Date of birth:

September 29th, 1904 (Nürnberg/Bavaria, Germany)

Date of death:

August 27th, 1994 (Gräfelfing/Bavaria, Germany)

Nationality:

German

Promotions:
November 1st, 1928: Leutnant (9);
October 1st, 1932: Oberleutnant (13)
December 1st, 1935: Hauptmann (49);
August 1st, 1940: Major (22a);
October 1st,1942: Oberstleutnant (2);
April 1st, 1944: Oberst (64f).

Career:
November 10th, 1938: Chef 1./Schütz.Rgt. 12;
x?: Fhr. I./Schütz.Rgt. 12;
October 30th, 1940: Kdr. I./Schütz.Rgt. 12;
April 1942: Kdr. Schütz.Rgt. 12;
July 1st, 1942: Führer-Reserve OKH;
July 15th, 1942: Kdr. W.Krs.-U-Lehrg. 2;
February 3rd, 1943: Führer-Reserve OKH;
August 1st, 1943: St.Offz.Annahmestelle f.Offz.Bewerber d.H.;
August 16th, 1943: Chef H.Rüst u.BdE b.Gen.zbV.;
October 1st, 1943: Kdr. Pz.Gren.Rgt. 12;
April 10th, 1945: Fhr. 4. Panzer-Division;
May 8th, 1945 - May 1946: Soviet POW.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

September 29th, 1939

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

May 16th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Chef, I. Bataillon, Schützen-Regiment 12, 4. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

September 4th, 1940

\Awarded for the following actions…

1.) Breaking into and holding the main French position during the battle near Gembloux (15.05.1940).

2.) Distinguishing himself during the attack over the La Bassee canal near Bethune. Here he reached the La Bassee—Estraires road, and by doing so he completed the separation of the British and French field armies between Lille and Armentieres (27.05.1940).

3.) The attack south of Peronne, which saw him occupy an important piece of high ground in a bold surprise attack (05.06.1940).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Kommandeur, I. Bataillon, Schützen-Regiment 12, 4. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

July 30th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

November 1st, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

I. Bataillon, Schützen-Regiment 12, 4. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

February 8th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

December 10th, 1943

Bronze version.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-colonel)

Unit:

Kommandeur, Panzergrenadier-Regiment 12, 4. Panzer-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

June 9th, 1944

During the 04.-05.04.1944 Oberstleutnant Hoffmann commanded the main assault group during the breakthrough to relieve Kovel. After he had overcome the first two Soviet defensive lines, he and his Panzergrenadiers renewed their attack before dawn on the next day. After a tough battle he and his men succeeded in capturing the fortified village of Dubowa, capturing a large number of guns in the process. Later, at around midday, the group finally made contact with the defenders of Kovel.

494th Award.

• Photo: Family
  
• - DÖRR, M., Die Inhaber der Anerkennungsurkunde des Oberbefehlshaber des Heeres 1941-1945, Biblio Verlag, Osnabrück, 1993.
  - FELLGIEBEL, W.P., Elite of theThird Reich, Helion & Company Limited, Solihull, 2003.
  - PATZWALL, K. & SCHERZER, V., Das Deutsche Kreuz 1941-1945, Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall, Norderstedt, 2001.
  - THOMAS, FRANZ & WEGMANN, GÜNTER, Die Eichenlaubträger 1940-1945, Biblio-Verlag, 1997.
  - Axis History Forum via Awardholders / unit
  - NARA Roll T-78 R887