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Wengler, Maximilian (Generalmajor)

Date of birth:
January 14th, 1890 (Roßwein-Döbeln/Saxony, Germany)
Date of death:
April 26th, 1945 (Pillau-Neutief/Eastern Prussia, Germany)
Nationality:
German

Biography

Promotions:
?: Fähnrich;
August 15th, 1910: Leutnant (Patent: August 15th, 1908);
?: Oberleutnant;
1919: Char. Hauptmann;
1939: Hauptmann der Reserve;
1940: Major der Reserve;
1942: Oberstleutnant der Reserve;
December 1st, 1942: Oberst der Reserve;
March 27th, 1945: Generalmajor der Reserve (RDA, October 1st, 1944).

Career:
September 1st, 1939: Kompanieführer Infanterie Regiment 40;
1940 Infanterie Regiment 40;
1941: Infanterie Regiment 366;
July 5th, 1942: Kommandeur Infanterie Regiment 366.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Generalmajor der Reserve (Brigadier)
Unit:
Kommandeur, 227. Infanterie-Division
Awarded on:
January 21st, 1945
Awarded for the distinguished performance of his division in the summer 1944, specifically during the fighting around the town of Liepna in Latvia.

123rd Award.
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberst der Reserve (Colonel of Reserves)
Unit:
Kommandeur, Grenadier-Regiment 366, 227. Infanterie-Division, Gruppe Sponheimer, 18. Armee, Heeresgruppe Nord
Awarded on:
February 22nd, 1944
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
Wengler was awarded the Oakleaves for the accomplishments of his regiment during the fighting at Narva in early 1944, particularly...

1) Destroying 73 of 105 attacking Soviet tanks during a two day period during their defense of the Narva river at Omuti.

2) Contributing significantly to the crushing of an attempted Soviet naval landing to the west of Narva.

404th Award.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberstleutnant der Reserve (Lieutenant-colonel of Reserves)
Unit:
Kommandeur, Infanterie-Regiment 366, 227. Infanterie-Division, XXVI. Armee-Korps, 18. Armee, Heeresgruppe Nord
Awarded on:
October 6th, 1942
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Awarded for actions in the German corridor to Lake Ladoga during mid-1942. From the end of August his regiment had been fighting in this sector, defending a ridge known as the "Kugelwäldchen" that dominated the surrounding terrain. Though the troops under his direction held firm the situation deteriorated when the Soviets achieved a breakthrough in the adjacent section of frontline and cut off his regiment. For 8 days his regiment fought off all attacks, only being able to reopen their supply route for short periods using small shock groups. Aerial supply of food and ammunition was necessary on more than one occasion. Eventually Wengler was able to link up with a German relief force and finally secure his position.

1222nd Award.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
December 29th, 1940
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 1er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
May 20th, 1940
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 2er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
August 23rd, 1944
Wehrmachtbericht

Sources

Photo