravery.
Interwar Period
Following the war, Wegener remained in the Reichswehr. By the outbreak of the Second World War, he had risen to the rank of lieutenant colonel and served on the staff of the 32nd Infantry Division.
World War II
Wegener participated in the campaigns in Poland and France, where he received a second award of both Iron Crosses.
Eastern Front
From the start of Operation Barbarossa in June 1941, Wegener served on the Eastern Front as commander of a regiment in the 32nd Infantry Division. He distinguished himself in the battles near Dvinsk. In September 1941, he was promoted to colonel and awarded the Knight's Cross in October.
In 1942, Wegener fought in the Demyansk Pocket. For his actions there, he was awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross in January 1942. In June 1942, he took command of the 32nd Infantry Division as a major general.
Later Campaigns
Promoted to lieutenant general in March 1943, Wegener fought near Staraya Russa. In September 1943, he became commander of the 50th Army Corps near Leningrad. In December 1943, he was promoted to general of infantry.
In 1944, he led his corps in battles near Pskov and Latvia. On September 17, he was awarded the Swords to the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves for his outstanding leadership.
Death
Tragically, Wegener's life was cut short on September 24, 1944, when he was killed in a Soviet air raid.
