Erich Brandenberger

Erich Brandenberger (15 July 1892 – 21 June 1955) was a German general in the Wehrmacht of Nazi Germany during World War II. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves.

Biography

Template:Unreferencedsect In World War I Brandenberger served as an officer in the 6th Bavarian Field Artillery Regiment. He started World War II as Chief of the General Staff of the XXIII Army Corps (16 September 1939 - 15 February 1941) on the Westwall. He commanded 8th Panzer Division (20 February 1941 - 16 January 1943), LIX Army Corps (January — March 1943) and XXIX Army Corps (November 1943 - Jun 1944) on the Eastern Front.

In late 1944 and early 1945, Brandenberger led the 7th Army on the Western Front during the German Ardennes Offensive. He surrendered to the American forces commanded by Edward H. Brooks on 6 May 1945 as the commander of 19th Army in Innsbruck. He was interned until 1948.

File:Brandenberger Luger Edward H Brooks.jpg

Luger pistol surrendered by Brandenberger to Brooks, currently in the collection of the Sullivan Museum and History Center, Norwich University.

Awards

• Iron Cross (1914) 2nd Class (21 October 1914) & 1st Class (7 September 1916)<ref name="Thomas p71">Thomas 1997, p. 71.</ref>
• Clasp to the Iron Cross 2nd Class (24 December 1939) & 1st Class (15 May 1940)<ref name="Thomas p71"/>
• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
  • Knight's Cross on 15 July 1941 as Generalmajor and commander of the 8. Panzer-Division<ref name="Scherzer p238">Scherzer 2007, p. 238.</ref>
  • Oak Leaves on 12 November 1943 as General der Panzertruppe and commander of the XXIX. Armeekorps<ref name="Scherzer p238"/>

Sources

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