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Schmidt, Hans (General der Infanterie)

Date of birth:
April 28th, 1887 (Ulm/Württemberg, Germany)
Date of death:
June 5th, 1948 (Stuttgart/Baden-Württemberg, Germany)
Nationality:
German

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
December 31st, 1939
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 2er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 4th, 1940
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 1er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Generalleutnant zur Verwendung (Major-General)
Unit:
Kommandeur, 260. Infanterie-Division
Awarded on:
September 22nd, 1941
The 260. Infanterie-Division was heavily involved in the rapid seizure of a bridgehead over the Desna river at Kisselewka (near Chernigov) on 01.09.1941, as well as the subsequent expansion of the bridgehead through the capture of Wibli on the next day. These local victories were of decisive importance for the rapid continuation of the operations of the 2. Armee, for it prevented the Soviets from establishing a solid defense line on the river and in turn a costly and time-consuming assault crossing for the Army. The Division then had to fight on its own against fierce Soviet counterattacks for days, and not only crushed these but was even able to expand the bridgehead further. Due to the performance of the Division here it proved possible to strike south from the bridgehead and complete the operational objectives of the Army faster than expected.

Generalleutnant Schmidt, as the commander of the Division, was the major architect of this outcome of events and was recognized for his bravery and leadership with the Knight’s Cross.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General der Infanterie zur Verwendung (Lieutenant-General of Infantry)
Unit:
Kommandierender General, IX. Armeekorps, Heer
Awarded on:
November 6th, 1942
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General der Infanterie zur Verwendung (Lieutenant-General of Infantry)
Unit:
Kommandierender General, IX. Armeekorps, Heer
Awarded on:
November 24th, 1943
Awarded for his leadership of the IX. Armee-Korps during its hard defensive battles around Spas-Demensk and Newel in the summer of 1943.


334th Award.
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)

Awarded with crown and swords.
IV. Klasse des Militärverdienstordens
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)

Awarded with Swords.
Komtur I. Klasse zum Friedrichs-Orden
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)

Awarded with War Decoration.
Militärverdienstkreuz III. Klasse

Sources

Photo