TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Dietrich, Johann

Date of birth:
August 5th, 1911 (Schloßberg-Lauf/Bavaria, Germany)
Date of death:
April 2nd, 1943 (POW-Camp Jelabuga near Kazan, Soviet Union)
Buried on:
German War Cemetery Jelabuga
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Johann Dietrich lies buried at the German War Cemetery of Jelabuga, Russia.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)
Unit:
2. Batterie, I. Abteilung, Flak-Regiment 49, Luftwaffe
Awarded on:
October 27th, 1942
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Hauptmann (Captain)
Unit:
Chef, 2. Batterie, I. Abteilung, Flak-Regiment 49 (mot.), Luftwaffe
Awarded on:
December 23rd, 1942
Dietrich’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“An outstandingly capable, brave and exemplary Batterie commander. Has accomplished exceptional successes in numerous engagements. He and his 8.8 cm Batterie have held their ground as an indomitable breakwater during the major defensive battles on the western perimeter of Fortress Stalingrad in the time period 25.11.-08.12.1942. He and his men destroyed 36 enemy tanks and inflicted heavy casualties during this timeframe. He and his Batterie succumbed to the enemy superiority on the 08.12.1942, as all the guns were destroyed by artillery hits. Heavy losses were taken in this deadly battle. Dietrich himself was wounded. Nevertheless his deeds were of battle-deciding importance for the holding of the western perimeter and preventing the rolling-up of the 3. Infanterie-Division. Received the German Cross in Gold on the 15.11.1942 for his outstanding deeds during the summer offensive and the Stalingrad battle. Despite this fact he is now also being recommended for the Knight’s Cross.”
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Sources

Photo