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Martinek, Robert

Date of birth:
February 2nd, 1889 (Gratzen/Bohemia, Austria-Hungary)
Date of death:
June 28th, 1944 (Berezino, Russia)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Promotions:
September 1st, 1907: Kadettoffizierstellvertreter;
November 13th, 1908: Fähnrich;
May 1st, 1910: Leutnant (7);
August 1st, 1914: Oberleutnant (25);
April 17th, 1917: Hauptmann (1) außer der Rangtour;
July 8th, 1921: Major (Titel) mit Wirkung vom 1-1-1921;
March 1st, 1923: Stabshauptmann;
April 16th, 1925: Major;
January 19th, 1928: Major DKl. V Verw.Grp. 3;
November 4th, 1930: Oberstleutnant Verw.Grp. 3;
December 15th, 1934: Oberst mit dt. RDA vom 1-10-1937 (26);
June 1st, 1941: Generalmajor (8a);
December 1st, 1942: Generalleutnant (17);
January 1st, 1943: General der Artillerie (4).

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General der Artillerie (Lieutenant-General of Artillerie)
Unit:
Kommandierender General, XXXIX. Panzerkorps, Heer
Awarded on:
March 21st, 1943
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Generalmajor (Brigadier)
Unit:
Kommandeur, 267. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
December 26th, 1941
On the 12.12.1941 Generalmajor Martinek personally created a new defensive front with his subordinate troops near Hewelowo. Personally fighting at the front with his men, he was able to ensure that the Soviet breakthrough towards Rusa failed. In doing so he averted a great danger for the south flank and rear of the IX. Armee-Korps on the 12-13.12.1941, while also enabling the assembly of a German counterattack that commenced on 14.12.1941. This counterattack would in turn force a postponement of any further Soviet attacks in the area for at least 48 hours. Martinek would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross for achieving a success of such wide-reaching importance.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General der Artillerie (Lieutenant-General of Artillerie)
Unit:
Kommandierender General, XXXIX. Panzerkorps, Heer
Awarded on:
February 10th, 1944
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
Martinek received the Oakleaves for his successfully conducted defensive battles in the area around Newel, Orsha and Mogilev during the winter of 1943/44. His expertise in the employment of artillery was particularly valuable in enabling the German success during this time.

388th award
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
September 25th, 1939
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
May 20th, 1940
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
October 24th, 1943
In the defensive successes in the middle section of the front had the XXXIX. Panzer Corps under the command of General of Artillery Martinek and the Rhenish-Westphalian 253rd Infantry Division of Major General Becker particular share.
Wehrmachtbericht
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
April 3rd, 1944
Between the Dnieper and Tichauffy, troops under the command of General of Infantry of Tippelskirch and General of Artillery Martinek in seven days of heavy fighting have thwarted breakthrough attempts of 17 enemy infantry divisions, a motorized and two armored brigades, and thus achieved an outstanding defensive success.
Wehrmachtbericht
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 3rd, 1944
During the heavy defensive fighting, the corps commanders, General of Artillery Martinek and General of Artillery Pfeiffer as well as Lieutenant General Schünemann, found true to their oath of allegiance, a heroic death at the head of their fighting corps.
Wehrmachtbericht
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Generalmajor (Brigadier)
Unit:
Artillerie-Kommandeur 7, VII. Armeekorps, Heer
Awarded on:
September 22nd, 1941
Anerkennungsurkunde des Oberbefehlshabers des Heeres

336th Award.

Sources

Photo