Block, Johannes

Date of birth:: November 17th, 1894 (Büschdorf/Saxony, Germany)
Date of death:: January 26th, 1945 (Kielce, Poland)
Nationality:: German

Biography

Johannes Block was killed at Kielce on 26th January 1945. At that moment he was Kommandierender General LVI.Panzerkorps with the rank of General der Infanterie.

Promotions:
September 1st, 1942: Generalmajor;
January 21st, 1943: Generalleutnant;
August 20th, 1944: General der Infanterie.

Career:
1914: Armee;
May 31st, 1924: Uittrede;
July 1st, 1934: Reichsheer;
March 14th, 1940 - May 15th, 1942: Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 202;
September 1st, 1942: Kommandeur 294.Infanterie-Division;
December 25th, 1943: Führerreserve;
April 1st, 1944 - April 15th, 1944: Führer VIII.Armeekorps;
April 25th, 1944 - June 5th, 1944: Führer XIII.Armeekorps;
July 15th, 1944 - January 26th, 1945: Kommandierender General LVI.Panzerkorps.

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Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: December 30th, 1934

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberst (Colonel)
Unit:: Kommandeur, Infanterie-Regiment 202, 75 .Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: December 22nd, 1941

The following wartime excerpt describes why Block was awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“The success at Ssumy is first and foremost due to Oberst Block. His unstoppable forward drive managed to overcome even the worst weather and the most difficult road conditions. He drove his Regiment forwards in a march of 360 km over the course of just 12 days (a remarkable achievement), and on his own initiative he attacked the Russian-held city of Ssumy at 05:00 on the 10.10.1941. This surprise attack against the enemy led to a swift seizure of the city following tough combat. Through doing this he was able to capture an important bridge in an intact state and therefore lay the groundwork for a swift continuation of his Division’s attack.”

Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: January 15th, 1943

Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Generalleutnant (Major-general)
Unit:: Kommandeur, 294.Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: November 22nd, 1943

The following press excerpt, dated 03.12.1943, describes why Block was awarded the Oakleaves…

“Generalleutnant Johannes Block, commander of the Saxonian 294. Infanterie-Division (which was named in the Wehrmachtbericht of 06.02.1943), has repeatedly distinguished himself in the fighting between the Don and Donez rivers during the winter of 1942/43. He and his Division also achieved success during the defensive battles along the Mius in the summer of 1943.”

331st Award.