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Wiese, Friedrich

Date of birth:
December 5th, 1892 (Nordhastedt, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany)
Date of death:
February 13th, 1972 (Giessen, Hesse, Germany)
Nationality:
German

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberstleutnant (Luitenant-kolonel)
Unit:
Kommandeur des I./ Infanterie-Regiment 116
Awarded on:
June 3rd, 1940
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 2er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberstleutnant (Luitenant-kolonel)
Unit:
Kommandeur des I./ Infanterie-Regiment 116
Awarded on:
June 14th, 1940
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 1er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberst (Colonel)
Unit:
Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 39/ 26. Infanteriedivision
Awarded on:
February 14th, 1942
On the morning of the 02.01.1942, after several failed frontal attacks against the reinforced Infanterie-Regiment 39, the Soviets infiltrated through wooded and swampy terrain considered impassable by the Germans and were able to completely surround the Regiment. The situation seemed hopeless for the Regiment, since no telephone connection existed and the German radios failed in the bitter cold. And so Oberst Wiese, the commander of the Regiment, decided to break out of the encirclement and rejoin his Division in order to avoid being annihilated. His command skills proved essential in successfully executing this move and thus saving his troops from destruction. For his actions on this day he was awarded the Knight's Cross.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberst (Colonel)
Unit:
Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 39/ 26. Infanteriedivision
Awarded on:
February 16th, 1942
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General der Infanterie (Lieutenant-General of Infantry)
Unit:
Kommandierender General, XXXV. Armeekorps, Heer
Awarded on:
January 24th, 1944
Awarded for his successes as commander of the XXXV. Armee-Korps (9. Armee, Heeresgruppe Mitte) up until the end of 1943. His superiors recognized him for both his energy and willingness to personally intervene in the frontlines and thus remedy critical situations. He particularly distinguished himself in the following actions...

1. His masterful evacuation of the Gomel bridgehead against overwhelming pressure.
2. Defeating all Soviet breakthrough attempts in December 1943 in the area southwest of Shlobin.

372nd Award.
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub

Sources

Photo