Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Heeres-Flak-Artillerie-Abteilung 277, 11. Panzer Division

Awarded on:

September 7th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major der Reserve (Major of Reserves)

Unit:

Heeres-Flak-Artillerie-Abteilung (motorized) 277, 11. Panzer Division

Awarded on:

September 10th, 1944

On the 19.08.1944 Major Menzel was appointed Kampfkommandant of Lyon, with his most important mission being the holding of the Rhône bridges for the retreat of German forces from the area. He fulfilled this mission splendidly, combating Resistance forces in the area and capturing 4 Canadian paratroopers who were trying to blow up the bridges. After the last German forces had passed through, Menzel and his Abteilung finally evacuated Lyon on the 30-31.08.1944.

Menzel, who earned the name “Lion of Lyon”, had not only permitted the retreat of his own 11. Panzer-Division but also the the entire 19. Armee through the Rhône Valley to the north. For this outstanding achievement he would be decorated with the Knight’s Cross.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 3rd, 1939

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

April 8th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

May 31st, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 27th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 1st, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

September 10th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

December 18th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

December 31st, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 26th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)