Kahler, Hans-Joachim (Panzergrenadier-Regiment 5)

Date of birth:: March 21st, 1908 (Morhange/Mörchingen, France)
Date of death:: January 14th, 2000 (Hamburg, Germany)
Nationality:: German

Biography

Promotions:
Fähnrich (1929);
Oberfähnrich (1930);
Leutnant (01 Apr 1932);
Oberleutnant (01 Feb 1934);
Rittmeister (01 Feb 1938);
Major (01 Jan 1942);
Oberstleutnant (01 Sep 1943);
Oberst (01 Mar 1944);
Generalmajor (30 Jan 1945)

Career:
Entered Army Service (01 Apr 1927)
Fahnenjunker in the 14th Mounted-Regiment, Ludwigslust (01 Apr 1927-1932)
Squadron-Chief, belonged to the best Tournament Riders in Germany (1932-01 Apr 1934)
Regiments-Adjutant of the 14th Mounted-Regiment (01 Apr 1934-01 Oct 1936)
Detached to Horse Jumping of the Cavalry-School (01 Oct 1936-01 Oct 1937)
Squadron-Chief in the 14th Mounted-Regiment (01 Oct 1937-01 Sep 1939)
Squadron-Chief in the 156th Reconnaissance-Battalion (01 Sep 1939-1940)
Company-Chief in the 1st Panzerjäger-Battalion (1940-01 Sep 1940)
Adjutant of the 12th Panzer-Division (01 Sep 1940-01 Mar 1942)
Commander of the 22nd Motorcycle-Battalion (01 Mar 1942-01 Jul 1942)
Commander of the 34th Motorcycle-Battalion (01 Jul 1942-12 May 1943)
Leader of the 12th Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment (01 Apr 1943-26 Apr 1943)
Leader of the 33rd Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment (12 May 1943-18 Jul 1943)
Commander of the 4th Panzer-Reconnaissance-Battalion (18 Jul 1943-17 Aug 1943)
Commander of the 5th Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment (01 Sep 1943-01 Jul 1944)
Delegated with the Leadership of Panzer-Grenadier-Brigade Großdeutschland (01 Jul 1944-20 Dec 1944)
Severely wounded, in Hospital (20 Dec 1944-08 May 1945)
In British Captivity (08 May 1945-00 Feb 1946)
Released (00 Feb 1946)

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Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht 4.Klasse, 4 Jahre

Awarded on:: October 2nd, 1936

Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht 3.Klasse, 12 Jahre

Awarded on:: 1939

Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: July 3rd, 1940

Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: 1940

Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: September 3rd, 1941

Panzervernichtungsabzeichen in Silber

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: 1942

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

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: September 4th, 1942

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major
Unit:: Kommandeur, Kradschützen-Bataillon 34, 4. Panzer-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: April 14th, 1943

On the 04.03.1943 Major Kahler launched an attack on his own initiative that succeeded in taking Shurawka, a prize that yielded two important bridges and a key railway embankment. Through this action the railway line Sseredina—Buda was reopened, which in turn enabled the necessary supplies to be procured for the later German attack towards Ssewsk. Major Kahler would receive the Knight’s Cross for his role in laying the groundwork for this operation.

Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Oberstleutnant der Reserve (Lieutenant-colonel of Reserves)
Unit:: Kommandeur, Panzergrenadier-Regiment 5, 12. Panzer-Division, Heer
Awarded on:: December 17th, 1943

On the 20.09.1943 the Soviets broke into a key section of German frontline near Towstoles, capturing the village in the process. Oberstleutnant Kahler took his Kampfgruppe (Kampfbataillon 5, I.(gep)/Panzergrenadier-Regiment 304 and all operational Panzers) and launched a counterattack. This succeeded in recapturing Towstoles and rolling up the whole flank of the Soviet force that had broken through here.

By this action the Soviet attempt to interdict the road Tschernigow—Repki—Gomel was defeated. This victory was made all the more important by the fact that, had the Soviets succeeded in their aim, the German divisions would have been forced into nearly impassable swampy terrain while still east of the Dnieper, resulting in the loss of much equipment if not entire formations. Oberstleutnant Kahler received the Oakleaves for ensuring this did not become reality.

355th Award.

Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Silber

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: December 1944

WIA 20.12.1944

Sources

Photo 1: Known to STIWOT
- FELLGIEBEL, W.P., Elite of theThird Reich, Helion & Company Limited, Solihull, 2003.
- THOMAS, FRANZ & WEGMANN, GÜNTER, Die Eichenlaubträger 1940-1945, Biblio-Verlag, 1997.