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Scheidies, Franz

Date of birth:
February 22nd, 1890 (Grosspelken/Tilsit, Memel)
Date of death:
April 7th, 1942 (Gluschitza, Soviet Union)
Nationality:
German

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
September 19th, 1939
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 2er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
October 3rd, 1939
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 1er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-colonel)
Unit:
Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 127 / XII.Armee-Korps / 1.Armee / Heeresgruppe C
Awarded on:
August 5th, 1940
The following wartime excerpt (dated 30.08.1940) describes why Scheidies received the Knight’s Cross…

“Oberstleutnant Scheidies decisively influenced his Division’s pursuit battles from the Maginot Line to the Mosel river whilst serving as the commander of its Vorausabteilung. In this time he was always to be found where the fighting was at its worst, and he was repeatedly able to guide his Abteilung through even the most trying of situations thanks to his personal bravery, bold initiative and clear issuance of orders. Particularly noteworthy were his actions during the fighting around Languimberg (17.06.1940), Bého and Gélacourt (18.06.1940) and the assault on Azerailles (19.06.1940). On this last day Scheidies became badly wounded whilst personally leading the foremost riflemen.”

155th Award.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberst (Colonel)
Unit:
Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 22 / 1.Infanterie-Division / XXXVIII.Armee-Korps
Awarded on:
December 31st, 1941
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
On the 09.09.1941 the 1. Infanterie-Division became the first German unit to breach the outer defensive ring around Leningrad, during which the Infanterie-Regiment 22 (under the command of Oberst Scheidies) was able to advance as far as Kainelaisi on this day. Through this it was possible for the Korps to thrust to the Gulf of Finland and thereby tighten the noose around the Leningrad defenses. For his success during this fighting, Scheidies would be awarded the Oakleaves to his Knight’s Cross.

43rd Award.

Sources

Photo