Waldmüller, Johann 'Hans' (Waffen SS)
- Date of birth:
- September 13th, 1912 (Bamberg/Bavaria, Germany)
- Date of death:
- September 8th, 1944 (Basse-Bodeux, Stavelot, Trois-Ponts, Verviers, Liège, Belgium)
- Buried on:
- German War Graves Düren
Row: 10. Grave: 188.
- Service number:
- SS-Nr.: 131.258 // NSDAP-Nr.: 4.583.268
- Nationality:
- German
Biography
Promotions:
00.11.1934: SS-Mann
00.00.1934: SS-Sturmmann
01.04.1936: SS-Junker
00.00.1936: SS-Standartenjunker
00.00.1937: SS-Standartenoberjunker
20.04.1937: SS-Untersturmführer
11.09.1938: SS-Obersturmführer
20.04.1940: SS-Hauptsturmführer
31.05.1940: SS-Obersturmführer der Waffen-SS
00.06.1942: SS-Hauptsturmführer der Waffen-SS
21.06.1943: SS-Sturmbannführer der Waffen-SS
20.11.1944: SS-Obersturmbannführer der Waffen-SS (posthumously)
Career:
01.11.1933: joined the SS
00.11.1934: SS-Schütze, 4. Sturm, SS-Standarte 'Deutschland', SS-VT
01.05.1937: joined the NSDAP
00.05.1937: Sicherheitsdienst (SD), Reichsführers-SS
00.05.1940: SS-Ostuf, Zugführer, 4. Sturm, SS-Standarte Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler - campaign in France - Operation Fall Gelb
00.02.1941: SS-Ostuf, Zugführer, 4. Kompanie, SS-Infanterie-Regiment Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler - campaign in the Balkans - Operation Marita
00.06.1941: SS-Ostuf, Zugführer, 4. Kompanie, SS-Infanterie-Regiment Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler - campaign in Russia - Operation Barbarossa
00.02.1942: SS-Ostuf, Chef, 4. Kompanie, SS-Infanterie-Regiment 1, SS-LAH Division
17.02.1943: SS-Hstuf, Chef, 4. Kompanie, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 1, LAH - WIA
00.08.1943: SS-Stubaf, Führer, I. Bataillon, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 25, 12. SS-Panzergrenadier-Division 'Hitlerjugend'
00.06.1944: SS-Stubaf, Führer, I. Bataillon, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 25, 12. SS-Panzergrenadier-Division 'Hitlerjugend' - fightings at Cambes near Caen, Normandie, France
08.09.1944: KIA bayonetted in the stomach near Basse-Bodeux by members of the Belgian resistance while driving between Werbomont and Stavelot
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- Awarded on:
- December 1st, 1937
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- SS-Obersturmführer (Lieutenant)
- Unit:
- SS-Infanterie-Regiment LAH
- Awarded on:
- December 30th, 1941
his Deutsches Kreuz recommendation gives 23.02.1942
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- SS-Hauptsturmführer (Captain)
- Awarded on:
- August 1st, 1942
his Deutsches Kreuz recommendation gives 25.08.1942
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- SS-Sturmbannführer (Major)
- Unit:
- Kommandeur, I. Bataillon, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 25, 12. SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Hitlerjugend", I. SS-Panzer-Korps, Heeresgruppe B
- Awarded on:
- August 27th, 1944
Waldmüller’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…
“On the 08.07.1944 SS-Sturmbannführer Waldmüller held his position near Epron while showing exemplary leadership and bravery, even though enemy tank forces had outflanked his right wing and penetrated deep into the rear of the Division. Acting on his his own initiative, he defended his sector the whole day against the fiercely attacking enemy. SS-Sturmbannführer Waldmüller’s stand here enabled the Division to form a new frontline north of Caen over the course of the next night. That same night SS-Sturmbannführer Waldmüller led his Bataillon back through enemy lines to the new positions while bringing along all wounded men.
On the 08.08.1944 Waldmüller’s reinforced Bataillon began a counterattack against Garcelles. Their opposition was in the form of over 100 tanks and an air force of 800 four-engined bombers. In the course of the fighting Waldmüller and his unit destroyed over 40 enemy tanks with both Panzerjäger and close combat weapons. However due to the enemy superiority and his own losses, Waldmüller was compelled to establish an all-round defense with his units near Garcelles. In the course of the night a breakthrough towards St. Sylvian took place. Strong enemy tank forces punched through the new positions and tried to roll up Waldmüller’s Bataillon.
Through the personal, brave example of its commander the Bataillon was able to fend off all enemy attacks and pull back to new positions in the evening hours.
As a result of the toughness and flexible leadership of SS-Sturmbannführer Waldmüller, the Division succeeded in halting the thrust of strong enemy forces towards Falaise.
I ask that SS-Sturmbannführer Waldmüller be recognized for his accomplishments with the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross.”
based on a recommendation dated 13.08.1944 and signed by Div. Kdr. Kurt Meyer; approved by Korps Kom. Gen. “Sepp” Dietrich
Sources
- Photo 1: Andrew Straube
- Photo 2:
- Photo 3:
- - SCHERZER, V., Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945, Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag, Jena, 2005.
- Die Ordensträger der Deutschen Wehrmacht
- Patzwall K., Scherzer V., Das Deutsche Kreuz 1941-1945, Geschichte und Inhaber Band II, Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall, Norderstedt, 2001
- Microfilm Publication A3343. US National Archives.